Where to Stay in Singapore: Best Areas & Hotels

Being a compact city, most hotels in Singapore are concentrated in a few main areas. The newly constructed Marina Bay has most of the city's luxury and high-end chain hotel options that will appeal to families, as well as couples.

Across Marina Bay is the Civic District, also known as the Downtown Core, where many of the city's civic buildings and museums are located. Clarke Quay is one of the oldest areas of the city, next to the Singapore River, yet recent redevelopment has made it the city's newest hot spot to stay and play.

You'll find a range of accommodations in the wonderfully congested Bugis area, with most of the city's budget hotel options in the neighboring Chinatown and Little India. The area on and around Orchard Road, Singapore's main luxury shopping boulevard, is also home to many mid-range and high-end hotel choices.

Where to Stay in Singapore for Luxury

Marina Bay at night

For modern luxury, the Marina Bay area is the best place to stay. The focus of the multi-billion-dollar development, created from reclaimed ocean, is the incredible Marina Bay Sands. The hotel, which holds the title of being the world's most expensive to construct, has three 57-story towers, capped with a giant terrace the size of an aircraft carrier.

The Sands SkyPark includes the Instagram-famous infinity pool (open to hotel guests only), along with a few restaurants and a public observation area. Marina Bay is also home to attractions like the Gardens by the Sea botanical experience and a range of water sports on the bay itself.

Just across the bay from the Marina Bay Sands, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore offers the brand's legendary luxury and service. The stylish rooms and suites look across Marina Bay at the Sands and the skyline of the Downtown Core. They also look out onto the Singapore Flyer giant Ferris wheel (the world's second tallest), which sits on the corner of the quay, overlooking the bay. The buffet restaurant, called Colony, is one of the best in the world, with multiple stations representing different former British colonies and their respective cuisines.

Also across the bay, among the office towers of the Downtown Core, The Westin Singapore is a great luxury hotel option. The large rooms and suites have great views of the entire Marina Bay area, and the hotel's rooftop infinity pool also offers wonderful views and opportunities for selfies. The location within the Financial District makes it popular for business travelers as well.

Another area to stay for luxury is along Orchard Road, Singapore's main high-end shopping area. Recently renovated, the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore luxury hotel has more than a club floor, they have an entire VIP wing, known as the Valley Wing.

The hotel is unique in Singapore in that it's surrounded by 15 lush acres of expansive grounds and gardens, something rare in this real estate-hungry city. The gardens provide beautiful green views from the hotel's luxurious rooms and suites.

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore is located in the civic and cultural district and is perfectly located for exploring on foot. The luxury property is set in two historic abodes: the Capitol Building and the Stamford House. The architecture has been well preserved, and the rooms and suites are elegant posh.

A great choice for families, they will arrange kid-friendly activities, including treasure hunts. There are a few dining options on-site, with 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung the signature restaurant. You can also book a treatment in the luxury spa or take a dip in the saltwater swimming pool.

Where to Stay in Singapore for the Best Value

Spiral staircases in Bugis neighborhood

The historic Bugis area is home to a good range of accommodations yet still puts visitors in the heart of classic Singapore. You'll find five-star service and accommodations for four-star prices at the InterContinental Singapore, located in Bugis.

The hotel has some unique Heritage Rooms and Suites in their Heritage Wing, a new construction designed to pay tribute to classic Singapore shophouse living. For a modern twist, some of the suites have balconies that open out into an indoor shopping mall.

Another great-value choice is the Regent Singapore, located a few blocks from the malls of Orchard Road. Foodies will enjoy the hotel's Cantonese restaurant Summer Palace, recently awarded its first Michelin star.

If you want to explore the city's museums, the Swissotel The Stamford Singapore puts you across the street from city hall and only a block from the wonderful National Museum of Singapore. Guests have nine restaurants to choose from and great views, as the hotel is one of the tallest in Asia.

Where to Stay in Singapore on a Budget

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown

Most of the budget lodging options in Singapore are located in or near the dense areas of Chinatown and Little India. The Park 22 Hotel Little India puts you right in the heart of Singapore's Indian neighborhood.

As soon as you step outside the hotel, your senses of sight, sound, and smell are overwhelmed by this exciting area. Rooms are basic but clean and quite stylish, and the hotel is right next to the Little India MRT station.

