Last updated on September 14th, 2024
Whether you’re looking for the perfect city skyline accommodation or a budget hostel, we will share our recommendations for where to stay in Singapore with the best places and hotels in Singapore for accommodation.
Singapore is definitely a unique place and a popular place to visit in Asia. There are many interesting neighborhoods and world-class attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands are absolute must-sees for every traveler. Come and visit Singapore for a few days to explore the city.
When visiting Singapore, it is necessary that you know where to stay in Singapore when you are visiting the city. There is no shortage of places to stay in Singapore, from budget hostels to luxury skyscrapers to Singapore hotels perfect for families. Thankfully, with the help of this accommodation guide, finding out where to stay in Singapore will be easier. Singapore also has some of the nicest boutique hotels that we would like to share with everyone.
Whether it is your first time or you have been to Singapore a few times, here is a quick summary of where to stay in Singapore for the best places and a few hotels that we highly recommended.
Where To Stay in Singapore
Finding places where you can stay in Singapore should be easy. The public transport of Singapore is so convenient with well connected by great public transport. This makes finding accommodation in Singapore much simpler. However, we still highly suggest you choose accommodation nearby the station which will greatly help you to save a lot of traveling time.
Generally, the best places to stay in Singapore are marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, Sentosa, and Clarke Quay. While accommodation in Singapore is not exactly cheap. But there are affordable options in Chinatown, Bugis, and Little India for budget travelers.
Here are quick tips for where to stay in Singapore:
- Best place to stay in Singapore for first-timer – Marina Bay Sands
- Best place to stay in Singapore for luxurious travelers – Orchard Road
- Where to stay in Singapore for family travelers with kids – Sentosa
- Best place to stay for nightlife – Riverside (Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay)
- Where to stay in Singapore on a budget – Singapore Chinatown, Bugis, Little India
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay is our top recommendation for where to stay in Singapore for first-timers. This area overlaps with the Central Business District, the Civic Quarter, and the trendy Clarke Quay, so you’re never far from daily activities. There are many upscale restaurants, bars, and shopping malls as well as popular attractions like the Merlion, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore Flyer. So it is pretty convenient for action and visiting Singapore. Hotels here are amongst the most luxurious and offer the best views in Singapore.
Here are some of the top-rated hotels in the area:
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Luxury: The iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, as the name suggests is located on Marina Bay. It is one of the most popular if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore. Staying here means you will enjoy its stunning rooftop infinity pool, a myriad of panoramic viewpoints, classy restaurants, and the amazing Garden by the Bay.
The elegant rooms are so clean and comfortable. The Garden View is incredible, as you can watch the Gardens light show right from your balcony. One of the incredible ways to experience Singapore is by staying in Marina Bay Sands Hotel!
PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay
Luxury: PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay – another example of fine Singaporean hospitality. The fabulous hotel features elegant rooms with dramatic views of the Singapore skyline, a range of dining options, and a mineral water pool.
The hotel is simply beautiful with its interior decor. While the rooms offer panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. Spotlessly clean! The staff are amazing, friendly, and very helpful. Excellent location for MRT, shopping malls, and lots of eateries close by including a hawker market.
Everything was perfect and highly recommended if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping district. It is a bustling neighborhood and home to many discount outlets, department stores, and upscale boutiques along the street. The Botanic Gardens which is Singapore’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site is also located nearby.
When looking for where to stay in Orchard Road, there are plenty of quality hotels from the top international hotel chains in this area. It is one of the best areas to stay for first-time visitors to Singapore.
Best places and top-rated hotels in Orchard road:
- Luxury: Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
- High-range: YOTEL Orchard Road
- Mid-Range: Lloyd’s Inn
Shangri-La Hotel
Luxury: The luxurious Shangri-La Hotel is highly recommended for anyone looking for a luxurious stay in Singapore. It has a perfect location, a hideaway just 7 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road. The hotel has an incredible six hectares of tropical gardens, a swimming pool, a pond with a small waterfall, orchids galore, and plenty of palm trees. Many feature balconies overlooking the pool, waterfall, and lush vegetation reminiscent of a tropical island. A beautiful resort hotel for an amazing holiday in Singapore.
Staffs are extremely helpful and attentive. With its world-class friendly service, this hotel truly makes you feel welcome.
YOTEL Orchard Road
High-Range: Located in the heart of the vibrant Orchard Road district, YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road offers smoke-free accommodation in Singapore. The location is excellent, just situated next to Orchard Road. Plus, it is 270 meters from Orchard MRT Station, making it easily accessible to many places around Singapore. There are also many eateries around the hotel.
The rooms are very modern, and spacious with excellent views. All amenities are provided and the staffs are very helpful. Rooms are running fast, so it is best to reserve your room early!
Lloyd’s Inn
Mid-Range: Lloyd’s Inn is a boutique-style hotel perfect for a staycation in Singapore. It has only 34 rooms, a roof terrace, a garden deck, a pool, and an outdoor pantry, which overlooks the neighborhood. The bed was comfy and the room was adequate size for a short stay for travelers. Guests love the minimalist design aesthetics and the hospitality.
