10 Hotels in Singapore for all Budgets
Singapore is a remarkable spec of land on this planet of ours. Conscientious, forward-thinking, innovative and exciting are just a couple of words that are, by now, synonymous with the ways of the country. Accommodation in the country is, by no surprise, equally exciting and innovative. Prepare yourself for a wondrous onslaught of innovation, class, comfort and style for a memorable stay in Singapore.
Accommodation in Singapore: what to expect
Being the economic powerhouse that it is, Singapore is usually associated with all the bells and whistles connected with the finer things in life. And this rings true for some of the accommodation options here in the Lion City. Many of Singapore’s hotels are famous throughout the world for their opulence, attention to detail and lavish amenities. However, Singapore is not only a hotspot for the wealthy; and fortunately, penny-savers and budget travellers have plenty of accommodation options too. Although accommodation prices are significantly higher than in most Southeast Asian countries, Singapore does cater for a wide range of wallet sizes especially if backpackers are prepared to swap hotels for hostels.
Areas to look for budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation
Cheaper areas to look for accommodation in are Little India, China Town and areas located on the outskirts of the heart of the vibrant city. Budget travellers can expect to pay around SGD 25 to SGD 60 for a bed in a dormitory, whereas private rooms start at around SGD 40 and extend to roughly SGD 100. Pricier and more luxury accommodation can be found in the centre of the action as well as on the resort-island of Sentosa and in Marina Bay Sands.
Simple, basic dormitories, private rooms in guesthouses or hotels are the options for low to mid-range budgets but even these are spotlessly clean, well-designed and comfortable. On the other hand, luxury accommodation in Singapore is a true testament to the innovative and lavish attention to detail that Singaporeans are renowned for. Many of these upscale resorts and hotels are sure to leave even those accustomed to luxury, speechless and wholeheartedly impressed.
1. Marina Bay Sands Hotel
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is amongst the most famous hotels in the world. From the steps of its entrance to the remarkable, and lengthy infinity pool on the roof, the hotel is nothing short of magical. The observation deck at the top of the hotel, the infinity pool, and the host of restaurants all look directly onto the high-rise buildings of the city, providing unmatched views of the sunset and twinkling city lights.
The hotel caters for the mega-wealthy, tour-package seeking, taxi-riding, all frills indulging tourist. As such, the prices of the rooms are a tad staggering. The cheapest room you’ll find will cost around SGD 550, while the most expensive will set you back a weighty SGD 6,500. The most expensive of the rooms include a team of butlers, two lounges, a grand piano, and immense views of Garden on the Bay.
2. So Sofitel
The So Sofitel, Singapore, is a great stop if you’re a fan of French décor. The chain of hotels is world renowned, and for good reason. The rooms drip with extravagance, and superior comfort. Easily the most attractive aspect of the hotel is the rooftop pool. It is nestled in amongst towering buildings, decorated with lush greenery and subtle lights. If you were ever looking for man-made beauty or a synergetic modern landscape, this is where you should come. Prices of rooms begin at around SGD 300 and top out at around SGD 1000.
3. Wanderlust
Wanderlust offers a brilliantly creative take on accommodation that is sure to entice the novelty seeking neophiliac. Each room is unique, every stretch of corridor different from the next. The entire art-deco hotel is a hodgepodge assortment of various styles and themes. There is a room where everything in it has been rendered in yellow – it is an ode to the Beatles classic, “Yellow Submarine”. There is another room where things appear to be made of origami, and another where friendly monsters will share the room with you for the night.
The hotel is well located, just ten minutes away from the stretches of Orchard Road and the bustle of the business district. It is also right in the middle of Little India, which means only good things for your dinner plans. The hotel is unique in all of Singapore, and as such, the prices for their 29 rooms aren’t the cheapest. Expect to pay between SGD 130 and SGD 200. Prices increase steeply if you fail to book in advance, so get planning!
4. The New Majestic Hotel
The New Majestic Hotel is another art-deco, highly creative lodge. However, the prices here are certainly for the discerning customer. Some rooms have attics, where at the top of a ladder, you’ll find your bed. Other rooms have private gardens, whereas others have expansive balconies. Some have stained glass windows, others have glass-encased aquarium style bathtubs, and some even have bathtubs made of solid copper. Each of the thirty rooms is unique and address a slightly different niche. The rooms were designed by creative individuals of various disciplines, rendering a dazzlingly thought out, and scrupulously designed end result.
The hotel is well located, just south-west of the city centre, a few minutes car ride into the stimulating streets of the CBD. While the hotel is not exceedingly expensive, its target market is those looking for something unique and a little indulgent. Rooms at the hotel begin at around SGD 200 and top out at SGD 500.
