Best places to stay in Singapore
You can’t beat the Colonial District in Singapore's city centre for its central location and abundance of attractions. The hotels here tend to be luxurious and upmarket, mostly centring around Beach Road. Marina Bay boasts several museums, a waterfront view and the Gardens by the Bay, while Orchard Road is the luxury and shopping hub of the city.
For something a little more budget-friendly, try the area between Bras Basah Road and Rochor Road; it’s cool, design-focused and within walking distance from the key sites. Little India, Lavender Road and Chinatown have a fun vibe and more budget options. Kampong Glam is undoubtedly the coolest district in town. It’s very hip, with tonnes of cool bars, coffee shops and hangouts. Other districts to consider are the Quays (Clarke Quay and Boat Quay) for fun nightlife and dining, Sentosa Island for Universal Studios or Thiong Bahru, a residential neighbourhood popular with expats.
Where to stay to be near the popular attractions in Singapore
Marina Bay is an attraction in itself; the perfect spot to stay and see the Gardens by the Bay, the lights shows, the cloud forest and supertrees. Boat Quay is also very convenient for the Gardens by the Bay for the National Gallery and Fort Canning Park. The Rochor Road and Colonial districts are handy for the National Gallery, National Museum, the Peranakan Museum, Asian Civilisations Museums and several parks, like the Marina Promenade. To be a good distance from all these and reasonably close to the stunning Singapore Botanic Gardens, try Orchard Road.
Where to stay with your family in Singapore
Sentosa Island is known for being the most family-friendly and child-focused area of bustling Singapore. It’s home to a plethora of attractions, like Universal Studios, an aquarium and marine-life world and HydroDash and Adventure Cove water parks. You’ll also find TrickEye Singapore – a 3D immersive art space for children – and the Skyline Luge. Not to mention, there are several delightful beaches here, like Siloso and Palawan Beach. It’s like the whole island is designed for a family adventure. To be in the heart of the city centre, try Marina Bay, the Colonial District or Bras Basah Road and Rochor Road.
Where to stay as a solo traveller
To stay in a bustling area with plenty to do and lots of other travellers to meet, head to Little India or the Quays areas. The Great Madras in Little India is a 1920s-inspired hipster dream with chic decor, a pool and a reasonable price tag. The Quays area is bustling and packed with budget options for less than £100/night. Hotel Clover The Arts is a colourful space decked in art with compact yet practical rooms. The appropriately named HipsterCity hostel is another colourful and budget-friendly stay, carefully designed to allow a sense of privacy within the shared rooms.
Where to find cheap hotels in Singapore
On popular Lavender Street, near Little India, V Hotel Lavender promises a four-star stay at often under £100/night. The rooms are sleek and simple with high-quality mattresses, linens and bathrooms. You’ll have access to an outdoor pool, gym, terrace, open-air restaurant, and a laundromat.
Right in the centre of town, close to Fort Canning Park and the National Museum, Strand Hotel Singapore is a three-star stay for less than £100/night. It’s simple, functional and comfortable, with convenient family rooms large enough for five adults.
For around £100/night, you could also stay at the Travelodge Harbourfront. It has good access to both Sentosa Island and Singapore cable cars up to Faber Point. The comfortable rooms boast fantastic views, and there’s a rooftop bar. You can use the pool, co-working and coffee lounge, pantry (for longer stays), and a complimentary bike to explore the city.
