Are you planning a trip to Singapore?

And struggling to figure out where to stay?

In this Singapore guide, I’m going to help you find the best place to stay in Singapore, including the BEST neighborhood that fits your needs and the best hotel that fits your budget.

There are so many neighborhoods in Singapore to base yourself in. Chinatown? Kampong Glam? Orchard Road? Which area is the best for first-time visitors or even second-time visitors? I’ll break down the pros and cons of each neighborhood, so you can easily decide which one suits you the most.

Finally, I’ll share with you the BEST hotels in each neighborhood for each budget type. If you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia or just on a shoestring budget, you’ll find the best hostels and best hotels in Singapore for under US$100—based on my experience!

For those with a bigger budget, you’ll find the best hotels in Singapore with loads of character and charm all located just minutes away from the best attractions in the city.

By the way, for money-saving tips for your trip, check out this budget-hacking guide to Singapore.

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Best Booking Websites

Here are the 3 websites that I use for finding places to stay in Singapore and Asia in general:

• Booking.com – Booking.com is one of the BEST booking websites for most countries. I use this website for 60% of my accommodations, and I’ve never had any problems with it. It’s a good site for both budget and non-budget travelers. You’ll find hostels as well as luxury hotels here. Booking is easy, reliable, and secure.
• Agoda – Agoda is one of the BEST websites for finding accommodations in Asia. You can get some good discounts here. It’s a good site for both budget and non-budget travelers. You’ll find hostels as well as luxury hotels on this site.
• Hostel World – If you’re a budget traveler, check Hostel World as well as Booking.com and Agoda. Sometimes you’ll find hostels listed here that are not on the other sites.

Just so you know, Agoda and Booking.com are owned by the same company. With Agoda, you usually pay before your stay, while with Booking.com you often (not always) pay when checking in. I prefer to pay for a reservation before arriving at a destination.

Average Hotel Prices in Singapore

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend per room on accommodations in Singapore in 2024. The GOOD news is that hotel prices for 2024 are cheaper than they were in 2023.

• Hostels (Dorm): US$45
• Budget Hotels: US$64 – $100 (no window)
• Mid-Priced Hotels: US$120 – $300
• Luxury Hotels: Over US$300 or even over $1,000

Are There Airbnbs in Singapore?

Airbnb is not illegal in Singapore.

However, about 80% of Singaporeans live in public housing and public housing has strict rules against short-term rentals. So, you won’t find a lot of people renting out their house or apartment on Airbnb. What you will find are hotels advertising rooms, which are the same ones you find on other booking sites.

Best Singapore Neighborhoods

All the neighborhoods in this post are safe to stay in. They’re all pretty accessible and affordable to get to via shuttle bus or taxi from Changi Airport. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

However, each area gives you a different flavor and each one caters to different kinds of travelers. For example, Kampong is great for budget travelers, but Orchard Road and the Civic Center don’t have many good budget accommodations.

Neighborhood	Features of the Neighborhood	Best Places to Stay
Chinatown	– Good budget options – Great hotels for under US$200 – Lots of restaurants including 3 hawker centers – Many Singapore attractions – 2 metro stations – PERFECT for first-times in Singapore	Budget: Atalier Hostel   Mid-priced: KeSa House  Amoy, and Ann Siang Luxury: ParkRoyal Pickering
Kampong Glam & Little India	– Good budget options – Great hotels for under US$200 – Lots of restaurants serving Indian & Malay food including 1 hawker center – A few Singapore attractions – Several metro stations – PERFECT for first-timers to Singapore	Budget: The Pod   Mid-range: The Sultan   Luxury: Andaz Singapore
Katong / Joo Chiat	– Not many hotel options – Lots of restaurants and cafes – Few tourists – Really cool neighborhood architecture – No metro stations but there are bus stops – PERFECT for second-timers to Singapore	Budget: Ibis Katong   Mid-range: Village Hotel Katong and Hotel Indigo
Orchard Road	– No budget hotel options – Some good mid-range hotels – Lots of luxury hotels – Lots of shopping malls – Lots of restaurants – Close to popular Singapore attractions	Mid-range: Yotel Orchard Road   Luxury: Four Seasons
Civic District, Quays & Marina Bay	– Few budget or mid-range options – Lots of luxury hotels – Pricier restaurants – Close to popular attractions – Several metro stations	Budget: Hipster City Hostel   Mid-range: Lyf Funan   Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
Sentosa Island	– No budget hotel options – No mid-priced hotel options – Lots of High-end resorts – Pricier restaurants – Close to popular amusement parks – Beach nearby	Luxury: W Singapore

