Where to stay in Singapore [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Singapore is an island city-state off of southern Malaysia in Southeast Asia, Singapore was foundered as a trading colony in 1819 and since then it has become independent, becoming one of the world’s most prosperous countries!

Singapore is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world for a lot of reasons including It’s perfect tropical climate, tasty food, sensational shopping and a vibrant night life make this garden city a great 1-2 day stopover or a great place to explore for a week.

We have put together some great places to stay around Singapore for first timers (and regular travellers) to find the perfect area for not only your budget but your travelling style! This guide includes where to stay in Singapore on a budget, the best area to stay in Singapore with family, popular areas in Singapore and best neighborhood to stay in Singapore.

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Singapore? We will cover off all types of Singapore accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Singapore hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Singapore 2024, the best Singapore hotels, best places in Singapore to visit, the best places to stay in Singapore, hotels near Singapore attractions, Singapore neighborhood guide and many more.

Clarke Quay – Where to stay in Singapore for tourist

Clarke Quay is the city centre of Singapore which is located near to the Singapore River is a good place to stay in Singapore. It’s densely packed Central Business District and this is also where the bulk of Singapore’s nightspots are located.

This area is a bit more up-scale and caters to the more posh or wealth crowds, although there are plenty of backpacking and budget options. Clarke Quay is also the best place to stay in Singapore for first timers due to its centralized location and local tourist attractions..

As this area is centrally located, it’s considered the best location in Singapore to stay, making most sites and attractions a short walk away. It offers a great selection of restaurants and a great nightlife scene which is aimed at attracting the 20-30 year olds but it of course welcomes everyone.

Fort canning park, a well known historic landmark is within walking distance to Clarke Quay. Wondering where to stay in Singapore for one night, this area is your best bet.

Local attractions include Singapore River where you can take boat tours to see the sights of Singapore from the water. Asians Civilisations Museum is a colonial British-style building housing Singapore’s finest exhibitions about Singapore’s diverse history. Fort Canning Park is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a their lunch breaks in a green-space, rather than being surrounded by the cement jungle called Singapore.

As mentioned, Clarke Quay has a great selection of restaurants, a few of my favourite are; Coriander Leaf CHIJMES is an Asian inspired restaurant that focuses on share plate style eating, enjoying traditional and interpreted cuisines of Asia. Their menu is uniquely set up in “tastes” such as fresh, sweet, spicy etc.  They also offer culinary education experiences.

When you think of Singapore and food, most people instantly think of Ramen, which is strange as Ramen is Japanese but we won’t judge Singaporeans – Ramen is awesome! Hokkaido Ramen Santouka has a number of stores in Singapore including in Clarke Quay.

Where to stay near Clarke Quay

Cheapest Hostels in Clarke Quay:
Galaxy Pods Capsule Hotel Boat Quay
7 Wonders Hostel @ Boat Quay
Bluewaters Pods 38 Hongkong St
Vintage Inn at Clarke Quay

Budget hotels near Clarke Quay:
KINN Capsule Hotel
Jayleen Clarke Quay Hotel
Robertson Quay Hotel
Champion Hotel City

Mid-Range hotels near Clarke Quay:
Riverside Hotel Robertson Quay
Hotel NuVe Elements
Heritage Collection on Boat Quay – A Digital Hotel
Hotel Bencoolen at Hong Kong Street

Family Friendly hotels near Clarke Quay:
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay
The Quay Hotel
Ibis Budget Singapore Clarke Quay

Affordable Luxury hotels near Clarke Quay:
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
Park Regis Singapore
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Little India – Where to stay in Singapore for foodies

As the name suggests, Little India is an ethnic district in Singapore. It’s located east of the Singapore River just across from Chinatown and Clarke Quay.

Here you will see a beautiful area which shows the best of the Indian community, from vibrant culture to ethnic-inspired shopping. This is the best place stay in Singapore for foodies and people who love a bit of culture on their trip.

Little India is known for it’s brightly painted shop and houses as well as interesting street art and temples and mosques. the main street that runs through Little India is Serangoon Road, which is filled with little stores, restaurants and cafes.

The Hindu celebrations such as Deepavali – the festival of lights and Pongal, the harvest festival are obviously very popular in Little India, which makes the area very lively during these festivals.

One of the most popular Hindu temple in Singapore is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple which is dedicated to the goddess and destroyer of evil and is actually Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.

