The hardest part about planning a trip to Singapore is figuring out what neighborhood to stay in. Chinatown? Little India? Civic District? Katong? Orchard Road? They’re all amazing areas.
The next challenge for you is what hotel (or hostel) to stay in. Singapore has so many options that it can be hard to choose. Marina Bay Sands? Raffles? The Fullerton? For flashpackers, you’ve got Amoy, Indigo, lyf, etc. And for those of you who are backpackers, there’s The Pod, Atelier, Cube, and countless more.
Finally, for some of you on a budget, you might be faced with the decision of whether you can even afford to stay in Singapore. Hotel and hostel prices are a genuine concern because Singapore’s accommodations are pricey. They’re more expensive than the rest of Southeast Asia. In fact, expect to pay similar prices to Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend per room on accommodations in Singapore:
- Hostels (Dorm): US$40
- Budget Hotels: US$70 – $90 (no window)
- Mid-range Hotels: US$120 – $200
- Luxury Hotels: US$300 – $500+
In this blog post, I’m going to help you decide which neighborhood to stay in and which hotel or hostel to book for a variety of budgets. I’ve included prices to give you help in budgeting your trip to Singapore.
By the way, for money-saving tips for your trip, check out this budget-hacking guide to Singapore.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see this website’s Disclosure for more info.
Table of Contents
- Hotel & Hostel Booking Websites
- Singapore Neighborhoods
- Airbnb in Singapore
- Places to Stay in Chinatown
- Places to Stay in Kampong Glam & Little India
- Places to Stay in Katong
- Places to Stay in Orchard Road Area
- Places to Stay in Colonial District, the Quays, & Marina Bay
- Places to Stay on Sentosa Island
Best Booking Websites
Here are the 3 websites that I use for finding places to stay in Singapore and Asia in general:
- Booking.com – I’ve been traveling for the past 16 months and I use this website for 98% 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 – This is an awesome website 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.
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.
1. Chinatown
The historic center of the Chinese community is filled with loads of history, culture, and food. Budget and mid-range travelers have many good options in Chinatown. Hostels have capsule-style beds with lots of privacy. Hotels have lots of character, but rooms can be small. You’ll find many attractions here like Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Chinatown Heritage Centre. It has the best street food in Singapore including 3 hawker centers. With 2 metro stations, it’s easy to get to other parts of Singapore.
2. Kampong Glam and Little India
Kampong Glam was the historic center of the Malay community, and Little India is the cultural center of today’s Indian community. These 2 areas are popular with budget and mid-range travelers. Hotels here have loads of character, but the rooms are small. The main tourist attractions are Sultan’s Mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre, and Tan Teng Niah house. You’ll find cool streets for shopping like Haji Lane and Bugis Street. For foodies, there’s Malay and Indian food as well as one hawker center. The areas have several metro stations.
Jump to a list of hotels and hostels in Kampong Glam & Little India
3. Katong / Joo Chiat
I’m just in love with this area of Singapore. I love Katong’s lack of gawking tourists, beautiful pastel-hued ornate architecture, Peranakan culture, cute shops, food (best laksa in Singapore), and local vibe. Lots of food tours come here. Katong is a good spot for mid-price travelers and those looking for an area that’s not too touristy. Sadly, the hotel scene is lacking with very few options and the area has no subway station. It’s best for second-time travelers to Hong Kong.
4. Orchard Road
This is the perfect location for those who love to shop since many hotels are just a short walk to the premier shopping centers of Singapore. You’ll find plenty of luxury hotels and some very good mid-range hotels with spacious rooms and modern amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers. The area is in close proximity to the National Museum of Singapore, the Botanical Gardens, Fort Canning Park, and Emerson Hill Road. Travelers have many dining options. You’ll also find 2 metro stations in the area.
5. Civic District, the Quays, & Marina Bay
The Civil District’s central location makes it an ideal place to stay in Singapore. If you have the money, that is. Some of the best luxury hotels are here—Raffles, The Fullerton, and Marina Bay Sands. The area is also rich in history, heritage, food, and culture. You’ll find lots of museums, historical buildings, and the best views in the city as well as the famous Gardens by the Bay. Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are known for their nightlife. With 5 MRT stations, it’s well-connected to all areas of Singapore.
