Best Places to Stay in Singapore based on your Interest
Singapore is one of the most visited cities in the world. People from all over come here to enjoy the tropical weather, mouth-watering food and diverse culture. But where are the best places to stay in Singapore?
Because of its popularity, a lot of rooms are required to keep these visitors from roaming the streets or pitching tents on the beach.
To figure out where to stay in Singapore is not complex, but with so many choices available, a little help in selecting the right spots will go a long way.
If you are planning a trip to Singapore, consider checking out our article on Visiting Singapore on a Friendly Budget and Singapore in One Day too.
It covers many aspects of budgeting for a trip here, including where to stay in Singapore.
This post, however, will delve deeper into the areas, options and different prices you need to fork out.
We will share the best tips to smarter budget traveling.
Read on!
Related: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Singapore: #4 Alone Is Worth It!
What's covered in this post
So, where are these places to stay?
Usually, articles that share about where to stay in Singapore will typically list them according to the areas they are situated in.
We thought that we would do something different this time instead and see if it works better.
You will find in the contents table below a list of profiles describing what kind of holiday maker you are.
Feel free to read through the entire post but you can also quickly skip straight ahead to the profile that suits you best.
Here we go…
List of Places to Stay in Singapore based on your Interest
Nature Lover
Singapore, while not a big country, has been called the garden city, and the moment you travel along the road from Changi Airport, you will pass by tree lined highways and see its spotless streets.
In fact, if you made a jaunt over to Jewel Changi Airport, its newest shiny mall, you will be amazed to find the lush greenery in it, much like a rainforest.
Read more about Jewel Changi Airport in our post here.
Did you know? Singapore topped the list of cities with the highest greenery density!
While the list is pretty short, it does reflect how Singapore is committed to maintaining a “green” environment.
Nature spots:
- Macritchie reservoir, trail, treetop walk
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
- Pulau Ubin
- Botanic Gardens
- Henderson Waves, Southern Ridges
Here’s where you should look to be close to MacRitchie Reservoir, the “lungs of Singapore”:
- Oasia Hotel Novena, Singapore, S$189 per night
Walk over to the bus stop opposite the Novena Church, board bus service 166, and alight right at MacRitchie Reservoir.
Estimated journey time: 30 minutes
- Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena, S$240 per night
Walk over to the bus stop opposite the Novena Church, board bus service 166, and alight right at MacRitchie Reservoir.
Estimated journey time: 15 minutes
- Ibis Singapore Novena, S$132 per night
Walk over to the bus stop opposite Zhongshan Mall, board bus service 130, and alight right at MacRitchie Reservoir.
Estimated journey time: 15 minutes
- Ramada by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park, S$170 per night
Walk over to the bus stop opposite Zhongshan Mall, board bus service 130, and alight right at MacRitchie Reservoir.
Estimated journey time: 14 minutes
As these hotels are all within the Novena area, which is central Singapore, it makes it really convenient for you to go to the other nature spots listed here too.
Use the mobile app MyTransport from our transport agency to plan your travelling route.
iOS and Android versions here.
City Dweller
For those who wish to experience life in the City of Singapore, there are various options available to you.
Staying in the city area allows you to venture to some of the most famous attractions Singapore has to offer.
After all, Singapore is a small cosmopolitan and being in the middle of it all can allow you to reach the other neighbourhoods far more easily.
Treats including the instantly recognisable landmark Marina Bay Sands, its nearby Gardens by the Bay, or a photo opportunity with the mystical Merlion are all within a short distance of each other.
George of the Concrete Jungle, here’s where you should look:
- Marina Bay Sands, S$635 per night
A destination in its on right, take a panoramic view of Singapore’s coastline and Bay Area from the top of Marina Bay Sands, at its iconic SkyPark Observation Deck, or partake in the marvellous cuisine offered by world renowned chefs. Be sure to swim in the world’s highest infinity pool too.
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, S$326 per night
A beautiful piece of architecture, Singapore’s former General Post Office has now transformed into a five star luxury hotel, sitting right at the Singapore River’s mouth. It is a short walk to the business district as well as the Marina Bay area where you can sip a latte and while the afternoon away.
