Finding Accommodation in Singapore: Best Areas, Hotels and Resort‑Style Stays

Who This Singapore Accommodation Guide Is For

We’ve written this for travellers who:

• Are past the noisy‑hostel stage
• Prefer comfortable hotels or apartments with good sleep and air‑conditioning
• Want easy access to public transport, food and key sights
• Might be stopping over for a night or two between flights

If you like the idea of modern city hotels, family‑friendly stays near green spaces and the occasional resort‑style break from the city centre, this section will help you decide:

• Which areas to stay in
• What style of accommodation to look for
• How a stopover near the airport or attractions can work

Best Types of Accommodation in Singapore (If You Don’t Want Dorms)

Singapore has everything from smart budget hotels to ultra‑luxury skyscraper stays. If you’re not into dorms, these options usually work best:

City Hotels

In central areas (Downtown Core, Marina Bay, Orchard, Bugis), we typically look for:

• Comfortable beds and reliable air‑conditioning
• Strong Wi‑Fi
• Easy walking access to an MRT station
• Decent soundproofing (important in compact city areas)

These are ideal if you’re here for classic sightseeing and shopping.

Serviced Apartments & Aparthotels

Great if you’re:

• Staying longer than a few nights
• Travelling as a family or group
• Prefer having a small kitchen and living area

These tend to be in central or business districts and give you the flexibility of self‑catering with hotel‑style services.

Resort‑Style & Family‑Friendly Stays

Some areas offer a more “holiday” feel with greenery, pools and on‑site entertainment—ideal for:

• Stopovers where you want to actually relax
• Families who value playgrounds, waterparks and open spaces
• Travellers who don’t mind being a bit out of the CBD in exchange for a more laid‑back vibe

This is where D’Resort @ Downtown East fits in particularly well where we stayed.

Where to Stay in Singapore: Areas That Work Well

Marina Bay & City Hall

Best if it’s your first time in Singapore and you want:

• Iconic skyline views
• Easy access to Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park and major museums
• High‑end hotels and some stylish mid‑range options

It’s central, walkable and very convenient for short stays—though usually at higher prices.

Orchard Road

Good for:

• Shopping trips
• Easy access to malls, restaurants and cafés
• Transport links via the Orchard MRT stations

You’re slightly away from the main waterfront sights but still very central.

Bugis, Bras Basah & Bencoolen

A great “middle ground” area:

• Typically more affordable than Marina Bay and Orchard
• Walkable to Arab Street, Kampong Glam, and parts of the civic district
• Plenty of mid‑range hotels and some boutique options

We like this if we want central convenience without paying top‑tier waterfront prices.

Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar

Nice if you want:

• Food, markets and heritage shopfronts on your doorstep
• Characterful streets mixed with modern hotels
• Quick MRT access to the rest of the city

Nights can be lively in spots, so check recent reviews if you’re noise‑sensitive.

Sentosa Island

Best if:

• You’re travelling with kids and want beaches, Universal Studios and attractions
• You prefer resort‑style stays with pools and easy holiday conveniences

You’ll be a short hop from the main city by monorail or cable car, but not as central for business or one‑night stopovers.

How to Choose the Right Location in Singapore

Before you book, ask yourself:

• How long is our stay?

  • 1 night: consider somewhere with easy airport access or a central MRT hub.
  • 2–4 nights: a central area (Marina Bay, Bugis, Orchard, Chinatown) is usually best.
  • Stopover with kids: something resort‑style like Sentosa or D’Resort @ Downtown East can work really well.

• What’s our priority: sights or relaxation?

  • For ticking off the big landmarks in minimum time, stay central.
  • For pool time, greenery and less rush, lean towards resort‑style areas.

• How will we get around?

  • If you’re using mainly MRT and buses, stay within an easy walk of a station.
  • Taxis and Grab are abundant, but central locations still reduce travel time.

Typical Costs for Comfortable Stays in Singapore

Very rough ranges for a comfortable double/twin room:

• Central mid‑range hotel (Bugis, Chinatown, parts of Orchard):

  • Approx SGD 180–260 per night

• Upscale / big‑name hotels (Marina Bay, prime Orchard, top Sentosa resorts):

  • Often SGD 450–800+ per night

• Resort‑style and family stays (Sentosa, D’Resort @ Downtown East):
  Can be similar to or slightly above mid‑range city hotels, but you get more of a “holiday” environment rather than pure business‑city convenience. Approx SGD 260–400+ per night.