Where to stay in Singapore: areas and hotels

If you have a few days in Singapore, the easiest answer is the area around Marina Bay and Bugis, as they combine metro access on every corner, city views, and are within touching distance of most attractions. If you're travelling on a more restricted budget, the neighbourhood around Bugis and Chinatown has cheaper hotels without losing connection to the city centre.

Couples usually prefer Marina Bay for the views and romantic rooftop bars, while those seeking luxurious shopping and Michelin-starred restaurants head to Orchard Road. Families with children often choose to stay in Sentosa, the island with parks and beaches, or in a hotel near the metro for easy access to the Zoo and Gardens by the Bay.

Singapore is small in area and the metro (MRT) network covers almost the entire city, so you don't need to worry too much about your hotel's exact location. What matters is how close you want to be to stations and what kind of atmosphere you're looking for on your evening strolls.

Marina Bay: the most impressive base

Marina Bay is Singapore's postcard, with the three towers of Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, and the lake where the evening light and sound show takes place. The area is very safe, clean, and full of luxury hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants with skyscraper views.

It is ideal for those who want to experience the city's modern side from the very first moment, and for couples seeking romantic accommodation with a view. The downside is that accommodation prices here are among the highest in the city, and in the evening, you might feel like you're more in a shopping centre than a neighbourhood with local character.

From Marina Bay, you can walk to the historic city centre, Chinatown, and the Singapore River, while Bayfront metro station serves two lines and quickly takes you almost anywhere in the city.

1. Conrad Singapore Marina Bay

Located next to Suntec City and within walking distance of Marina Bay, with comfortable rooms and impeccable service. Suitable for travellers who want luxury without being stuck in the most touristy spot.

• Average cost: 190 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

2. The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

A classic hotel right on the canal, with a rooftop pool and bay views. It is one of the city's most renowned hotels for a romantic stay.

• Average cost: 260 to 380 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a special occasion

3. InterContinental Singapore by IHG

Located on the edge of Bugis, close to shopping malls and restaurants, with classic decor and large rooms. A good choice for families seeking comfort.

• Average cost: 170 to 230 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Bugis and Kampong Glam: for first-timers and couples

Bugis is one of the most convenient bases for a first visit, as it's right in the city centre, next to two metro stations, with access to markets, cheap street food, and the picturesque Kampong Glam with the Sultan Mosque. It has more local character than Marina Bay, without compromising on safety or cleanliness.

It suits those who enjoy walking through small cafes and Muslim restaurants in the evening, as well as travellers on a moderate budget, as accommodation prices are significantly more reasonable than in Marina Bay. The only drawback is that some alleyways can be noisier on Friday and Saturday nights due to nightlife.

From Bugis, you can reach Orchard in ten minutes by metro, Chinatown in five minutes, and Marina Bay in less than twenty minutes, making it an excellent central hub for the entire city.

4. Mercure Singapore Bugis

Modern hotel with a rooftop pool, very close to the metro and hawker centres. A good choice for couples and small families.

• Average cost: 100 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

5. Village Hotel Bugis by Far East Hospitality

Large hotel next to Kampong Glam, with comfortable rooms and easy access to local restaurants. Ideal for families who want space.

• Average cost: 90 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: families

6. ibis budget Singapore Bugis

Simple, functional hotel next to Bugis station, without unnecessary frills. Suitable for budget travellers who want a central location.

• Average cost: 55 to 80 € per night
• Ideal for: budget travel

Orchard Road: shopping and luxury

Orchard Road is Singapore's main shopping street, with dozens of shopping malls, luxury hotels, and restaurants featuring all cuisines. It's the right choice if shopping and dining are a priority for your trip, as you're literally in the city's commercial heart.

The area has many hotels with pools and spas, making it popular with couples and business travellers. It's less picturesque than Kampong Glam or Chinatown, as glass facades and shopping malls dominate, but it offers comfort and easy transport.

Orchard metro station serves the red line, which takes you directly to Changi Airport with a change, while by taxi you can reach Marina Bay in ten minutes.

7. Pan Pacific Orchard

Modern hotel with impressive architecture and a pool with city views, right on Orchard Road. Suitable for couples who want designer accommodation.

• Average cost: 200 to 280 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

8. Concorde Hotel Singapore

Classic hotel right on Orchard Road, with easy access to shopping malls and restaurants. A good choice for those who want to be at the heart of shopping.

• Average cost: 120 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: shopping and city break

9. Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road by IHG

Practical hotel with good value for the area, a few minutes' walk from the centre of Orchard. Suitable for travellers who want an affordable base in an expensive neighbourhood.

