Where to Stay in Singapore: Hotels & Honest Advice for Each Budget
Wondering where to stay in Singapore? With an expensive reputation and numerous areas offering different experiences on this cosmopolitan island, it can be confusing to figure out the best location to suit you. My tried-and-tested guide to hotels in Singapore is here to help!
Plenty of other sites put together these kinds of lists, but I find them a little disingenuous. How can the author honestly recommend Singapore hotels they haven’t personally stayed in?
As an Australian, flying to most places requires a stop over in Singapore along the way. Over the years this has given me the chance to stay in a number of accommodations at varying price points. What this means for you is I can genuinely speak about staying in multiple Singapore hotels because I’ve actually done it.
Whether you’re searching for where to stay in Singapore for first timers, as a couple, on a budget, with family or for a special occasion, learn my honest truths about top hotels in each area by reading on for more!
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Where to stay in Singapore: Tried-and-tested hotels for each budget
In my usual invisible tourist fashion, I can share the pros and cons for everywhere I have stayed to help you narrow down accommodation you should seriously consider for your Singapore itinerary. Here’s a quick overview:
Disclaimer: I paid for each of these hotels with my own money and am reviewing them unbeknownst to the hotel owners, management or staff.
Contrary to other advice you may have read, I’ll also share where not to stay in Singapore for reasons I’ll explain down the page. If you’re interested, here’s why I personally don’t choose Airbnb and similar services.
I’ll start with the cheapest Singapore hotel option that is still 3 stars, and work up to most expensive.
I’ve included nearest MRT (metro) stations, points of interest, best suited for, if a convenience store) is nearby and any additional info. With that said, let’s jump into my guide for where to stay in Singapore!
CLARKE QUAY: Ibis Budget Singapore
Considering its expensive reputation, where is the best place to stay in Singapore on a budget?
If it’s your first time and you’re following my itinerary, in my opinion the best place to stay is Clarke Quay. Centrally located with a MRT station, it’s very easy to see the main sights by public transport.
One of my trips I stayed in Clarke Quay for a week, so I really wanted a budget accommodation option to make my money go further. If you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore with family on a budget, the Ibis Budget Singapore Clarke Quay is an affordable choice!
Pros of Ibis Budget Singapore Clarke Quay
- Nearest Station/s: 1 min walk to Clarke Quay Station, 5 mins walk to the waterfront, directly opposite Clarke Quay Central mall, 10 mins walk to Chinatown
- Points of interest: 8 mins walk to Market Street Hawker Centre for street food
- Best suited for: Budget Conscious, Couples, Families, Solo Travellers
- Other info: Brilliant central location
- 7-11 convenience store next door
- Helpful and friendly staff
- Has everything you need for a pleasant stay
- Rooftop pool looked fantastic and would be great when staying with kids
- Most affordable place to stay in Singapore on my list.
Cons of Ibis Budget Singapore Clarke Quay
- Some rooms have windows that don’t open. The trip I stayed here I had a sinus problem and needed fresh air. Once I checked into my room which overlooked the pool, I realised the window didn’t open. I asked the staff if I could switch rooms, and they were so kind and accommodating. Ask for a window-opening room when booking if air-conditioning can become an issue for you
- Some rooms have no windows at all for a cheaper price, so make sure to double-check you’re ok with that before booking!
MARINA BAY: ParkRoyal Collection Singapore
Where is the best location in Singapore to stay for views? Along Marina Bay, for sure! I booked the Signature Marina Bay King room at the ParkRoyal Collection to have a view of the Spectra evening light show from the floor to ceiling windows.
You can’t see the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and its balancing infinity pool when you are inside it, so a view across from it is better in that respect!
If you’d like a little slice of luxury that comes in cheaper than prestigious properties such as the Fullerton and Westin, ParkRoyal Collection is a great choice and I loved my stay here.
Pros of ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay
- Nearest Station/s: 5 mins walk to Esplanade MRT Station, 10 mins walk to Promenade MRT Station
- Points of interest: Don Quijote (Donki) directly opposite the hotel – readers of my Japan blog will love this! 20 mins walk to Gardens by the Bay, directly opposite Marina Square Mall, watch the Spectra evening light show from the room
- Best suited for: Business, Couples, Solo Travellers
- Other info: My room had a lovely wide balcony to get fresh air
- Gorgeous, impressive entrance with dual staircase and grand chandelier! Feels so special walking in
- Birds chirped in the lobby each morning, which sounded so lovely and inviting
- Full buffet breakfast was included for my room, and it was one of the best I’ve seen. Chefs on hand to cook items fresh on the spot such as eggs or noodles. Different stations for various cuisines such as Japanese & Korean, Indian, Peranakan, Western, cold cuts and cheese, breads and pastries, cereals, fruits, dim sum selection, halal options and more. Worth it if you love a good buffet
- Able to extend for a late checkout after 6pm for a fee if you have a late evening flight as I did
- Pool was not busy
- Beautiful east-facing room means watching a bayside sunrise.
Cons of ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay
- I could not find a power outlet in the bathroom?! I looked high and low to no avail. Maybe there was one hiding somewhere but it was not obvious, which means you may need to use a mirror outside the bathroom to get ready!
