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Where To Stay In Singapore For The First Time: 8 Best Areas And Top 10 Hotels

Pinnacle Duxton viewpoint

No matter how many trips you’ve got under your belt, choosing an area and hotel in a new place without prior knowledge and experience of the city can result in a handful of nervous breakdowns. How could you know which neighborhood is the most family-friendly? Which area’s costs will prove to be most reasonable? Is the given hotel room price an adequate for this neighborhood?

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about the question of where to stay in Singapore any longer: We’ve done an extensive research on the matter, and are now ready to proudly present you with the fruits of our labor. This is the most thorough and comprehensive Singapore guide you will ever read: Make sure to keep notes so that you don’t forget anything!

Which area should you choose in Singapore for the first time? Rough outline for those in a hurry

If it’s your first time traveling to the Lion City, the question of where to stay in Singapore will be as pressing as ever during your trip planning stage. Plus, we get it, not everybody has time to read our detailed guide to the best places to stay in Singapore which is coming further down in the article (although we feel it will help you tremendously to learn a little bit about each area of Singapore before making your final choice).

If our personal experience is all that you’re looking for (it’s better to learn from a real person’s trials and tribulations in a country of your choice), then have at it: We’ve traveled to Singapore three times over the years, and during every trip our choice of accommodation fell on Chinatown.

Chinatown in Singapore

Chinatown is an obvious choice of where to stay in Singapore on a budget. Plus, the overall atmosphere of this close-knit heritage neighborhood is a great backdrop for finally realizing that Singapore isn’t just Marina Bay Sands (which is located within a short 30-minute walk from Chinatown, btw.) The neighborhood is also clad with great coffee shops, which was the final selling point we needed to set up camp in Chinatown.

If, however, it’s your first time in Singapore and you want to cram in as much of iconic city landmarks as possible (and money is not an issue), then drop your bags in one of the many 5-star hotels bordering the Marina Bay.

Is that enough information to make an important travel decision? Well, some people don’t like to ponder too much about stuff and go with the flow. If that sounds like you, then here are a few of hotel options you should consider for your upcoming trip to Singapore:

  • Atelier (Chinatown, from $44 a night) — a great budget hostel in Singapore
  • 4* KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood (Chinatown, from $135 a night) — one of the more unique hand-picked Singapore accommodations, a boutique hotel that simply screams comfort
  • 5* Hotel Telegraph (Marina Bay, from $240 a night) — a more affordable option of a hotel in Marina Bay area (keep reading to see the heights the prices can reach here)
  • 5* Parkroyal Collection (Marina Bay, from $300 a night) — an apparent choice of where to stay in Singapore for 2 nights, simply because not many people can afford to stay longer. Worth every penny though!

Singapore neighborhood guide

Clarke Quay2 Clarke Quay

The city-state of Singapore, as you can probably decipher from looking at the nearest globe, isn’t that big. No wonder it’s sometimes being referred to as a Little Red Dot (in most maps, when zoomed out, the whole country can be covered by a point marker). That means that there won’t be a myriad of the best neighborhoods in Singapore. Compared to New-York, with its >300 neighborhoods, we’ve narrowed down the best areas to stay in Singapore to eight neighborhoods total (although there are more of them in the city in general).

Trust us, you might want to keep reading until the end: Not only do we have a detailed rundown of every neighborhood mentioned (with personalized lists of things to do and places to eat at), but we finish strong with a list of ten best hotels in Singapore, based on our experience.

Without further ado, what are some of the best areas and neighborhoods in Singapore?

Neighborhood Is it expensive? For whom? A nice hotel in the area
Chinatown $ For budget travelers, first-timers, and coffee lovers Atelier
Little India $ For budget travelers, first-timers, curry appreciators Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
Kampong Glam $ For visitors on a budget and halal aficionados Heritage Collection on Arab
Marina Bay area $ For first-timers with no limits and Marina Bay Sands infinity pool wanna-get-into’s Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay
Orchard Road $$$ For tourists with a family and shopping addicts Hilton Singapore Orchard
Sentosa Island $$$ For beachgoers, families with children, and adventure seekers Shangri-La Rasa
“The Quays “
(Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, Boat Quay)
$$$$ For party animals and food tour lovers Paradox Singapore Merchant Court
Marine Parade $$ For a one night stay before heading to the airport; for families with kids Ibis budget Joo Chiat

The best areas to stay in Singapore

Now that you have a vague idea of what each chosen area of the city-state has to offer, it’s time to delve deeper into the best neighborhoods to stay in Singapore for tourists: Their pros, cons, and our personal anecdotes we feel might sway you into choosing the one area that is the best fit for you.

Marina Bay — best area for first-time visitors

Now, although Marina Bay wouldn’t particularly be our first choice of where to stay in Singapore as a tourist (we are impartial and incredibly loyal to the neighborhood we’ve called home during each and every one of our trips to the city — Chinatown), we cannot disregard this area on the account of it being the mecca of all the most popular tourist attractions of Singapore.

Marina Bay is a dream destination all around: Representing the Singapore’s flashy, elegant, and uniquely upscale city center, the area is exactly what you would expect. In a true Crazy Rich Asians fashion, the locals perusing the area are mainly the executive, rich-looking type (think white collars wearing Rolexes and driving luxury cars). At night, the Michelin star restaurants fill up with outlandishly glamorous people, creating the aura of opulence and confirming Singapore’s title as the fifth wealthiest city in the world.

Don’t get discouraged though: You will fit right into the crowd, since the majority of people up and about in the Marina Bay area at daytime are tourists. It’s no surprise also, as this is where all the main attractions are located (more on them further down).

