I found a hostel in boat quay for roughly $15/ night, which I think might work for the first night at least. We're both 27 and post-student poor so this won't be too bad. It's got good reviews, but it would mostly be a baggage drop anyway, while we scout out the area that night and next day.
Boat quay looks pretty cool from what I've gathered so far. What time do bars close in that area?