Furama Riverfront Singapore Review : Best Budget Hotel Near Clarke Quay for 4 Families
Furama Riverfront Singapore Review: Is This Budget Hotel Near Clarke Quay Worth Booking?
If you’re searching for an affordable hotel near Clarke Quay in Singapore that’s clean, centrally located, and genuinely family-friendly, Furama Riverfront Singapore is one of the few options that still offers real value in today’s market.
We’re a family of four based in Malaysia. We took a weekend trip from Penang to Singapore — flying out the moment school ended on a Friday afternoon — and Furama Riverfront was our base for two nights. Here’s an honest, detail-first review to help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Is Furama Riverfront Singapore Worth It? The Short Answer
Yes — with realistic expectations. Furama Riverfront Singapore delivers on cleanliness, location value, and public transport access. It is not a luxury property, and it sits about a 20-minute walk from Clarke Quay’s waterfront. But for travelers who plan to explore Singapore actively and want a clean, affordable base to return to, it holds up well — especially when booked through Agoda at weekend rates around SGD 150 per night.
Why We Chose Furama Riverfront Singapore
Singapore hotel prices have climbed sharply in recent years. When we began searching for accommodation after booking our flights, the rates were high enough that we briefly considered cancelling the trip entirely.
After extensive searching, my husband found Furama Riverfront — positioned one block behind Clarke Quay’s main strip, away from the premium waterfront pricing. We booked through Agoda and secured a weekend rate of approximately SGD 150 per night — strong value by Singapore’s current standards.
Getting from Changi Airport to Furama Riverfront Singapore
The most convenient option from Changi Airport is Grab, Singapore’s ride-hailing app.
How to Take Grab from Changi Airport
- Exit to Level 1 (Arrival Hall)
- Proceed to Gate 1 or Gate 2 — either works as a Grab pickup point
- We used Gate 2 — set it as your pickup location in the app before confirming
Note: Grab fares across Singapore have increased significantly in recent years. For longer distances, costs can add up quickly. MRT is a more budget-friendly alternative if you’re traveling without heavy luggage.
Check-In Experience: Self Check-In After a Late Arrival
We arrived late at night to find no staffed front desk. Just as we started looking around, a hotel staff member approached us and guided us to the self check-in kiosk directly.
The process was smooth and took only a few minutes — a genuine relief after traveling with two tired children.
Furama Riverfront Singapore Room Review
Our room was on the 18th floor of a 19-story building.
What Worked Well
- Hardwood flooring instead of carpet — a practical plus for families with children
- Clean bedding and overall well-maintained condition
- Separate vanity area outside the bathroom — useful when sharing with kids
- Cleanliness exceeded expectations based on some mixed online reviews — our room was genuinely tidy
What to Know Before You Book
- Room size is moderate — comfortable for a family of four, but not spacious
- Decor in some room types feels slightly dated — more modern options exist depending on your booking
- The city view from our room was present but unremarkable — not the skyline shot we had anticipated
Breakfast: Skip the Hotel, Go to Ya Kun Kaya Toast
We chose not to add breakfast at the hotel. Instead, we planned our mornings around Ya Kun Kaya Toast — a Singapore institution.
Kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and kopi is one of the most satisfying and affordable ways to start a morning in Singapore. For first-timers and returning visitors alike, it is worth building into your itinerary rather than defaulting to a hotel buffet.
Hotel Facilities at Furama Riverfront Singapore
Swimming Pool
- Divided into a shallow section and a deeper section — suitable for children of different ages
- Beach towels available on a self-service basis
- Poolside seating available
Adjacent to the pool is a row of colorful bungalow-style rooms with a distinctive character — the interiors remained a mystery to us, but they added an unexpected resort-like feel to the property.
Other On-Site Facilities
- Coin-operated laundry room — practical for longer stays
- Fitness center — compact but functional
- Convenience store on the ground floor — our kids made full use of this on the first night
- Children’s playground on Level 1
Location: 20 Minutes from Clarke Quay — Feature or Flaw?
Furama Riverfront is not on Clarke Quay’s waterfront. It sits approximately a 20-minute walk from the main riverside strip — which works in your favor in some ways, and against you in others.
Why the Distance Is an Advantage
- Lower nightly rates compared to waterfront hotels — the price gap is real and meaningful
- Quieter surroundings — no late-night noise from Clarke Quay’s bar and restaurant strip
- Strong public transport links reduce reliance on Grab for daily movement
Where the Distance Becomes a Drawback
- A 20-minute walk with young children after a full day of sightseeing can feel significantly longer than it looks on a map
- Singapore’s heat and humidity make any outdoor walk more demanding than in temperate climates
- Not suitable if your priority is stepping straight out of the hotel into Clarke Quay
Getting Around by MRT and Bus
- MRT: Havelock Station (TE16) on the Thomson-East Coast Line is within walking distance of the hotel
- Bus: Multiple routes stop at the “Furama Riverfront” bus stop — named directly after the hotel
- We boarded a bus from this stop hoping for a double-decker — the kids were mildly let down when a single-deck bus arrived instead
Who Should Stay at Furama Riverfront Singapore?
This Hotel Is a Strong Fit If You
- Want a clean, affordable base for active exploration across Singapore
- Are traveling from Penang, Kuala Lumpur, or elsewhere in Malaysia for a short weekend trip
- Are comfortable using MRT and bus rather than relying on Grab
- Prioritize value per night over proximity to the waterfront
This Hotel May Not Suit You If
- You need to be steps away from Clarke Quay
- You are planning a staycation and expect resort-level amenities
- You are traveling with very young children who tire quickly on foot
Furama Riverfront Singapore: Quick Verdict
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value for Money | 5 / 5 |
| Cleanliness | 4 / 5 |
| Location | 4 / 5 |
| Room Size | 3 / 5 |
| Facilities | 3 / 5 |
| Family Friendliness | 4 / 5 |
Overall: A smart, practical choice for budget-conscious travelers and families who want a clean, well-connected base in Singapore. Go in with clear expectations about the walk to Clarke Quay, lean on the MRT, and you’ll find this hotel punches well above its price point.
FAQ: Furama Riverfront Singapore
Q1. Is Furama Riverfront Singapore good for families? Yes. The pool has both shallow and deep sections suitable for children of different ages, and there is a children’s playground on Level 1. Room size is moderate — best suited for families comfortable with a standard hotel room configuration rather than a suite.
Q2. How far is Furama Riverfront from Clarke Quay? Furama Riverfront is approximately a 20-minute walk from Clarke Quay’s main riverside strip. The distance is reflected in the lower nightly rate, and the hotel’s MRT and bus connections make it easy to reach Clarke Quay without walking.
Q3. What is the nearest MRT station to Furama Riverfront Singapore? The closest station is Havelock Station (TE16) on the Thomson-East Coast Line, located within walking distance of the hotel.
Q4. How do I get from Changi Airport to Furama Riverfront Singapore? Take Grab from Level 1 of Changi Airport using Gate 1 or Gate 2 as your pickup point. Note that Grab fares have risen in recent years. MRT is a more economical option for travelers without heavy luggage.
Q5. Does Furama Riverfront Singapore include breakfast? Breakfast is not automatically included. We skipped the hotel option and had breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast nearby — a far more authentic Singapore experience and considerably better value. Check your booking terms on Agoda, as options vary by rate.
Family of 4 | Weekend trip from Penang, Malaysia Written by a Malaysia-based travel blogger covering hotels, food, and family travel across Southeast Asia.