Jump to a list of hotels & hostels in the Civic District, Quays, & Marina Bay
6. Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a popular area for both locals and foreign tourists. It’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a small island full of fun things to do like Universal Studios, the S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and 2 golf courses. If you want to cool off from the scorching hot sun of Singapore, you can do it at Sentosa’s several beaches. There are no budget or even mid-priced accommodations on Sentosa, though. It’s got all high-end, luxury digs. Many are ideal for families.
What are my favorite neighborhoods in Singapore?
- 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.
Here is a breakdown of the type 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
Jump back to Table of Contents
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.
1. Places to Stay: 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.
Chinatown is the best place to stay if you are looking for…
- Hostels or budget hotels under US$100
- Medium-priced hotels with loads of character for under US$200
- An area that is convenient, safe, and interesting with things to do at night
- An area good for first-time visitors to Singapore
- History
- Architecture
- Inexpensive food
Benefits of staying in Chinatown:
- The area with the most options for budget travelers
- A good variety of mid-priced hotels with tons of character but sadly small rooms and not many amenities like swimming pool and fitness centers
- 3 hawker centers (Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, and Lau Pa Sat) and loads of other inexpensive restaurants
- Hip restaurants and bars
- Great shophouse architecture
- Loads of history including the Chinese Heritage Center
- The area is full of murals and street art
- Easy access to other parts of the city with its 2 subway stations (Chinatown and Telok Ayer)
- Fun nightlife – street performers, outdoor restaurants as well as trendy bars
- I felt safe walking around alone at night
- Loads of main attractions: Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Chinatown Heritage Centre
- Decent connection from and to Changi Airport (my shuttle bus dropped me off right in front of my hostel)
Downsides to staying in Chinatown:
- Not a lot of luxurious hotels
- The cheapest rooms don’t have windows
- Rooms run on the small side and lack amenities like a swimming pool and fitness center
Budget Accommodations in Chinatown:
Chinatown is an excellent neighborhood for backpackers. Some of the best hostels and budget accommodations are located here.
1. Atelier Hostel
PRICE: US$41 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.5 (200+ Reviews)
This newly built hostel (2022) is right in the heart of Chinatown and a short walk to the Chinatown metro station and many restaurants and hawker centers. You cannot go wrong with this choice!
The Atelier has both mixed and female-only capsule-style dorm rooms. There’s also free breakfast. The hostel has a washer and dryer.
This is supposedly a new hostel, but it actually looks like a renovated Adler Hostel, which I stayed at before in Hong Kong.
The perfect hostel for first-time visitors to Singapore on a budget–safe, secure, and convenient!
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: (Booking.com | Agoda)
2. ST Signature Chinatown
PRICE: US$70-$80 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING 8.3 (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 could 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.
3. KeSa House
PRICE: US$140 | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 9.0 (1,000+ 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 very small but they have a decent amount of storage space. The bathrooms are ensuite (not shared) but are also small. The very cheapest rooms do not have windows.
It’s located near many shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Chinatown MRT Station is within walking distance.
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.
4. Parkroyal Collection Pickering
PRICE: US$300+ | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 8.8 (2,900+ 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 as 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.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Jump back to the Table of Contents
2. Places to Stay: 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 here. Today you won’t find a lot of Malays living in Kampong Glam, but you’ll still find its 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.
Kampong Glam and Little India are ideal for those looking for…
- Hostels or budget hotels under US$100
- Hotels with some charm and under US$200
- An area to party at night
- Great food options
- A place to stay within walking distance of the bus station for buses to/from Malaysia
Benefits of staying in Kampong Glam & Little India
- Good public transport – several MRT stations and bus connections to the rest of the city
- Bus station for buses to/from Malaysia is located in the area
- Lots of good quality hostels
- Some charming mid-range hotels – loads of character but smaller rooms
- Good for architecture, history, and culture
- Good Malay, Arab, and Indian food
- One hawker center
- Several interesting and colorful shopping 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
- Bars and restaurants to hand out at night
Downsides to staying in Kampong Glam and Little India
- If you don’t like to party, you might not like it.