The location is also very convenient. Located off Killiney Road in a residential area, Lloyd’s Inn is a short walk to the heart of Orchard Road. Somerset MRT Station, Orchard Gateway, and Orchard Central shopping malls are within a 10-minute walk away.
Limited rooms are available and make sure to reserve your room early. You can check for rooms available here – Lloyd’s Inn.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is a small island off the south coast of Singapore. It is a resort island and home to theme parks like Universal Studios and Resorts World Sentosa, beaches, and lush gardens. There are many attractions, activities, and adventures awaiting travelers of all ages.
Besides, we would recommend staying in Sentosa if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore for family travelers travelings with kids. Staying here would put you farther away from the attractions in central Singapore, but if you’re traveling with kids, then this is a good place to consider. While most of the accommodation in Sentosa island is mostly high-end, so the price is slightly pricy.
Check below for a list of accommodations in and around Sentosa Island:
- Luxury: Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
- High-Range: Village Hotel Sentosa
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
Luxury: Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is one of the best-located luxury hotels in the city. It offers modern amenities with the comfort of home, with an added bit of luxury. Enjoy a deluxe room, couple or family suites, one-bedroom villas, or private studios. You can opt for a private pool as well.
Just a 3-minute walk to Palawan Beach, and boasting panoramic views of the South China Sea. Besides, the property is located just 3 minutes from Universal Studios Singapore and the casino at Resorts World Sentosa. A free return shuttle to Harbourfront is included for hotel guests.
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
Luxury: W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is an excellent resort-style hotel in a less crowded part of Sentosa. The property is elegant and beautiful. Rooms feature either partial or full views of the pool or ocean, with select rooms offering a balcony. The spa, gorgeous pool, and the facilities are pristine.
The staffs are very friendly, credible and helpful. Everything here is top-notch and you’re never going to want to leave. Truly a pleasant place if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore.
Village Hotel Sentosa
High-Range: Village Hotel Sentosa is a fantastic family-friendly option, this hotel delivers a unique offering on the island with brand-new amenities and activities. The rooms are comfy and super clean. The location is perfect and close to the free express monorail making it easy to get around and on and off the island. It is also nice walking to the beaches.
A perfect place to stay for family and kids if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore by spending a great time exploring Sentosa!
Riverside (Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay)
The lively Riverside (Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay) is one of the most popular nightlife spots in Singapore. The area is known as Boat Quay and Clarke Quay where restaurants, nightclubs, and chic pubs are mostly situated. While the newer Robertson Quay is on the west of Clarke Quay. It is a little bit calmer and more relaxed with some monuments and architecture.
Here you will find numerous trendiest bars, pubs, and restaurants along the Singapore river. The nightlife in the area is also quite high-spirited and vibrant, so if you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore for nightlife, this might be the perfect area for you.
Staying in this area will be convenient to enjoy a few drinks, dance the night away, and experience Singapore’s legendary nightlife scene.
Recommended Hotel in Riverside (Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay):
- Luxury: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court
- High-Range: Park Regis Singapore
- Mid-Range: Ibis Budget Singapore Clarke Quay
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court
Luxury: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court – This beautiful resort hotel is the perfect retreat after a long day of sightseeing in the city. The property has a year-round outdoor pool, fitness center, hot tub, and garden. All guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries, and a desk. All rooms include a private bathroom with a hairdryer, while certain rooms also offer a balcony and others also have river views. The metro station is just across the road, making it easy to get anywhere in the city, including the airport.
Park Regis Singapore
High-Range: Park Regis Singapore is another popular place to stay in Clarke Quay. The location is excellent, 250 meters from Clarke Quay MRT Station and Clarke Quay Central. The Singapore River Cruise and the entertainment and nightlife hub of Clarke Quay are within walking distance. The room is spacious and comfortable, perfect for business and leisure travelers.
Ibis Budget Clarke Quay
Mid-Range: Ibis Budget Clarke Quay with a fantastic location in the Clarke Quay area. This hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Clarke Quay MRT Station and the famous Singapore River. It’s also only a 30-minute walk from Marina Bay Sands along the water edge, and close to Chinatown. The rooms are clean and basic but it has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Where To Stay in Singapore On a Budget
If you are the budget type and looking for where to stay in Singapore on a budget, you can choose to stay in Bugis, Chinatowns, and Little India. These areas have many cheap accommodations with lower prices yet are accessable by public transport.
Singapore Chinatown
Singapore’s Chinatown is a traditional Chinese quarter where new and old seamlessly meet. It has a different vibe compared to Marina Bay and Orchard Road, this area has many rustic eateries, traditional shophouses, and religious attractions. It is one of the great places to visit in Singapore and best to spend at least one day exploring around.
When looking for where to stay in Singapore on a budget, Chinatown is a popular option. The neighborhood has many great food options and accommodations at reasonable prices. This area is also top spot for hostels and mid-budget hotels.
Check below for some of the best budget accommodation options in Singapore Chinatown.
