chloedickensonLast Updated on 24th January 2026
This guide about where to stay in Singapore contains affiliate links; please see my disclaimer for more.
Are you planning a trip to the Lion City, but you’re not sure where to stay in Singapore for the first time? My huge guide covers the best places to stay in Singapore on a budget, for couples, for first-timers, and more!
While it’s not the biggest city (or country, for that matter!) in the world, there is a lot of choice when it comes to finding the best areas in Singapore to stay for the first time, as well as the best hotels in the city.
Singapore is one of my favourite places in the world, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times now, so I know a thing or two about where to stay in Singapore on a budget, as well as the best places for luxury travellers.
My guide below includes everything you need to know about where to stay in Singapore for tourists, couples, families, and solo travellers, and I’ve also included numerous hotel recommendations in each area to help you plan the perfect Singapore trip!
Looking for more Singapore inspiration? Check out my Singapore itinerary for first-time visitors to plan your trip!
Best places to stay in Singapore overview
| Best For | Area | Hotel |
| First-time/ Luxury | Marina Bay / Downtown Core | Marina Bay Sands |
| Nightlife | Clarke Quay | Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay |
| Culture/ Food | Kampong Glam (Beach Road) | Pan Pacific Serviced Suites |
| Shopping | Orchard Road | YOTEL |
| Budget | Chinatown OR Little India | lyf Farrer Park |
| Families | Sentosa Island | Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa |
| Local vibes | Katong- Joo Chiat | Holiday Inn Express Katong |
Where to stay in Singapore – best areas/neighbourhoods
This guide about the best places to stay in Singapore covers a range of areas and neighbourhoods across the city, as well as multiple hotel recommendations in each area.
I’ve tried to include a mix of budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels, but as it’s one of the most expensive cities in Asia, you can expect to pay a premium for hotels in Singapore, especially during peak tourist seasons, such as Christmas, New Year, and the F1 race weekend.
On my many visits to Singapore over the years, I have personally stayed at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong, lyf Farrer Park, YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay, and STORIES Joo Chiat, but all hotels featured in this guide have been thoroughly researched and recommended by my family and friends who live in the city.
Marina Bay
Best for luxury travel/first-time visitors
Why stay in Marina Bay?
Marina Bay is one of the most famous areas in Singapore, and if you have the budget, it’s a great place to stay for first-time visitors thanks to its close proximity to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel/Shoppes, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, and more.
It’s also home to some of Singapore’s most luxury, and therefore, most expensive hotels, so if you’re looking for the best area to stay in Singapore for 2 nights and you want to experience the very best hotels in the city, look for a hotel in Marina Bay!
Downside of staying in Marina Bay: Due to it being one of the most popular/busiest areas of the city, it can be quite a crowded place to stay. It’s also by far the most expensive place to stay in Singapore, so it’s definitely not very budget-friendly.
Best hotels in Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands Hotel (5*)
Renowned for being one of the most famous landmarks in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands is one of the most sought-after hotels in the city. It’s also one of the most expensive hotels in Singapore as a result, but the lavish hotel rooms, the 150-metre-long infinity pool on top of the hotel, and the multiple dining options, including the CÉ LA VI Restaurant, SkyBar & Club Lounge on the hotel’s rooftop, make it one of the best places to stay in Singapore.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel (5*)
Even though I haven’t actually stayed at The Fullerton Bay Hotel (yet!), it’s still one of my favourite hotels in Singapore, because it’s where we ate on Christmas Day in Singapore in 2019, and at the time, it was one of the most lavish and luxury meals of my life!
The hotel itself deserves its rightful place on this list of the best hotels in Singapore as it simply oozes elegance and luxury, especially as many of the rooms showcase incredible views of Marina Bay.
The Fullerton Hotel (5*)
Not to be confused with The Fullerton Bay Hotel, The Fullerton Hotel is an iconic Singapore landmark that was first built in 1928. Even with its rich and vibrant heritage, the hotel features an impressive 400 rooms and suites, many of which boast remarkable views of Marina Bay, an award-winning spa, and multiple dining options. If you’re looking for advice on where to stay in Singapore for couples, The Fullerton Hotel should be a serious contender.
