Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)

I’ve been to Singapore so many times that I honestly lost count. I lived in Australia for over three years and spent a lot of time traveling and working remotely all over Southeast Asia, so somehow, every trip to that part of the world seems to involve a stopover in Singapore. And every time I see that my flight routes through Singapore, I think, Well, I might as well stay for two days, right? (But obviously, Singapore is worth visiting even when it’s not just a stopover.)

Now, when you start looking up where to stay in Singapore, it can get overwhelming fast. The city seems huge, you have no clue which area is best, where the main attractions are, or what makes the most sense for your trip. And then you realize—everything is expensive. I get it. I felt the same way the first time I visited.

So, to make your life easier, I’ve put together this guide to help you figure out exactly where to stay in Singapore. I’ll break down the best areas, what each one is good for, and list some hotels and things to do nearby. That way, if your priority is going to Universal Studios, you’ll know that Sentosa Island is the place to be. If you’re here for Gardens by the Bay, then Marina Bay is your best bet.

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip because, trust me—Singapore is 100% worth visiting.

Best Places to Stay in Singapore

I get it—if you’re in a rush, you probably don’t have time to read this whole long article. So, here’s a quick rundown of the best places to stay in Singapore. One of them is my personal favorite (I’ve stayed there a few times!), plus a few other fantastic hotels depending on what you’re looking for.

This is Where I Usually Stay in Singapore: Capri by Fraser

Best Boutique Hotel in Singapore: Duxton Reserve Hotel

Best Cheap Singapore Hotel: Cube Social Boutique

Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands

Best 5-Star Hotel in Singapore: The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Best Hostel in Singapore: Radzone Hostel

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Make sure to check out The Jewel at Changi Airport after you arrive!

Where to Stay in Singapore (Best Areas to Stay in Singapore)

As I mentioned in the intro, Singapore feels huge—and to be fair, it is pretty big, with so many different neighborhoods that choosing where to stay can get overwhelming fast. In this guide, I’ll break down the best and most popular areas, and while each has its perks, I’ll make sure to point you in the right direction. Because honestly, some areas are just better to stay in than others.

The Marina Bay Area is definitely a no-brainer. If you’re here for the first time and want to see Gardens by the Bay, staying here is a must.

I’ve stayed in Chinatown many times and think it’s great. It’s super central and definitely one of the cheapest areas to stay in.

Sentosa Island is perfect if you’re looking for a resort-type vacation. There are beaches, theme parks, and luxury resorts.

Another cool area for budget travelers, with loads of cheap food, hotels, and hostels, is Little India, but it’s a little less central.

Orchard Road is a great area to stay in if you’re here for shopping and taking advantage of the tourist refund scheme.

In recent years, I’ve almost always stayed in Downtown Singapore. Especially for a quick 2-day trip to Singapore, I think it’s the best area to stay in—it’s super central, well-connected, and makes getting around so easy.

Kampong Glam, with the famous Haji Lane, is one of the hippest areas to be in, but it’s also not as centrally located.

Clarke Quay is a great compromise with its central location, luxury hotels, good food, and shopping malls all around.

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
This is the Gardens by the Bay! Looks way cooler at night when the lights are on.

Marina Bay Area

The Marina Bay Sands area is easily one of the most popular places to stay in Singapore, mainly because it’s home to some of the city’s most iconic sights. And of course, there’s the Marina Bay Sands Hotel itself—one of the coolest hotels in the world. If you’ve got the budget or feel like splurging a little, I highly recommend staying here. The rooms are pure luxury, and the rooftop infinity pool alone makes it worth it.

Beyond the hotel, this area is also home to Gardens by the Bay—one of Singapore’s top attractions—as well as the ArtScience Museum.

Funny enough, I’ve actually never stayed in the Marina Bay area myself. There aren’t that many hotels here, and the ones that do exist are hella expensive (at least for me). But if you’re after a prime location and want to stay somewhere truly unique—because, well, this is where Marina Bay Sands is—then it’s a great option.

Plus, getting around from here is super easy. It’s centrally located, and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel has an underground MRT station right in its lower levels, making it a breeze to explore the rest of Singapore.

Where to Stay in Marina Bay

Like I mentioned before, I haven’t stayed in this area myself—mainly because there’s nothing I can afford here (lol). But to be fair, there aren’t that many hotels in this part of town. Marina Bay Sands pretty much dominates the skyline, and while I haven’t stayed there, I have been to the observation deck, their Italian restaurant LAVO, and the rooftop bar CÉ LA VI—all of which were incredible. So I can only imagine the hotel itself is just as amazing (and yeah, the reviews on Booking.com pretty much confirm that).

