Singapore hotels, Singapore

Best places to stay in Singapore

You can't beat the Colonial District in Singapore's city center for its prime location and abundance of attractions. The hotels here are often luxurious, mainly situated around Beach Road. Marina Bay boasts several museums, a waterfront view, and the Gardens by the Bay, while Orchard Road is the luxury and shopping hub of the city.

For a more budget-friendly option, try the area between Bras Basah Road and Rochor Road; it’s trendy, design-focused, and within walking distance of key sites. Little India, Lavender Street, and Chinatown have a lively vibe and more affordable accommodations. Kampong Glam is undoubtedly the coolest district in town. It’s very hip, with lots of trendy bars, coffee shops, and hangouts. Other districts to consider are the Quays (Clarke Quay and Boat Quay) for exciting nightlife and dining, Sentosa Island for Universal Studios, or Tiong Bahru, a residential neighborhood popular with expats.

Where to stay near popular attractions in Singapore

Marina Bay is an attraction in itself—the perfect spot to stay and see the Gardens by the Bay, light shows, the cloud forest, and supertrees. Boat Quay is also very convenient for the Gardens by the Bay, the National Gallery, and Fort Canning Park. The Rochor Road and Colonial districts are handy for the National Gallery, National Museum, the Peranakan Museum, Asian Civilizations Museum, and several parks like the Marina Promenade. To be centrally located for these activities and reasonably close to the stunning Singapore Botanic Gardens, try Orchard Road.

Where to stay with your family in Singapore

Sentosa Island is known for being the most family-friendly and child-focused area of bustling Singapore. It’s home to a plethora of attractions like Universal Studios, an aquarium and marine-life world, and water parks like HydroDash and Adventure Cove. You’ll also find TrickEye Singapore—a 3D immersive art space for children—and the Skyline Luge. Not to mention, there are several delightful beaches here, like Siloso and Palawan Beach. It’s like the whole island is designed for a family adventure. To be in the heart of the city center, try Marina Bay, the Colonial District, or Bras Basah Road and Rochor Road.

Where to stay as a solo traveler

To stay in a lively area with plenty to do and lots of other travelers to meet, head to Little India or the Quays areas. The Great Madras in Little India is a 1920s-inspired hipster dream with chic decor, a pool, and a reasonable price tag. The Quays area is bustling and packed with budget options for less than $100 per night. Hotel Clover The Arts is a colorful space decked in art with compact yet practical rooms. The appropriately named HipsterCity hostel is another colorful and budget-friendly stay, carefully designed to provide a sense of privacy within the shared rooms.

Where to find cheap hotels in Singapore

On popular Lavender Street, near Little India, V Hotel Lavender promises a four-star stay often under $100 per night. The rooms are sleek and simple with high-quality mattresses, linens, and bathrooms. You’ll have access to an outdoor pool, gym, terrace, open-air restaurant, and a laundromat.

Right in the center of town, close to Fort Canning Park and the National Museum, Strand Hotel Singapore offers a three-star stay for less than $100 per night. It’s simple, functional, and comfortable, with convenient family rooms large enough for five adults.

For around $100 per night, you could also stay at the Travelodge Harbourfront. It has great access to both Sentosa Island and Singapore cable cars up to Faber Point. The comfortable rooms boast fantastic views, and there’s a rooftop bar. You can use the pool, co-working and coffee lounge, pantry for longer stays, and a complimentary bike to explore the city.

Singapore slings and the high life

The most famous bar in Singapore, and a must-see for visitors, is the Raffles Hotel Long Bar. Known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, Raffles boasts an elegant interior that reflects its 19th-century colonial roots, along with a shopping arcade and its own museum.

Taking the experience up a notch is 1-Altitude, the world's tallest rooftop bar at 925 feet high. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, and afterward, relax in the 282 bar where you can try their indoor golf simulators.

Shopping

Singapore is a shopping paradise, epitomized by Orchard Road, a renowned shopping boulevard filled with malls that feature numerous fashion brands and dining options.

The Grand Park Orchard Hotel in Singapore even offers its own retail area called Knightsbridge, which spans four floors and includes popular stores like Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger.

For more cultural souvenirs, visit the Kampong Glam, Little India, and Chinatown districts, where you'll find items like silk fabrics, jewelry, clogs, painted masks, and other handicrafts.

Temples

Built in 1827, the Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, welcoming visitors with its colorful statues, paintings, and flowers.

Thian Hock Keng is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore, worth a visit for its striking Chinese architecture made from stone and wood, crafted without nails. Built by the first Chinese immigrants to express gratitude for their safe journey, it features beautifully ornate carved dragons and panels.

Botanic gardens

When Singaporeans want to escape the hustle and bustle, they head to the city's beautiful Botanic Gardens, which boasts over 60,000 plants and orchids in its National Orchid Garden. Here, you'll find the Tembusu, one of Singapore's iconic trees, over 150 years old. This award-winning attraction also includes a Library Shop and Garden Shop, perfect for unique souvenirs.

Street snacks

With the savings from affordable accommodation in Singapore, you can afford to indulge in the wide variety of dining options available. From Chinese to Indian and Malay cuisine, the city offers everything, from upscale restaurants to popular street food like chicken rice and chili crab.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore's most celebrated hotels, known for its iconic rooftop pool and bar. The interior boasts indescribable luxury, featuring breathtaking views from every room, a lavish spa, and countless fine-dining restaurants. Enjoy the stunning rooftop views from either the observation deck or the spectacular infinity pool.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

It’s challenging to name just one of Singapore’s amazing foodie spots. The Warehouse Hotel, located in Robertson Quay, combines luxury with a fantastic riverside location and an extraordinary restaurant that is budget-friendly. Po Restaurant offers classic Singaporean dishes with a modern twist, elevating local staples to new heights. Sample beef cheek rendang, giant river prawns, and black pepper fried rice for under $30, and enjoy delightful dumplings, crispy pork belly, and kueh pie tee to start.

Spa hotels

Located in Sentosa Cove, W Singapore is a spa oasis on the picturesque Sentosa Island. Stay in chic and spacious rooms or suites, some featuring private balconies or plunge pools. The crowning jewel is the Extreme WOW Suite, offering extravagant decor, a balcony pool, and a breathtaking view. Enjoy the extensive outdoor pool area and the AWAY Spa with its unique rainforest theme. Indulge in massages, various treatments, and access to the decompression area, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, vitality pool, herbal bath, and experiential showers.

Exceptional hotels

The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Hotel is a landmark in Singapore. The hotel itself is an attraction—a vertical forest soaring into the Singapore skyline. Rooms provide a calming ambiance with natural wood and ample glass for optimal views. Within this towering jungle, enjoy access to the rooftop terrace and infinity pool, St Gregory Spa, and a gym with a mesmerizing view. There’s even an urban farm on the roof supplying the restaurant with the freshest ingredients.

Luxury hotels

Situated on Orchard Road near the Botanic Gardens, The St. Regis Singapore exudes opulence. Every detail in this five-star hotel is flawless, from its chandeliers and exquisite wallpaper to its marble accents and magnificent views. Experience rooms with freestanding bathtubs and 24-hour butler service or suites fit for royalty. Choose from five exquisite dining options and enjoy an outdoor tropical spa pool.

For a different five-star elegance and waterside setting, consider The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia. The striking modern architecture offers panoramic views and rooms designed for serene luxury. Dine in glamorous restaurants serving Michelin-starred meals and enjoy eight-course afternoon teas. The expansive outdoor pool and lavish La Mer spa ensure every luxury, including massages with live music from a cellist.