Wondering where to stay in Singapore? In this guide I’m sharing the best neighbourhoods to base yourself, including hand-picked hotel recommendations.
I’ve been to Singapore more than 10 times, and every time I visit I end up staying in a different area and a different hotel. There are areas I love for the vibe and proximity to restaurants and bars, and areas that are convenient to stay (for example, if I’m here on business travel).
Being an island, Singapore is one of those cities where you can’t go too wrong with your choice of neighbourhood – the train system is fast, clean and connects almost everywhere you’ll want to go, and rideshares are relatively cheap. But it does pay to do a bit of research and decide which area is best for your visit and the things you want to do while you’re here.
And of course, there’s no going past the fact that Singapore is one of the more expensive cities when it comes to hotels.
So, in this guide, I’m breaking down my five favourite areas to stay in Singapore: Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Bugis/Kampong Glam – with a shortlist of hotels in each, across a range of prices and styles.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
MY TOP HOTEL IN SINGAPORE
My most recommended hotel in Singapore is The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore. Sure, it’s a splurge, but you get waterfront views of the Marina Bay skyline without the mega-resort scale of Marina Bay Sands and it’s walkable to most of the CBD’s landmarks.
Where to stay in Singapore: The best neighbourhoods
Marina Bay is where you’ll find the postcard skyline – Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, Gardens by the Bay – and hotels here put you right in the middle of Singapore’s biggest sights. The downside is that this is also the priciest area to stay!
Orchard Road is Singapore’s shopping spine, and it’s where I’ve stayed most often because it has a good range of well-known hotel brands. It’s a good, central base if you want easy access to malls and quick train connections to the rest of the city, but it doesn’t have the most “authentic” vibe in Singapore.
Chinatown mixes heritage shophouses with some of the city’s best food, and its boutique hotels tend to have more character than you’ll find in the bigger chains elsewhere. It’s a central area to stay in Singapore, so you can easily access other parts of the city.
Clarke Quay sits right on the river and is a great spot for Singapore dining and nightlife. It’s central without carrying Marina Bay’s price tag, and you can walk to Chinatown in 15-20 minutes.
Bugis and Kampong Glam is Singapore’s arts and culture pocket – think Haji Lane, Arab Street and the Sultan Mosque – with a good spread of design-led and mid-range hotels.
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Best hotels in Singapore
Here’s a quick rundown of the best Singapore hotels I recommend – read on for more detailed overviews of each.
| Hotel | Neighbourhood | Price range | Check prices |
| Marina Bay Sands | Marina Bay | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore | Marina Bay | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Naumi Hotel Singapore | Marina Bay (City Hall) | $$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Grand Hyatt Singapore | Orchard Road | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Four Seasons Hotel Singapore | Orchard Road | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| voco Orchard Singapore by IHG | Orchard Road | $$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| AMOY by Far East Hospitality | Chinatown | $$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection | Chinatown | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| The Clan Hotel Singapore | Chinatown | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Bliss Hotel Singapore | Chinatown | $ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay | Clarke Quay | $ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay | Clarke Quay | $$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering | Clarke Quay | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Andaz Singapore | Bugis/Kampong Glam | $$$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Village Hotel Bugis | Bugis/Kampong Glam | $$ | CHECK RATES HERE |
| Hotel NuVe | Bugis/Kampong Glam | $ | CHECK RATES HERE |
Where to stay in Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 ⭐️ | Best bucket list hotel in Singapore
This is the hotel you see on almost every Singapore marketing image – and a bucket list stay, especially if you’re celebrating something special or wanting to splurge on your Singapore itinerary.
Rooms at Marina Bay Sands look out over either the Singapore skyline or Gardens by the Bay, and the higher categories have had a recent upgrade. There’s an enormous range of restaurants, shops and entertainment on site, so you barely even need to leave the hotel.
The Level 57 SkyPark infinity pool is exclusive to guests (day visitors only get the observation deck, not the pool), and the location is within walking distance of Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum, The Shoppes and the nightly Spectra light and water show.
I wouldn’t call it an intimate luxury hotel – it’s a vast resort, and the check-in areas, lifts and public spaces can feel busy because so many people are visiting the area. But it’s definitely worth the splurge.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 9.6 ⭐️ | The best refined waterfront luxury hotel in Marina Bay
While Marina Bay Sands is the Singapore hotel everyone talks about, I actually think The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a much nicer luxury hotel in Marina Bay. It only has around 100 rooms, so it feels far more intimate, and its position directly opposite Marina Bay Sands means many rooms have superb bay and skyline views.
