Singapore may be a tiny island country, but there are many accommodation options to cater to every type of traveler. Different parts of Singapore offer different accommodation experiences. In this post, I’ll break down the best neighborhoods in Singapore so you can get a sense of which area is best for your stay.
Best Neighborhood for Budget Travelers: Chinatown
If you are a backpacker or budget traveler and you are looking for cheap accommodations, Chinatown is one of the best neighborhoods in Singapore. There are many alleys and streets to explore, with restaurants and hawker centers to keep you fueled.
BUDGET: The Southbridge Hotel – This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Chinatown with a whiskey bar that has live music and a casual restaurant. There are plenty of cheap food and interesting shops in the vicinity.
MID-RANGE: The Scarlet Hotel – This luxury boutique hotel offers sophisticated rooms and suites with free WiFi. There is even a spa and rooftop restaurant/bar.
LUXURY: Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection – The award-winning Duxton Reserve is housed in an elegant 19th-century shophouse. Every one of the 49 guestrooms and suites has its own unique individuality. There is a restaurant on-site where you can not only dine but take cooking classes as well.
Best Neighborhood for Art & History Lovers: City Hall
City Hall is the best neighborhoods in Singapore for art or history lovers. Art lovers will enjoy the extensive art collection at National Gallery Singapore. History lovers has many choices – National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilizations Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum and Peranakan Museum Singapore – all within walking distance.
经济型: Wanderloft Capsule Hostel – This capsule hotel offers different rooms from mixed dormitory to single rooms to suit different travelers. There are many shops and restaurants around the hotel and it is within walking distance to the various museums.
MID-RANGE: Carlton Hotel Singapore – Carlton Hotel’s central location makes it the perfect place to launch your exploration of the museums in the vicinity. There are 940 rooms to choose from, all equipped with all the creature comforts you need.
LUXURY: Raffles Hotel Singapore – Raffles Hotel is a colonial-style luxury hotel in the heart of Singapore. It was established by Armenian hoteliers, the Sarkies Brothers, in 1887. The hotel was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of colonial-era Singapore. Staying in Raffles Hotel is as good as staying in Singapore’s history.
Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Orchard Road
Orchard Road is undisputedly the best neighborhoods in Singapore for shopping. The whole stretch of Orchard Road and part of Scotts Road is lined with shopping malls and shopping centers. The most iconic shopping malls are ION Orchard and Paragon where you can find all the luxury brands. Far East Plaza is more for youngsters while Lucky Plaza has many cheap clothes.
BUDGET: YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – This modern hotel offers many facilities and amenities such as trendy restaurant/bar and outdoor pool. There are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby to keep you fueled as you shop.
MID-RANGE: Goodwood Park Hotel – The hotel provides a quiet retreat for discerning guests with the hustle and bustle of the city at its doorstep. There are 2 outdoor pools, gym, spa and multiple dining options available.
LUXURY: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore – This luxurious upscale hotel offers panoramic view of the city on the 20th floor and Michelin-star dining at Jiang-Nan Chun. Unwind after a day of shopping at Four Seasons Spa.
Best Neighborhood for Nightlife: Clark Quay
Located on the bank of the Singapore River, Clark Quay is the place to enjoy nightlife in Singapore. There are many pubs and clubs with various themes to choose from.
MID-RANGE: MET A Space Pod at Boat Quay – MET A Space Pod is a chain of space-themed hostels located at various places in the center of Singapore. MET A Space Pod at Boat Quay is surrounded by various eateries , vibrant nightlife and amazing river view overlooking the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and Asian Civilizations Museum.
LUXURY: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering – This eco-friendly hotel offers rooms and infinity pool with sweeping view of the city. There are two restaurants, Lime and Lime Patisserie, to keep you well-fed. There is also a fitness center to keep fit and spa center to relax those sore muscles.
Best Neighborhood for Luxury: Marina Bay
The Marina Bay area is the best place to enjoy the finer things in Singapore. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands has all the luxury brands and fine restaurants to keep your heart and stomach happy. The hotels in the area are some of the most luxurious in Singapore, you will feel like royalty while staying here.
BUDGET: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay – This luxury hotel is a stone’s throw away from well-loved Singapore landmarks, world-class attractions and dynamic art scene. Not only does the rooms have panoramic view of the city, there are 3 restaurants inside the hotel for your dining convenience.
MID-RANGE: Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore – Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore is not only an award-winning luxury hotel, it is a serviced apartment complex as well. Travelers have access to 24-hour fitness centre, outdoor infinity pool and residents’ lounge.
LUXURY: Marina Bay Sands – I am sure everyone is pretty familiar with Singapore’s iconic hotel with ship-shaped roof. Enjoy the world’s largest rooftop Infinity Pool, award-winning dining and the spectacular views.
Best Neighborhood for Resorts: Sentosa
Sentosa is Singapore’s resort island with activities for every person. The hotels here are more expensive than other parts of Singapore but you know it’s worth it. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the blockbuster rides at Universal Studios. Beach-lovers can enjoy themselves on Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach. Adrenaline-junkies can test their courage at Mega Adventure Singapore and SkyPark Sentosa by AJ Hackett.
BUDGET: Hotel Michael (Resorts World Sentosa) – A tribute to one of America’s greatest contemporary architects Michael Graves, Hotel Michael is a luxurious treat for art lovers. Hotel Michael is the hotel nearest to Universal Studios Singapore, putting you just steps away from blockbuster fun.
MID-RANGE: Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa – I have personally stayed at this luxurious resort hotel (you can read about it here) and I loved it! There are 3 restaurants to dine in, a huge outdoor pool and award-winning spa.
LUXURY: Beach Villas (Resorts World Sentosa) – Beach Villas was voted Best Integrated Resort, Asia Pacific by Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 and it’s easy to see why. Boasting a spectacular ocean facing location, the Beach Villas at Resorts World Sentosa offers a tropical sanctuary from the hustle of city life. There are outdoor pools and butler service, plus an upscale restaurant.