Here is a breakdown of the types of accommodations in different neighborhoods:

• Budget travelers and backpackers: Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India
• Mid-range travelers (flashpackers): Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, Katong, & Orchard Road
• Luxury travelers: Orchard Road, Civic Centre, Quays, and Marina Bay
• Family travelers: Sentosa and Marina Bay

What are my favorite neighborhoods in Singapore?

These 3 neighborhoods are my absolute favorite places to stay in.

• Chinatown
• Katong
• Kampong Glam

All have great food, plenty of attractions, beautiful architecture, loads of characters, and affordable and charming places to stay.

Chinatown and Kampong Glam also have great public transport. Katong doesn’t have an MRT station, but it’s so darn cute and so full of character that I love to stay there.

Best Places to Stay in Chinatown

Chinatown is a place rich in history, culture, and food. It’s here where the Chinese immigrants arrived on boats coming from China and where they came to pray, work, live, and die.

The neighborhood is full of renovated shophouses, covered walkways, narrow lanes, street murals, Chinese and Hindu temples, hawker centers, and museums.

This neighborhood is one of my 2 favorite places to stay when I’m in Singapore. It’s PERFECT for first-time visitors to Singapore.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Chinatown:

PROS	CONS
– Many good budget options under US$100 – A good variety of mid-priced hotels under US$200 – Loads of restaurants including 3 hawker centers – Lots of attractions – Rich history – Lots of murals and street art – 2 Metro Stations – Fun nightlife – I felt safe walking around alone at night – Great for first-time visitors to Singapore	– Not many good luxury hotels – Cheapest rooms don’t have windows – Rooms are small and lack amenities like swimming pool and fitness center – Busy and noisy

Budget Accommodations in Chinatown:

Chinatown is an excellent neighborhood for backpackers. Some of the best hostels and budget accommodations are located here.

Prices Listed are from January 2024.

Atelier Hostel

LOWEST PRICE: US$45 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.5 (1,000+ Reviews)

If this is your first time in Singapore and you’re on a budget, I would stay here! This is where I stayed during my first visit to Singapore.

The hostel is a safe and secure area right across the street from the main Chinatown attractions. It’s also near 2 metro stations and lots of cheap eats. I felt pretty safe walking around the area by myself in the evening.

The Atelier has both mixed and female-only capsule-style dorm rooms. There’s also a simple free breakfast. The hostel has a washer and dryer.

One of the BEST places to stay in Singapore for budget travelers.

“I’ve been to Singapore several times and this is the best hostel I’ve stayed in. Clean, beautifully decorated, comfortable, great location, and super friendly and helpful staff. They were keen to answer all my questions. I checked out before breakfast time and they were nice enough to pack a to go bag for me. Thank you so much for your hospitality!”

Meherin (Canada) – READ MORE REVIEWS

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: (Booking.com | Agoda)

ST Signature Chinatown

LOWEST PRICE: US$68 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING 7.2 (400+ Reviews)

ST Signature Chinatown is a decent place for those on a budget but who don’t want to stay in a hostel dorm.

The hotel refers to its rooms as “cabins” which is just another way to say that it’s a very small room. The cheapest ones for 1 person don’t have windows, which is normal in Singapore.

The hotel has a self-check-in and self-check-out process that involves downloading an app and paying a deposit. If you’ve just arrived in Singapore and don’t have local internet access, this can be a problem.

Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, free coffee, and a water dispenser.

Bathrooms are shared.

It’s perfectly located on the main drag of Chinatown: South Bridge Road. The airport bus will drop you off on that road.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range Accommodations in Chinatown

Chinatown is a great location to find a charming hotel with a lot of character. Try to book a place in a historic shophouse.

KeSa House

PRICE: US$132 – $144 | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 9.0 (357+ Reviews)

This stylish hotel is my favorite place to stay in Chinatown. It’s located in a row of 1920s shophouses, so it’s got a lot of character.

KeSa House has a terrace, lounge, and shared kitchen for guests to use.