There’s an awesome rooftop bar – The Lantern – which is great for a cocktail, especially around sunset and during the nightly light show. There’s also an adjoining infinity lap pool. Rooms are generally spacious (by Singapore standards), with floor-to-ceiling windows, and some have balconies or even an outdoor jacuzzi.
The design is very contemporary with lots of glass and steel, but the hotel incorporates the historic Clifford Pier and the former waterfront landing area, so there’s a nice bit of history woven in.
Naumi Hotel Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 8.5 ⭐️ | Best boutique hotel near Marina Bay
Naumi Hotel Singapore is a stylish boutique hotel with a lot more personality than many similarly priced central properties. Individually styled rooms – including themed suites – make this a good pick if you dislike the “meh-ness” of corporate hotels.
The Cloud 9 rooftop infinity pool with its sweeping city views is one of its best features. It’s for guests only, so you know it won’t ever be too crowded. Plus, guests get a complimentary drink each day at the bar!
Naumi is technically closer to City Hall than Marina Bay itself, but it’s still only a 15-minute walk to Marina Bay, and it’s right near CHIJMES and the restaurants along Purvis and Seah streets. Marina Bay, the National Gallery and the Esplanade are all walkable, even though the hotel isn’t directly on the water.
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Best hotels in Orchard Road
Grand Hyatt Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 8.8 ⭐️ | Best hotel on Orchard Road
I’ve stayed at the Grand Hyatt multiple times and I always recommend it without hesitation. It’s in a great location, just around the corner from Orchard MRT and a short walk from ION Orchard, TANGS and the rest of Orchard Road’s huge shopping malls.
The rooms are spacious – and the hotel has just had a huge renovation so they’ve been completely upgraded.
My favourite thing about this hotel, though, is StraitsKitchen – the onsite restaurant which has amazing Singaporean food and one of the best buffet breakfasts I’ve had anywhere. There’s also an outdoor pool, spa, gym and tennis courts.
With almost 700 rooms, it’s a large property, so don’t expect an intimate boutique feel (although I think the staff are always excellent). But for a well-located, stylish base on Orchard Road, I think it’s one of the best options.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 9.3 ⭐️ | Best quiet luxury hotel in Singapore
One of the best hotels in Singapore is the Four Seasons. I’ve only stayed here once but it’s one of those hotels that’s stuck with me because it was so special.
At 259 rooms and suites, it’s relatively intimate for an Orchard Road luxury hotel, and the service was some of the best I experienced in Singapore. There were snacks near the lifts and I even somehow had a “romantic room” with a menu for relaxing rose baths and chocolate scrubs (unfortunately I was there for business and without my husband!).
There are two outdoor pools – a quieter lap pool and a rooftop family pool – along with a full spa, 24-hour fitness centre and multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
The dining line-up includes Nobu Singapore and the Michelin-recommended Jiang-Nan Chun, so you don’t even need to leave the hotel to have some of Singapore’s best food.
voco Orchard Singapore by IHG
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 ⭐️ | Best mid-range value hotel on Orchard Road
If the Grand Hyatt and Four Seasons are a little pricier than your budget allows, voco Orchard is a good alternative. I really like the voco brand – they always have trendier interiors and sociable spaces. The voco Orchard Singapore is no different. The rooms also tend to be more spacious than you’ll find at many newer Singapore hotels.
It’s right on Orchard Road, and it’s an easy walk to ION Orchard, Wheelock Place, Forum and the western end of the Botanic Gardens.
The Level 24 rooftop pool has city views, and there’s also a children’s pool, sauna, steam room and 24-hour gym. There’s also a lot of dining choices, with four restaurants and bars.
Best hotels in Chinatown
AMOY by Far East Hospitality
⭐️ Rating: 8.9 ⭐️ | Best small heritage hotel in Chinatown
AMOY has one of the more memorable entrances in Singapore – you walk in through the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, into rooms built into converted heritage shophouses. With only 37 rooms, it feels far more personal than Singapore’s larger city hotels.
A complimentary minibar and heritage-inspired room details add a nice touch, and guests get access to the Level 30 pool, gym and shower suites at The Clan Hotel a minute away, which makes up for AMOY not having facilities of its own.
It’s surrounded by the restaurants, cafés and bars of Telok Ayer Street, Amoy Street and Ann Siang Hill, and it’s an easy walk to Chinatown proper, Lau Pa Sat, the CBD and Boat Quay.
Some rooms are small, have limited outlooks, or involve stairs and irregular layouts because of the protected building, so it’s often worth checking ahead if that’s something that’s going to be an issue for you.
Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection
⭐️ Rating: 8.4 ⭐️ | Best romantic shophouse stay in Chinatown
Duxton Reserve occupies a row of restored 19th-century shophouses in the fashionable Duxton Hill area, and the interiors – designed by Anouska Hempel – are dramatic: distinctive dark lacquer, gold, black and rich Asian decorative touches. The small scale and moody interiors suit couples and design-focused travellers more than families.