- High-Range: The Scarlet Singapore
- Mid-Budget: Hotel 1888 Collection
- Budget Hostel: CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel Chinatown
The Scarlet Singapore
High-Range: The Scarlet Singapore is housed in a preserved pre-war shophouse in culturally rich Chinatown. The rooms are beautiful decor and elegantly designed. The whole property is clean and in perfect condition. The location is also very central, 2 minutes away from Chinatown, with two SMRT stations that are reachable within a 2-10 minute walk. Plenty of food options nearby.
A great boutique hotel for an overnight night stay if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore Chinatown.
Hotel 1888 Collection
Mid-Budget: The Hotel 1888 Collection is a well-designed and compact room that is ideal for a short stay in Singapore. The rooms are basic but with all the amenities. The property has a great location that is within walking distance to train stations and an abundance of good food options. The Chinatown MRT Station is just a mere 3-minute walk. The best place to stay in Singapore Chinatown for convenience and reasonable price.
CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel Chinatown
Budget: CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel Chinatown offers a mix of dorm-style beds and private double or quad dorm rooms at reasonable prices. It’s a great budget option for those who prefer clean well-kept space. All facilities are available. The staff were all friendly and made sure your comfort is their priority.
CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel is located on Smith Street in Chinatown, home to Singapore’s popular outdoor food street. A 5-minute walk from both Chinatown and Outram Park MRT Station.
Bugis
For a budget-friendly trip to Singapore, consider staying in the Bugis area. Bugis was once part of a red-light district but it has been rebuilt to become to commercial and residential-friendly space.
Bugis Street is one of Singapore’s most iconic shopping alleys with hundreds of stalls selling street food, local souvenirs, and all sorts of fashion pieces. Many events are also hosted at Bugis. The Bugis MRT station is well-connected to the area, making it very easy to access.
Here is our recommendation for where to stay in Singapore – Bugis:
- High-Range: Village Hotel Bugis
- Mid-Budget: Ibis Budget Singapore Bugis
- Budget Hostel: POD Boutique Capsule Hostel
Village Hotel Bugis
High-Range: Village Hotel Bugis – This popular hotel is situated in the central of Singapore’s Arab, Peranakan, and Indian heritage districts. So you’ll be in the hustle and bustle, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and top attractions. The charming Haji Lane and Arab Street is merely 2-minute away. Bugis MRT is also nearby. Good size rooms, comfy bed.
In short, Village Hotel Bugis is a good hotel if you are looking for where to stay in Singapore – Bugis. Cheap price and great value for money.
Ibis Budget Bugis
Mid-Budget: ibis budget Singapore Bugis is a cozy hotel that offers affordable and modern accommodation. The location is good it is very close to Bugis junction and lots of restaurants. It is about a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station and a 15-minute walk to Parco Bugis Junction and Bugis Village.
The room is simple and spacious enough for single or double occupants. Great budget hotel in Singapore.
POD Boutique Capsule Hostel
Budget: POD Boutique Capsule Hostel is a chic hostel that offers capsule bedding for guests. Guests can choose to stay the private rooms or dormitory rooms. Clean rooms and common spaces are quiet and cozy.
The hostel is strategically located in the center of the Bugis. It has a great location and walking distance of a lot of cafes and tourist spots. Marina Bay is about 10 minute’s walk, and also can walk to Bugis MRT, Junction Mall, and Bugis Village. There are bus stations nearby. Very clean and comfortable.
Little India
Little India is – as the name suggests – home to Singapore’s Indian community. Many Indian restaurants, eateries, colorful shops, and a few MRT stations in the area. Plus, this neighborhood is home to a good range of mid-level to budget accommodation options and is considered as one of the best places for budget travelers when looking for where to stay in Singapore.
Here are a few of the top-rated hotels in the area:
- High-Range: Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
- Budget Hostel: 7 Wonders Hostel
Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
High-Range: Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood is a modern and cozy Apartment Hotel. The property is housed in a heritage 1920s Art Deco style building in Little India, and beautifully renovated with mixes a minimalistic aesthetic with stylish touch. The rooms are cleverly designed to make the most of the space. Getting around is easy where the s a minute’s walk from Jalan Besar MRT Station, a 5-minute walk from Rochor MRT Station.
Everything was still just as fabulous!
7 Wonders Hostel
Budget: 7 Wonders Hostel at Upper Dickson offers affordable stays for budget travelers. It has dormitory rooms and private family rooms for larger groups. It is less than 1 km from Mustafa Centre. The location in Little India is good for nice food and reasonable prices. The bed was comfy, with fresh bedding and curtains for privacy. There aren’t many cheap places to stay in Singapore but this one is very reasonable.
Overall: Best Place to Stay in Singapore
All in all, hopefully, you now have more information about the city’s different areas, and deciding where to stay in Singapore has become a little easier. Visiting Singapore will be an enriching experience and a complete contrast to many cities you will experience in Asia.
For first-timers, Marina Bay is our top pick for where to stay in Singapore and Chinatown is a great option on a budget! Singapore accommodation is still expensive compared to nearby countries. If possible, try to reserve your room earlier if you can grab the deal!
Are you planning on going to Singapore? Check out our Singapore travel stories on what to see and do in this fantastic and vibrant city!