If you’re looking for something just as cool but a little less iconic, The Fullerton Bay Hotel is one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in Singapore. And if you want something more unique, the Garden Pods at Gardens by the Bay offer a minimalist luxury stay right inside the botanical gardens, with floor-to-ceiling windows and insane views over the greenery.

▶️ Marina Bay Sands Hotel

▶️ The Fullerton Bay Hotel

▶️ Garden Pods at Gardens by the Bay

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Things to Do in Marina Bay

  • Watch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show – Every night, the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay lights up in sync with music. I absolutely loved it! They have different light shows throughout the year. It’s definitely one of the best free activities in Singapore.
  • Visit the Flower Dome & Cloud Forest – The Flower Dome has ever-changing floral displays, while the Cloud Forest has an incredible indoor waterfall (I think it’s the biggest indoor waterfall in the world). I think the Flower Dome is skippable, but the Cloud Forest is super cool!
  • Ride the Singapore Flyer – Singapore’s version of the London Eye, giving you epic skyline views. Especially with kids, this is a fun activity to do.
  • Have a cocktail at the iconic Marina Bay Sands rooftop bar – The best way to experience Marina Bay Sands without booking a room. They have great drinks and views. Order a Singapore Sling and enjoy the scenery (make a reservation if you want a good table). It costs $35 to enter the bar, which is the same price as the observation deck, but the fee goes towards food and drinks!

I know everyone wants to check out the rooftop pool at Marina Bay Sands, but they do a pretty good job of keeping the swimming pool exclusive to hotel guests. Unfortunately, the only way to swim there is by booking a stay. But if you just want the views, I always recommend grabbing a drink and a bar snack at CÉ LA VI, the rooftop bar. It’s way more fun than the observation deck and will probably cost you about the same in the end.

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Views of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple from outside. There is no Entrance fee so feel free to check it out!

Chinatown (Cheapest Area to Stay in & Best for Solo Travel Singapore)

The first few times I visited Singapore, I always stayed in Chinatown because—yep, you guessed it—it’s one of the cheapest areas to stay while still being super central. I was a backpacker at the time (I guess I still am🥲), and Singapore felt ridiculously expensive compared to places like Thailand, Vietnam, or the Philippines.

Chinatown is right next to Downtown Singapore and not far from Marina Bay. I’d explore most of the city on foot from here because it’s so central, but the MRT (Singapore’s underground) is insanely clean and modern, so I loved using it to check out other neighborhoods.

Chinatown is definitely worth visiting—it’s packed with street food, cheap eats (some of which are even Michelin-starred!), quirky stores, Chinese medicine shops, and plenty of affordable shopping. Plus, if you’re looking for budget-friendly stays, this is where you’ll find pod hotels, hostels, and cheaper accommodations.

Where to Stay in Chinatown

I’ve stayed in Chinatown a few times, but I think my favorite hotel there has to be The Scarlet Singapore. It’s super extra—with velvet decor in all kinds of colors—but it somehow just feels like Singapore. Watch Crazy Rich Asians on the plane, then stay here, and you’ve got the full Singapore experience. The guest rooms are beautiful, the service is amazing, and they really go the extra mile—we got a free bottle of wine at check-in and free breakfast!

If you’re looking for something similar but more affordable, I highly recommend Kesa House. It’s super stylish but a little more minimalist. I absolutely loved staying here, and honestly, you can get a room for less than $100 a night—it’s a 4-star hotel, so that’s an insane deal for Singapore.

▶️ The Scarlet Singapore (Stayed here a few years ago, great service!)

▶️ Kesa House (Stayed here a while ago, great budget hotel!)

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
The Scarlet Singapore

Things to Do in Chinatown

  • Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – A stunning temple right in the heart of Chinatown. Whether you’re into temples or not, this one is worth a quick visit just to see how impressive it is.
  • Eat at a Michelin-starred hawker stall – Singapore has some of the best street food in the world, and you’ll find famous (and cheap!) Michelin-rated spots here like Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice.
  • Explore Chinatown’s street markets – If you want cheap souvenirs, snacks, or random trinkets, this is the place to go. It’s touristy, but fun to walk through. Just search for Chinatown Street Market on Google Maps and you’ll find it easily.
  • Check out Maxwell Food Centre – One of Singapore’s most popular hawker centers. Seriously, you could eat here every day and not get bored. Try the Hainanese chicken rice—it’s a must.
  • Visit the Singapore City Gallery – The Singapore City Gallery is an amazing way to learn how the city of Singapore was planned and established!
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre -So fascinating! It might not look like much from the outside, but if you’re interested in Chinese history in Singapore, it’s definitely worth a visit. Plus, it’s free—perfect for a rainy day!
Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Here we went to Universal Studios on Sentosa Island in Singapore