- Sensor light in the hallway, so don’t bother trying to turn it off as it will automatically
- Otherwise no complaints, I had a wonderful stay here and definitely recommend it.
CITY HALL: Fairmont Singapore
Where to stay in Singapore for couples? On the famed Bras Basah Road and opposite Raffles Hotel, the Fairmont Singapore is situated between Esplanade and City Hall MRT Stations, which means easy access to 3 train lines.
I chose the hotel for its easy walking access to many points of interest and proximity to Orchard Road shopping street. Raffles Hotel was above my budget, so this was a close by option.
I stayed with a relative here so we opted for the 2 Doubles With Balcony room overlooking the skyline and pool (there aren’t single beds/rooms in this hotel).
Pros of Fairmont Singapore
- Nearest Station/s: Connected to City Hall MRT Station
- Points of interest: Connected to Raffles City Mall, 8 mins walk to National Gallery, 9 mins walk to Waterfront Promenade, 12 mins walk to the National Museum of Singapore & Fort Canning Green, 15 mins walk to Orchard Road shopping street
- Best suited for: Couples, Business, Families, Solo Travellers
- Other info: Balcony with city views overlooking the pool
- Option to add on Lounge Access, which we declined but many guests rave about it and the cocktails
- Options for connecting rooms (if available).
Cons of Fairmont Singapore
- Pool can be busy in the afternoons and on the weekend
- Seems busier than the ParkRoyal Collection
- The air con is based on a motion sensor and can feel a bit warm at night.
CHANGI AIRPORT (Landside): YotelAir Jewel Changi
Have an early flight and wondering how to stay in Singapore airport? My issue when selecting a hotel at Changi Airport was finding one that was landside rather than airside, that wasn’t by the hour, but for a proper overnight stay – that ruled out the Ambassador Transit and Aerotel hotels.
YotelAir Jewel Changi was the only option available when I booked, so I took it. For a little extra space I booked the Premium Queen Cabin.
Pros of YotelAir Jewel Changi
- Nearest Station/s: Not connected to a station, but a taxi rank is downstairs on Level 1
- Points of interest: Attached to the Jewel Changi shopping and entertainment complex
- Best suited for: Business, Couples, Families, Solo Travellers
- Other info: No need to stress about ordering an early-morning taxi from city to airport, as you’re already just outside the terminals
- Easy to find within the Jewel section of Changi airport, Level 4
- You’re landside so there’s easy access to all the shops, restaurants and eateries of Jewel Changi just outside the hotel
- Hot and cold water dispenser on each floor
- Family Rooms accommodate up to 4 in the one room.
- Staff are friendly and knowledgeable if you have questions about where to find something in the Jewel shopping complex.
Cons of YotelAir Jewel Changi
- No window so it can feel like being in an actual capsule/pod
- No tea/coffee in the room, despite hot water dispenser in hallway (I need my morning cuppa)
- Luggage space is limited, especially for couples (it was fine for me when travelling solo)
- Expensive for what it is and the size, but worth it to pay for convenience to not have to deal with 30 SGD taxis and 30 mins back and forth from the city.
BONUS Luxury Option: Raffles Hotel Singapore
Opened in 1887 in a stunning historical building, the Raffles Hotel has become synonymous with Singapore. As one of the most expensive options on my list, I haven’t personally stayed here (the dream!) but have enjoyed visiting its grounds on numerous occasions.
The hotel’s Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is where the “Singapore Sling” cocktail was born, and today there are queues in the morning to try this beverage before the bar opens!
For a five-star luxury experience, this would have to be one of the best, if not THE best places to stay in Singapore to celebrate a special milestone in luxury. If your budget allows, I say go for it and become a part of its history.
Where not to stay in Singapore
Meaning no disrespect to you if you decide to stay in any of these areas, we all have different preferences! However In my personal opinion, I would not stay in:
- An area that is not close to an MRT station. Using taxis everywhere can add up quickly.
- Sentosa Island for a sightseeing holiday. It’s fine if visiting Universal Studios Singapore, but Sentosa can feel quite isolated. It’s easy to get a taxi up to the VIVO City cable car to Sentosa from the CBD (Central Business District) area, but not back.
- The Geylang area, which is considered the Red Light District and known for petty crime. Practice extra caution in the Little India area at night too. In saying that, Singapore is super safe compared to other countries, but like anywhere it is wise to take usual precautions when out at night in public areas.
- On Orchard Road if you’re a shopoholic (dangerous, hehe). But with all its international stores and malls, to me it can feel like Las Vegas at times rather than Singapore.
- Near the airport unless I had an early morning or late flight.
Concluding these hotels in Singapore for different budgets
I hope this helps you decide where to stay when in Singapore! Where is the best area to stay in Singapore will be subjective and depend on your preferences, so hopefully now you can narrow down your selection based on my experiences.
If you’re staying as part of a family or on a budget, in my opinion Clarke Quay is the best area to stay in Singapore as it is the most conveniently located. Marina Bay offers incredible views of Singapore landmarks, while City Hall is also in a central location and would be great for couples or business travellers.
Planning an extended stay in Asia? While you’re here, take a look at my guides to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali, Laos, Taiwan and my guide to how to not look like a tourist anywhere to help you blend in and have best trip possible.
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Until next time,
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