Mandarin Oriental (5*)
Combine spectacularly stylish rooms with impeccable Marina Bay views, luxury dining options, and a stunning outdoor swimming pool, and you’ll find yourself at Mandarin Oriental Singapore. It’s undoubtedly one of the most expensive and luxury hotels in Singapore, making it perfect for couples on honeymoon or on a romantic weekend break in Singapore.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering (5*)
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering has been on my Singapore hotel bucket list for as long as I can remember, as I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about this 5* hotel located in the heart of the city’s Central Business District. Renowned for its eco-friendly garden concept, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is one of the greenest hotels in Singapore, with impeccable dining facilities, and ample meeting rooms, making it an excellent choice for business travellers in Singapore.
Clarke Quay
Best part of Singapore to stay for nightlife & dining
Why stay in Clarke Quay / Robertson Quay?
Clarke Quay is one of my favourite areas to stay in Singapore as it’s such a brilliant nightlife spot. Even if you’re not interested in the nightlife scene, Clarke Quay is still a super central and convenient place to stay in Singapore as it’s very well connected by multiple MRT stations (including Clarke Quay MRT and Fort Canning MRT).
Downside of staying in Clarke Quay: Clarke Quay is famous for its nightlife, and the many bars, clubs, and riverfront restaurants stay open late, so if you’re staying super close to the main entertainment strip, you may find it a little noisy (although, we never had any issues with our stay at Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay!).
Best hotels in Clarke Quay Singapore
The Robertson House by The Crest Collection (5*)
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Clarke Quay (technically, Robertson Quay, but they’re right next to each other!), look no further than The Robertson House by The Crest Collection. This 5* hotel boasts a sizeable pool, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, gorgeous rooms, and a super convenient location close to Fort Canning MRT Station.
Paradox Singapore (4*)
Conveniently located close to Clarke Quay, Paradox Singapore boasts a huge swimming pool, chic and stylish rooms, and fantastic dining facilities. It’s a great option for first-timers in Singapore, as it’s just over the road from Clarke Quay MRT Station, so you can easily get around the city.
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay (3*)
I was lucky enough to stay at Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay on my most recent visit to Singapore, and it quickly became one of my favourite hotels in Singapore, as it’s the perfect blend of affordability, without compromising on cleanliness, comfort, and convenience. The rooftop pool with incredible views of the city and the complimentary Express Start Breakfast are just some of the reasons why I rate this hotel so highly.
Orchard Road
Best location in Singapore to stay for shopping
Why stay in Orchard Road?
Singapore is pretty well-known for its abundance of shopping malls, but nowhere is perhaps quite as established for shopping in the city as Orchard Road, so if you’re coming to Singapore with the intention of purchasing a few things, this is the perfect area to stay. It’s also one of the best areas for families to stay in Singapore, as there are plenty of hotels with family-friendly rooms.
Downside of staying in Orchard Road: Similarly to Marina Bay, it’s one of the more expensive areas to stay in Singapore, with most hotels boasting a 4* or 5* rating. As it’s renowned for being one of the best shopping districts in the city, it’s also lacking somewhat in culture and history, and can often feel a little busy and crowded, especially over the Christmas period.
Best hotels in Orchard Road Singapore
Pullman Singapore Orchard (5*)
Pullman Hotels are one of my favourite hotel groups in the world, and I’ve been lucky enough to stay in both their Danang Beach Resort and Phu Quoc Beach Resort properties so far, and the Pullman Singapore Orchard hotel is undoubtedly one of the best hotels to stay at on Orchard Road. This 5* luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city’s shopping district and features some of the best in-hotel dining facilities in the whole of Singapore.
JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La (4*)
You can almost guarantee that any hotel by the Shangri-La hotel group will be oozing with elegance and luxury, and thankfully, JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La is no exception. Conveniently located in the heart of Orchard Road, JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La boasts an astonishing rooftop pool with unparalleled views, stunning rooms and suites, and epic dining, co-working, and business meeting spaces.