The Banana Leaf Apolo is very popular with local Singaporeans for serving their take on authentic South and North Indian dishes. Their signature dish is a fish head curry, which isn’t really India but it really appeals to the Asian customers and has become a fan favourite.

If you are a vegetarian or prefer more of plant based meals and love India food, Gokul restaurant is going to be your best option. They offer the best of Northern Indian, Southern Indian and Asian vegetarian food in Singapore.

Where to stay near Little India

Cheapest Hostels in little India:
Snooze Inn @Dickson Road
7 Wonders Hostel at Upper Dickson
Snooze Inn @Dunlop Street
Campbell Inn

Budget hotels near Little India:
Arianna Hotel
ST Signature Jalan Besar
Hotel 81 Dickson
Sandpiper Hotel

Mid-Range hotels near Little India:
The Great Madras by Hotel Calmo
Wanderlust (best boutique hotel in Singapore)
Perak Hotel
Holiday Inn Singapore Little India

Family Friendly hotels near Little India:
Citadines Rochor
The Daulat by Hotel Calmo
L Hotel at 51 Desker
Philip Hotel

Affordable Luxury hotels near Little India:
The Serangoon House, Singapore
One Farrer Hotel
The Vagabond Club Singapore

Chinatown – Where to stay in Singapore on a budget

Similar to Little India, Chinatown is a cultural enclave located within the Outram district in the Central Area of Singapore, encompasses the neighbourhoods of Tanjong Pagar, Bukit Pasoh, Kreta Ayer and Telok Ayer.

Featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements, Chinatown has had a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. Wondering where to stay in Singapore with family on a budget? This area is known for having affordable hotels in Singapore.

Singapore’s is the only Chinatown in the world that has a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple along a single street. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is both a temple that practices Chinese Buddhism and Museum, that features exhibits on Buddhist art and history.

If you’re interested in history, I’d recommend checking out the Chinatown Heritage Centre, where you can go through the Chinese, Singapore’s early immigrants. Or enjoy the Chinatown Complex, which is filled with over 200 stalls of eateries.

Some of my favourite eateries in Chinatown; Spring Court located on Upper Cross Street, offers Singaporean Chinese Cuisine in an homely feeling restaurant within a 4-storey heritage shophouse. Spring Court also offers IP rooms if you want to have a more intimate dining experience. 

Check out Native cocktail bar for pre drink cocktails, their focus is on using regional products and ingredients. Native also offers come meals options as well, their menu is mostly compromised of vegetarian and pescatarian items, that are meant to be shared family-style.

Where to stay near Chinatown

Cheapest Hostels in Chinatown:
Atelier
Century Service World
Rucksack Inn @ Temple St
Beary Best! Chinatown by a beary good hostel

Budget hotels near Chinatown:
Galaxy Pods @ Chinatown
CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Chinatown
Hotel Calmo Chinatown
Hotel Mono

Mid-Range hotels near Chinatown:
Ann Siang House
The Inn at Temple Street
The Southbridge Hotel
ST Signature Chinatown

Family Friendly hotels near Chinatown:
The Scarlet Singapore
Hotel 1888 Collection
Hotel Soloha at Chinatown
Bliss Hotel Singapore

Affordable Luxury hotels near Chinatown:
Maxwell Reserve Singapore
Duxton Reserve Singapore
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

Marina Bay – Where to stay in Singapore with family

Marina Bay is a bay located in the Central Area of Singapore, it’s home to the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel with the “boat shaped” rooftop infinity pool and the luscious Gardens by the Bay.

You can enter both without having to stay at the hotel however you can only go onto the Skypark observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, you cannot enter the pool unless you are a paying guest of the hotel.

Marina Bay is considered best area to stay Singapore and best hotel location in Singapore, it’s a fairly centralised area but also somehwat quiet. While this area isn’t the cheapest it does have a lot of great family accommodation options, most if not all of the luxury or 5 star hotels within the Marina Bay area are very welcoming of children and families.

Just across from the giant Marina Bay Sands is the famous Merlion, Singapore’s mythical symbol and most sought-after photo-op.

Each night you can enjoy a spectacular light and laser shows held at Gardens of the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, all within walking distance. This is the most central place to stay in Singapore, its also a great place if you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore for 2 nights.

Located Gardens of the Bay is the Children’s Garden, water play area, wihich is a great way to keep the kids cool and get rid of some of their never-ending energy.