Marina Bay Area Singapore

Most widely known as the first choice of where to stay in Singapore if it’s your first time in the city, we feel that we’re particularly obligated to inform you that staying here comes at a price. And that’s not exactly a metaphor: There are almost no literal drawbacks that would make spending a few days in Marina Bay area even slightly less enjoyable. On the contrary, the neighborhood is clad with what most would describe as best hotels in Singapore, and these establishments take their reputation seriously.

But back to the price point: Most of the hotels that call Marina Bay area their home are 5-star hotels, which does explain the more-than-average room costs. But hey, you only live once, right? If you’ve got funds to spare, we highly encourage you treat yourself to a stay at one of these high-rolling establishments: A suite at either Marina Bay Sands or The Fullerton Bay Hotel is guaranteed to take your worries away (on the condition that those worries aren’t finance-related).

Top activities in Marina Bay area:
Merlion in Singapore

  • Tick off every item on your bucket list of things to do in Marina Bay Sands*: Not only does this hotel has the most highly coveted infinity pool in the world (most guests book a room here just for the sake of going up to the pool deck at the 57th floor of the hotel), but it also scores the best view point in Singapore — Marina Bay Sands’ viewing deck, SkyPark, where you can marvel at the vistas of Downtown Singapore for 30 SGD ($22). Don’t forget to dress up and go to the rooftop bar — CÉ LA VI SkyBar — to immerse yourself in trendy cocktail experience with glistening city views to boot.
    *The highlighted activity that should be the first assignment on this neighborhood’s exploring agenda
  • Find yourself lost in the verdant paradise of Gardens by the Bay: For 53 SGD ($39), you can get access to the fairy-land reminiscent Flower Dome and enchanting Cloud Forest experiences. If the weather permits, go up to the OCBC Skyway, where for 12 SGD ($9), you can walk the bridge that connects two giant artificial supertrees and look out onto the picturesque panoramas.
  • Catch a show or an exhibit at the Esplanade — a durian-shaped theater complex set right by the edge of the bay.
  • Get the iconic shot of the mythical national symbol of Singapore at the Merlion Park.
  • Take a walk on the Helix Bridge — a unique feat of engineering, with the structure resembling two human DNA strands. The view of the bay opening up from the bridge is just as exciting as it is from one of the plentiful viewpoints located at astonishing heights, but this one is free, which makes it that more attractive.
  • Do some damage to your credit card at The Shoppes — Marina Bay Sands’ shopping mall full of luxury stores: Dior, Balmain, Cartier, Chanel, — the list goes on, and so are the retail therapy opportunities.
  • Take a long and languid ride on the Singapore Flyer: For 40 SGD ($29), you get a nice and slow adventure accompanied by one-of-a-kind views of the neighborhood
  • Immerse yourself into the world of art and design by paying a visit to ArtScience Museum and Red Dot Design Museum.
  • Catch an evening light show at either Marina Bay Sands (Spectra light and water show), or Gardens by the Bay (Garden Rhapsody light performance at Supertree Grove). Alternatively, don’t put yourself in the position to make this Sophie's choice-like decision, and cram both shows into your evening itinerary: They are located quite close to each other, and you can easily walk from one show to the other between sessions (there are two shows happening every day at each respective location).

Where to stay in Marina Bay area:

Park Royal Collection Hotel Park Royal Collection Hotel in Singapore

✔️ 5* Marina Bay Sands (from $500 a night) — the most iconic hotel in Singapore, it’s the first building that comes to mind when you think of the Lion City skyline. Being a little (or, let’s face it, a lottle) out there, price-wise, the hotel manages to make up for it in experiences: Rooftop infinity pool, Michelin star restaurants (CUT by Wolfgang Puck steakhouse and Waku Ghin being the highlights of fine dining at Marina Bay Sands), rooms with spectacular views of the bay, a great viewing deck, boozy rooftop bars… Can it get any better than that? If you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket, consider staying at Marina Bay Sands: It’s one of the more obvious answers to the question of where to stay in Singapore for one night (because one night here costs about the same as a week at some hostel in Chinatown, which is out preferred accommodation arrangement in Singapore).

✔️ 5* Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay (from $300 a night) — a place where opulence and eco-consciousness go hand-in-hand. This hotel has one of the most eccentric designs (interior-wise, from the outside it’s your normal “run-of-the-mill” five-star hotel): It’s here where you truly come to understand the scope of Singapore’s nickname as the Garden City (there is an actual rooftop garden where they grow produce to use in the hotel’s restaurant)! So, if you’re trying to be as eco-conscious as possible while traveling, staying at Parkroyal should be at the top of your list!

✔️ 5* Hotel Telegraph (from $240 a night) — a somewhat affordable option of a hotel set in Marina Bay area. While not being located exactly on the shore of the bay, Hotel Telegraph manages to lower the costs at virtually no expense: The closeness to both Marina Bay and Chinatown (as well as many of the metro stations) allows you to spend a fun and busy few days in Singapore without wasting too much of your time on transportation. The dichotomy of this boutique hotel built in a very “classical” style, but set in front of the background of modern glass skyrises is pretty epic: Your senses will be all over the place (in a good way).

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Marina Bay area: Central location; Top-notch restaurants; High concentration of important city landmarks; Chic 5-star hotels.

Chinatown — best area to stay in Singapore on a budget

Chinatown neighborhood Singapore

Our personal choice of where to stay in Singapore if it’s your first time here, Chinatown is everything we love about Singapore: Both wildly historical and modern leaning at times, the area is one bustling and happy oxymoron.