Rooms are small but they have a decent amount of storage space. The bathrooms are ensuite (not shared) but are also small.

It’s located near many shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Chinatown MRT Station is within walking distance.

“As a female solo traveller (couple of nights post NZ) I wanted to have somewhere comfortable. Staff were friendly and helpful. Everything was clean and tidy. Personally didn’t find the room small (as others have said) and would be fine with two for a short stay. Great to have access to a kitchen and lounge area.”

Luisa from UK (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Ann Siang House

LOWEST PRICE: US$236 – $243 | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 8.9/10 (655+ Reviews)

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Singapore with a lot of character and elegance, then Ann Siang House is an EXCELLENT choice.

You cannot beat the location—it’s a little over 200 meters from the main attractions of Chinatown as well as the tranquil Ann Siang Park. You won’t be short of choices for restaurants nearby.

The rooms are spacious, bright, and comfortable. The bathroom has a lovely rain shower. Some come with balconies and others with lots of windows to let in tons of light.

Several bonuses include free snacks and drinks in the lobby and the free self-service washer and dryer.

“The location was excellent. The Architecture and Interiors of this hotel blew me away. A wonderful place to stay and enjoy a Shop House building. Quiet and beautiful. Worth the visit.”

Ivana from France (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

AMOY

LOWEST PRICE: US$172 – $189 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.8 (1,000+ Reviews)

The Amoy has one of my favorite hotel entrances in Singapore. You enter the Amoy through a former nineteenth-century temple and Hakka and Cantonese community center. Before you get to the reception you come to a museum dedicated to the early Chinese immigrants of Singapore. It’s so evocative and elegant.

The boutique hotel is perfectly located on the historic Talek Ayer Street, just two blocks from the main attractions of Chinatown and within walking distance of the Boat Quay and the Merlion Statue.

The rooms are comfortable, clean, and cozy. Breakfast is included in the price—a rarity that you can’t find at most hotels in Singapore!

The staff of the Amoy goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

“The hotel is very well situated, 50 m from the MRT, 5-8 mins by foot from the beautiful Chinatown. The kindness, hospitality and helpfullness of the staff is exceptionnal.

The breakfast is very good, you can choose between two cafes, kind of French/American or the healthy way with organic meals. Maybe it would be interesting specially for western guests to give a local meal possibility too.”

Katalin from Switzerland (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Luxury Accommodations in Chinatown

There aren’t a lot of high-end hotels in Chinatown. The Parkroyal is probably the best.

Parkroyal Collection Pickering

LOWEST PRICE: US$307+ | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 8.9 (3,600+ Reviews)

This beautifully designed and modern hotel feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. It is perfectly located within walking distance of both the highlights of Chinatown and Boat Quay. You can probably easily walk to the Colonial Center as well.

There’s a VERY cool outdoor pool, gardens above street level, and a fitness center.

The rooms are comfortable and spacious with all the necessary amenities as well as great views of the city.

This hotel is surrounded by beautiful flora and a gorgeous design. The corner room we stayed in was amazing, full of natural light and plenty of space and storage. Breakfast buffet is massive, and options are varied. Checking in and out was a breeze. We had to leave before 5am and they packed a breakfast (with hot drinks included) for us.

Patricia from Canada (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

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BEST Places to STay in Kampong Glam & Little India

Kampong Glam was the original Malay and Arab area of the city as established by the British colonial government. The sultan of Singapore lived here and the main mosque of the city was also established in Kampong Glam. Today you won’t find a lot of Malays living in this neighborhood, but you’ll still find their history, heritage, culture, and food.

Little India is within walking distance of Kampong Glam. It still has a vibrant Indian community. Indians still live in the area or come here to shop, pray, and eat.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Kampong Glam and Little India:

PROS

CONS

– Lots of good quality hostels for under US$50 – Hotels with charm for under US$200 – Good public transport connections – several MRT stations and bus stops – Bus Station for buses to/from Malaysia is located in the area – Good for architecture, history, and culture – Good Malay, Arabic, and Indian foods – One hawker center – Several interesting and colorful streets like Haji Lane and Bugis Street – Singapore’s main attractions are here such as Sultan’s Mosque, Malay Heritage Center, Indian Community Center, and Tan Teng Niah house – Good nightlife

– It’s got a party atmosphere that is a turn-off for some – Not many good high-end hotels – Mid-range hotels lack amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers – Too touristy – Crowded and noisy

Budget Accommodations in Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is another excellent neighborhood for finding good hostels.