• Average cost: 100 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: solo travellers

Sentosa: beaches and family fun

Sentosa is a small island connected to mainland Singapore via a bridge, cable car, and monorail, featuring beaches, water parks, Universal Studios, and theme parks. It's the most popular choice for families with children, as many hotels have their own pools, kids' clubs, and easy access to aquariums and parks.

The downside is its distance from the city centre, as it takes twenty to thirty minutes by monorail or taxi to reach Orchard or Marina Bay. If you plan to spend most of your days exploring the city, Sentosa might not be the most practical base, but if you want a relaxing holiday by the sea, it's ideal.

Many hotels here offer packages with park tickets, which can be more cost-effective if you're travelling with children for more than two days.

10. Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

Luxurious resort nestled in the island's greenery, with a spa and access to a private beach. Suitable for couples who want relaxation away from the city.

• Average cost: 180 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

11. Siloso Beach Resort - Sentosa

Located next to Siloso Beach, with a pool and direct access to beach bars and restaurants. A good choice for younger couples and groups.

• Average cost: 110 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: young visitors

12. Resorts World Sentosa - Hotel Michael

Part of the large Resorts World complex, next to Universal Studios and the aquarium. Ideal for families who want all attractions right on their doorstep.

• Average cost: 150 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: families with children

Chinatown: tradition and budget-friendly options

Chinatown combines temples, old colonial-style buildings, and hawker centres with very affordable accommodation prices compared to Marina Bay. It's one of the city's most photographic neighbourhoods, especially in the evening when the lanterns light up the pedestrian streets.

It suits travellers on a limited budget who don't want to sacrifice a central location, as Chinatown metro station serves two lines and quickly takes you to Marina Bay or Orchard. A disadvantage is that some hotels here have very small rooms, characteristic of the area's old buildings.

It's also a good base for those who want to try local food at low prices, as the Maxwell Food Centre is located within the neighbourhood.

13. Furama City Centre

Hotel with a pool and views of Marina Bay, next to two metro stations. A good choice for families who want comfort at a reasonable price.

• Average cost: 90 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: families

14. Bliss Hotel Singapore

Small, modern hotel right above Chinatown metro station, with good prices for its location. Suitable for travellers who value practicality.

• Average cost: 75 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: solo travellers

15. Heritage Collection on Pagoda - Mobile App Check-In

Located on Chinatown's most picturesque pedestrian street, with small but tastefully decorated rooms. Ideal for couples who want a neighbourhood experience.

• Average cost: 80 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a budget

16. Ann Siang House, The Unlimited Collection managed by The Ascott Limited

Boutique hotel in a renovated colonial-era building, with stylish decor and excellent reviews for its location. Suitable for couples who want something a bit special.

• Average cost: 140 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Practical information for your stay

Changi Airport is connected to the city centre via the MRT (metro), with a journey of about thirty minutes to City Hall, or by taxi which takes twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic and costs around twenty to thirty euros. There is also a bus connection, but the metro remains the fastest and most economical option for most visitors.

Within the city, the MRT network is clean, safe, and covers almost all points of interest, so you will rarely need a taxi except for night-time travel. An EZ-Link card or direct contactless payment with an international bank card covers metro and buses without complications.

The best period to visit is from February to April, when rainfall is lower, although Singapore has a tropical climate year-round with heat and humidity. Accommodation prices rise significantly in December due to holidays and in summer due to school holidays in Asia, while in May and September you often find better prices in hotels on Orchard and Marina Bay.

If you plan to combine Singapore with another destination in the region, many travellers add a stop in Phuket or Bali, as flights within Southeast Asia are short and relatively cheap. If you prefer to see Thailand first, check out the guide on where to stay in Bangkok and the Bangkok travel guide.

If you want to combine your trip with another city in Asia, take a look at our guide where to stay in Tokyo, a completely different but equally exciting destination.

For those who want to add beaches to their trip, the travel guide to Sri Lanka is useful, a relatively close getaway from Singapore.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area for a first visit to Singapore?

Bugis or Marina Bay are the most convenient options, as they are centrally located, near metro stations, and within walking distance of the most famous attractions.

Is it worth staying in Sentosa?

It's primarily worthwhile if you're travelling with children or want relaxing days on the beach, but factor in twenty to thirty minutes of travel each time you want to go to the city centre.

How many days are needed for Singapore?

Three to four days are enough to see the main attractions, while if you want to comfortably add Sentosa, it's advisable to allow an extra day.

How do I get from Changi Airport to the city centre?

By metro in about thirty minutes to City Hall, or by taxi in twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.

Which area has the most affordable accommodation prices?

Chinatown and Bugis offer the most affordable hotels without sacrificing a central location.

Is a car needed in Singapore?

No, the metro and bus network covers the entire city safely and reliably, so car rental is not necessary.

When is the best time to travel to Singapore?

February to April has the lowest rainfall, although temperatures remain high year-round due to the tropical climate.