Located very close to Marina Bay area (30 minutes by foot), Chinatown makes for a wonderful place to stay during your trip to Singapore: You’re equally set a little ways off from the hustle of Marina Bay, while also being within walking distance to many of the central landmarks (as you will come to know, Singapore is a very walkable city). Plus, the MRT station is right there, so if you ever need to make a pilgrimage to a more distant part of Singapore in search of even more sightseeing opportunities, you can do it easily and at record time.

Colorful, busy, and always bursting with innate energy, — that’s the general vibe of Singapore’s Chinatown. Like other Chinatowns in different parts of the world, this heritage neighborhood has a sense of community and care. Small businesses, little food stalls, intricately decorated side streets (get ready to take lots of pics here) make up for a pleasant living experience. And don’t forget about the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture: The two-story shophouses are a pleasant mix of European and Asian architectural styles, making for an intriguing target of observation for a curious traveler.

Even though the area can get quite noisy at times, look out for the hotels with great soundproofing, and you’ll be golden!

The biggest draw of the area is, of course, a wide range of budget and mid-range accommodations (cheap food being close second). Singapore has a long-standing reputation for being a playground for the affluent crowd, but here, in Chinatown, you don’t have to have a trust fund to find a place to stay. Affordable hostels are plentiful, and other options, like chic boutique hotels that occupy the most vibrant old shophouses, aren’t outrageously expensive.

As for the burning question of nourishment during your stay in Singapore, sticking to Chinatown’s eateries will prove to be a financially wise decision. Hawker centers and food courts are bursting with yummy street food choices, and you can eat your weight in satay without making a dent in your travel budget. Our advice: Start at the tried-and-tested Chinatown Complex, and then, if you’re feeling adventurous, snoop around for other, lesser known, hawker centers that are peppered throughout the neighborhood.

Top activities in Chinatown:

Thian Hock Keng Temple Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore
  • Pay a visit to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and, if looking at the religious artifacts made you work up an appetite, head straight down to the temple’s basement level. Here, unknown to many, hides Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court, where you can stuff your face with all the rice and noodle dish varieties you can think of.
  • Take a closer look at the mysterious Hindu Deities that adorn the exterior of Sri Mariamman Temple — the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.
  • Pose in front of colorful murals that tell the story of Chinatown’s fascinating past.
  • Go on a hawker center food tasting tour (some hawker center stalls have been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand and have a stamp of approval of the late Antony Bourdain).
  • Get a specialty coffee and relax, as people watching in Chinatown proves to always be fruitful: The streets are bustling with activity at all times of the day.
  • Go up to one of the best viewpoints of Singapore — Pinnacle@Duxton. A short 10-minute walk from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple takes you to the edge of Chinatown, where a tall building like Pinnacle@Duxton isn’t sticking out like a sore thumb. Entry ticket to the Sky Deck costs 6 SGD ($4,4) and is available for purchase offline, on site.

Where to stay in Chinatown:

Chinatown in Singapore from above

✔️ Atelier (from $44 a night) — a great hostel option for travelers who want to save money but not sacrifice the understated chicness of design. Think bunk beds with mood lighting and dark wood, upscale toiletries, and warm and welcoming communal spaces, — Atelier will make you feel like you’re home with a great company of friends, and not strangers.

✔️ 4* Oasia Hotel Downtown, Singapore by Far East Hospitality (from $200 per night) — not your typical Chinatown hotel: For starters, it’s taller than two stories, and it’s not a renovated shophouse. The hotel’s exterior also stands out with ample greenery climbing the red “brick” walls (if you could call it that), again cementing Singapore’s Garden City rep among its visitors. A rooftop pool, fully equipped gym, SPA amenities, — if it wasn’t for all the fun attractions outside, we’re pretty sure no-one would leave the hotel grounds.

✔️ 4* Ann Siang House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood (from $200 per night) — clad with surprisingly spacious rooms (by Chinatown standards), this colonial style building is a perfect example of a balance between haute and humble. The rooms’ design is clean and efficient, the location of the hotel relative MRT stations and hawker centers is impeccable, and the service is on par with Singapore’s best hotels. A 100-year old shophouse that is at the core of Ann Siang House adds a certain allure to the whole experience, but timely renovations keep away the possible drawbacks that the building of this age might fall victim to.

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Chinatown: Located close to Marina Bay; Budget-friendly accommodation; Cheap eats; Plenty of tourist attractions; New trendy coffee spots and hangout places.

Little India — budget-friendly area #2

Little India neighborhood Singapore

A slice of Bollywood-esque heaven in Singapore — Little India, though a tad more expensive than Chinatown, is an obvious answer of where to stay in Singapore on a budget in 2023.

This heritage neighborhood is a destination in and of itself: You are immersed in Indian culture the second you enter the area. An amazing location close to all the important landmarks (Marina Bay area is a 40-minute walk away) makes Little India a great option for a stay for a first time visitor. It’s also well-connected to the rest of the Lion City, which is a characteristic that is so dire to a newbie tourist in a foreign country.

Singapore’s Little India is a circus (in a good way), a teeming mass of people and energy that invigorates a weary traveler with the best vibes possible. Aromatic spices, vibrant flower garlands, loud music and lively chatter, — this is just a scrape at the surface of Little India’s atmosphere.

Because accommodation options here are more affordable than in the rest of Singapore, go ham on souvenir shopping: The guilt can be assuaged on the account of saving the expenditures on lodging. A pound of garam masala is a worthy investment, in our opinion!

