There’s an easy way to answer the question: where to stay in Singapore? The answer: Marina Bay. Central and stunning, you’ll feel the FOMO the minute you start looking at bay view rooms. Of course, there are other spots that’ll pull at your travel heart strings. Who hasn’t wanted to sip a Singapore Sling in Raffles Long Bar before retiring for the night? This city is packed with stellar options for gorgeous stays. Colonial architecture, heritage buildings and a couple of hotels looking to fuse the two mean there’s an aesthetic and budget for everyone. Fair warning though, the choice won’t be easy…
Hotels with breakfast included
Hilton Singapore Orchard
If we had to pop the Hilton Singapore Orchard in a pigeon hole, it’d be the one marked chic and convenient. Towering above Singapore’s entertainment and shopping district, the uppers floors of the hotel deliver sparkling city views from minimal but stylish rooms to relax in. A botanical theme softens the square edges of the surrounding architecture.
And while the five restaurants, two gyms and the outdoor pool will be tempting, the Hilton’s very much a spot to use as a base to explore. Handy then, that you can book their breakfast room rate. Fuelling up across the breakfast buffet that runs from 6:30am to 10:30am is the ideal way to start the day. Though, popping to the gym might seem a little more necessary after your second trip the pastries counter.
With family friendly amenities, babysitting services and a cute welcome pack for little ones that includes pint-sized slippers and bathrobes, the Hilton easily secures itself on the all-rounders list of where to stay in Singapore.
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality
Taking a very different approach to travel accommodation, The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, has lovingly restored a former British artillery outpost, which immediately fulfils the ‘different and quirky’ space on any nomad’s checklist. Colonial architecture, history and intrigue fill the air in a hotel that’s looking to take us all back to the golden age of travel. Not only does The Barracks succeed, but it includes breakfast in the room price, too.
Old world luxury abounds, from the rooms peppered with vintage curios to the pool accented with palms and more classic architecture. But don’t for a minute suppose that this hotel tips over into antiquated and fusty.
A sleek and modern fitness suite makes the elliptical a little more enticing, and light and airy dining rooms fuse the on-trend industrial look with Japanese, Parisian and Eurasian cuisine. Yes, you’re a little further from the main sightseeing and shopping spots with the Sentosa Island location, but you’re temptingly close to the stellar beaches.
Luxury hotels
Raffles Singapore
Think Singapore, and Raffles immediately springs to mind. Though, you’re far more likely to have it down as THE spot to enjoy a Singapore Sling (or three), rather than on your shortlist of where to stay. Amend that list ASAP, because Raffles rustles up far more than knock-out cocktails. Palatial, charming and cosy, despite the abundance of ice white pillars, this hotel is where you come to be pampered. The spa is suitably restorative, even if the clean lines and minimalism do come over as a touch clinical, rather than calming.
Raffles really wows on the dining front. Six restaurants cover all the gourmet angles, from perfectly cooked cuts in the steakhouse to celebrity chef cuisine. Despite the recent and extensive renovation of the hotel, you can still sit down to the timeless favourite, a Raffles Afternoon Tea.
Starting life as a 10 bed, beach bungalow in 1887, this hotel is no stranger to revamps and levelling up. But, never at the expense of tradition. Which, of course means you can still enjoy the practically compulsory sling in the Long Bar. The one question you have to ask yourself, have you really done Singapore if you haven’t spent a night or two at Raffles?
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Marina Bay clocks up more than a few mentions in any Singapore travel guide. Shimmering with city lights, the waters make for an outstanding view. So it’s worth priming your travel budget for a room at The Ritz-Carlton with a marina outlook. Aiming for a rather different approach to cosmopolitan luxe, The Ritz-Carlton does away with colonial pillars and brings in sleek lines, Michelin-starred eats and a 4,000 piece art collection to feast your eyes on.
The surrounding neighbourhood adds further forays into gourmet cuisine and culture. And, back in the hotel, the luxury dial is turned up to eleven, with live music in the spa, private cabanas by the outdoor pool and a range of suites to suit most budgets. Marble bathrooms, calming decor and a Feng Shui approach gives the Ritz-Carlton the wow factor you’d expect from a top notch 5-star hotel in Singapore.
Centrally located
Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore
In a city like Singapore, it pays to be at the heart of the action. Which is where hotels like The Stamford, from Swissotel come in. Just west of Marina Bay, on Stamford Road, the hotel puts you within easy reach of Chinatown, Marina Bay and the core downtown area for exploring. Being close to the MRT train station opens up wider Singapore. And, Sentosa Island – complete with beaches, theme parks and gorgeous ocean sun sets is just a 15 minute drive away.
And the hotel? Swissotel combines a little Swiss hospitality with Singapore’s rep for luxe experiences and gourmet food. One of the 13 restaurants and bars within the hotel has attained a coveted two stars from Michelin and the rooms offer comfort and elegance, without leaving you feeling like you just want to while away the day watching the harbour views play out from your plush king-size.
Of course, that’s only a worry if you opt for a harbour view in the first place. The spa, swimming pool, tennis courts and running track round out The Stamford to be an obvious choice for explorers who want to stay in and explore Singapore in style.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
We’ve popped The Fullerton Bay Hotel under the heading ‘centrally located’ but really it should have a ‘showstopper’ tag too. Admittedly, it doesn’t look as jaw-dropping from the exterior as, say. Raffles or The Barracks, but when it comes to interiors? The Fullerton Bay is hard to beat. Elegant rooms have all the plush, rich touches you might expect from a luxury stay. Minimalism isn’t welcome here. Layers, lighting and lavish numbers of cushions are used to full effect in the suites, while Premier Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows to max out on views and LCD TV in the bathrooms to max out on relaxing in the small, but workable, tub.
The white arches of the dining room will leave you wondering whether to gaze at your plate or the architecture and the Lantern Terrace is a hotspot for soaking up the Singapore nightlife vibes with a cocktail or two.
Of course, the bar’s view of the bay draws a crowd, so do bag a seat early if you’re in the market for a negroni and sunset to end the day. Our one criticism? You could find yourself so enamoured with the bay views from the rooftop pool, you miss out on some of the city’s best bits. Which would be a shame when you’re staying right in the heart of Marina Bay, THE Singapore postcode.
If you’ve decided where to stay in Singapore and want to book your stay – or discover more about the city, download the Orbzii app. You can dream, plan and book your trip, all in one place.