- SO/ Sofitel Singapore, S$300 per night
Right in the heart of Singapore in the Central Business District, this designer boutique hotel lets you in on the city life while giving access to the nearby Chinatown and trendy Club Street. One of our landmarks, Lau Pa Sat, is right across the street, and offers you cheap local food and beer. A whole street is closed in the evenings to recreate a street food atmosphere.
Nightlife Crawlers
Frankly, we are not hardcore clubbers, in fact the last time we hit the club was years ago. Bringing up this subject makes us feel like fish out of the water. But still, we know of some cool spots through friends who didn’t grow up, oops. Just kidding!
While Singapore is not exactly THE destination for the clubbing scene, it does have a certain level of fame, due to the longevity and popularity of Zouk, our home grown nightclub.
Other party goers have come to dance the night away at spots like Bang Bang, Ce La Vi and Altimate which are located at the Marina Bay Sands.
For a more toned down night out, the stretch from Boat Quay through Clarke Quay to Robertson Quay is bound to offer you, the Night Crawler, endless options for a place to sit down and enjoy a drink.
Here’s where you should look for:
- Novotel Clarke Quay, S$230 per night
Situated at the end of Clarke Quay and just across the street to Robertson Quay, this is a great spot to be in the middle of the action. Liang Court, which is a shopping mall in the same space, offers some decent dining and shopping options too.
- Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore, S$200 per night
With the Clarke Quay MRT Station just a couple of minutes walk away, this hotel offers you a central location to all three quays and a great price to boot.
- Park Hotel Clarke Quay, S$210
Part of a popular chain of hotels, this property is actually found in the vicinity of Robertson Quay, where the action takes on a more subdued hue. Fantastic place to chill out, have a beer and watch some sports in the sports bar. an evening stroll before that would be perfect.
Shopaholic
Although Singapore has earned the title of most expensive city in the world, droves of people flock to our shores to shop.
Be it the shopping belt of Orchard Road, or the lively Bugis Street, there’s something for everyone from budget to top end luxury goods.
Maybe it’s down to the well organized shopping areas or huge number of shopping malls, or simply the fact that people love to shop, you can definitely shop till you drop here!
Some of the popular chains that are operating here includes, Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo. And on the higher end of the scale, you can find Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton boutiques in the main shopping locale.
Best shopping areas:
- Orchard Road, starting from Tanglin Road all the way to Dhoby Ghaut
- Bugis Street and the adjacent Bugis Junction
- Vivo City, one of the largest malls in Singapore
- IMM, discount outlet mall
Here’s where you the Shoperholic should stay:
- Royal Plaza on Scotts, $230 per night
You will find this hotel along Scotts Road, which runs adjacent to Orchard Road and grants you close access to the nearby hip Far East Plaza, Tangs, Shaw and it is a short distance to the famous Newton Circus Hawker Centre to recharge your shopping spree.
- Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore by Shangri-La, $270 per night
Right above the busy street of Orchard, this newcomer to the Orchard Road scene is perfectly placed to serve shoppers who wants options from budget buys to luxury goods, which is a short walk away at Paragon or Takashimaya.
Check out the small alley on the ground floor of neighbouring mall 313 for some great happy hour deals while resting your feet.
- Andaz Singapore, $370 per night
One of the new additions to our city, the Andaz is a brand under the Hyatt Group of hotels. Located right next to the MRT, it gives you the shopper unparalleled access to the shopping streets of Bugis, and is just a stone’s throw away from the hipster enclave of Haji Lane, where you can find the works of local designers.
Islander Life
Life’s a beach! We all deserve the sand, sea and sunshine isn’t it? Deck chair, cocktail and cool sea breeze in our faces, we could all do with a bit more island life.
For those of you seeking it out, there’s more than what you bargain for in Sentosa Island, Singapore’s preeminent vacation island.
Topped with activities from the international Universal Studios, to the heart pumping AJ Hackett Bungee Jump and everything in between, there’s never a boring moment here.
With amenities and great restaurants at every corner of the island, you won’t even need to step off it if you don’t wish to. Treat yourself to some of the best spas and enjoy the sunset view along one of the many beaches here.
Sentosa Island Activities:
- Skyline Luge and Skyride, gravity thrill ride
- iFly, indoor skydiving
- Wave House, flowboarding
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Golf
Here is where you should stay, Islander:
- Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, $390 per night
Great for you if you are searching for a quiet enclave to have a serene time and get spoiled by the generous hospitality. It is tucked away in a corner of Sentosa, but still within easy reach of the main island activities.