Top activities in Little India:

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

  • Compare Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple to the Hindu temple you’ve visited in Chinatown: It’s pretty cool to find similarities in adornments in two of the oldest Hindu places of worship in Singapore.
  • Eat all the Indian dishes at Tekka Center stalls: This mixed-use building moonlights as a hawker center on top of a wet market. The smells here can get crazy at times, but that’s the beauty of authentic shopping: Your senses go all over the place, leaving an ever-lasting impression.
  • Shop till you drop at the many little shops lining the streets of Little India.
  • Take a picture in front of Tan Teng Niah House — the most colorful building in the world.
  • Donate your time and energy at Krishna's Kitchen — give back to the community that welcomed you with open arms by helping out at the local soup kitchen. It’s a rare opportunity to do something good for the humans while you’re traveling, so do it to feel better about yourself and the world!

Where to stay in Little India:

✔️ 4* Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood (from $150 a night) — the light and airy rooms of this understated Art Deco style hotel wear a sophisticated cloak: The design is classy and muted, welcoming a traveler who needs a great place to rest. The area around it offers a bevy of dining options, and the little streets make for great places for an evening promenade.

✔️ 4* Citadines Rochor (from $160 per night) — a great option of a hotel for business travelers: Citadines Rochor is located not too far from a convention center and right by the metro station. The rooms are clean and modern, and the addition of a pool, a co-working space, and a laundry room take the experience to a whole ‘nother level. It’s no Marina Bay Sands, but at least you can stay here for cheaper and take a long and leisurely walk to Marina Bay area every day, enjoying the changing sights around you.

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Little India: Affordable accommodations; Cheap food; Colorful landmarks; Strong sense of community.

Kampong Glam — budget-friendly area #3

Kampong Glam in Singapore Kampong Glam

A smaller, but no less significant heritage neighborhood of Singapore — Kampong Glam, or Muslim Quarter, is a strong runner-up for the position of where to stay in Singapore on a budget in 2023. Again, it’s not exactly the same level of “on a budget” as Singapore’s Chinatown, but still, the prices of accommodations here are quite reasonable.

The beautiful area of Kampong Glam is bursting with life, but not as crowded as its aforementioned heritage counterparts: You can easily walk through the brightly colored streets of Kampong Glam (filling up your inspiration coffers in the process) without bumping into people at every turn. This Arab Quarter manages to balance Aladdin-looking mosques with golden domes and art-filled side streets like it’s no problem.

Additionally, Kampong Glam is located right next to Little India and also sits within walking distance of Marina Bay area (around 30 minutes on foot), making it a great choice of area to stay at so that you don’t miss all the Singaporean main shindigs.

Top activities in Kampong Glam:

  • Marvel at the stunning Sultan Mosque and learn more about its renovation efforts: Notice the glistening rings beneath the golden domes, which are actually made from soy sauce bottles’ bottoms that were donated by the impoverished members of the Muslim community.
  • Stroll along the trendiest street of Haji Lane, where the local hipster community, as well as inquisitive tourists, gather together for a chill and fun hang out (window shopping, eating out, admiring funky murals, and the like).
  • If you love street art, take a peek at Gelam Gallery — Singapore’s most famous decorated street.
  • Spend an hour at the Kitten Sanctuary, where for 20 SGD ($14,7) you can spend time with little purring fur babies, while also helping the sanctuary’s mission at the same time.
  • Buy something to smell really nice at SIFR Aromatics — Singapore’s best perfume store where you can purchase a sweet-smelling substance no matter your budget: You can either buy one of the essential oils (45 SGD/$33) or a fully customizable oud-based perfume (prices start at 200 SGD/$147).
  • Feeling somber and up for a moment of seriousness and deep respect? Point your compass at Jalan Kubor Cemetery — the oldest Muslim cemetery in Singapore, which is a highly important part of the community’s history: A lot of royals are buried here, which you can tell by the amount of gold embellishments.

Where to stay in Kampong Glam:

✔️ 2* CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel (from $40 a night) — a great capsule hotel in the heart of Kampong Glam. Even though it’s set in a tiny restored shophouse, the capsules themselves are quite spacious compared to those in other hotels of this type. Facing a lively street, you might expect to hear some noise, but look at the bright side: Central location means tons of yummy (and halal) eateries all around, closeness to the metro station, and main tourist attractions of the neighborhood (Sultan Mosque and the like) being just around the corner.

✔️ 4* Heritage Collection on Arab – A Digital Hotel (from $120 per night) — a fully digitalized (and thus, extremely modern) aparthotel set in a quaint and colorful shophouse adorned with beautiful murals. The rooms are small, but light and airy, so you don’t feel cramped up in the space. There is a fully equipped kitchenette in every loft, and free laundry facilities, which make for a well-rounded and comfortable stay. Despite being completely digital, there’s never a time where you don’t feel supported by the hotel staff: Digital assistants will solve any problem that might come up during your stay here.

✔️ 4* Village Hotel Bugis by Far East Hospitality (from $150 per night) — located at the crossroads of Little India and Kampong Glam, this hotel is surrounded by a wild mix of cultures: Each day, you can choose a different direction from the building and find yourself lost in a new and vibrant community. The rooms, as well as the overall look of the hotel, are business-neutral, meaning that they serve as a minimal, fuss-free background to come back to after a long day of sightseeing. If the location hasn’t entirely sold you on a stay at the Village Hotel, then get this: They have a large outdoor pool, which is a rarity at this price point, especially in Singapore.