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road (4*)
After staying in terrible Airbnbs (in a feeble attempt to save money) on our first few trips to the city, the first “proper” hotel we stayed at in Singapore was YOTEL Orchard Road, and it turned out to be a fantastic place to stay, and somewhere that I’d definitely recommend for couples.
While the rooms are some of the smallest I’ve encountered in the city, they make up for the lack of space with an incredible breakfast buffet, super friendly staff, and a lush swimming pool on the 10th floor of the hotel, which is a welcome respite from the intense Singapore heat.
Kampong Glam (Beach Road)
Best neighbourhoods in Singapore to stay for culture/foodies
Why stay in Kampong Glam?
Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s oldest and most colourful regions, making it the perfect place to stay in Singapore if you’re looking to soak up as much culture and heritage as possible. Home to Arab Street and Haji Lane, where you can enjoy fantastic food and an exciting nightlife scene, as well as Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam is a brilliant place to stay for culture-seekers and foodies.
Downside of staying in Kampong Glam: Given its close proximity to Haji Lane, Bali Lane, and Arab Street, all of which are packed with cafés, bars, and live-music spots, it can be a little noisy at night, if you’re staying super close to the action.
Best hotels in Kampong Glam Singapore
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road (5*)
If you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore with family, look no further than Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road; one of my absolute favourite places to stay in the city. These serviced suites are a perfect combination of luxury hotel and relaxed apartment vibes, and they’re ideal for longer stays in the city. The rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay is one of my favourite features of the hotel, and if I could recommend just one place to stay in Singapore, it would probably be here!
Andaz Singapore, by Hyatt (5*)
While many hotels in Kampong Glam offer more boutique stays and local vibes, there are a few hotels, such as Andaz by Hyatt that simply ooze elegance and luxury. With spacious rooms, a fantastic infinity pool, stunning city views, a 24/7 fitness centre, and excellent dining facilities, Andaz is a great choice if you’re looking for a sustainable, comfortable, and stylish place to stay.
PARKROYAL on Beach Road (4*)
PARKROYAL on Beach Road is a part of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, so you just know you can expect nothing but the finest quality rooms, staff, and amenities. It’s a great place to stay in Singapore for families as there are two pools (one main outdoor pool and another specifically for children), as well as numerous room types that cater to families with young children looking to share one room.
The Sultan Heritage Hotel (4*)
If you’re looking for a more local place to stay, be sure to check out The Sultan Heritage Hotel. With 60 unique rooms set across 10 early-1900s shophouses, you can’t get much more local than The Sultan. While it might not be quite as glamorous or luxurious as the Pan Pacific properties in Kampong Glam, The Sultan offers a unique and authentic boutique hotel, where no two rooms are the same!
Chinatown / Tanjong Pagar
Best area in Singapore to stay for foodies on a budget
Why stay in Chinatown / Tanjong Pagar?
Chinatown is another one of Singapore’s historic and cultural heritage neighbourhoods, and it’s a particularly good area to stay in if you’re a huge foodie, as there are so many amazing places to eat, including Maxwell Food Centre which is one of my favourite places to eat in Singapore.
It’s also conveniently located between Marina Bay, the CBD, and Clarke Quay, so it’s undoubtedly one of the best areas for easily getting around the city. There are also dozens of accommodation options in Chinatown, ranging from authentic boutique heritage houses, to lavish and luxury hotels.
Downside of staying in Chinatown: As it’s one of the most popular tourist areas of the city, it means that Chinatown can get super busy and crowded, so if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay, this is probably not the spot for you.
Best hotels in Chinatown / Tanjong Pagar Singapore
Sofitel Singapore City Centre (5*)
This stunning 5* hotel in the heart of Chinatown has a giant outdoor pool, on-site gym, and is within walking distance to many of Chinatown’s temples, hawker markets, and street food stalls. Everything about Sofitel City Centre screams luxury, from the elegant rooms to the French and Chinese-inspired cuisine at their very own restaurant, Racines, to the expansive hotel lobby as you enter the property. It’s a hotel that caters to families, couples, solo explorers, and business travellers, as there are room types available for every kind of guest.
Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection (5*)
Duxton Reserve is another 5* hotel in the heart of Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown, less than 300m from Maxwell Food Centre, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and the Singapore City Gallery. Stylishly designed in gold, black, and yellow decor, with features such as theatrical golden fans, as well as a mix of Chinese, Malay, and European elements present throughout the hotel, Duxton Reserve Singapore boasts just 49 bespoke rooms and suites, where no two are the same.
Carlton City Hotel Singapore (4*)
Ideally situated in Chinatown, Carlton City Hotel is less than 300m from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, making it super easy to get around the city via the MRT. They pride themselves on being a fantastic place to stay for business travellers, thanks to the multiple meeting rooms at the hotel, but they also cater to families, solo travellers, and couples looking for a comfortable, clean, and convenient place to stay.
Sentosa Island
Best area to stay in Singapore with family / honeymooners
Why stay in Sentosa Island?
It might seem like somewhat of a juxtaposition to call Sentosa Island the best place to stay in Singapore for families and honeymooners, but there are various parts of the island/various hotels that cater to both kinds of travellers.
For families, Sentosa Island is a great place to be based in Singapore, as the island is home to some of the country’s best sights and attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the S.E.A. Aquarium. For couples/honeymooners, you’ll find plenty of resort-style hotels where you can soak up the relaxed tropical island vibes, without the hecticness of the city.
Downside of staying in Sentosa Island: As Sentosa is an island that’s been specifically designed with tourism/resorts/attractions in mind, it doesn’t really have too much of a local feel, so you might be missing out on the authentic Singapore vibes by staying on Sentosa Island. It’s also not as easy to get around the city from Sentosa, so you may find yourself travelling back and forth if you want to explore places such as the Central Business District, Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, and more.
Best hotels in Sentosa Island Singapore
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa (5*)
Known as Singapore’s only beachfront resort, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa has five on-site restaurants and bars, so while you won’t be close to Singapore’s food hubs such as Chinatown and Little India, you certainly won’t be short on food options. There are 454 family-friendly rooms overlooking the sea, pools, hills or gardens, and the hotel also boasts its very own private beach, complete with water sports activities. There’s also an indoor kids club and dedicated kids’ pools and water slides.
Capella Singapore (5*)
Capella Singapore is just a few hundred metres from Palawan Beach, which is one of my favourite spots on Sentosa Island. The 5* luxury hotel resort boasts 113 rooms, villas, cottages, and suites, plus three cascading pools. It’s a family-friendly hotel thanks to its dedicated kids’ pool and two and three-bedroom villas, but it’s also an idyllic hotel for couples looking for the ultimate relaxation retreat.
There’s even a bespoke spa complete with 9 treatment suites (including 4 couples suites), a vitality pool, herbal steam room, ice fountain, and relaxation lounge, with a carefully curated spa treatment menu.
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove (5*)
At W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, you’ll find 240 guest rooms, all beautifully designed to maximise on comfort and convenience, regardless of whether you’re travelling as a family or with your partner on honeymoon. The giant outdoor swimming pool is open 24 hours a day, and there are multiple dining options that cater to many culinary preferences and requirements. The views of the marina are also quite spectacular, and even though it’s a little more secluded than most other hotels on Sentosa (thanks to its location on the east coast of the island), this means it’s quieter and more relaxed than some other resorts.
Katong-Joo Chiat
Best for culture/local vibes
Why stay in Katong-Joo Chiat?
Heading back to more local/cultural vibes, Katong-Joo Chiat is a neighbourhood that you should consider staying in if you want to take advantage of local Singaporean cuisine, blended with a rich mixture of other cuisines and cultures.
The neighbourhood is famous for its stunning pastel-colored Peranakan shophouses and traditional architecture, so you can experience the true beauty and authenticity of Singapore.
