10 best hotels in Singapore for your staycay getaway

With most Singaporeans on a travel hiatus, staycations are proving to be more and more popular, but I’ve got to say that not all hotels in Singapore are ‘staycay’ material! Some things we look out for in a staycation:

• preferably not next to your CBD office if you don’t want to be reminded of work
• hotels with superb views
• rooms that are well-furnished and comfy so you can stay in most of the time
• a cool or unique hotel, whether is it in the architecture, furnishing, or facilities
• hotels with instagrammable interiors

To compile this list of Singapore hotels for your next staycation, we’ve checked in with travellers from all over the globe and they’ve weighed in on the hotels that they think are cool. We added a couple of our preferred hotels to complete the list.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Klook. I may get a commission if you purchase through my links but they are at no cost to you.

Andaz Singapore – an architecture lover’s dream

The striking, modern design of Andaz Singapore stands out even in a country known for cutting-edge architecture. The Andaz Singapore is a 5-star Hyatt property, conveniently located 20-minutes from the airport and directly above the Bugis MRT station. Like many 5-star hotels, Andaz Singapore offers amazing facilities including a rooftop bar, a 15-floor interior atrium, complimentary mini-bar, infinity pool on the 25th floor, and a complimentary wine happy hour every day for all guests.

Editor’s note: the complimentary wine happy hour seems to have been removed during this period.

There are several must-visit places and bars in walking distance from this hotel. On the same block is Atlas, repeatedly ranked in the top 5 best bars in the world for both their drinks and interior design. The famous Raffles Hotel and bar is a short 10-minute walk away, be sure to try a Singapore Sling here. Even closer to Andaz Singapore is Haji Lane and Arab Street. This area is known for amazing street art, unique bars, and restaurants. Have a personalized cocktail created for you at Bar Stories, a two-minute walk from the Sultan Mosque. Staying at the Andaz Singapore is an excellent location as the rest of Singapore’s cultural attractions, cuisine, architecture, and photography spots are at your doorstep!

Contributed by Have Toothbrush Will Travel Blog

Dusit Thani Laguna – new luxury resort getaway

One of the newest (if not the newest) entrants to the hospitality industry in Singapore, Dusit Thani Laguna offers a luxurious experience with iconic warm Thai hospitality. Near the Changi International Airport, the resort is probably the best on this list for a thorough escapade from the local hustle and bustle. And if you’re worried about the noise from the planes, rest assured that the soundproofing is excellent inside the rooms.

The resort features a large outdoor swimming pool with thoughtfully designed seats and platforms ‘floating’ on the pool, which is perfect for Instagram and those looking to bathe in the sun. The resort spa is also top-notch, complementing the entire resort experience. The greenhouse restaurant is also another highlight, with a facade reminiscent of the domes in Gardens by the Bay.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – a hotel with style & history

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is definitely one of the best, if not the ultimate best in all of Singapore. Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, directly at the Marina Bay, it captivates with a lot of historical flairs, breath-taking architecture, and plenty of charm. Unique is also the fantastic pool, which is ideal for relaxing after an exhausting sightseeing day. Another highlight is the excellent breakfast, which makes guests melt away.

This historic building was built between 1924 and 1928, serving as a post office, chamber of commerce, government offices, and the Singapore Club. During the 2nd World War, it was even briefly a hospital and refuge for injured soldiers. Few people know that the opening of the hotel was celebrated much more later in 2001. Today, this fine hotel shines in a Grand Hotel style and is a real highlight among the best accommodations in Singapore. The historic building is protected as a historic monument which gives it that very special something.

Contributed by PlacesofJuma

The Fullerton Bay Hotel – the only true waterfront hotel

Sister to the Fullerton Hotel, the Fullerton Bay Hotel is a smaller, more exclusive property with just 100 rooms. It is also the only true waterfront hotel in the Marina Bay area that’s built directly above the waters, offering fantastic, unimpeded views of the iconic Marina Bay Sands and the light show from its bay view rooms. At a premium price, the rooms are expectedly luxurious and every single room comes with a balcony. The premium rooms even come with a private jacuzzi on the deck, making it a perfect staycation for couples.