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Kampong Glam: Affordable accommodation; Bustling heritage neighborhood; Closeness to important tourist attractions.

Clarke Quay — best area for nightlife

Clarke Quay in Singapore

“The Quays” (the area adjacent to mainly residential River Valley), especially Clarke Quay, has recently become one of the trendiest touristic areas of Singapore. Before that, the quays (Robertson Quay and Boat Quay being the lesser-known siblings) had a strictly practical purpose: They functioned as harbors and stored imported items in large warehouses. Now, the warehouses became gentrified (in a good way) to the extent of being completely unrecognizable, and the riverside promenade filled up with hipster digs of cute cafes and outrageously expensive coffee shops (interlaced with a fine dining restaurant every now and again).

The food is a big part of the Clarke Quay’s presentation, but there are other ways that you can spend money here: If you have a voracious appetite not only for comestibles, but also for luxury goods, the copious amounts of retail options here are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. It’s not exactly a match to Orchard Road (the best area for shopping in Singapore), but it gets the job done.

Come nightfall, the promenade comes alive with lights and music, and the nearby nightclubs begin their daily routine of fighting for the visitors’ attention. Singapore nightlife (though we have little experience in the matter, being seasoned homebodies) is a fabled affair that any first time visitor (granted they are of age, and, you know, love to party) simply must try and get a taste of firsthand.

While not usually being the first choice of the best area in Singapore for first-time visitors, we believe that the robust nightlife experience of Clarke Quay is the ideal situation for diving headfirst into the Singapore scene. Plus, the neighborhood isn’t that isolated: Sitting right next to Orchard Road, it’s just a 20-40 minute walk to Marina Bay area. Because of that, the accommodation here tends to get quite pricey, so get those bills ready!

Top activities in Clarke Quay:

Fort Canning Park in Singapore

  • Take a stroll through Fort Canning Park, and look out for the legendary Instagram spot — the Tree Tunnel (prepare to wait in line to get the coveted shot).
  • Go out to a nightclub or barhop into the wee hours of the morning.
  • Treat yourself to a boat tour on the Singapore River. If you come to the Lion City some time between September 7 and October 1, 2023, you might catch the Singapore River Festival, which is always chock-full with celebration and entertainment.
  • Take notice of the heavy-hitting roster of art world heavyweights at National Gallery Singapore for a humble price of a 20 SGD ($14,7) general entry fee.
  • Go up to the completely free (!) viewpoint at the top of a mixed-use building of CapitaSpring (make sure to check out our article for a full list of free Singapore viewpoints!)
  • Take a picture of the iconic Old Hill Street Policе Station — a colonial-style building with each window shatter painted in a different color of the rainbow.

Where to stay in Clarke Quay:

Hotel near Fort Canning Park Hotel near Fort Canning Park2

✔️ 3* Holiday Inn Express (from $170 per night) — everybody knows that Holiday Inn Express is a safe bet whenever you’re undecided about your lodging accommodations in a new place. Singapore is no exception: The location of the hotel is superb, the rooms are modern and clean, and the hotel staff is welcoming and helpful. The hotel does have a pool, which is a plus for when you want to jump-start your brain after a wild night out on the town.

✔️ 4* Paradox Singapore Merchant Court (from $220 a night) — a true urban resort, this hotel looks like it belongs somewhere by the ocean (like Sentosa Island, for example): An oasis with a year-round outdoor pool and spectacular SPA amenities, Paradox is a space for deep relaxation. By staying at the Paradox, you don’t have to sacrifice central location in lieu of peace and quiet: You can have a deep-tissue massage and then go out for a walk on the Clarke Quay’s promenade.

✔️ 5* Fraser Place Robertson Walk (from $300 a night) — a hotel that provides fully furnished apartments, so that you can feel right at home in Singapore. Great amenities and recreational facilities (gym, pool, etc.) help you plan your stay around a happy medium of a work-life balance: Even if you’re here on a work trip, you’re guaranteed a nice and rejuvenating stay.

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Clarke Quay: Best area for nightlife; Central (and riverside!) location; Exuberant amount of cafes, bars, and restaurants; Upscale accommodation options; Plenty of tourist attractions.

Orchard Road — where to stay with a family (and huge spending budget)

Orchard Road Orchard Road in Singapore

Much like 5th Avenue in Manhattan, Orchard Road is the ultimate destination for shopaholics from all over the world. Unlike any other established retail-focused road, Orchard isn’t lined with boutiques only: Singapore likes to play big, so you will find countless giant malls lining the wide promenade, each a whole city on its own. This is the best area to stay in Singapore if you appreciate retail therapy, just make sure you don’t exceed your credit card limit!

Whether you’re a baller or a pauper, you will find stores here to your liking: From H&M to Louis Vuitton, if you’re planning your visit to Singapore around a potential shopping spree, you’ve come to the right place!

Parents traveling with their children, rejoice! Orchard Road is a very kid-friendly area, with some malls having entire floors specifically designed for the little ones and indoor and outdoor playgrounds hiding around every corner. Want to save some money on kid entertainment (that can go towards buying them a souvenir to remember the trip by)? Make sure to check out our article on the best free things to do in Singapore with kids.

Orchard Road is easily accessible via the metro: It is set to the side of Singapore’s city center, but still close enough that you can reach it on foot. Because of that (and due to the general aura of luxury and grandeur), you can forget about finding cheaper accommodation options than in the previously mentioned heritage neighborhoods: Orchard Road (mainly chain) hotels love to play hard to get! The good news is that the lodging options are usually worth their money, so if you’re spending your hard-earned cash on another Chanel bag, you will be fine with booking your stay in one of the Orchard Road hotels.