Sentosa Island – Best area to Stay in SIngapore with Family

Sentosa Island is a small island just off the coast of Singapore, connected by road and the Monorail. It used to be a British military base, but after a massive redevelopment, it was turned into a giant resort—which still blows my mind. The whole place is stunning, with beautiful beaches, lush gardens, palm trees everywhere, luxury resorts, theme parks, and golf courses. It’s crazy to think that most of it is man-made!

I’ve been to Sentosa tons of times to see most tourist attractions, but recently, I actually stayed here at The Village Hotel Sentosa, one of the more affordable resorts on the island. It was still amazing—the pool area was gorgeous, the staff was super friendly, and you’re ridiculously close to Universal Studios, The Harry Potter Experience, and Tanjong Beach.

One thing I loved: you don’t need a car at all. There are buses, but the Sentosa Express makes getting around super easy—it’ll take you from your hotel to anywhere you need to go on the island.

Where to Stay in Sentosa Island

I only recently stayed on Sentosa Island for the first time, and it was such a great experience. It definitely felt more like a beach vacation than a city trip, but if you’re coming with kids or family, staying at one of the resorts here is a total game changer.

We stayed at Village Hotel Sentosa, which was actually pretty affordable considering its location. They have a huge swimming pool, beautiful guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, great food, and even a kids’ club. After spending five nights there, I can highly recommend it!

▶️ W Singapore

▶️ The Outpost Hotel

▶️ Village Hotel Sentosa (This is where I stayed!)

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
The W Hotel on Sentosa Island in Singapore

Things to Do in Sentosa

  • Spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore – One of the best theme parks in Asia! The rides are great, the shows are fun, and honestly, even if you’re not a huge theme park person, it’s still worth checking out.
  • Visit the Harry Potter: Visions of Magic – If you’re a Potterhead, you can’t skip this. It’s an immersive experience with holograms and light shows. It’s open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and tickets start from $39.
  • Relax at Tanjong Beach – The most popular beach on Sentosa Island for good reasons, it’s gorgeous. However, I feel like it’s never overcrowded, and there’s also the Tanjong Beach Club, which is way more peaceful.
  • Walk along Palawan Beach – A super scenic beach with a rope bridge that takes you to the ‘southernmost point of continental Asia’ (very Instagrammable).
  • Go to Adventure Cove Waterpark – A fun water park with slides, wave pools, and even snorkeling with tropical fish. Great if you’re visiting with kids or just want a break from the heat.
  • Take the Sentosa Cable Car – The best way to get some epic views of the island and the Singapore skyline.
Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
This is right outside our Hotel in Chinatown

Little India

Little India is one of the most colorful and lively areas in Singapore. If you’ve never been, it’s a total sensory overload—in the best way possible.

I’ve stayed in Little India once before, mostly because it’s one of the more affordable areas in Singapore. But the food scene here is actually great, so it’s totally worth staying here.

The biggest downside for me was always the location. If you want to go and explore, you’ll basically always have to take the MRT, but I love walking around. Yes, it’s super affordable here, but so is Chinatown. If you can find a cheap hotel in Chinatown, I’d always recommend staying in Chinatown over Little India.

Accommodation-wise, this is a great area for budget travelers. You’ll find a lot of pod hotels, hostels, and some decent mid-range hotels. It’s not the fanciest area, but if you want to save money, it’s a great choice.

Where to Stay in Little India

In Little India, you gotta be a bit careful with what you book—yes, there are plenty of budget options, but some of them have terrible reviews. When I stayed here, I booked Owen House, and for less than $100 a night (which is cheap for Singapore), it was a solid stay.

The rooms were clean and modern, the service was totally fine, and the hotel had a really nice, sleek design. I only stayed for a couple of nights, but I was happy with it. Plus, it’s close to a metro station and surrounded by amazing local restaurants serving up delicious food.

