The Best Areas & Hotels to Stay in Singapore
Singapore turned out to be one of our favourite places to visit in Asia. It’s clean, safe and oh so colourful. Every building is beautiful and purposeful. We can actually picture ourselves living there one day, that’s how much we loved it.
The city-state of Singapore not only has the best airport in the world but also has some of the most iconic sights in Asia such as Gardens By The Bay and the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
There always has to be a downside though, and Singapore’s is how expensive it is. Whilst not the most expensive city in Asia, it isn’t exactly budget. The budget options we list further below would be considered mid-range elsewhere. However, if money is no object, Singapore absolutely has incredible accommodation choices for those splashing the cash and wanting to feel spoilt.
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Where to stay in Singapore?
The way we see it, you can’t really go wrong with where you stay. The city-state has an excellent transport system with metros and buses to get you to the key sights. It is also extremely walkable. Basically, as long as you are staying near a metro station, you should be fine. Here are some of the more popular neighbourhoods in Singapore to stay in:
Little India – Great For Budget Travellers
Little India is vibrant and budget-friendly. Walking around this neighbourhood feels almost as if you are in India itself. The food is incredible, the temples are intricate and the area is possibly the most colourful in all of Singapore. Whilst it is slightly further away from key attractions such as Gardens By The Bay, we had a great time renting bikes and cycling along the river towards them. It is also well connected by the metro.
Chinatown – Great For Foodies
Chinatown is great for budget travellers and foodies. There are so many hawker centres in this area, some more off the beaten path where you can dine amongst locals and others offering Michelin star dishes for pennies. Chinatown in Singapore offers culture through food and temples. The nearby area of Boat Quay also has excellent hostel options for those trying to look after the purse strings.
Marina Bay – Great For First Timers
Marina Bay is great for first-timers and families. It is close to key attractions such as Gardens By The Bay and the Merlion and offers fantastic views of the famous skyline. If we had a little more money on our six-month Asia trip, this is where we would have chosen to stay. Honestly, the views are just incredible. Every day we found ourselves drawn to this area and its world-famous sights.
Orchard Road – Great For Luxury Travellers
Orchard Road is great for luxury travellers with a bit more to spend. The area oozes money with its designer shopping, high-end restaurants and cocktail bars. It is near key sights such as Fort Canning Park, the Botanical Gardens and the National Museum. It is also within walking distance of Clarke Quay, Little India and Arab Street.
Sentosa – Great For Families
This little island is great for recreation. Here you can find beaches, the SEA Aquarium and Universal Studios Singapore. Great for those that want to explore the city but then have somewhere to retreat back to, Sentosa Island appeals to travelling families.
Top 11 Places to Stay in Singapore
Iconic Stays
By “iconic” we mean places most people will have heard of, seen pictured or famous for a particular reason.
Marina Bay Sands
Price: SGD 756 (£474)
When you see pictures of Singapore, normally the Marina Bay Sands features. Who would want to miss out on a chance to stay in one of the world’s most iconic hotels? With its boat-like structure, rooftop infinity pool, SkyPark and world-class dining, Marina Bay Sands hotel is indulgent.
Everything you could need is in this one area including casinos, a theatre, shopping and the ArtScience Museum. Book here and enjoy the endless possibilities this hotel offers.
Raffles Singapore
Price: SGD 1,516 (£950)
Raffles is a 19th Century hotel that famously created the city’s own cocktail, the Singapore Sling. This fruity delight is part of nearly every Singapore itinerary with Raffles’ Long Bar being the place to try it.
With restaurants, bars, swimming pools and a spa on-site, Raffles is luxurious. Its decor is elegant, its 24-hour butler service is unwaveringly attentive, and every room is a suite. No wonder this place comes with a hefty price tag. Raffles looks after its guests. A stay here is sure to be unforgettable.
Luxury Hotels
Our luxury picks are not a collection of the most expensive places in Singapore. Trust us, the prices climb much higher. These are places of a high price point that have great reviews and a great reputation.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Price: SGD 381 (£239)
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore is one of the best-looking hotels we saw in Singapore. We love a building that can integrate nature into its construction, and this one does it perfectly.