For all you beer lovers out there, LeVeL33 is a must visit, it’s the World’s Highest Urban MircoBrewery with increcible views of Singapore’s Marina Bay area. You can either sit back sipping on a cold one while enjoying the view from the rooftop terrace or you can devour their amazing menu at the penthouse restaurant.

Not sure what to have for dinner? I’d recommend heading to the Marina Bay Sands hotel, the have over 45 resturants within their complex! So you’ll be able to pick up something that will tickle your fancy in no time!

Where to stay near Marina Bay

Mid-Range hotels near Marina Bay:
Hotel Telegraph

Family Friendly hotels near Marina Bay:
Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore
Conrad Centennial Singapore
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Pan Pacific Singapore

Affordable Luxury hotels near Marina Bay:
Garden Pod @ Gardens by the Bay
The Westin Singapore
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore
Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

Orchard Road – Where to stay in Singapore for luxury travellers

Orchard Road has humble beginnings, starting off as fruit orchards, nutmeg plantations and pepper farms. In 1958 the first department store (House of Tangs) opened their doors and started the flow of this shopping district.

Orchard Road is a 2.2 km long boulevard, it’s mainly a hub of high end luxury retail and entertainment in Singapore.

Often known as just “Orchard”, Orchard Road is a major tourist attraction and great for window shopping for those who don’t want to spend $5,000 on a handbag from Luis Vuitton or Chanel.

While this area if Singapore has some great budget accommodation options, its mainly aimed at luxury travellers or travellers with “chunky wallets”.

ION Orchard Mall is one of Singapore’s many shopping complexes. It’s a futuristic-looking mall that houses over eight levels of stores, from luxury brands to high street fashion and entertainment stores.

If you’re looking for a unique experience while your other half shops, check out The Grande Whisky Collection, they offer comprehensive collection of fine and rare Scotch and Japanese  whiskies. Their “vault” houses over 4,500 bottles which visitors can  experience the sights and smells of fine whiskies including closed distilleries. 

There are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants along Orchard Road such as; Alma by Juan Amador, located in Goodwood Park Hotel, their motto is “the true soul of eating” ensuring that they put their heart and soul into the modern-European dishes with Asian influences they prepare for their guests.

Les Amis located in the Shaw Centre, serves French haute cuisine. Their aim is to “paint a picture of France” using key ingredients while playfully incorporating Asian flavours paired with delicious wines.

Where to stay near Orchard Road

Budget hotels near Orchard Road:

Orchard Point Serviced Apartments
Greatwood Residence at Devonshire
Hotel Grand Central

Mid-Range hotels near Orchard Road:
Adina Serviced Apartment Singapore Orchard
Oakwood Studios Singapore
Lloyd’s Inn
Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore

Family Friendly hotels near Orchard Road:
Lanson Place Winsland, Singapore
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Orchard Grand Court
Hotel Chancellor@Orchard

Affordable Luxury hotels near Orchard Road:
Ascott Orchard Singapore
Pullman Singapore Orchard
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard

Sentosa Island – Where to stay in Singapore with kids

Sentosa is a popular premier island resort getaway in Singapore, visited by over 20 million people a year.. Sentosa is perfect for a day trip or spend a few days enjoying the beautiful luxury hotels, sandy beach or even universal studios Singapore.

You can take the cable car over to Sentosa Island to get a great view of the surrounding area.

The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions which includes award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, 2 km golden sandy beach, world-renowned golf courses and a deep-water yachting marina.

Its the best place to stay in Singapore with kids as there is plenty to keep them entertained!

There are a number of beaches to unwind on, such as the bustling Siloso Beach, the super relaxed beach Tanjong Beach and the family friendly Palawan Beach. The kids might also enjoy visiting the S.E.A. Aquarium or Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Where to stay in Sentosa Island

Budget hotels on Sentosa Island:

Siloso Beach Resort – Sentosa

Mid-Range hotels on Sentosa Island:

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa
ONE15 Marina Sentosa Cove Singapore
Resorts World Sentosa – Hotel Michael
Oasia Resort Sentosa

Family Friendly hotels on Sentosa Island:
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
Resorts World Sentosa – Hard Rock Hotel
Resorts World Sentosa – Equarius Hotel
Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality

Affordable Luxury hotels on Sentosa Island:
Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
Capella Singapore
The Outpost Hotel Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa – Crockfords Tower
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

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