Top activities in Orchard Road:

  • Shop, duh! Our favorite malls situated on Orchard Road are: ION Orchard, Paragon, 313@Somerset Mall, Plaza Singapura, and Mandarin Gallery. However, you are guaranteed to have an amazing experience in every other mall of the area: The standards here are high, and the service is spectacular.
  • Stroll along the colorful Emerald Hill — a small enclave of traditional Chinese Baroque houses with bright and vivid exteriors. The street is empty and exudes an aura of exclusivity: The house owners are mainly well-off Singaporeans, and their small neighborhood is nestled among giant glass skyscrapers.
  • Go up to the ION Sky — a free rooftop viewpoint with breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Singapore.
  • Get lost in lush Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Where to stay in Orchard Road:

✔️ 4* YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road (from $150 a night) — a hotel that is great for travelers on the go: Modern, yet terribly “compact” rooms don’t make for great hangout spaces. Don’t get us wrong, the clean design and state-of-the-art amenities are a great feature, but lots of suitcases or hordes of kids might make you crazy in the rooms on the smaller side of the spectrum. “A loo with a view”, or simply a bathroom area with a floor-to-ceiling window is a notable characteristic that you can add to the hotel’s other perks. We should also mention a stylish outdoor jungle-like pool that is ensconced by a ring of tall skyscrapers, — what an outlandishly great experience!

✔️ 4* JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La (from $200 a night) — located right above an MRT station and a shopping mall, this hotel ticks off all the boxes: Spacious and nicely furnished rooms, wonderful amenities, and, drumroll!, a rooftop pool with awe-striking views of Singapore.

✔️ 5* Hilton Singapore Orchard (from $260 per night) — set in the heart of Orchard Road, this hotel is everything the rumors make it out to be: An absolute mammoth of the hotel industry, Hilton cannot miss in every aspect surrounding your stay. From the rooms designed to a tee, to a wonderful dining experience in one of the many restaurants on site: Michelin star Shisen Hanten or an elegant Estate; staying at Hilton is a refined experience in every shape and form.

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Orchard Road: Nice residential area; Ample shopping opportunities; Kid-friendly; Closeness to the metro.

Sentosa — perfect for a family vacation

Sentosa Island in Singapore

Sentosa Island is one of the best places to stay in Singapore if you crave to get away from the city life. Easily reachable by public transport from the main land (you can either use MRT, Sentosa Express; or take a cable car from Singapore’s Mount Faber), the island is a coveted destination among both locals and tourists alike.

Despite Sentosa’s great connections to the main land, the area is not where you should stay in if you plan on seeing all of Singapore in 3 days. You will spend a lot of time in transit, losing precious hours that could otherwise go to exploring the Lion City’s marvelous sites.

While being coined the ultimate adventure trove of Singapore (keep reading for the island’s top activities), Sentosa (which literally translates to “peace and tranquility” from Malay) is clad with giant resort hotels that are famous for bringing you one stop closer to a state of complete Zen. As you might imagine, the price tag on such experience starts at an already high mark, and ends with… Well, you know, the sky’s the limit!

For kids especially, Sentosa is one of the best areas around Singapore’s mainland. This is the epitome of child-friendly resort: Waterparks, theme parks, sand beaches, hotel’s playgrounds, — your younglings will be occupied for hours at a time, leaving you to blissfully relax by the pool with a refreshing drink in hand.

Top activities on Sentosa Island:

Universal Studio in Sentosa Island

  • Spend a day at Universal Studios (82 SGD/$60) — a selling point for many of Sentosa’s visitors.
  • Splash around at Adventure Cove Waterpark (39 SGD/$28,6).
  • Learn more about marine life at S.E.A. Aquarium (43 SGD/$31,5).
  • Bet it all on red at Resorts World Sentosa Casino.
  • Reach the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia located just off Sentosa’s Palawan Beach.
  • Have a tea party with the late Queen Elizabeth at Madame Tussauds Singapore (42,5 SGD/$31).
  • For more ideas and a more detailed guide to how to spend your day at Sentosa, make sure to read our article here.

Where to stay on Sentosa Island:

✔️ 5* The Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality (from $200 per night) — an adult-exclusive slice of heaven on Sentosa Island. We know, Sentosa is a very family-oriented place, but not everybody wants to lay by the pool with children cannonballing into the water, Kevin McCallister-style. As chic as hotels get, the whole experience at the Outpost gets better when you come upon its pool, a rooftop bar, and restaurants headlined by star chefs.

✔️ 5* Shangri-La Rasa (from $260 a night) — a perfect top-class tropical getaway, Shangri-La sports its own beachfront and a head-spinning list of amenities: Opulent SPA zone, kid’s playgrounds, big pools, restaurants, banquet spaces, and many others. The experience is not for everybody: The price tag on a stay at Shangri-La is astronomic at best, but the quality of the service provided is on par with the fees. It’s one of the rare instances when Singapore provides such a great quality of a destination getaway (that works wonderfully for travelers with family): Get it while it’s hot!

✔️ 5* W Singapore – Sentosa Cove (from $300 a night) — a giant hotel that clearly stands out with its modern design and unique artistic choices: You can spend hours eyeing the works of art strewn about every room (just remember that, unlike toiletries, these artifacts are not considered available to take home with you). It also adds to the hotel’s reputation that plenty of younger travelers love to spend a few nights here, since Sentosa Island is mostly overrun with families with children. From that we’ve gathered that W Singapore is a fun destination for every age!

