You neither speak for SE Asians nor "folks on FT". People have different views. I gave what I meant by "nice":

"Room with queen sized bed, writing desk and chair, small low table and chairs, fruit bowl, newspaper, aircon, cable TV, wireless internet. Also hotel has small swimming pool and gym."

All for US$23 in Saigon last week, exactly one mile from the centre (Le Loi/Dong Khoi junction).

So mario33, what does US$20-30 get you in Singapore?