Downside of staying in Katong-Joo Chiat: While Katong is still pretty well-connected to more modern parts of the city such as Marina Bay and Clarke Quay via the numerous MRT stations, it’s not very walkable to most other parts of the city, so you may find yourself spending quite a lot of time on public transport to get around the city.
Best hotels in Katong-Joo Chiat Singapore
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy (4*)
Located in the heart of Katong, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy features four dining facilities, an outdoor pool, and is just a 2-minute walk from Marine Parade MRT Station, making it well-connected to the city’s top sights and attractions via the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). It’s also just a 15-minute drive from Changi Airport, and was awarded the Green Mark Gold Award in 2024 for its incredible efforts towards sustainability and eco-friendly service.
STORIES Joo Chiat, a Hotel by Cove (4*)
For a hotel that oozes local charm and authenticity, with a slightly more affordable price tag, STORIES Joo Chiat, a Hotel by Cove is an ideal place to stay in Katong, especially as it’s recently undergone a renovation that has vastly improved the heritage-rich hotel rooms. While it’s not my favourite hotel in Singapore in terms of facilities and amenities (there’s no pool, breakfast, room service or proper hotel lobby), it is a great choice if you’re looking for tips on where to stay in Singapore for 2 nights on a budget. We stayed here around the F1 weekend in 2025, and it was significantly cheaper than most other highly-rated hotels in the whole city!
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong by IHG (3*)
This is another Katong hotel that we stayed at the week before the F1 weekend, and I was thoroughly impressed with our stay here! Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong might only receive 3 stars, but we experienced nothing but 5* service and treatment. The free breakfast for all guests is such an awesome feature of the hotel, and I particularly love the dining area that also doubles up as a working space, as this was very much needed as full-time travellers and digital nomads!
Little India
Best place to stay in Singapore on a budget
Why stay in Little India?
Little India is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay on a budget as there are plenty of incredible boutique hotels, as well as fancier hotels that aren’t quite as expensive as some of the city’s most luxury resorts. It’s also another great spot for foodies as there are so many wonderful places to eat, and the whole area is simply bursting with vibrant colours, exciting culture, and delightful cuisine.
Downside of staying in Little India: Unfortunately, it’s not the place to be if you’re seeking peace and quiet, as it’s certainly one of the more lively neighbourhoods in Singapore, especially at night.
Best hotels in Little India Singapore
lyf Farrer Park (4*)
I’m a huge fan of the lyf hotel brand, having stayed at multiple properties around the world, as they’re the perfect blend of co-living spaces with stylish and comfortable rooms. There are actually four lyf properties in Singapore, but we opted for lyf Farrer Park, which is just next door to the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, and it’s also super close to so many amazing places to eat. The hotel lobby/co-working area is one of my favourite features of lyf Farrer Park, and while the rooms are not the most spacious, it is an excellent hotel if you’re travelling on a more affordable budget.
Holiday Inn Singapore Little India (4*)
As you can tell from the numerous recommendations in this guide, there are lots of Holiday Inn hotels throughout the city, many of which are very reasonably priced (except during peak tourist seasons, of course!), including Holiday Inn Singapore Little India. Boasting a gorgeous pool with impressive city views, two on-site restaurants, and a 24/7 fitness centre, Holiday Inn Little India is a great choice for business travellers or couples seeking a clean and comfortable place to stay in an excellent location.
Citadines Rochor Singapore (4*)
Priding themselves on apartment-style serviced accommodation, Citadines Rochor Singapore features 320 units, catering to all kinds of travellers, budgets, and preferences. There’s a 24/7 gym, on-site self-service laundrette, an outdoor swimming pool, and a shared residents’ kitchen and lounge. Citadines Rochor is the perfect place for longer stays in Singapore.
Conclusion – Where to stay in Singapore
I really hope you found this guide about where to stay in Singapore for first timers useful, and I hope it’s offered plenty of inspiration for the best budget, mid-range, and luxury hotel options in Singapore!
Do you have any more recommendations about where to stay in Singapore for first timers? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram @imjustagirl_16.