It’s surrounded by excellent restaurants, cocktail bars and cafés, with Keong Saik Road, Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown all within walking distance.
There’s no swimming pool, and some entry-level rooms are quite compact, dark or a little awkwardly laid out – but I think it’s still a beautifully done hotel. It’s on the edge of Chinatown, closer to Duxton/Tanjong Pagar, but still close to the main Singapore attractions in Chinatown.
The Clan Hotel Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 ⭐️ | Best contemporary luxury hotel in Chinatown
If you’re looking for something more modern in Chinatown, The Clan Hotel is a beautiful option. It has a polished, business-luxury atmosphere rather than the romantic heritage feel of AMOY or Duxton Reserve, and it weaves in Singaporean clan and trading-history references without trying to imitate a historic shophouse.
It’s one of the best-connected hotels in Chinatown, with Telok Ayer MRT essentially on the doorstep. The Level 30 Sky Pool, jacuzzi and gym have excellent views over Chinatown and the CBD, and the modern rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows and thoughtful little touches like a welcome tea.
One of the things I like best about this hotel is that it has round-the-clock shower suites – a handy bonus if you’re arriving early or leaving on a late flight. Because we all know that flight schedules never line up with check-in and check-out times!
Bliss Hotel Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 8.3 ⭐️ | Best budget stay in Singapore Chinatown
For a more affordable base, Bliss Hotel is right opposite Chinatown MRT and close to Chinatown Point shopping centre. It’s an easy walk to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown’s food streets, Maxwell Food Centre, Clarke Quay and the river, and it’s considerably cheaper than the boutique and luxury hotels I’ve listed above.
There’s no pool, gym or resort-style facilities here, and rooms can be very small – some have no windows. But, with Singapore being such an expensive city, this is a great alternative that’s a comfortable and well located base.
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Where to stay in Clarke Quay
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 ⭐️ | Best luxury hotel in Clarke Quay
The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is one of the most stunning hotels in Clarke Quay – if not all of Singapore. Designed as a “hotel-in-a-garden”, it has vertical gardens and lush green plants throughout the entire complex. The hotel has one Michelin Key in the Michelin Guide.
I love that every room has huge windows allowing tonnes of natural light and with views of the trees and plants. Some rooms have window seats. The rooms certainly feel more like a sanctuary rather than a typical hotel suite.
The infinity pool framed by greenery and birdcage-style cabanas is one of the most photogenic hotel pools in Singapore.
There’s a dedicated wellness floor with a spa, gym and elevated garden walk. The sustainability story here is strong too – passive design, energy-saving features and abundant landscaping – without any compromise on luxury.
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay
⭐️ Rating: 8.5 ⭐️ | Best value hotel in Clarke Quay
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay on my most recent trip to Singapore and it was a great base. The rooftop pool alone makes it worth a mention – a 40-metre pool, whirlpools and a landscaped deck that’s unusually impressive for an affordable chain hotel.
The breakfast buffet is excellent, and there’s also a Grab & Go option if you’re heading out early. There’s also a laundry room – helpful when your clothes get sweaty from the Singapore humidity!
My room was fairly small (but that’s Singapore for you!) but the bed was super comfy with blackout blinds and a rain shower. Plus, the bathroom had a filtered water tap – something I wish all hotels had!
The hotel is around seven to ten minutes’ walk from Clarke Quay MRT, with Chinatown, Robertson Quay, Fort Canning and the Singapore River all walkable too.
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
⭐️ Rating: 8.7 ⭐️ | Best resort-style hotel in Singapore
If you want more space and resort-style facilities without leaving the city, the Paradox Singapore is one of the best hotels. The large outdoor pool has a waterslide, a children’s pool, poolside dining and plenty of greenery, and rooms are generally larger than at the Holiday Inn Express, making it a better fit for families or longer stays.
It’s an excellent base for the Singapore River, Boat Quay, Chinatown and Fort Canning, and the on-site spa, gym, restaurant and bar make it more of a full-service hotel.
The architecture and some interiors feel more traditional than Singapore’s newer five-star hotels (I’m not really on the teal-blue carpet in some rooms!), but I think this is the best hotel in Clarke Quay for families.
Where to stay in Bugis and Kampong Glam
Andaz Singapore
⭐️ Rating: 9.0 ⭐️ | Best design-led luxury hotel in Bugis/Kampong Glam
The hotels in Bugis and Kampong Glam tend to suit a more budget traveller – which is why I found Andaz Singapore such a pleasant surprise.