Key takeaways for why you should stay on Sentosa Island: Vast entertainment options; Kid-friendly accommodations; Sand beaches.

Marine Parade — for families who appreciate proximity to the airport

Marine Parade is the neighborhood that sits right on the border of Singapore’s Central and East districts: Connecting the two vastly different atmospheres, the area is as unique as they come (and the accommodations’ varied price points show this juxtaposition clearly). Relaxed, yet still close to the city center (if you want to reach Marina Bay, rent a bike and use a comfortable lane that connects the Marine Parade’s iconic East Coast Park to the heart of Singapore).

What’s even more telling about Marine Parade’s popularity with tourists is the fact that it’s the closest you can get to Changi (Singapore Airport), while also not being completely isolated from the city’s downtown. Marine Parade isn’t that far from the Singapore’s heritage neighborhoods either: The bustling Katong is the area’s closest ally.

Taking into account the closeness to the famed Changi Airport, Marine Parade is an obvious answer to the question of where it is best to stay for a tourist for one night: A taxi ride for an early flight will take only around 10 minutes, so you can sleep in longer and not get up at the crack of dawn.

Marine Parade closely mimics Sentosa’s impressive example, only on mainland: The neighborhood is extremely kid-friendly, with a brilliant showcase of playgrounds and other outdoor activities being a prominent part of the area’s make-up.

Top activities in Marine Parade:

  • Do some light exercises at East Coast Park before your flight back home (alternatively, take a horizontal position at the East Coast Beach, that works too).
  • Take your kids to Marine Cove Playground.
  • Forget about time at Marine Parade Library.

Where to stay in Marine Parade:

✔️ 2* Ibis budget Joo Chiat (from $60 per night) — a great budget hotel that is worth even more than advertised. Spacious and clean rooms are perfect for budget travelers and backpackers. Surrounded by restaurants and shops and located right beside a bus station, the hotel guarantees you stay well-connected during your trip.

✔️ 4* Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality (from $130 per night) — honeycomb-esque building of the hotel gives way to your rampant imagination of what the hotel would look like inside: We must say, the overall vibe checks out, as the rooms are warm, clean, and cozy. An outdoor circular pool (what is it with first-grade geometry), a fully equipped gym, and a small supermarket downstairs make you feel as though you can wait out a zombie apocalypse inside the hotel’s walls. It’s true, to some extent, but hopefully it won’t come to that.

✔️ 5* Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, an IHG Hotel (from $220 a night) — a boutique hotel set in a charming renovated building of the former Joo Chiat Police Station. This is one of the most stylish hotels we’ve ever seen: Wall murals, painted tiles, unique design choices, — you can spend hours simply adoring the interior of your room. Take into consideration the hotel’s location: Quaint cafes, exuberant bars, and high dining restaurants border Hotel Indigo on every side, so you can’t possibly miss all the fun things the area has to offer. As a bonus, the rooftop pool offers unparalleled views of verdant Marine Parade and colorful Katong.

Key takeaways for why you should stay in Marine Parade: Closeness to the airport; Kid-friendly activities; Laid-back residential atmosphere.

Our list of 10 great Singapore hotels and hostels (sorted by price)

Marina Bay Sands

First and foremost, let’s lay down our own personal experience we are working with: As we’ve already mentioned, we’re pretty loyal to Chinatown and all three of our stays fell on the budget-friendly options of the neighborhood. Here they are:

  • 2* Wink Hostel (from $50 a night) — our latest Singapore home away from home. It’s a modern capsule hostel that gets the job done: Comfortable beds will make sure that you’re well rested for a day full of fun adventures, and nice and clean amenities will make your stay a pleasant one. The location of the hostel is its biggest perk: Set right by the MRT station, all of Singapore is right here, at your fingertips! We bypassed the dormitory living and chose a private room for two: It cost us $168 for three nights. In our humble opinion, Wink is the best hostel in Singapore.
  • 2* Royal Lodge @ Pagoda Street (from $30 per night) — our stay during the second Singapore trip. From what we’ve read, the hostel has gone downhill in the last couple of years, so we personally do not recommend this as a first choice of a place to stay in Chinatown. Honestly, now, it wouldn't even be our last resort.
  • 2* RedDoorz Hostel — we’re not even sure this pioneering hostel even works anymore, but during our first trip to the Lion City, it put roof over our head and provided interesting company.

Before we finally dive into the list of best hotels in Singapore, let us note that the reason we’re not mentioning the best Airbnb in Singapore is the fact that the platform isn’t particularly welcome here. It’s not outright banned, but the city officials have put laws in place that prohibit short-term rentals. And while it’s not illegal for users to book an Airbnb in Singapore, still, it’s best not to get mixed up in questionable actions in one of the strictest countries in the world. For more things you need to know before visiting Singapore, consult with our article here (Do you think chewing gum and singing in public will get you into trouble in Singapore? Click the link and find out!)