- W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, $530 per night
One of the best known names for its modern and edgy designs, W Singapore makes for a fantastic choice for you to relax and enjoy the beautiful environment and try out the delectable food from its restaurants.
Don’t skip the spa for more pampering. And golfers take note: two of Singapore’s best golf courses are located just a few minutes from the doors of W!
- Resorts World Sentosa, Hotel Michael, $440 per night
Offering spacious rooms and views of the harbour, the Hotel Michael is an excellent way to seek out what Resorts World Sentosa offers. The integrated resort runs the full gamut of activities and is bound to keep you entertained.
Culture/Heritage Traveller
Singapore has a multicultural society and our ancestors come from all walks of life and all across Asia, bringing with them their unique culture and heritage.
Over the years, each one of them has worked hard to build up Singapore and never forgotten their roots.
Their history and achievements are now on display on our streets, museums and places of worship.
Check out what makes up Singapore and how our people has intertwined with one another.
Among all the districts in Singapore, you should not miss out Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India, for they represent the vast majority of the races in Singapore.
Of significance too will be the Singapore River area which was where the center of activity was for Singapore as a trading post.
Plenty of museums and art houses are in the vicinity waiting for you to dive into its exquisite collection.
Cultural and Heritage activities:
- Explore Chinatown
- Talk a walk around Kampong Glam and its surrounds
- Asian Civilisation Museum
- Peranakan Museum
- The National Museum of Singapore
- National Gallery Singapore
- Indian Heritage Centre in Little India
Culture vulture, here’s what you should stay:
- Six Senses Duxton, $315 per night
Start off by booking a room in this beautifully restored traditional building in the middle of the city. Within walking distance of Chinatown, where you can be a part of a unique culture and admire the architecture that has been preserved.
- XY Hotel Bugis, $215 per night
Call it eclectic or funky, but this hotel offers you a great location to jumpstart your exploration of the Kampong Glam area. Be sure to check out the Sultan Mosque and learn more about Malay history at the Malay Heritage Centre.
- Parc Sovereign Hotel Albert Street, $140 per night
While this hotel is not exactly in the middle of Little India, it offers an alternative to the bustling streets there. Across the street, you can make a visit to the Indian Heritage Centre and see for yourself why Little India is a highly regarded area to explore.
Luxury Living
Are you after glitz and glamour? The high life? A luxurious escape? Be it to mark a special occasion or simply desiring something better for yourself, Singapore is the right destination to achieve that.
If you haven’t heard, Singapore has one of the highest population density in the world, and is land scarce. So what does that mean? Crazy high property prices!
The saving grace is that if you’re willing to splash the cash, you can prepare to be pampered and over indulged with great services in our world class hotels.
Some of the best areas to bathe in luxury is along Orchard Road, on Sentosa Island, and country clubs dotted around the island.
The world’s largest luxury hotel chains have all set up shop here, introducing world class facilities and services, ready for clientele like you.
Activities for Luxury:
- Helicopter ride over the island
- Luxe Spa treatment
- Drive around in a Supercar
- Rent a Yacht and sail the seas
- Get a seat at Marina Bay Sands Casino’s whale table
Here is where you should stay for Luxury Living:
- The St. Regis Singapore, $600 per night
World renowned St Regis is here in Singapore, and it offers you one of the best spas in the island. Be wowed by the impeccable service by the staff and the amazing food at its restaurants. Make sure to choose one of the well appointed suites.
- Capella Singapore, $1500 per night
Tucked away in an exclusive part of the Sentosa Island, this luxurious hotel is the place to be for high end lifestyle. Its name was further enhanced when it hosted the Trump Kim Summit. Opt for the one bedroom Palawan villa with private pool for an unforgettable experience.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, $2000 per night
As part of its excellent luxury offerings, you can gain access to the Club lounge as well as limousine services. This hotel is for the discerning traveler like yourself who wants the ultimate indulgence. Get yourself the 1 bedroom Millenia Suite with Marina Bay view for sweeping perspective of our Bay Area.
Food Lover
Singapore is absolutely synonymous with food, and is considered as one of the top things you must do when you make a trip here.
Although we no longer have street food since these hawkers are moved into more sanitary hawker centres, they continue to whip up delicious local delights in their new setups.