▶️ Holiday Inn Little India

▶️ Owen House (This is where I stayed)

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Owen House Hotel

Things to Do in Little India

  • Explore the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, covered in intricate, colorful statues. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a super cool place to check out.
  • Eat at Tekka Centre – The best place to try authentic Indian food in Singapore. Get a plate of biryani or some freshly made roti—it’s cheap, delicious, and the portions are huge.
  • Wander through the streets and check out the street art – Little India is full of murals, bright buildings, and quirky shops. It’s one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in the city.
  • Visit Mustafa Centre – A 24-hour shopping mall that sells literally everything. Electronics, clothes, groceries, random souvenirs—it’s chaotic but kinda fun to walk through.
  • Go on a food tour – If you love Indian food but don’t know where to start, there are some great guided food tours that take you to all the best spots (totally worth it).
Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Crazy Rooftop Pool at the Pan Pacific Orchard

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is basically Singapore’s shopping paradise. If you love shopping (or just want to window shop and pretend you’re rich), this is the place to be. It’s a long stretch of malls, luxury boutiques, and department stores—seriously, you could spend days here and still not hit every shop. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the area is modern, lively, and home to some of the best hotels in Singapore.

I’ve never actually stayed in Orchard Road, mainly because, A) it’s not the cheapest area, and B) it’s not super close to the places I usually want to visit in Singapore. It’s a bit of a trek to Sentosa and Marina Bay, but on the flip side, it’s near the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and if shopping is high on your list, you’ll love it here. Where you stay in Singapore really depends on your priorities. The good news is that the MRT makes it easy to get anywhere, and Orchard Road has some of Singapore’s best restaurants and rooftop bars—because who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar?

Where to Stay in Orchard Road

Orchard Road has some of the most insane hotels in Singapore. And yeah, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but you do get a lot for your money. The most impressive one here has to be the Pan Pacific Orchard—the architecture is wild. When you see it, you’ll probably just think, what in the science fiction is going on here? I’ll have to include some pictures so you can really understand how incredible it is.

That said, there are a few more affordable options that still feel super modern and futuristic. YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road is one of the best budget-friendly hotels in the area—it’s stylish, compact, and has everything you need without breaking the bank.

▶️ Pan Pacific Orchard (Impressive Flagship Hotel)

▶️ Yotel Singapore Orchard Road

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Another picture of the pool at the Pan Pacific Orchard

Things to Do in Orchard Road

  • Shop till you drop – From luxury brands at ION Orchard Mall to budget-friendly finds at Far East Plaza, there’s a mall for every budget here. Even if you’re not buying, the air-conditioned malls are a great escape from Singapore’s heat.
  • Walk through Emerald Hill – Just off Orchard Road, this little street is full of beautifully preserved Peranakan-style shophouses.
  • Have a drink at a rooftop bar – There are some amazing rooftop bars in this area. My favorite is at ION Sky—great views, good cocktails, and way less crowded than Marina Bay Sands.
  • Explore the Singapore Botanic Gardens – Just a short ride away, this UNESCO-listed garden is a great place to relax after a day of shopping. The orchid garden here is especially beautiful.
  • Check out Orchard Road’s Christmas lights (if you’re visiting in December) – Orchard Road goes all out for Christmas with insane light displays and decorations.
Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
We loved Lau Pa Sat, which is a Street Food Market right in Downtown. Make sure to get the Satay!

Singapore Downtown – Where I Usually Stay When I’m in Singapore

Singapore Downtown is the city’s central business district, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring. It’s actually a great place to stay, especially if you want sleek skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and easy access to Marina Bay. You’ll find some of Singapore’s fanciest hotels here, and while they’re not exactly budget-friendly, the views make up for it.

I’ve stayed in Downtown before, and the best part is how central everything is. Marina Bay is within walking distance, you can hop on the MRT to explore other areas, and there are some surprisingly good hawker centers hidden between all the high-rises.

The vibe here is a mix of business travelers and tourists, and while it doesn’t have the same cultural charm as places like Chinatown or Little India, it’s perfect if you want something modern, convenient, and well-connected.

I’d definitely recommend this area as the best place to stay in Singapore for first-timers. It’s close to everything, has amazing hotels, and offers a surprisingly cultural vibe with an incredible food scene—from upscale restaurants to affordable street food.

Where to Stay in Singapore Downtown

Singapore Downtown is a great area to stay in because it’s right in the center of everything. You can walk to so many places from here, which I love. Most of the time, when I stay in Singapore, I pick a hotel in the Central Business District just because it’s so convenient.

I usually stay at Capri by Fraser, and it’s perfect for a no-fuss city stay. It’s got everything I need— a swimming pool, gym, spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and amazing skyline views. Plus, it’s sort of affordable (for Singapore, at least), which makes it an easy choice for a city trip.