If a copious amount of lodging options we’ve provided in the article so far is somehow not enough, then get ready! Here are our TOP 10 HOTEL PICKS that will make your stay in Singapore an unforgettable experience:

  • 2* Dream Lodge (Lavender, from $60 per night) — where to stay in Singapore for the first time if you have no idea what to expect from the city. Plant some roots in this super clean hostel, sniff out the other areas, and then make a move to a more pricey establishment.
  • 3* The Great Madras (Little India, from $70 per night) — a stylish boutique hotel that can easily soar to the top of any Singapore list of hand-picked accommodations. A long pool and an in-house barber should drive the room prices to the point of no return, but the hotel still maintains its level of affordability.
  • 4* Hotel G Singapore (Bugis, from $110 per night) — a lifestyle hotel that most resembles a chic dorm room of a freshman at a university: Corkboards, dreamcatchers, posters on the walls, — go back in time and imagine yourself young again.
  • 4* D’Hotel Singapore (Tiong Bahru, from $120 per night) — set in an awe-striking circular building, this hotel is a prime example of successfully blending modernity and tradition. The rooms carry through a light botanical theme, and the views opening up on green surroundings blur the lines between the interior and nature. Don’t forget to go up to the rooftop for unbeatable panoramas of Singapore.
  • 3* Hotel Yan (Kampong Glam, from $130 per night) — another striking hotel with unique design choices: Wood, iron, and bare warehouse walls, surprisingly, create a very welcoming atmosphere. The state-of-the-art amenities tip the scales into staying in the room forever, without actually venturing outside (the minibar will keep your sustenance levels in check).
  • 4* M Social Singapore (Robertson Quay, from $150 per night) — with hallways lined with thick red Shining-style carpet and robot helpers checking you in and bringing you water, M Social has everything it needs to be the setting for the next horror story. However, it’s not the case here: The hotel can only be described as literal heaven on Earth. Book the rooms in advance, because they sell like hotcakes.
  • 5* Andaz Singapore (Kampong Glam, from $300 per night) — a true embarrassment of riches, this giant honeycomb-inspired hotel sits smack dab at the crossroads of a few of Singapore’s heritage neighborhoods. A rooftop infinity pool of this luxury lifestyle hotel is a meeting ground for Singapore’s most well-off visitors.
  • 5* The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (Marina Bay, from $430 per night) — this hotel is so chic it includes butler (!) service! Apart from the obvious head-turner of having a personal assistant for the duration of your stay, the Ritz-Carlton also manages to impress with its design: Museum-level objets d’art and furniture arranged in accordance with Feng Shui principles, — does it get crazier than that?
  • 5* Capella Singapore (Sentosa, from $700 per night) — yes, it does get crazier. Proudly awarded the No. 1 Best Hotel in Singapore, this Sentosa getaway lives up to its accolades. Set on a 30 acre plot on Sentosa Island, Capella merges natural materials and world-class design choices. You don’t have to worry about a thing here: Your every wish will be granted in no time.
  • 5* Raffles Singapore (City Hall, from $1,000 per night) — the cherry on top of the Lion City experience: Singapore and Raffles cannot exist without one another, they’re so integrated in the people’s minds. Live like a royal in one of the hotel’s outstanding suites, and don’t forget to (regally) pop into the hotel’s Long Bar for an iconic Singapore Sling. They say that Raffles might be the best hotel in the world, and, you know what? We wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment!

FAQs on where to stay in Singapore

Pinnacle Duxton building in Singapore

+ Where to stay in Singapore for first-timers?
If you’ve got funds to spare, point your compass at Marina Bay area. If you fall more into the category of budget-conscious travelers, then head on over to Chinatown.

+ Where to stay in Singapore with a family?
On Singapore’s mainland, search for hotel options at either Orchard Road (if your kid loves to play inside) or Marine Parade (more suited for little rascals who love to run around in the elements). The best option for a stay with a family overall is, undoubtedly, Sentosa Island.

+ Where to stay in Singapore on a budget?
Your best bet will be choosing one of Singapore’s heritage neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam. The rooms will be small, but the price point will pleasantly surprise even the most crafty of travelers.

+ Where to stay in Singapore for one night (for 2 nights)?
Splurge on one night in Marina Bay area, since the neighborhood is the beating heart of the Lion City, with tons of unique attractions to boot. If you want to spend one night before your flight somewhere closer to the airport to get more of your Z’s in, then consider staying somewhere in Marine Parade.

+ Where to stay in Singapore for shopping?
Orchard Road, hands down. Come to Singapore with an extra luggage you can fill with your shopping escapades at the malls lining this Singapore’s equivalent of the City of Angels’ Rodeo Drive.

Our tips and itinerary for traveling to Singapore

Gardens by the Bay Singapore

Singapore is a multifaceted country that manages to hold so many starkly different cultures under its wing, it seems impossible. The blending of varied points of view lead to the idea that Singapore is outlandishly mysterious and super hard to get a grasp on: It’s not exactly true. There are some things you must know before traveling here but they’re mostly innocent and can be learned in an instant.

As for the itinerary of your trip to Singapore, it will all depend on what you want to get out of this pilgrimage.

  • Is 3 days enough for Singapore? Our flexible four-day guide will give you an idea on the number of things you can fit into your short stay in Singapore.
  • Is one day enough for Singapore? Based on our previous experiences, we believe that you can have a perfect 24 hours in the Lion City. That is, if you have a well-planned itinerary and no mishaps along the way.
  • “What about food? Could you help me with the affordable places to eat in Singapore?” Yep, here is our guide to where to eat and not to go bankrupt!

Where to stay in Singapore: In conclusion

We hope that our detailed guide to the best Singapore neighborhoods and the most worth-it hotels has helped you plan your next trip to the Lion City to a tee: We honestly can’t think of any important information that could slip through our fingers. Still, if you have any questions about best places to stay in Singapore, don’t be shy: Leave them in the comments below! Seasoned Singapore visitors, feel free to also drop your personal hotel recommendations: Let’s make this a community effort that will benefit every reader of our website!