The Pod @ Beach Road Boutique Capsule Hotel (Hostel)

LOWEST PRICE: US$43 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.5 (5,900+ Reviews)

I stayed at the Pod on my second visit to Singapore. Loved it. Clean and convenient with capsule-style beds in dorm rooms.

Sadly, they no longer serve their amazing breakfast.

I was also impressed with the bathrooms and showers. Clean and have lots of privacy.

Self-laundry facilities are also available.

The location is perfect if you’re coming by bus from Malaysia. The bus station is within walking distance of the hostel. Plus, the sights of Kampong Glam are just around the corner. You can also easily get to Little India on foot. A good hawker center is just down the road from the hostel as well.

Sadly, the hostel lacks a good social area for meeting other travelers.

“You can’t beat the location– it’s literallly in the heart of the action. Also, the coffee tea machine was ultra-modern and even had Karak Chai which was amazing! The sheets and comfortable was super comfy as well!”

Erwin from U.S. (READ MORE REVIEWS)

CHECK REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-range Accommodations in Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam has some excellent mid-priced hotels in old shophouses.

The Sultan

LOWEST PRICE: US$100 – $125 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.2 (2,800 + Reviews)

Located in a row of heritage shophouses, this charming hotel is a great value and one of the best mid-range hotels in Kampong Glam.

Rooms are stylish with hardwood floors.

The hotel also has a cool rooftop garden to hang out at.

Reviews often comment on the friendly and helpful staff.

The location is perfect as it’s in the heart of the vibrant Kampong Glam. It’s a short walk to a metro station and is surrounded by many shops, restaurants, and bars.

“I stayed at The Sultan for one night before my flight out of Singapore. The hotel is really interesting and charming, and very well maintained. I loved the location as there are some great restaurants nearby. The staff were welcoming and helpful and provided some good recommendations and some historical background about the property.”

Sarah from Canada (READ MORE REVIEWS)

CHECK REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Luxury Accommodations in Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam doesn’t have as many options for travelers with bigger budgets as other neighborhoods do.

Andaz Singapore (Hyatt)

LOWEST PRICE: US$324+ | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.0 (1,400 + Reviews)

Andaz has got the best location of all the high-end accommodations in this area—close to an MRT station and the coolest streets in Kampong Glam.

The highlights of the hotel are the amazing views of Singapore from the rooms and the rooftop bar and pool area.

There’s also a swimming pool, fitness center, and several restaurants.

“Insane view over Singapore. Rooms are fantastic, the Andaz spirit is present everywhere. Super nice staff in the hotel, professional and caring. Very efficient elevators, everything is clean, neat, and smells so good. Big up for the shower gel and shampoo. Lovely rooftop bar with great cocktails. The gym is very nice as well.”

Jeremy from France (READ MORE REVIEWS)

CHECK REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

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BEST Places to Stay in Katong

Katong (a.k.a Joo Chiat) is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Singapore. I love its laidback and local vibe, its charming and beautiful architecture, and the amazing local food. The best laksa in Singapore can be found in Katong.

The neighborhood is the center of Peranakan culture and heritage. The Peranakans were the children of the first Chinese traders who came to Malaysia and Singapore centuries ago and the local Malay women whom they married. Peranakan culture is a mix of Chinese and Malay cultures in food, family traditions, art, and architecture. They’re known for their pastel-colored houses and ceramics.

The food is so good in Katong that a lot of food tours focus on this area of Singapore.

I don’t recommend Katong for first-timers to Singapore because there’s no MRT station and it’s not as well-connected or near to the main attractions as other neighborhoods are.

However, Katong is where I like to stay now that I’ve been to Singapore many times. I love the food, architecture, and history. Although there aren’t a lot of hotels to choose from, the ones they do have are priced right. They also have amenities like swimming pools that you won’t find in other parts of Singapore for the same price.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Katong:

PROS	CONS
– Local neighborhood that’s not so touristy – Full of charm and character – Beautiful architecture – full of character – Peranakan culture – Excellent restaurants – LOVE the food here! – Quiet neighborhood – My favorite souvenir shops are here – One of my favorite hotels is here – Hotel Indigo – Good for second-time visitors to Singapore – Mid-priced hotels have swimming pools	– Not many budget hotels – Not many mid-priced or luxury hotels – No MRT – hard to get to other parts of Singapore – Not many attractions – Not so good for a first-time visitor to Singapore

Budget Accommodations in Katong

Katong is one of my favorite neighborhoods, but sadly it’s not known for many budget accommodations.