Fragrance is a Singapore-based budget hotel chain with 21 properties around the city. Their highly-rated ibis budget Singapore Ruby is in Geylang, away from the main tourist areas, but the extremely low rates, clean rooms, and close proximity to an MTR station make it an excellent budget choice.

Located in a row of heritage shophouses and an Art Deco building, The Scarlet Singapore is a great boutique option offering a lot for its budget pricing. Stylish accommodations, personal service, and a good location for both hawker center food and neighborhood restaurants are some of its features.

At the higher end of the budget scale, but worth the money, is the Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. Hotel Indigo is a boutique lifestyle hotel brand from IHG and really gets it right when it comes to offering a local experience. This is true of the Katong location, an upscale residential area near the seafront that includes a nice mix of modern and classic buildings.

Where to Stay in Singapore for Romance

Twin Pagodas at Chinese Gardens

For a romantic experience in Singapore, take the monorail across the bay to Sentosa Island. Only 15 minutes from central Singapore, the island resort is home to Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios, a huge aquarium, and several other amusement and adventure parks. It also has some great beachfront resorts, perfect for those seeking a romantic experience in Singapore.

For a luxurious, romantic getaway, Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa is a large beachfront resort. The hotel's "Just The 2 of Us" package includes everything needed for the perfect getaway for two (including practical items, like two round-trip Sentosa Express monorail tickets, theme park admission, and dining and spa credits).

Le Meridien Singapore, Sentosa delivers Le Meridien's great French style and service but in a re-creation of a classic, colonial Singapore building. The beachfront resort has Onsen Suites with their own outdoor Japanese-style natural hot tub and spa, perfect for couples.

For a rockin' romantic getaway, try the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, also on Sentosa. The resort's "Naughty & Nice Package" was created just for lovers and includes suite accommodations, as well as some romance-inspiring amenities, like late check-out and a couples massage.

For a romantic experience in town, The Vagabond Club, Singapore, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a beautifully designed luxury boutique hotel in Little India. The hotel's Vagabond Executive Club Suite is their unique, signature accommodation and delivers a luxury apartment-like experience in the heart of Singapore, with a range of amenities that may make you reluctant to ever leave.

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore is another romantic option if you want to be outside the city center and to golf. The hotel is set within the grounds of the Laguna National Golf Resort Club, which is a 10-minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from downtown.

Rooms and suites are comfortable, with modern Asian design. Amenities on-site are plentiful. There are multiple dining options, including Greenhouse, which serves multi-ethnic fare and has show kitchens. You can also take a swim in one of three pools, play a game of tennis, work out in the well-equipped gym or book a spa treatment.

Where to Stay in Singapore for Families

The Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel and skyline

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is one of the best luxury hotels in Singapore, and it's also a great family hotel. This five-star property is the perfect blend of historic and modern. The location on the waterfront in Singapore's heritage precinct is ideal, and the hotel is walking distance from many restaurants, shops, and attractions like the National Gallery.

For families, there are options for adjoining rooms and ultra-luxe themed suites. On-site amenities include three restaurants, a free shuttle to area attractions, and a rooftop swimming pool.

Resorts World Sentosa - Crockfords Tower on Sentosa Island is another top luxury choice for families that is perfect if you're looking for a destination-style property. It is one of six themed hotels on a 49-hectare island complex off the main island of Singapore.

For families, the major draw is the location, within walking distance of Universal Studios Singapore. The complex hosts more than 40 restaurants and there are also numerous outdoor swimming pools, a golf course, water park, and even an aquarium on-site.

If you'd rather stay closer to Orchard Road's shopping and dining scene and are traveling with children over 12, check out Quincy Hotel by Far East Hospitality. This good-value boutique hotel offers 108 stylishly outfitted rooms with modern amenities.

The hotel prides itself on offering guests a personalized stay, and many amenities are included in the rate - there is a free breakfast buffet and complimentary light meals. Other amenities include an infinity pool inside a glass-covered structure, male and female saunas and steam rooms, and a small gym.

Finally, take a look at the Sofitel Singapore City Centre. The brand is known for being kid-friendly. The hotel is set in the CBD and is walking distance from attractions like Chinatown, as well as many restaurants.

Rooms and spacious suites here are modern swanky and come with city views, as well as top-end amenities like Bose sound systems and smart TVs, so your kids can stream their favorite shows. On-site you'll also find a French restaurant, swimming pool, and hot tub.