The Best Places to Stay in Singapore for Downtown Buzz

Situated on the riverbank near the Pulau Saigon Bridge, this storied property was built at the close of the 19th century, when the surrounding neighbourhood was sunk in opium-dealing and espionage. Rooms and suites stylishly retain the original warehouse feel, with high ceilings, black metal beams and staircases and walls of exposed brick and industrial grey, and almost all have unbroken views of Singapore River. Sample cutting-edge Singaporean dishes at smart in-house restaurant Po, and craft cocktails at the Lobby Bar, each of which is designed to honour a specific phase of the property’s past.

Marriott’s louche, luxurious Vagabond Club offers Parisian-style accommodation in the trendy Jalan Besar neighbourhood. Designed by Jacques Garcia, known for his elegant restaurant and hotel interiors in the French capital, its rooms and suites wear dark, rich fabrics and are decorated by carefully-chosen photos and original artwork – but that’s not really what you stay at the Vagabond for. The big deal here is the Whiskey Library, a gentleman’s club-style bar that serves 1,000 varieties of rare and vintage whiskey. Before trying to work your way through them, feast on Chinese classics at the hotel’s Yellow Pot restaurant.

Located in Katong, Singapore’s first Heritage Town, the Indigo takes inspiration from the local Peranakan culture. Nowhere is this more evident than in the guest rooms, each of which delicately replicates, in miniature, a typical Peranakan home in its proportions and furnishings. Look out over Katong from your very own bathtub, or from the glorious infinity pool on the roof, which seems to flow directly over the building’s edge. In-house eatery Baba Chews does Singaporean, Katong and Western dishes and the colourful pavilion has board games and Mac desktops for guest use.

To experience a masterclass in Singaporean luxury, try the five-star Fullerton Bay Hotel. Located on the waterfront in Marina Bay, it offers opulent rooms with either city or bay views, all of which have balconies, some of which also have ensuite hot tubs. Without leaving the premises, eat dim sum at the Clifford Pier or French classics at La Brasserie, take a decadent afternoon tea at the Landing Point and hit the the Gin Parlour early evening, where you’ll find over 200 varieties of the house tipple. Later on, move up to Lantern, a moody rooftop hangout with romantic marina views, an infinity pool and chilled beats.

Located a 10-minute walk from the Orchard Street shopping and entertainment centre, the Quincy provides one of central Singapore’s best-value stays. Your nightly room price isn’t just for a bed in either a Studio or slightly bigger Studio Deluxe (both have queen beds, big TVs and Kevin Murphy bathroom goodies), it also includes breakfast, the contents of your minibar, snacks and refreshments throughout the day and evening drinks and canapés in the lounge or alfresco area. You’ll also have access to a rooftop infinity pool, a sauna and a small but well-equipped gym.

Housed in a characterful old pagoda in downtown Singapore, the Amoy Hotel has become known for its highly personalised level of service. Staff will address you by name throughout your stay and have been known to investigate noise disturbances coming from nearby buildings in the middle of the night, and to provide birthday cakes and other thoughtful touches. Compact rooms come in just two sizes – single and deluxe – and feature Chinese heritage designs, luxurious linens and smartphones for roaming. The complimentary breakfast is courtesy of a nearby cafe, of which there are plenty.

The ultimate couples’ retreat, Villa Samadhi is housed in a lovingly-restored 1920s British army barracks in the tranquil Labrador Nature Reserve, a 25-minute drive from central Singapore. Rooms and shared areas display an old-world, colonial style, with lots of darks woods, heavy wooden furniture and a veranda that simply screams for linen suits; soak it all up over afternoon tea or during cocktail hour from 6pm to 7pm in the library, both of which are included in the nightly room price. A decent buffet breakfast and a nightcap of Port and choccies are also given at no extra cost.

Many can only envision a deluxe paradise that takes the form of a grandiose hotel, housing hundreds of lavish rooms and facilities. You have the incredible opportunity to actually stay at the five-star Marina Bay Sands Hotel that hosts a range of different types of suites to suit your preferences. A family of three or four can easily book a premier room that comes complete with dozens of amenities that include a flat-screen TV, floor-to-ceiling windows featuring stunning views, and an all-access pass to the infinity pool and state-of-the-art gym which will help your burn off the calories gained from their delectable, world-class cuisines.