Ibis Singapore Katong

LOWEST PRICE: US$64 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 7.9 (4,300+ Reviews)

If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Singapore that’s under US$100, Ibis is your best option. I stayed here on my last visit to Singapore and I’d stay here again. It was very clean, comfortable, and conveniently located.

Sadly, the cheapest rooms have no window, but this is pretty common for hotels under US$100.

The staff were super helpful and friendly. They gave good advice on where to eat and how to get to the bus stop. The closest subway station is quite far, so you’ll need to get to other neighborhoods by bus.

The best part about this hotel is its location. It is on my favorite street in Singapore: Joo Chiat Road and not too far from my other favorite road, Koon Seng Road. Both streets are lined with the most beautiful Peranakan townhouses and shophouses in Singapore. And good restaurants.

The neighborhood is also known for being a foodie haven. It’s the location of restaurants that serve the best laksa in Singapore.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range Accommodations in Katong

You might not get many hotel options in Katong, but the 2 best ones are 2 incredible gems. Village Hotel is under US$200 and has a pool! Hotel Indigo is full of charm and character. Plus it has a rooftop pool. It’s in the low US$200s.

Village Hotel Katong

LOWEST PRICE: US$151 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.4 (5,200+ Reviews)

If you want to enjoy the charms of Katong but need some comfort, Village Hotel is the BEST place for under $200.

It’s got spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms with balconies.

The hotel also has great modern amenities: a swimming pool and fitness center. It’s a good value for what you get.

Located a bit off East Coast Road, it’s close to some of the best Peranakan restaurants in the city.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong

LOWEST PRICE: US$179 – $207 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.0 (1,900+ Reviews)

If you want a stylish and gorgeous boutique hotel in a charming neighborhood, book a room at Hotel Indigo.

The Peranakan-decorated rooms are loaded with character, color, and art. Comfortable beds and floor-to-ceiling windows with superb views of Singapore.  

There’s a fitness center and a rooftop infinity pool with views overlooking the city. It’s under US$300, which makes it a good value for Singapore.

The hotel is located off East Coast Road surrounded by loads of restaurants that serve some of the best food in Singapore. Right next to Baba Chews restaurant and a block from 328 Katong Laksa.

Just be aware that the hotel is far from a subway station. To get to other parts of the city, you’ll need to take a bus, which not to worry is still very doable.

One of the BEST hotels in Singapore!

“Uniquely beautiful modern hotel with a taste of Peranakan. Love the decor and the bed is very comfortable. The breakfast at Baba Chew restaurant downstairs is great and cleaver. Rooftop pool is great to chill and relax.”

Norita from Australia (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

BEST Places to Stay on Orchard Road

Orchard Road is a great area to stay in if you’ve got money and you love shopping!

Orchard Road is one long street lined with high-end shopping malls. Even if you don’t like shopping and you just like to eat, the malls are great. Singapore malls are loaded with great restaurants and food courts! You’ll find the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant here.

Plus, some side streets like Emerald Hill are lined with colorful and beautifully ornate colonial shophouses and townhouses.

Another plus is Orchard Road’s location–within walking distance of Singapore’s BEST museums.

Pros & Cons of Staying on Orchard Road

PROS	CONS
– Good choice of mid-priced hotels – good value – Good choice of luxury hotels – Lots of air-conditioned malls with food courts – Good restaurants – 2 MRT stations and bus connections to other parts of Singapore – Within walking distance of several Singapore attractions	– No budget hotels or hostels – Not a lot of charm and character (except for Emerald Hill Road)

Best Budget Accommodations on Orchard Raod

There are no decent-budget hotels or hostels in this area.

Best Mid-Priced Hotels on Orchard Road

You’ve got a few options for hotels for under US$200. The BEST one is YOTEL.

