Singapore Hotels

Singapore Slings and the High Life

Easily the most famous bar in Singapore, and a must-visit, is the Raffles Hotel Long Bar. The home of the Singapore Sling, Raffles' elegant interior reflects its 19th-century colonial origins and contains a shopping arcade and its own museum.

Taking things up a level is 1-Altitude, the world's tallest rooftop bar at 282 metres high. From here, you have a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city, after which you can hang out in the 282 bar and play their indoor golf simulators.

Shopping            

Singapore is the place to shop, symbolised by Orchard Road, a famous shopping boulevard full of malls that include lots of fashion brands and food options.

The Grand Park Orchard Hotel in Singapore even has its own retail area called Knightsbridge, with four floors that include popular stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger.

For more cultural souvenirs, the Kampong Glam, Little India, and Chinatown districts all have something to offer, from silk fabrics, jewellery and clogs, to painted masks and other handicrafts.

Temples

Built in 1827, the Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple and welcomes visitors with its colourful statues, paintings, and flowers.

The oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore is the Thian Hock Keng temple, worth a visit for its striking Chinese architecture, made from stone and wood, without any nails. Constructed by the first Chinese immigrants to Singapore in gratitude for their safe passage, it contains beautifully ornate carved dragons and panels.

Botanic Gardens

When Singaporeans want to get away from the hustle and bustle, they head to the city's beautiful Botanic Gardens, with over 60,000 plants and orchids in its National Orchid Garden. Here you'll find the Tembusu, one of Singapore's main trees, more than 150 years old. This award-winning attraction even has a Library Shop and Garden Shop, perfect for souvenirs.

Street Snacks

With the money you've saved on cheap hotels in Singapore, you can afford to indulge in the great variety of dining options on offer here. From Chinese to Indian and Malay food, it's all on offer here, from the fanciest restaurants to popular street food snacks such as chicken rice and chilli crab.

A good time to visit Singapore is October when the temperature averages 27 degrees centigrade. If you want to see where else is hot worldwide at any time of year, check out our Where's hot in October guide.

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.

Hotels with rooftop bars

Marina Bay Sands is one of the most famous hotels in Singapore, and its rooftop pool and bar is iconic now. The inside is almost indescribably luxurious, with stunning views from all the rooms, an indulgent spa and literally dozens of fine-dining restaurants. There are two ways to take in the breathtaking view from the rooftop – the observation deck or the truly epic infinity pool.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

To name but one of Singapore’s sensational foodie venues is tough. The Warehouse Hotel in Robertson Quay is not only steeped in luxury with a fabulous river-front spot but also a phenomenal restaurant that won’t break the bank. Po Restaurant serves classic Singaporean dishes, which are modern, elevating local staples to new highs. Try beef cheek rendang, giant river prawns, black-black fried rice for under £25, and delightful dumplings, crispy pork belly, and kueh pie tee for starters.

Spa hotels

In Sentosa Cove, W Singapore, is a spa oasis on the idyllic Sentosa Island. Stay in a chic and spacious room or suite, some of which feature a private balcony or plunge pool. The pièce de résistance is the Extreme WOW Suite, with its larger-than-life decor, balcony pool and show-stopping view. Of course, there’s a huge outdoor pool area, and the AWAY Spa with its unique rainforest design. Indulge in massages and treatments, plus the decompression area, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, vitality pool, herbal bath and experiential showers.

Exceptional hotels

The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Hotel has become a Singapore icon. The hotel itself is an attraction – a vertical forest stretching into Singapore’s skyline. The rooms are understated and calming, featuring natural wood and lots of glass for the perfect view. Inside this towering jungle, you’ll have access to the rooftop terrace and infinity pool, the St Gregory Spa and a gym with an incredible view. There’s even an urban farm on the roof, providing the freshest ingredients for the hotel’s restaurant.

Luxury hotels

In the designer Orchard Road area, close to the Botanic Gardens, The St. Regis Singapore is dripping in decadence. Every detail of this five-star hotel is perfection, from its chandeliers and exquisite wallpaper to its marble features and exceptional views. Enjoy rooms with freestanding bathtubs (and a 24-hour butler service) or suites fit for royalty. There are five stunning dining options and an outdoor tropical spa pool. Alternatively, for five-star elegance and a waterside spot, opt for The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia. Stunning modern architecture with panoramic views meets rooms designed for quiet luxury. Dine in opulent restaurants offering Michelin-starred cuisine and eight-course afternoon teas. There’s a generous outdoor pool, and in the La Mer spa, no expense is spared – you can even have a massage accompanied by a cellist playing live.