The idyllic Ritz-Carlton lies just minutes away from some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, including Marina Bay and the Singapore Flyer. Take in the panoramic scenery of the thriving city below while perusing the many features that are championed at the hotel. With a stellar collection of over 4,000 modern art masterpieces, courtesy of influential talents like Andy Warhol and Frank Stella, the Ritz-Carlton is ideal for art enthusiasts who will appreciate the raw passion that is evoked from each painting. Beach lovers can bask in the tropical atmosphere after taking a dip in the cerulean pool or opt for a day of ultimate rejuvenation at the attentive and indulgent spa.

Located in the heart of the city, Pan Pacific is the epitome of opulence and delivers a slice of heaven to all its guests. Showcasing marvellous views of the cosmopolitan city around you, each room at the hotel exudes a contemporary charm and will make you want to prolong your stay. Tour the palatial interiors which lead to exquisite restaurants serving up fine Indian, Japanese and continental dishes. Indulge in some comfort shopping at the magnificent mall that is reachable via the skybridge, and tuck into some more authentic and mouth-watering delights. From the moment you awaken, the hotel treats you to a delicious breakfast buffet, complete with a chef who will prepare certain dishes that are tailored to your tastes.

A stone’s throw away from the shopping belt of Orchard Road, the Shangri-La is comprised of over 700 luxury guest rooms that are located in three themed wings: the sophisticated tower wing, the nature-inspired garden wing and the elusive valley wing. Surrounded by 15 acres (6ha) of verdant greenery, marvel at the elegant Japanese koi fish that reside in the ponds, filled by tumbling waterfalls. With numerous recreational facilities on offer, why not try your hand at golfing on the large expanse of fields or a more active game of tennis? After working up a sweat, why not enter the sizzling sauna to open up those pores before taking a relaxing dip in the hot tub?

Shaped like an ascending staircase, this iconic hotel houses hundreds of rooms and suites, each possessing its own alluring charm. Oozing luxury and charisma, this sleek haven pampers its guests with a plethora of trendy bars and lounges serving up cheeky cocktails and premium pours. Featuring an intimate spa, perfect for catching a cathartic moment and giving your body the attention it deserves, and five renowned restaurants boasting an exquisite spread of tasty pick-me-ups, the Mandarin Oriental is the entire package that is nestled near the the financial hub of the city.

The first luxury boutique hotel in Singapore, this exuberant and uninhibited establishment is made up 80 chicly designed rooms and suites. In keeping with the name of the hotel, a vibrant yet mysterious color palette of deep reds, metallic golds and ebony hues is adopted, evoking a somewhat provocative decor, an alternative to the usual neutral interiors of other hotels. Overlooking the upbeat alleys of Chinatown, wake up to a pleasing view of an entirely different culture. The Scarlet Hotel is a vivacious home away from home.

An intimate retreat that presents a collection of over 70 boutique rooms that will cocoon you with a sense of comfort and resplendence. Featuring an impressive selection of specially commissioned Singaporean art, guests can admire the talents and passion that was put into every masterpiece. Dine at exclusive restaurants and sample an eclectic menu of edible delights before enjoying drinks on the rooftop terrace lounge. The Naumi is minutes away from iconic landmarks such as the Suntec Convention Centre, the Formula One Track, and a myriad of nearby shopping centres.

As a humble three-star establishment, Hotel Kai is the ideal pit-stop for the weary traveller who prefers necessity over luxury. With each of the 32 rooms embracing a stark white and airy theme, they will provide you with the resources you need to not only refuel but also unwind. Housing a few select restaurants and bars, nourish your mind and body before setting out to explore the booming metropolis that is Singapore. Hotel Kai adopts an ethos that advocates the saying ‘quality over quantity’. The pristine rooms, together with the effervescent personalities of the staff, help Kai live up to that motto.

A sleek slab of glass and purple neon highlights, the Orchid Hotel accommodates rooms with traditional undertones. With clean and functional furnishings, guests can appreciate the sheer simplicity of this hotel and bask in the unpretentious atmosphere that invites rather than intimidates. Tuck into bespoke American classics such as good old-fashioned burgers served with a side of fries and tangy dips to add the finishing touches. The Orchid delivers instant gratification in a fast-paced setting.

Specialising in catering to the unique tastes of its guests, The St Regis Hotel prides itself on delivering top-class service wrapped up in a sophisticated package. Enjoy an authentic Italian feast at its trattoria-style restaurants or de-stress in the Astor bar that presents a fruity yet potent selection of libations. Boasting amenities that include an indoor tennis court to ignite your competitive spirit, a Finnish spa that will cleanse your body and soul, and a tropical spa pool to let you unwind in the comfort of the calm cerulean ripples, this hotel will definitely form part of your motive for returning to Singapore time and time again.