This hotel has a whole floor dedicated to wellness that includes an outdoor pool, gym and 300m garden. There is also an on-site spa to massage away any aches and pains gained from travelling as well as a sun terrace to lounge in. Rooms are spacious and stylish with big windows to let that vitamin D in and the location is convenient to Chinatown, Boat Quay and Marina Bay.
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa
Price: SGD 547 (£343)
The only beachfront hotel in Singapore, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa is excellent for families and sun-seekers. This tropical playground offers various recreational activities to appeal to all members of the family. There are water slides and kids clubs for the younger ones and a spa, 24-hour gym and hot whirlpools for the adults.
Being on Sentosa Island, this hotel is located by Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium and HydroDash.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Price: SGD 526 (£330)
The dazzling Fullerton Hotel is located within the Central Business District of Singapore, not far from Marina Bay and Clarke Quay. Guests are treated to efficient, attentive service, an infinity pool, a well-equipped gym and a spa. The decor is simple and classy with the wow-factor moment coming from the staircase.
Mid-Range Hotels
If you’re after something a bit more than budget, want your own space with your own private bathroom, but baulk at the idea of splashing out, then these picks are for you.
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
Price: SGD 247 (£155)
In the heart of the Orchard Road District, you will find YOTEL Singapore. This snazzy hotel uses technology to enhance the experience of guests. In-house robots will navigate their way to your room to bring amenities, the beds can be electronically adjusted to maximise space, and there are self-service check-in counŧers to limit queuing time.
This hotel also benefits from an in-house restaurant, an outdoor pool, a gym and a co-working space. A stay at this hotel is bound to be fun and efficient.
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
Price: SGD 284 (£178)
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court is a well-located hotel based in Clarke Quay. It has a year-round outdoor pool, gym and sauna as well as free parking for guests. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, this hotel is a quiet sanctuary to unwind in.
Rooms are spacious and fuss-free with tea and coffee-making facilities, aircon and cable TV.
Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood, Singapore
Price: SGD 250 (£157)
Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood is located in a beautiful Art Deco building in Little India. Rooms in this hotel are studios, meaning what you spend on accommodation, you could save by cooking your own meals in the kitchenette. Each room is well designed, aimed at maximising space with storage under the bed, fold-up desk and wall-mounted televisions.
There is also a laundrette, luggage storage and concierge service.
Budget Hostels
Well, as budget as you can be in Singapore. Budget in Singapore means hostels whether it’s as a capsule or a regular bunk bed. These recommendations are near key points of interest, are well-reviewed and appeal to those travelling on a tighter budget (like us).
Wanderloft Capsule Hostel
Price: SGD 78 (£49)
The Wanderloft Capsule Hostel has comfortable pods for its guests available in both double and single. Each pod has plug sockets, a small hanging space and a little table that folds up into the wall. One feature we particularly enjoyed was the large lockers for each guest to put their bags in. With room enough for two big backpacks, the floors can be kept obstacle free.
There are also laundry facilities, a common area and free tea and coffee.
Met A Space Pod
Price: SGD 75 (£47)
Space theme, yes please. Met A Space Pod is a quirky-themed hostel that allows travellers to be transported to another galaxy. “Space pods” are available in single and double with wall-mounŧed televisions, safes and shared bathrooms for guests.
Met A Space Pod offers guests a unique, fun stay.
Wink at Upper Cross Street
Price: SGD 126 (£79)
At the higher side of the budget range, we recommend Wink at Upper Cross Street. This hostel is located in the culturally-rich area of Chinatown, a great base for sightseeing and fantastic food options.
Capsule pods are clean, comfortable and kept private through black-out blinds. Some of the pods are even equipped with flat-screen TVs! Free WiFi, laundry services and luggage storage are available.
Conclusion
Whilst Singapore might not be the most purse-friendly in terms of accommodation, it is incredibly stylish. Fun stays can be enjoyed, whatever your budget, whether it’s something themed, indulgent or iconic you are looking for.
We hope our recommendations are useful to you. If you have any more suggestions, please add them to the comments box below 🙂