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road

LOWEST PRICE: US$155 – $200 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.8 (21,000 Reviews)

Love to shop and looking for a place to stay under $200, then you can’t go wrong with YOTEL. This mid-range hotel is a really good value considering all the modern amenities it has–an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, bar, and restaurant.

Plus, it’s in a great location near the best shopping area in Singapore. You’ll also have loads of options for food as the restaurants here are some of the best in the city. I love that it’s close to my favorite street: Emerald Hill.

You won’t have to walk far to catch the subway as the MRT Orchard Road is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

YOTEL is one of the best mid-priced hotels in Singapore!

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Best Luxury Hotel on Orchard Road

So many luxury hotels to choose from on Orchard Road. My favorite is the Four Seasons.

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

LOWEST PRICE: US$351 – $370 | BREAKFAST: Not included| RATING: 9.1 (2,800+ Reviews)

One of the top-rated hotels in Singapore. You’ll find few hotels in the city-state that get above a 9.0 rating, but the Four Seasons manages to pull it off.

The highlights of this elegant hotel are the spacious and comfortable rooms (even comes with a pillow menu), the attention to detail, and the impeccable service.

It has a rooftop pool and fitness center.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

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Best Places to Stay in Civic District, the Quays, & Marina Bay

Hugging the shore of the Straits of Singapore, the Civic District is the heart of the city. This was where the British ruled Singapore and where today’s government does as well. You’ll find the grandest and most historical buildings in the country in this neighborhood—City Hall, Parliament, the Old Supreme Court, and the Raffles Hotel.

The Singapore River flows through the area, and on each side of the river are the Quays–Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Roberston Quay. In the past, traders would store their goods in warehouses at the Quays. Today the warehouses have been turned into hip Easter-egg-colored bars and restaurants. The Quays are great but pricey areas to grab a drink after a day of sightseeing.

This area has some of the city’s most iconic hotels–Marina Bay Sands and Raffles. If you have the budget, staying in this area is an easy decision.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Civic Area, Quays & Marina Bay

PROS	CONS
– Lots of fun and iconic luxury hotels – Close to many Singapore attractions – Good nightlife – 3 MRT Stations and lots of bus connections – Popular area for tourists – Loads of history, heritage and culture	– Very few budget options – Few mid-priced hotel options – Food is pricey here

Pro Tip: When booking a place to stay, many online booking sites refer to the Civic Center as “City Hall.”

Budget Accommodations in Civic District

The areas around the Civic District and the Quays don’t have many budget options. The best one is probably the Hipstercity Hostel.

Hipstercity Hostel

LOWEST PRICE: US$46 – $60 | BREAKFAST: No longer included | RATING: 8.8 (100+ Reviews)

I love this hostel concept. Hipstercity Hostel isn’t anything like traditional hostels. You don’t just get a bunk bed. Instead, you get your own small space with a bed (some beds are in a loft), a desk, a wardrobe, and a safe. There are heavy curtains around your little space that block out the noise and light. This is an excellent alternative to traditional hostel dorms and gives you more privacy.

The bathrooms are kept clean. There’s a nice lounge to meet people and relax.

Sadly, they no longer have the free breakfast.

It’s located in Boat Quay so it’s next to bars and restaurants and within walking distance of Chinatown as well as the Civic Center and the Merlion Lion.

The lounge is very welcoming and comfortable. Has complimentary beverages and wifi. The pods/rooms were spacious and great to spread out and work, if needed. They have quiet hours which is amazing.

Peter from Finland (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-range Accommodations in Civic District

You don’t have loads of choices for hotels for under US$200 in the Civic District. The best option is lyf Funan.

Iyf Funan

LOWEST PRICE: US$128 – $219 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.5 (4,200+ Reviews)

If you’re dying to stay in the Civic Center but can’t afford to pay an arm and a leg, then lyf Funan is a great place to stay in Singapore.

Located in the Funan Shopping Mall and not far from Clarke Quay, with loads of museums, and the City Hall MRT, the hotel has got a youthful and modern vibe.

The rooms are small but have ensuite bathrooms. Some rooms come with a kitchenette.

There’s a shared kitchen, outdoor terrace, game room, and self-laundry facilities.

The price of a room varies by a lot depending on the date of your reservation. Sometimes you can get a room for US$128, but other times the price goes all the way up to US$200+.