As you enter the hotel, you will see the beautiful Clifford Pier restaurant which was remodeled from the actual, old Clifford pier. The hotel kept much of the facade and structure of the pier. Coupled with the modern decor and furnishing, the restaurant is unsurprisingly one of the most popular premium wedding locations in Singapore.

At its rooftop, guests can enjoy the pool overseeing the city skyline. There are also two smaller jacuzzi pools. One edge of the pool ends at Lantern, the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore – amazing views of Marina Bay area at reasonable prices

If you are looking for a luxury hotel with a view, look no further than Mandarin Oriental Singapore. It starts with your multi-floor ride up the glass-enclosed bubble elevators to one of the 527 rooms and suites, leaving the fan-shaped atrium — a nod to the brand’s logo — below in the distance.

You can choose whether you’d like to see Marina Bay, the ocean and Singapore Flyer, or the city skyline from your accommodations. Each of these views can also include Oriental Club access, which offers additional benefits such as champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. It’s the largest club lounge in the city and a popular add-on for couples and business travelers.

Other highlights include the multi-level tropical pool area with its sun loungers in the water, bubble jet kids’ pool, and spacious cabanas. The six dining and lounge outlets include a massive international breakfast buffet at Melt, Italian, Japanese, and a Morton’s Steakhouse.

The hotel is located on Marina Bay, across from Esplanade – Theatres On the Bay. It’s easy to walk around Marina Bay to ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, and other sites in addition to being close to the central business district and attached to some indoor shopping malls.

While five-star, it’s not the fanciest MO property, so all of this comes at usually a lower price point than other Marina Bay luxury hotels.

Another hotel in the area to consider would be the newly refurbished PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.

Contributed by lajollamum.com

Marina Bay Sands – home to the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world

The Marina Bay Sands is one of the most famous hotels in the world, known for its surfboard-shaped infinity pool that sits across three towers. It’s the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool and you can only swim in it if you are a hotel guest.

Staying at the Marina Bay Sands is a bucket list experience and a fabulous thing to add to your Singapore itinerary (editor’s note: even for locals!). The hotel has over 2,500 guest rooms, 80 restaurants and bars and an impressive rooftop sky park that offers 360 degree views of the city and harbour. The rooms are luxurious, spacious and you have the choice of three views: skyline view, garden view or harbour view.

Spend the day at the exclusive rooftop, go for a swim to the infinity pool’s edge, relax poolside and sip piña coladas. In the evening, order room service and set up your own private dinner with a view!

Contributed by groovymashedpotatoes.com

Raffles Hotel – a colonial treasure

Raffles Hotel is, in many ways, the antithesis to Marina Bay Sands. While the latter is known for its contemporary skyscraper look on the Marina Bay, if you head North to 1 Beach Road in Downtown, you’ll find the colonial-style treasure that is Raffles Hotel.

Built in 1887, the Hotel started with modest designs – 10 rooms in a bungalow style building. Now the hotel oozes charm and grandeur. Where else can you follow in the footsteps of giants like Rudyard Kipling, Elizabeth Taylor, and Noel Coward? There’re numerous tales about Raffles. In 1902, an escaped tiger was shot in the Bar and Billiards Room. The Great Depression bankrupted Raffles in 1931 but it lived on. When the Japanese invaded in the First World War, it’s said they found the hotel guests in the Dance Room doing one last waltz. No hotel can quite match the intrigue of Raffles.

If you fancy a night of luxury, the myriad of suites on offer will set you back from $600 US dollars. If that’s a little steep, you can visit and dine in the Bar and Billiard Room, take steak at the steakhouse, eat al fresco in the Courtyard, or in the Writer’s Bar. Two of the cheaper options comprise Afternoon Tea, or a visit to the Long Bar, the home of the Singapore Sling cocktail. To this day, you’re invited to throw peanut shells on the floor as you sip away, an unusual tradition from another time.