- Not many high-end hotels
- The mid-range hotels won’t have many amenities like a swimming pool and fitness center
Budget Accommodations in Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is another excellent neighborhood for finding good hostels.
5. The Pod @ Beach Road Boutique Capsule Hotel (Hostel)
COST: US$36 – 46 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.4 (4,200+ 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 really good hawker center is just down the road from the hostel as well.
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.
6. The Sultan
COST: US$100 – $125 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.1 (1,600 + Reviews)
Located in a row of 10 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.
CHECK REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
*Alternative to The Sultan is Hotel Nuve, which is also in a heritage shophouse in Kampong Glam.
Luxury Accommodations in Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam doesn’t have as many options for travelers with bigger budgets as other neighborhoods do.
7. Andaz Singapore (Hyatt)
COST: US$500+ | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.0 (1,100 + 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 views of Singapore from the rooms. The rooftop bar also has its own panoramic views of the city.
There’s also a swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
CHECK REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Jump back to the Table of Contents
3. Places to Stay: Katong
Katong, also known as Joo Chiat, 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. You’ll find that a lot of food tours focus on this area of Singapore. They’re known for their pastel-colored houses and ceramics.
People began settling in this neighborhood around the 1920s.
Katong is a good place to stay for people who are looking for
- Mid-priced hotels with a swimming pool and other modern amenities
- A boutique hotel with modern amenities and loads of character
- An area with fewer tourists
- Good local food
- A place with beautiful architecture
Benefits of staying in Katong
- Local neighborhood; not touristy
- Beautiful architecture
- Great food with great restaurants
- Quiet neighborhood
- Best souvenir shops in Singapore
- Full of character and charm
- A few good mid-priced hotels with swimming pools
Downsides to staying in Katong
- There’s no subway in the neighborhood
- Not a lot of attractions
- Not a lot of hotels and hostels
Budget Accommodations in Katong
Katong is one of my favorite neighborhoods, but sadly it’s not known for many budget accommodations.
8. Ibis Singapore Katong
PRICE: US$70 – $90 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 7.7 (2,000+ Reviews)
If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Katong, Ibis is your best option. I stayed here on my last visit to Singapore. It was very clean, comfortable, and conveniently located.
Sadly, my room had no window, but this is pretty common for hotels in this price range.
Staff was 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.
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
9. Village Hotel Katong
PRICE: US$150 | 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
Luxury Accommodations in Katong
There aren’t a lot of luxury accommodations to choose from in Katong. Hotel Indigo is a gem with loads of charm and character.
10. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
PRICE: US$278 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.1 (330+ 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.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Jump back to the Table of Contents
4. Places to Stay: Orchard Road
Orchard Road is one long street lined with shopping malls. If you like shopping, this is great. But even if you don’t and you just like to eat, it’s also a great area to stay in. Singapore malls are loaded with great restaurants.
Plus, there are some side streets like Emerald Hill that are lined with beautiful ornate and colorful colonial shophouses and townhouses.
Orchard Road is an excellent place to stay if you’re looking for…
- A luxury hotel
- A mid-priced hotel
- An area with lots of airconditioned malls
- An area with good food
Benefits of staying around Orchard Road:
- Good public transportation links (2 subway stations)
- Close to restaurants and shopping centers
- Within walking distance of the colonial area
- Within walking distance of main attractions including Singapore National Museum, National Botanic Gardens, and Fort Canning Park
- Mid-price hotels are a good value
Downsides to staying around Orchard Road:
- No hostels
- No good budget hotels
- Not a lot of historical buildings like in other neighborhoods
Budget Accommodations
There are no decent-budget hotels or hostels in this area.
Mid-range Accommodations on Orchard Road
11. YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
PRICE: US$160 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.2 (4,000 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. It’s also 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.
The rooms have great views but are rather small.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Luxury Accommodations on Orchard Road
12. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
PRICE: US$400 | BREAKFAST: Not included| RATING: 9.2 (2,200+ Reviews)
One of the top-rated hotels in Singapore. You’ll find few hotels in Singapore 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.