 “Everything was great. Room was spacious, bed was comfy, Staff was very friendly. We could even take a shower after check out, before heading to the airport. Location is also great.”

Marzena from Poland (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Best Luxury Hotels in Civic District:

There are 3 iconic luxury hotels in this area of Singapore: Raffles, Fullerton, and Marina Bay Sands. You can’t go wrong with any of them.

Raffles

LOWEST PRICE: US$968 | BREAKFAST: Optional | RATING: 9.2 (900+ Reviews)

The historic Raffles is so gorgeous that if you can swing the price tag it would be a crime not to stay here. You’re walking in the steps of history. This is where some of the Western world’s most important and famous people (Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham) stayed when they stopped in Singapore. The latter supposedly wrote some of his books from a room at the Raffles.

The hotel has been recently renovated. It’s kept its old-world charm but also installed many modern amenities. There’s a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, 24-hour butler service, several restaurants, and the famous Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was invented.

The rooms are all elegantly decorated with teak-wood floors. They’re spacious, comfortable, and clean. They open up to a verandah, where you can sit overlooking a garden.

The hotel is perfectly situated in the center of Singapore. it’s easy to get to many of the city’s main attractions by foot or metro.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

LOWEST PRICE: US$550 – $600 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.2 (11,900+ Reviews)

It’s hard not to miss the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel when you’re in Singapore. It’s the hotel with 3 towers holding up what looks like a surfboard.

If you can swing it, staying at this hotel will be a fun experience. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city’s skyline, Gardens by the Bay and its cool light show, and the endless blue ocean of the Straits of Singapore.

The hotel is also home to the largest infinity pool in the world.

The rooms are comfortable and clean. Not all rooms have views.

It’s popular so it can be hard to book a room. Reserve early.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

The Fullerton Hotel

LOWEST PRICE: US$287 – $379 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.0 (7,700+ Reviews)

The Fullerton Hotel is in a prime location. One side is along the Singapore River and the other side is on the bay across from the Marina Bay Sands. The Merlion Lion is right in front of the hotel.

Built in 1928, this grand and elegant hotel used to be Singapore’s post office.

It has all the modern amenities you could want in a 5-star hotel: an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Quay, spa, fitness center, and Michelin-starred restaurant.

The rooms are classy. The cheaper rooms face the inner courtyard so you don’t get much light. Other rooms give you stunning views of the Marina Bay Sands or Clarke Quay.  You can watch the nightly light show from your room.

I’d only stay here if I could get a room with a good view.

Top staff, made our stay very pleasant, wonderful building, tastefully converted to a hotel, one of the best hotels I have ever stayed in, staff were impeccable

John from the U.K. (READ MORE REVIEWS)

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

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Best Places to Stay on Sentosa Island

The BEST place to stay in Singapore for those with children is on Sentosa Island. Sentosa is a small island connected to the Singapore mainland by a causeway.

The island is mainly an entertainment center with resorts, an aquarium, a Universal Studios theme park, a water park, and some beaches. You can get to the island by cable car, a monorail, bus, or by foot.

Pros & Cons of Staying on Sentosa Island:

PROS	CONS
– High-end resorts with lots of amenities like swimming pools – Great for families – Lots of recreational activities like golfing, swimming, and visiting theme parts – Quiet and less busy – Watch the sunset – Near beaches	– No budget options – No mid-priced hotels – Far from the rest of Singapore – Lacks charm and character – No affordable dining options

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

LOWEST PRICE: US$450 | BREAKFAST: Optional | RATING: 8.7 (1,200 + Reviews)

This 5-star luxury hotel is probably the most popular resort on Sentosa Island. The W Singapore has one of the coolest swimming pools in Singapore (it’s 24 hours!) with water slides. There’s also a luxury spa, sauna, and fitness center.

The rooms are spacious and colorful. Some have balconies with ocean views and still, others have private plunge pools.

Great breakfast and excellent service.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

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Final Thoughts

So that’s it for my list of the best places to stay in Singapore. The next time I return to Singapore, I’ll probably again stay in Katong or Chinatown. I love the neighborhoods for their architecture, food, and culture.

What about you?

Have you been to Singapore before? Where did you stay?

If you haven’t been, what area sounds the most appealing?

Check out this detailed travel and itinerary guide to the best places in Singapore to visit for culture, history, and food lovers.

Thanks for reading!