▶️ The Clan Hotel Singapore (Similar to Capri but a little fancier!)

▶️ Paradox Singapore

▶️ Capri by Fraser (This is where I stay when visiting Singapore)

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Rooftop pool at our favorite Hotel, The Capri

Things to Do in Singapore Downtown

  • Visit Merlion Park – Singapore’s most famous statue, the Merlion, is right here by the waterfront. It’s super touristy but also one of those must-see spots and main tourist attractions. The views of Marina Bay from here are great too.
  • Check out Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre – One of the best hawker centers in Singapore, and it’s right in the middle of the business district. Go in the evening and grab some satay—it’s so good!
  • Explore the Boat Quay & Clarke Quay area – This is the place to go for riverside dining, drinks, and nightlife. It’s lively, has some great bars, and is a fun spot to hang out in the evenings. Heads up, it’s super touristy and westernized though.
  • Go up to the top of One Raffles Place – There’s a rooftop bar here called High House with insane views over the city. If you don’t want to pay for Marina Bay Sands, this is another great spot to take in the skyline.
Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
This is when we went to Haji Lane during the Day.

Kampong Glam (Arab Street) – Best Place to Stay in Singapore on a Budget

Kampong Glam is easily one of my favorite areas in Singapore. It’s colorful, packed with history, and has some of the best food and street art in the city. This is Singapore’s Malay and Arab quarter, so you’ll find mosques, Middle Eastern and Malay restaurants, and lots of cute little boutiques and cafés. It’s also where you’ll find Haji Lane, which is basically the coolest street in Singapore—tiny, packed with indie shops, and perfect for wandering.

I haven’t personally stayed here before, but if I were to pick a more cultural, artsy area to stay in, this would be it. It’s central, well-connected by MRT, and just has a really fun vibe. Plus, it’s one of the best areas in Singapore for finding affordable hotels and boutique stays, which is always a win.

Even if you’re not planning to stay here, Haji Lane is the perfect spot to visit for an afternoon or evening. It’s one of those places that always pops up when you’re researching what to do in Singapore—and for good reason. Make sure to add it to your list!

Where to Stay in Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is such a great spot for budget accommodation. In Little Arab, you can find some seriously good deals—you just have to sacrifice a central location. But if you want to save money, it’s so worth it.

One of the best places to stay here is The Sultan Hotel. It has cool decor, great service, and spacious rooms inside a beautiful old colonial-style building. Another solid option is Rest Bugis Hotel—super modern, very clean, and while a bit basic, it has a rooftop pool. The best part is that both of these are well under $100 a night. Such a steal for Singapore!

▶️ The Sultan Hotel

▶️ Rest Bugis Hotel

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
The Sultan Hotel

Things to Do in Kampong Glam

  • Visit Sultan Mosque – This is one of the most beautiful mosques in Singapore, and you can see its golden dome from all over the neighborhood.
  • Explore Haji Lane – A tiny, artsy street packed with cool cafés, vintage shops, and indie boutiques. I’ve never bought anything here—it’s way too hectic—but it’s fun to just wander around and get a drink at one of the bars.
  • Check out the street art – Kampong Glam has some of the best murals in Singapore. Just wander around and you’ll find plenty of cool murals. If you’re really into it, though, you can also take a guided street art tour here.
  • Eat at a Middle Eastern restaurant – There are so many good ones, but I highly recommend trying a kebab or some hummus at one of the spots along Arab Street. The food here is legit. I’ve been to a place called Tabbouleh a couple of times. It’s a Lebanese restaurant with a really nice outdoor seating area.

Clarke Quay Area

Clarke Quay is right by the Singapore River, and it’s such a fun area to stay in. I’ve stayed here before, and I loved how central it was—you can walk to Marina Bay, Chinatown, and even Orchard Road if you’re up for a stroll. The riverfront is great for exploring, with colorful shophouses, restaurants, and some really cool museums nearby.

One of my favorite things about staying here was Smoke & Mirrors, the rooftop bar on top of the National Gallery of Singapore. The views over Marina Bay are unreal, and the cocktails are amazing. Speaking of the gallery, it’s one of the best museums in Singapore, with an incredible collection of Southeast Asian art. Another must-visit is the National Museum of Singapore, which is super well done and a great way to learn about the country’s history.

If you want to be somewhere scenic, central, and packed with things to do, Clarke Quay is a great choice.

The only downside is that it can feel a bit overdone at times. With places like Hooters and Starbucks by the riverside, some parts don’t feel very “Singapore.” Still, it’s a great spot overall!