Contributed by Dave Chant

Hotel NuVe Urbane – 4-star Boutique Hotel in a 1950s Colonial Building

Trying to find accommodation in Singapore that is both budget-friendly and spacious can be tricky. So-called capsule hotels are particularly popular amongst travellers on a budget. However, offering nothing but a small pod for sleeping, they offer little space or privacy. If you can afford it, it’s lovely to spoil yourself with a luxury break in one of the stunning hotels mentioned in this article. But for mid-budget travellers, there’s the great little gem Hotel NuVe Urbane.

This boutique hotel is located in an eye-catching restored and whitewashed 1950s colonial building. Originally built by Wong Weng as his business place and private residence, it remained in the family for decades. After a careful refurbishment, it opened as a boutique hotel in 2018 and now offers 62 rooms and suites.

For western standards, the standard rooms might still be a bit small, but they’re spotless and incredibly comfortable. All rooms have a luxury en-suite bathroom and complimentary amenities include reliable free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, bottled water and snacks. Furthermore, all hotel guests have access to the lovely outdoor swimming pool and terrace.

Hotel NuVe Urbane lies in the heart of the trendy neighbourhood of Lavender. Star of the area is Haji Lane, a true Instagram hotspot. Besides dozens of independent cafés, restaurants and boutiques, this is also one of the best places to see Singapore’s fantastic street art. Finally, situated at only a 5-minute walk from Lavender MRT the hotel makes for a great base to go explore Singapore!

Contributed by Zarina from Miss Travel Clogs

The Capitol Kempinski – modern luxury in heritage buildings

The Capitol Kempinski is both old and new at the same time. It opened only in late-2018, yet it occupies two prominent historic landmarks in Singapore’s civic district, Capitol Building and Stamford House. It certainly does not disappoint with the creature comforts. This writer stayed in a Deluxe Room (one step up from the entry-level room) and it came with electrically controlled blinds and curtains, wireless charging, a heated toilet seat, separate sinks, a pillow menu and a large bathtub with a TV console. Even the entrance foyer, bedroom and bathroom could be separated from one another by solid sliding doors for extra privacy.

Within the confines of the heritage buildings and regulations, the hotel has created 156 more rooms in 50 different configurations and a rooftop saltwater pool. It has done well to preserve and integrate the luxurious fittings of the original building into the design of the lobby, the 15 Stamford restaurant and the rooms. There are, of course, the usual Kempinski touches to look forward to, such as the attentive service of the Lady in Red, and homemade bread, honey and chocolate spreads at breakfast. If none of the six restaurants, the spa (currently closed) or the shows at the Capitol Theatre tickle your fancy, you’re in the heart of the city. Chinatown, Bugis and Orchard Road are all within a 10-minute car ride or 20 minutes on the efficient public transport system.

Contributed by Nicholas from Rambling Feet

Hotel Fort Canning – surrounded by greenery in an old British Admin Building in the middle of the city

Hotel Fort Canning is the ideal choice for a stay in Singapore if you love staying in luxurious surroundings with some history and peace and quiet while still being at the centre of everything.

Located in a British Military Administration Building built in 1926, this 5-star hotel is located in the 18 hectares of Fort Canning, a pretty green hill near the waterfront area and just a 10-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station which is on three train lines at the start of Orchard Road.

It’s easy to be anywhere you want in Singapore easily or you can stay at the hotel and relax in one of the three mineral pools and many restaurants.

There is a variety of room types with all being very comfortable and well equipped. We stayed in a deluxe room which had great green views and a luxurious bath tub to take them all in. This really is the perfect choice of where to stay if you love peace and quiet at night while easily accessing the action of Singapore during the day.

Editor’s note: We’ve tried the service at Chinois Spa, the in-house establishment, and it was absolutely rejuvenating.

Contributed by Dive into Malaysia

Some of these establishments may not have a spa to complete the experience but we’ve found a mobile massage service in Singapore which can provide hotel-like massages in the comforts of your home or hotel room.

Book your staycation now to curb those wanderlust!