The Scarlet in Chinatown is a stunning boutique hotel.  I understand that some (all?) standard rooms do not have windows.  De Luxe would be safer - the one we had faced the street.  Not cheap at S$320 plus taxes.  Great location within easy walking distance of two MRT stations and a few gay bars.  www.thescarlet.com

Another option might be the York Hotel off Orchard Road.  I have not stayed there personally but my business partner stayed there last month and found it more than adequate and good value.  Got a good rate through Quantas even though he did not fly with them.  www.yorkhotel.com.sq

On my last visit I tried Hotel 1929 for the first (and last) time.  Cannot adequately explain just how tiny the rooms and bathroom are and we had no hot water for 24 hours which they did not seem too bothered about.  Avoid!

Always battle to find a well priced hotel in Singapore which is not run down.  Have found reviews on www.tripadvisor.com to be generally quite accurate and indicative of what you can expect.

Think I just answered my own question:

http://www.foodnhotelasia.com
"...FHA2008 (Food&HotelAsia) – Asia’s Largest International Food and Hospitality Event will once again provide an excellent platform for buyers and sellers to meet and discover new businesses.... 36,658 trade visitors and 2,330 exhibiting companies"

No wonder the hotels are so expensive around then - i'm competing with 36000 others for the hotel rooms!

At this rate we'll be sleeping in RAW sauna or Johar Bahru!

Recently stayed in singapore in golden landmark hotel for 3rd time and will return. Near blue heaven sauna and bugis mrt. Paid only 7 S$ with taxi to raw-sauna. With hotel.de can get it for 66€ but always take the clubroom for about 100€.
I liked the visits in raw because of the horny arab and indian boys - only the chinese boys have been picky. Also my thai friend liked it and so we return in december.