Where to Stay in Clarke Quay

Hear me out—I know a lot of people think cube hotels are weird or claustrophobic. And yeah, if you’re not into small spaces, it might not be for you. But I stayed at Cube Social Boutique Hotel, and honestly, it was such a great experience.

The capsules are as comfortable and well-equipped as they get—super comfy beds, beautiful design, and a surprisingly high-end feel. The whole hotel is top-notch, with a stylish lobby and bar area, plus it’s in a great location. If you’re open to the idea of staying in a capsule, this is definitely a cool spot to try!

▶️ Cube Social Boutique

▶️ The Robertson House

Where to Stay in Singapore: My Ultimate Guide to the Best Hotels and Areas to Stay in Singapore (2025)
Cube Social Boutique Hotel

Things to Do in Clarke Quay

  • Visit the National Gallery of Singapore – One of my favorite museums in the city. The art collection is incredible, and the building itself is beautiful. Even if you’re not big on art, it’s worth checking out.
  • Have a cocktail at Smoke & Mirrors – This rooftop bar on top of the National Gallery has one of the best views in Singapore. The drinks are pricey, but totally worth it for the experience.
  • Check out the National Museum of Singapore – This museum does a great job showcasing Singapore’s history.
  • Take a boat ride – If you don’t feel like walking, hop on a river cruise. It’s a relaxing way to see Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay from the water.
  • Cocktail at the Raffles Hotel – Supposedly, the best Singapore Sling is at Raffles Hotel in Singapore. I’ve tried it, and honestly, it tastes similar to others I’ve had, but it’s still worth going. The bar has a great vibe!

FAQs About Where to Stay in Singapore

What is the best area to stay in Singapore?

It really depends on what you’re looking for! If you want luxury and insane views, Marina Bay is the way to go (if you can afford it). If you’re on a budget, Chinatown is super central and has some of the cheapest stays. Sentosa is perfect if you want a resort vibe and easy beach access, while Little India and Kampong Glam are great for culture, food, and boutique hotels.

What is the cheapest time to visit Singapore?

Singapore is pretty much a year-round destination, but if you want to save money, avoid major holidays and events like Chinese New Year or Formula 1 weekend (hotel prices go crazy). The rainy season (November to January) tends to be cheaper since it’s more humid and unpredictable, but honestly, Singapore is humid all year, so it doesn’t make a huge difference.

How to get from Changi Airport to Marina Bay Sands?

Easiest way? A taxi or Grab—it’ll take about 20 minutes and cost around $20-30 SGD. If you’re on a budget, take the MRT. Hop on the East West Line at the airport, switch at Bugis to the Downtown Line, and get off at Bayfront Station—which is literally under Marina Bay Sands. Super easy and only costs a few bucks.

I’m a huge fan of the MRT in general. It’s so clean and modern—a great way to get around Singapore.

What to do at Marina Bay Sands?

If you’re staying there, the infinity pool is obviously the highlight (it’s only for hotel guests, though). Even if you’re not staying, you can still check out Sands SkyPark for epic views. The rooftop bar is a great way to enjoy the views without paying for a ticket. There’s also a massive shopping mall, a casino, and even an indoor canal with gondola rides (yes, really).

Where to Stay in Singapore for First Timers?

If it’s your first time in Singapore, I’d go with Marina Bay or Singapore Downtown. Marina Bay is where you’ll find all the iconic sights like Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Where to Stay in Singapore for Couples?

For a romantic trip, Sentosa Island or Marina Bay are the best bets. Sentosa has gorgeous beach resorts, perfect if you want more of a relaxing getaway while still being close to the city. Marina Bay is amazing for a luxury stay, with high-end hotels, rooftop bars, and incredible skyline views.

Final Words on the Best Places to Stay in Singapore

A visit to Singapore is 100% worth it. It’s one of those cities that truly has everything—iconic sights like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, incredible street food, stunning bars and restaurants, and even beach resorts over on Sentosa. Where to stay in Singapore definitely matters because the city is big and spread out. Picking the right area will make it way easier to get around, whether by walking or using the super-efficient public transport system.

I’m a big fan of the city, and I’m sure you will be too once you visit! I hope this guide helps you plan your trip. Safe travels!

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I’ve always felt like Singapore is one of those places that just begs for a quick stopover. You see it all the time—flights into Southeast Asia, or from Europe to Australia, often have layovers here. And every time it happens, I think, “Hmm, maybe I should just explore Singapore for a bit.” That’s exactly what…

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