High-floor rooms have expansive views over Marina Bay, Kampong Glam or the city skyline, and there’s a stylish outdoor infinity pool, a 24-hour gym and a guest Sunroom with complimentary refreshments.
I highly rate rooftop bar Mr Stork (and you’re also close to ATLAS, rated one of the world’s best bars). The hotel is more sophisticated and design-driven than the average large Hyatt property.
It’s an excellent base for Haji Lane, Arab Street, Sultan Mosque, Bugis Junction and the National Library. This is my top luxury pick for this neighbourhood – actually, my top pick overall if you’ve got the budget.
Hotel NuVe
⭐️ Rating: 8.0 ⭐️ | Best budget boutique stay in Kampong Glam
For an affordable option right in the heart of Kampong Glam, Hotel NuVe occupies a heritage shophouse very close to Sultan Mosque, Arab Street and Haji Lane, about five to seven minutes’ walk from Bugis MRT.
A complimentary welcome minibar and free Wi-Fi add a little extra value (I’ll never say no to that!), and you’re surrounded by dozens of Malay, Middle Eastern and halal restaurants.
Its small size and shophouse setting give it more neighbourhood character than a generic budget chain, though rooms are very compact and some have no windows, and there’s no pool, gym or restaurant on site. But this is an excellent budget boutique option if you’re looking for an affordable, well-located Kampong Glam base.
Village Hotel Bugis
⭐️ Rating: 7.8 ⭐️ | Best family stay with a pool
If you’re travelling as a family and looking for a bit more space, then Village Hotel Bugis has larger rooms than most hotels in Singapore. There are even family rooms available so you can spread out a bit more.
There’s an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour gym – valuable inclusions at this price point.
The hotel is super close to Sultan Mosque, Arab Street and Haji Lane, with Bugis MRT around five to seven minutes away.
The property can feel busy at times, and some rooms or common areas may show their age – some rooms have been renovated, so I’d make sure to book one of those specifically. Overall, though, this is a great mid-range choice for families.
Where to stay in Singapore: Final thoughts
Wherever you end up staying, Singapore’s excellent public transport network and rideshare options make it easy to explore beyond your own neighbourhood, so don’t feel like your choice locks you in.
If I had to narrow it down: Orchard Road for shopping and reliable comfort, Clarke Quay for riverside dining and nightlife, Chinatown for heritage character, Marina Bay for the bucket-list experience and Bugis/Kampong Glam for arts and culture.
FAQs: Best hotels in Singapore
Which Singapore neighbourhood is best for first-time visitors?
For a first-time visit to Singapore, I think Marina Bay, Clarke Quay and Chinatown are great options. They’re closest together along the river/bay corridor, which minimises travel time between sights, and each neighbourhood has plenty of hotel options.
How far are these neighbourhoods from Changi Airport?
Most of central Singapore, including all five neighbourhoods above, is around 20-30 minutes from Changi Airport by taxi or MRT, depending on traffic and connections.
Do I need a car in Singapore?
No. The MRT covers the whole city efficiently, and taxis and ride-share options like Grab are affordable and easy to book.
What’s the easiest way to get around Singapore?
The MRT is the fastest and most reliable option for most trips. Get an EZ-Link card or tap your credit card for direct contactless payment.
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Now you know where to stay in Singapore, which neighbourhood will you choose? Let me know in the comments below!
Read next
Before you go, you might like these travel articles:
- 2 Days in Singapore: How to Spend 48 Hours in the Lion City
- A Chef’s Tour of Singapore: 11 Dishes You Must Try
- 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur: The Perfect First-Time Visitor’s Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur (COMING SOON)
- Travelling from Singapore to Bangkok by Train: The Ultimate Overland Adventure
BOOKING A TRIP SOON? HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL LINKS
- Book your flight online with Skyscanner – it’s where I always start my flight research. (I then book directly with the airline.)
- One thing I always purchase is travel insurance. Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
- Wise is my choice for sending and receiving money and spending money overseas (you can get a digital and physical card).
- Find a great hotel on Booking.com.
- How to get around? I use DiscoverCars for car hire, or Motorhome Republic and Jucy for campervan/RV rental. For buses, trains and ferries, I use 12GO, Busbud and Omio.
- Grab an e-sim to stay connected while on the road.
- Check out the huge range of day tours throughout major cities and countries on GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator. I’m always a fan of a good food tour!
- Saving money? Check out the huge range of free walking tours on GuruWalk (don’t forget to tip!).
- Stuff I always pack? A reusable water bottle, packing cubes and a handy electronics organiser. Check out my Amazon shop for all my fave travel items – everything from backpacks and suitcases to travel adapters and beauty products.
PIN IT FOR LATER: WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE
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