5. Quincy Hotel
The Quincy Hotel has won awards for the experience they offer. The hotel aims to provide innovative and seamless integrations of technology and comfort. The rooms are exceptionally sleek and stylish. A fusion of geometry, interesting lighting and innovative use of colours make the rooms appealing in a way that is difficult to explain, but a pleasure to behold. A distinct attraction of the hotel is their infinity pool on the 12th floor that changes colour with the variable LEDs that shine into it. The experience is something quite futuristic, yet very warm and accessible. Room prices vary between SGD 250 and SGD 350. The hotel is also well located, minutes away from the nearest MRT and another few minutes to the nearest bus station.
6. The Pod
The Pod is a boutique capsule hotel in a very central part of town. It is situated on Beach Road, not too far away from the insanely colourful Haji Lane. The hotel is supremely minimalist. It has sleek furnishings with very ordered and deliberately placed furnishings and décor. Their intent is to provide you with everything you need so that you get can get on doing the things that you want to. This means free laundry, a buffet breakfast, complimentary coffee, and access to high-speed Wi-Fi. With your basic needs met, it’s time to hit the streets with a full stomach and a worry-free mind. The rooms are more like cabins on an overnight ferry. They are small, but deliberately so! If you’re into keeping things simple, or want to get a glimpse at the possibly future of travel, then give it a bash! The rooms are cheap, easily accessible to backpackers and bargain hunting voyagers. Prices begin around SGD 35 for a basic pod, and top out at around SGD 90 for a higher-end pod.
7. iStay-Inn
iStay-Inn offers the luxury of interesting accommodation to those whose budget usually caters for little more than a place to sleep, and somewhere to sit their luggage. The backpacker hostel collaborated with a street artist from Hong-Kong to create a funky, artistic interior throughout the hallways and common areas. The rooms are somewhat reminiscent of the set-up your 10 year-old-self wished you had when your friends came over for sleepovers. Wooden frames, wooden floors, whitewashed furniture, cosy blankets, and individual reading lights make for a comfortable night’s sleep. The hostel is located just off Cross street, not far away from Pearl’s Hill City Park, several temples, ice-cream parlours, and a load of other eye-catching, must-go-see spots. Of course, it is also in the mix with the bars, clubs and interesting restaurants. A bed in a dorm, all of which include air-conditioning, will set you back just SGD 17.
8. Canaan Suite
Canaan Suite is easily one of the most interesting on the list. The Victorian room is designed and decorated impeccably. The wallpaper, lampshades, curtains, and even the picture frames are all perfect. The result is an unremitting sense of delight as you prance around the apartment, indulging your closeted alter-ego. The other room is designed in a Greek fashion, which has also been done brilliantly. The rooms come with fantastic amenities, including a cappuccino maker, a splash pool, and a prime view of the city for dusk and dawn. The suites are located about twenty minutes’ car ride from the centre of town, in the Geylang district. The location is ideal for those looking to get a little further away from the intensity of the city without losing touch of it. Rooms vary according to season but are priced at around SGD 100.
9. Sentosa Cove
Sentosa Cove is the epitome of modern-day luxury. The rooms, bathtubs, beds, and views will make you want to run around the suite the way you did when you were younger, squealing with excitement, jumping from one piece of furniture to the next, from one train of thought to another, and then straight into the pool! Your clothes can dry later.
The lavish hotel is based in The Oceanfront on Sentosa Island. This fact, along with the big windows and generous balconies in all the rooms make for a pretty special view of your surrounds. Each room is adorned with lavish fittings and a bathtub in which to soak in the majesty of the moment. Really, it is quite difficult to encapsulate the colours, the atmosphere, and the feelings you may feel when you arrive. At the low end, rooms cost around SGD 300. Should you wish to experience Sentosa Cove in all its glory, a suite will cost around SGD 1000 – which is enough to put it out of the realm of the possible for the vast majority of us. But, should you be willing and able to foot this bill, you’re in for one singularly superb evening.
10. Klapstar
Klapstar is on this list because of the incredible hot tubs that are available in their very few rooms. Also, the classic feel, and the Italian bespoke furniture and fittings make for a truly wonderful stay. The rooms are designed for ultimate relaxation in a manner that wouldn’t look out of place in a James Bond film. Step out onto your balcony, onto your couch, or into your hot tub and let the stress of the day dissolve away. Just two minutes walk away from the MRT, five minutes from the bus station, and so very central to a host of tourist attractions, the location of the hotel is superb. The rooms in are the hotel are surprisingly inexpensive and cost between SGD 200 and SGD 300 for a night.
As it is clear to see, there is no shortage of interesting, unique accommodation options in this tiny, fascinating country and these are but a few of our favourite gems. With the wide variety of choices and prices, every traveller is sure to be well catered for here in Singapore.