Although Southeast Asia is renowned for being budget-friendly to travellers, Singapore accommodation stands out as being some of the most expensive in the world. With more than 400 hotels to choose from, deciding where to stay in Singapore can be a difficult decision. We hope this guide will help you choose the best place to stay in Singapore for your travel style and budget.
The rise of Singapore as a powerhouse of Asia has been nothing short of stratospheric. A British colonial port in the 1800’s, Singapore became independent from post-war Malaysia very suddenly in 1965. It has since overcome economic, social and political issues to develop into the clean, stable and culturally diverse city-state that it is today.
Where to stay in Singapore
We usually try to include a range of hotel options for different budgets for the city neighbourhoods in our “Where to Stay” guides. Unfortunately, cheap accommodation in Singapore can be impossible to find in some areas such as Marina Bay or Orchard Road.
Cheap hotels in Singapore do exist but are concentrated around specific neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India. Therefore, where you stay will largely depend on what you are willing to pay for hotel rates in Singapore.
The good news is that Singapore has an extensive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) public transport system. If you cannot afford to stay downtown, and need a hotel in Singapore near MRT stations, you will still have options.
So without further ado, let us dive into the best location to stay in Singapore for your next trip!
Where to stay in Marina Bay
Home to the iconic Gardens by the Bay and the best known of the five star hotels in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands resort, our top pick among Singapore hotels for Marina Bay.
Top pick > Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands is the daddy of Singapore luxury hotels. With a luxury shopping mall and casino on the lowest floors, 2500 rooms, dozens of restaurants scattered throughout, the SkyPark and THAT infinity pool on top, it’s fame is well-deserved. Check the availability and latest rates.
The Marina Bay area is home to a number of the best hotels in Singapore and if budget is no issue, you will truly be spoilt for choice. Here are two of our picks:
Luxury > Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
Five star service and quality as you would expect from the global luxury chain, the Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore also boasts a 4,200 museum-quality artwork collection. Check the availability and latest rates.
Mid-range > Peninsula Excelsior Hotel
Singapore accommodation deals in the Marina Bay area are hard to come by, however the Peninsula Excelsior is a great option. Chic double rooms offer all amenities and city views. Check the availability and latest rates.
Budget > No budget options in this area.
Things to do in Marina Bay
- Walk through the weirdly wonderful Supertree Grove at the Gardens by the Bay
- Watch the stunning and totally free water and light show over the river
- Take a boat cruise around Marina Bay
- You could book some of these options together in an evening Singapore tour package (link below)
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Where to stay around Orchard Road in Singapore
2.2km of malls makes Orchard Road Asia’s most famous shopping street. Like Marina Bay and the Colonial district, hotels in Orchard Road Singapore are only mid- and high end, with no budget options.
Top pick > Mandarin Orchard
First opened 1971, the Mandarin Orchard is not among the new hotels in Singapore – however, a refurbishment a few years back means it continues to offer elegant rooms in a great location. Plus, for a five star accommodation in a prime location, the price is one of the best Singapore hotel deals we have found. Check the availability and latest rates.
Luxury > Grand Park Orchard
This multi-award winning Park group hotel was also voted as the best hotel in Singapore 2016 by Agoda travellers. With a prime location right on Orchard Road Singapores most fashionable hotel will be the perfect choice if shopping is your bag. Check the availability and latest rates.
Mid-range > Innotel
Innotel offers great value among 4 star hotels in Singapore. As well a a good location and well-appointed rooms, Innotel also provides a complimentary mini-bar and free international phone calls to 5 countries. Check the availability and latest rates.
Budget > No budget hotels in this area
Things to do on Orchard Road
- Get some retail therapy at the back-to-back shopping malls
- Eat your way through the many hawker centres in the malls
- Make your way to the Botanic Gardens, Singapores only UNESCO World Heritage site
- At the other end, take a calm stroll through Fort Canning Park
Where to stay in the Colonial district
The colonial district is the cultural centre of Singapore. Featuring Singapores prized colonial architectural treasures and the city museums, this neighbourhood is also home to Raffles – one of the top hotels in Singapore.
Top pick > Raffles
If Marina Bay Sands is the daddy, then Raffles is the granddaddy of hotels in Singapore city. It represents quintessential 19th century traditional colonial charm. It is closed for refurbishment until mid-2018 so book now if you want to be among the first to experience it post-refurb. Check the availability and latest rates.
Luxury > The Fullerton Bay Hotel
A great alternative to the Marina Bay Sands, the Fullerton Bay also offers a rooftop pool with balcony rooms, a jacuzzi and spa. Check the availability and latest rates.
Mid-range > Ascott Raffles Place
Although these suites may not be at a mid-range price level for everyone, they could be the answer for anyone wondering where to stay in Singapore with family on a budget. Serviced apartments in Singapore are a great alternative to hostels for groups or families.
Ascot Raffles Place offers suites that sleep families of 4 for not much more expense than a dorm bed each in a decent hostel, and in a very nice location to boot. Check the availability and latest rates.
Budget > No budget hotels in this area.