For me, the negative is the location. It isn’t in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping area. You can still get to the malls on foot, but by not being amongst the shopping and entertainment, you miss out on the energy of the area.
It has a rooftop pool and fitness center.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Jump back to the Table of Contents
5. Places to Stay: Civic District, the Quays, & Marina Bay
Hugging the shore of the Straits of Singapore, the Civic District is the heart and center 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.
The areas are ideal for those looking for…
- A luxurious hotel
- An area close to the best attractions in the city
- An area with a good nightlife
Benefits of staying in this area:
- Its central location has public transport links to every part of the city (2 MRT stations in the Marina Bay Sands area, 1 station in the Quays, and 2 in the Civic District)
- Loads of history, heritage, and culture
- Good but pricey food
- Lots of attractions – Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, Merlion Lion, National Gallery, Science Museum
- This is a popular area at night for tourists, ex-pats, and locals to get a drink at one of the many bars at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
- Some of the most iconic luxury hotels in Singapore are here.
Downsides to staying in this area:
- There aren’t a lot of budget hotels here
- Food is pricey compared to other areas of the city
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
13. Hipstercity Hostel
PRICE: US$56 – $61 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.0 (400+ 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 blocks out the noise and light. This is an excellent alternative to traditional hostel dorms and gives you more privacy.
The bathrooms are kept really clean. There’s a nice lounge to meet people and relax.
An added bonus is 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.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Mid-range Accommodations in Civic District
14. Iyf Funan
PRICE: US$110 – $240 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.5 (1,500+ 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 option.
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$110, but other times the price goes all the way up to US$200+.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
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.
15. Raffles
PRICE: US$850-$1000 | BREAKFAST: Optional | RATING: 9.2 (800+ 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 literally walking in the steps of history. Some of the western world’s most important and famous people stayed when they stopped in Singapore like Charlie Chaplin and Somerset Maugham. 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
16. Marina Bay Sands Hotel
PRICE: US$500 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.2 (7,900+ 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 kick-ass 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.
On the downside, the rooms are nice but nothing to write home about for what you’re paying.
It’s popular so it can be hard to book a room. Reserve early.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
17. The Fullerton Hotel
PRICE: US$300 – $800 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.0 (6,000+ 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 Hotel and the ferris wheel 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.
READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda
Jump back to the Table of Contents
6. Places to Stay: Sentosa Island
Another popular place to stay in Singapore is Sentosa Island, a small island connected by a causeway to the Singapore mainland. It’s pretty much just an entertainment center with resorts, an aquarium, 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.
Sentosa is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking for…
- High-end resorts with lots of amenities for kids
- High-end classy resorts
- An area with a beach
- An area with lots of recreational opportunities like golfing, swimming, or visiting theme parks
- A place far from the busy and noisy city
Benefits of staying on Sentosa Island:
- Loads of high-end resorts to choose from
- Near free beaches
- Near theme parks like Universal Studios, Sea Aquarium, WaterWorld, and Adventure Cove Waterpark
- Fun evening dining options
- Can watch the sunset
- Great for kids
Downsides to staying on Sentosa Island:
- A hassle to get on and off the island
- No mid-range or budget options
- Not a lot of history or culture
- Dining options are pricey
18. W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
PRICE: US$650 – $800 | BREAKFAST: Optional | RATING: 8.5 (1,000 + Reviews)
This 5-star luxury hotel is probably the most popular resort on Sentosa Island. It’s got 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
Jump back to the Table of Contents
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!
Looking For More Info on Traveling in Southeast Asia?
- Singapore Itinerary – 5 Days
- Malaysia Itinerary – 2 – 3 Weeks (+ How to get to Ko Lipe)
- Myanmar Itinerary – 4 Weeks
- Philippines Itinerary – 3 Weeks in Cebu and Surrounding Islands
- 15 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
- 15 Best Places to Visit in the Philippines
- Penang Itinerary
- Melaka Itinerary
- Siquijor Itineary (BONUS: How to visit Apo Island)
- Ho Chi Minh Itinerary 3 Days
Are you on Pinterest?
Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?
And feel free to follow me on Pinterest, where you’ll find lots of travel articles for everywhere around the world.
0 Comments