Midrange
Hotel Royal
Three-star hotel with a collection of no less than four dodgy nightclubs, which kind of sets the tone, although it completed a much-needed renovation in 2005. The Jade Room restaurant here is famous for its "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall", an extravagant Chinese soup that will cost you around $100/person. Note: Don't confuse this with Royal@Queens or Royal Plaza!
Quality Hotel
Solid, recently renovated 3-star hotel. Probably the best digs in this part of town. Weekend Sat and Sun buffet lunch 1130-1430 $16.24 net; weekday buffet lunch, dinner and supper available at lower prices. A-la-carte only $2.80++ for laksa or prawn mee plus free drink, but served outdoors only from 6pm to midnight; Free shuttle service to Novena MRT and Orchard Rd.
Fragrance Hotel
Singapore's largest chain of cheap hotels has no less than three outlets along Balestier Road, all of which are unexciting but perfectly acceptable.
Sheraton Towers
Comfortable but rather dull business hotel. There's nothing except Newton Circus in the vicinity, but Orchard is just one MRT stop away. Somewhat overpriced unless you get good discounts.