Things to do in the Colonial district:
- Drink a Singapore Sling cocktail right where it was invented – Long bar of the Raffles hotel
- Take a walking tour around famous colonial-era landmarks like the Old Parliament House and City Hall
- Art lovers can visit the Singapore Art Museum whilst history buffs will love the National Museum of Singapore
- A must-see is Singapore’s beloved emblematic statue – the Merlion. Half lion and half fish! Cross the river to get your Insta-snaps.
Where to stay around Chinatown in Singapore
Chinatown marks a stark contrast to the preceding areas of Singapore. With a lack of high-rise buildings and it’s Chinese cultural heritage worn loudly and proudly, Chinatown also offers some of the best budget hotel deals in Singapore.
Top pic > Adler Hostel
To mix things up from the luxury stays, our top pick in Chinatown is the uber-trendy Adler hostel which is consistently lauded as the best hostel in Singapore. Offering premium cabins with privacy curtains, high-end toiletries and a co-working space, it is easy to see why. Check the availability and latest rates.
Luxury > Oasia Downtown by Far East Hospitality
One of the few luxury options for a Chinatown hotel in Singapore, the Oasia Downtown building facade is a huge green vertical garden. For a luxury option, it also offers great value. Check the availability and latest rates.
Mid range > Zen Rooms New Bridge Road
Offering standard double rooms with all amenities at a fraction of the price charged by hotels in Orchard Road or Marina Bay, Zen Rooms chain of hotels are a great choice for cheap hotels in Singapore for couples who want to avoid the dorm room experience. Check the availability and latest rates.
Budget > Beary Best
For budget backpackers looking for the best cheap hostels in Singapore, Beary Best is a solid option. Offering free breakfasts, a cosy lounge area and secure dorm entry, this is as good as it gets for a rock bottom price in Singapore. Check the availability and latest rates.
Things to do in Chinatown
- Stuff yourself full of amazing street food – including Michelin-starred barbecued pork at Hawker Chan
- Visit the temples – 4 storey pagoda Buddha Tooth Relic temple is a sight to behold
- Wander around the Chinatown street market
Where to stay in Little India in Singapore
Little India is an entirely incongruous microcosm of Indian colour and chaos in the otherwise calm and organised city of Singapore. Although it is a little further away from the downtown area, Little India is where you will find most of the real budget hotels in Singapore.
Top pick > The Great Madras
The Great Madras is a four star hotel and for the price, it offers one of the best hotel deals in Singapore. It is conveniently located and has a variety of rooms with different features to suit all budgets. Check the availability and latest rates.
Luxury > One Farrer Hotel and Spa
One Farrer Hotel and Spa is one of the only five star hotels in the Little India neighbourhood and offers great value for money with many of the same luxury features and services as its Orchard Road and Marina Bay counterparts. Check the availability and latest rates.
Mid-range > Park 22 Hotel
Park 22 has a variety of elegantly furnished rooms at a very reasonably cost, although you do have to pay extra if you want a window. This makes it one of the good cheap hotels in Singapore for one night, although you may want to upgrade to a window room for a longer stay. Check the availability and latest rates.
Budget > Rucksack Inn
The Rucksack Inn gets consistently good reviews, ranking it as possibly the best budget hotel in Singapore. Not just that, but there is an option to rent entire dorms for 4, 6, 8 or even 12 people. For this reason, The Rucksack Inn is the our best recommendation among cheap hotels in Singapore for family. Check the availability and latest rates.
Things to do in Little India in Singapore
- Gorge yourself on authentic Indian foods such as biryanis, butter chicken, dosai, daal and naan breads, all washed down with a thick lassi shake
- Visit the amazingly intricate Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu temple
Where to stay in Katong (for hotels near Singapore Airport)
Katong is a hip yet traditional Perankan residential neighbourhood located in the eastern part of the island, between downtown and Changi. It is therefore a great location for travellers looking for Singapore hotels near the airport.
Top pick > Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality
The Village Hotel Katong is hands down the top recommendation of Katong hotels. Decoration takes influence from it’s traditional Perankan surroundings, it also offers a pool and free airport transfers. Check the availability and latest rates.
Luxury > Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Another great luxury option in Katong, the Indigo hotel is only a 20 minute drive from Changi airport. Also decorated in the Perankan heritage style, it has a pool and a gym. Rooms are however more basic than the Village Hotel. Check the availability and latest rates.
Budget > Champion Hotel
Richly decorated in a quirky yet elegant style featuring swing chairs, the Champion Hotel has a price point that is simply fantastic value among 3 star hotels in Singapore. Even some dorm hostels in the city centre are comparably priced. Check the availability and latest rates.
Things to do in Katong in Singapore
- Take Insta-worthy shots of the traditional pastel-coloured Perankan shophouses
- Visit the Katong Antique House to see the traditional Perankan artefacts
Although this guide shows that Singapore accommodation is never as cheap as the rest of Southeast Asia, you can also see that there are plenty of places to stay in Singapore for those who are on a tighter budget too. Hopefully this comprehensive guide to where to stay in Singapore helps you to decide which neighbourhood is best suited to your own budget and travel style.
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