Where to stay in Singapore
Singapore is an expensive city for the standards of Southeast Asia, so you may need a little extra planning when choosing your accommodation if you’re on a budget. However, you can find all kinds of accommodations in the city, so choose depending on your main interests based on the area. Here are a few recommendations based on the area and price range:
Post Contents
1. First timers and easy access (green)
Colonial District and Bugis. This area is the historical center of Singapore and is located near most of the attractions of the city. On the other hand, accommodation is expensive here and there is not much action in the evenings.
Mid-range
A great option for a mid-range (on the higher side) budget is Swissotel The Stamford, one of the center’s skyscrapers featuring a bar on the 71st floor. Alternatively, check out Hotel G Singapore or Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen.
Splurge
The Hotel Fort Canning is a gorgeous 1910 building previously used as military headquarters and located in the Fort Canning Park. Another option is the Raffles Hotel, also a beautiful colonial building and famous for inventing the Singapore Sling cocktail. Alternatively, check out the Capitol Kempinski Hotel. Check out also the InterContinental in Bugis.
2. Luxury and view (blue)
Marina Bay is home to many futuristic and luxurious buildings that overlook the Bay and the city’s skyline. However, accommodation and food options are limited and expensive.
Splurge
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The area only has very expensive accommodation, so you might as well stay at the most famous buildings in Singapore – and gain access to their rooftop infinity pool! -. If you prefer something else, try the ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay, a spectacular hotel on the other side of the bay. Alternatively, check out the Fullerton Bay Hotel.
The rooftop infinity pool @Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Photo by Will Truettner on Unsplash.
3. Action and food (red):
Chinatown and, to a lower extent, Little India and Kampong Glam. These are the three main heritage quarters in Singapore and are home to most attractions and the best street food. They offer the most varied accommodation, but they can get quite busy with tourists.
Budget
Two “capsule” options that feel less claustrophobic and more hostel-like than usual are The Bohemian if you’re looking for a younger more buzzing atmosphere or CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel in either Chinatown or Kampong Glam if you prefer something on the quieter and better looking side. In Kampong Glam you can also find The Pod.
Mid-range
Surprisingly hitting the mid-range budget, the Oasia Hotel is located in one of the most emblematic buildings in Singapore. Get the colonial feeling at Village Hotel Albert Court.
Splurge
Check out the ParkRoyal Collection at Pickering, a perfectly located gorgeous hotel. Otherwise, the Clan Hotel Singapore by Far East offers a modern and beautiful setting in the heart of Chinatown. Check out the One Farrer Hotel in Little India.
Oasia Hotel. Photo by Sua Truong on Unsplash
4. Nightlife (black)
The Quays and Chinatown. The Quays (Boat, Clarke and Robertson) are the epicenter of nightlife in Singapore, as well as Chinatown’s club street. However, it can get a bit annoying when ushers keep forcing you into bars and clubs.
Budget
Check out hipstercity hostel, located in the intersection between Boat Quay, Marina Bay and the Colonial District. Have a look also to BEAT capsules Boat Quay.
Mid-range
One of the most charming hotels in the area is the Champion Hotel City. You can also have a look at InterContinental Singapore or M Social in Robertson Quay.
Splurge
The Fullerton Hotel is one of the most exclusive and representative hotels in Singapore. Alternatively, check out the ParkRoyal Collection at Pickering, a perfectly located gorgeous hotel.
ParkRoyal Collection at Pickering in Singapore. Photo by Nazarizal Mohammad on Unsplash
5. Shopping (yellow)
Orchard Road is the main shopping artery in the city. It can get quite busy, especially in the weekends, and the cultural attractions are limited.
Mid-range
Check out JEN Orchardway for a beautiful rooftop pool. If you’re into the minimalistic industrial modern look, then Lloyd’s Inn may be for you.
Splurge
Unsurprisingly, the Four Seasons offers all the luxury you may need to recharge after a long shopping day. Another option is the Shangri-La Hotel, boasting massive gardens, a private waterfall and lake and really friendly service.
6. Local life (brown)
Tiong Bahru, Geylang and Katong. These three neighbourhoods are far enough so tourism hasn’t overtaken the local charm, but close enough so you can stay there and commute to more central areas. Accommodation is cheaper but transportation times are longer.
Budget
For smaller prices but still a private room, Geylang offers a range of Ibis Budget hotels such as Pearl and Ruby, as well as Hotel 81 Orchid.
Mid-range
The Nostalgia Hotel is a cozy small hotel with a rooftop terrace swimming pool. Another option is the five/6 Hotel Splendour in Geylang.
Splurge
Have a look at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong for a nice rooftop pool with views to the entire neighbourhood. Alternatives are the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium or D’Hotel Singapore in Tiong Bahru.
The lobby at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Hotel. Photo by Ethan Chan on Unsplash
7. Beach (turquoise)
Sentosa Island is home to an artificial beach resort that may be a perfect escape for families. However, accommodation is expensive, food inauthentic and transportation to the center long. There are only luxury accommodations in Sentosa.
Splurge
Get your on beach villa at Resorts World Sentosa – Beach Villas. Other options include Capella Singapore or Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa.
View of Sentosa Island. Photo by Joshua Tsu on Unsplash
Closing statement
Singapore is a really surprising and exciting city that, despite its popularity in many ways, it is sometimes overlooked. Finding the right accommodation for you may be hard, so I hope I have helped clear out some of your doubts. You can also use the map below to find where to stay in Singapore:
Make sure you also check out my post on what to do in Singapore, as well as the guides of some of the most interesting districts:
What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore
Guide to Marina Bay: Singapore’s futuristic downtown
Chinatown quick guide in Singapore
Arab Street quick guide in Singapore
Little India quick guide in Singapore
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