Being a multiracial society also helps contribute greatly to the diverse variety of cuisine available. From hawker centres to high end restaurants, there are no lack of options for you to have a feast!
Some of the most famous dishes include Chili Crab, Satay, Laksa, Chicken Rice, Fried Kway Teow, Fried Carrot Cake, Oyster Omelette, Bak Chor Mee, Curry Fish Head, Hokkien Prawn Mee, and the list goes on.
Check out our post on 10 Yummy Cheap Food in Singapore (hint: they all cost less than US$2!)
Besides hawker centres, be sure to check out some of the talented local chefs cooking up a storm in their restaurants.
Areas you should definitely check out include:
- Jalan Besar
- Chinatown
- Alexandra
- Siglap/Katong
Here’s where you should stay Foodie:
- Vagabond Club, $280 per night
A very unique piece of architecture and in a great location in Jalan Besar, this boutique hotel offers the best of both worlds in food selection and cultural activities.
- Park Royal on Pickering, $380 per night
Easily recognisable due to its bird cage design, this eco friendly hotel by the Park Hotel group is right smack in the middle of the business district and Chinatown.
- Park Hotel Alexandra, $190 per night
At the junction of Alexandra Road and Jalan Bukit Merah, this spot gives you great access to the nearby famous ABC and Alexandra Village hawker centres.
- Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, $190 per night
Nestled in the Katong area, you can explore the bustling area and eat your way throughout the whole street with so many options abound.
Not only that, it is one of the best areas in Singapore to see outside of the skyscrapers all around the island.
Surprise Me!
‘Like is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get’. But in this section, you’re gonna get that box of chocolates and know exactly what’s inside. Stick with us, read on to find your surprise.
So you can’t decide which one to pick right? Why not let us surprise you with some choices that don’t always appear on the top of people’s list simply because they are not that famous?
Or that they offer unique experience not found in a typical hotel. Or maybe you just want to have something different and out of the usual style of travelling you’re used to?
We think that sometimes it’s really fun to have some mystery or unexpected situations on our travels. Do you?
Here’s your list of unique places to stay in Singapore:
- Lloyd’s Inn, $235 per night
Lovely hotel with great staff, this place is unlike most of the hotels due to its exquisite location in the middle of the city, yet hidden away from plain view.
If you are searching for a tranquil place but yet don’t wish to be far from the action, this is your place.
- Gallop Kranji Farm Resort, $130 per night
Who would have thought that a farm stay is possible in metropolitan Singapore isn’t it? Well guess what, this resort gives you and your family an experience unlike others. Spend time with nature and the cute animals on site.
- D’Resort @ Downtown East, $170 per night
A well maintained resort on the East end of Singapore, there are many activities available for all members of the family, and try out accommodation options with different themes such as Beach Cove and Rainforest Room.
- Pod Capsule Boutique Hostel, $30 per night
Never stayed in a tiny capsule before? Then make sure you don’t miss this unique slot in the wall experience. Originated from Japan, this has become a global trend and makes for a great budget stay.
Best Places to Stay in Singapore: Conclusion
We hope this post brings a breath of fresh air to you in your search for the best place to stay in Singapore.
Whether it is high end luxury or just some place to be close to nature, this post has it covered!
As you can see, there are lots of choices available to you to stay in Singapore!
Please share your time with us in Singapore too! We would love to hear which your favourite is.
Before coming to Singapore, do check out these essentials too.
Make sure to check out these articles too:
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Logistics before visiting Singapore
Find cheap flights.
Air tickets are usually the bulk of your expenses. Set up an alert and snag cheap fares with Skyscanner.
Find the best accommodation.
Book a place ahead of time to get good rates. Booking.com has transparent fees and excellent rates.
Handy travel guide.
For the old school kid in you, get a travel guide book and get lost exploring the city.
Photos.
Your mobile phone can do a pretty good job, but if you need an upgrade, we recommend the Sony A6000 (US) (International)
Travel insurance.
You don’t need us to teach you to be a responsible adult, do you? Get a quote here.
Planned for you activities in Singapore.
Need a guide to show you and your group around? Lots of operators here to choose from here. You know who they are and how they are reviewed.
More resources to help you.
All other useful travel resources we use when we book our trips.
