Best hotels in Singapore: where to stay by area

Singapore is an orderly, futuristic city-state of skyscrapers, vertical gardens, ethnic quarters and record-breaking street food, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: iconic Marina Bay, the shopping of Orchard Road, food-loving Chinatown, colourful Kampong Glam, the resort island of Sentosa. The MRT metro is extensive and spotless, so even an out-of-the-way base stays handy. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Singapore, area by area

Marina Bay

The iconic waterfront dominated by Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the skyline, the museums and luxury within reach, with the highest prices.

• Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay
• The Merlion, the city's symbol
• The ArtScience Museum
• The Marina Bay waterfront promenade

For the skyline and luxury, look for hotels in Marina Bay.

Orchard Road

The great shopping boulevard, among malls and elegant hotels, in a very central spot. It is the choice for anyone who loves shopping, convenience and a base well served by the metro.

• The Orchard Road shopping avenue
• The ION Orchard mall
• The Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO site
• The MRT metro across the city

For shopping and centrality, see hotels on Orchard Road.

Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar

Historic shophouses, temples and hawker centres make this the most food-loving, lively area. It is the choice for anyone who loves street food, a traditional atmosphere and more affordable prices.

• The Chinatown district
• The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
• The famous Maxwell Food Centre
• The fashionable bars of Tanjong Pagar

For food and value, look for hotels in Chinatown.

Kampong Glam, Bugis and Little India

The most colourful ethnic quarters, between the Sultan Mosque, the street art of Haji Lane and the aromas of Little India. It is the choice for anyone after atmosphere, independent boutiques and authentic food.

• The Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam
• The picturesque Haji Lane
• The colours and temples of Little India
• The lively Bugis Street

For culture and style, see hotels in Kampong Glam.

Sentosa

The resort island to the south, with beaches, theme parks and holiday hotels. It is the choice for families and anyone after relaxation, pools and attractions, a few minutes from the centre.

• Universal Studios
• Siloso Beach
• Resorts, pools and theme parks
• A quick link to the city

For families and relaxation, look for hotels in Sentosa.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Singapore uses the local dollar (SGD, around 1.45 to a euro) and is an expensive city, except for street food.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 150-350 SGD a night (about 105-240 euros).
• A dinner for two: about 60-120 SGD at a mid-range restaurant (about 40-85 euros); a hawker-centre dish 5-8 SGD, a kopi (coffee) 1.50-2 SGD.
• Transport: an MRT metro ride costs about 1-2.50 SGD; the network is extensive and spotless.
• Tourist tax: Singapore charges no European-style tourist tax; hotels add 9 percent GST and a 10 percent service charge (the so-called plus plus) to the rate, so factor in roughly 19-20 percent extra. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Singapore.

Getting there and around

The airport is Changi (SIN), about 20 km east, linked to the centre by the MRT metro in a good half hour; the Jewel is worth visiting too. In town the MRT, buses and taxis (or Grab) cover everything and it is all very efficient.

A car is unnecessary and expensive. With a good location near an MRT station, you move around fast, cleanly and cheaply.

When to go

• Year-round it is hot and humid, around 30 degrees: an equatorial city.
• February-April: slightly drier, among the best windows.
• May-August: intense heat, with possible hazy days.
• September: the Formula 1 night Grand Prix energises the city but raises prices.
• November-January: the monsoon season, with frequent afternoon downpours.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Marina Bay for the skyline and luxury, or Chinatown for food and value.

Do I need a car in Singapore? No, the MRT metro covers everything and is very handy; a car is unnecessary and expensive.

Is there a tourist tax? No European-style tax; hotels add 9 percent GST and a 10 percent service charge.

What currency is used? The Singapore dollar (SGD); cards and contactless work everywhere.

Is it an expensive city? Yes for hotels and alcohol, but hawker-centre street food is excellent and cheap.

How many days do I need? Three nights for Marina Bay, the ethnic quarters and perhaps Sentosa.

The best hotels in Singapore

Below is a selection of real hotels in Singapore among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.