Whether you like a city or not often depends on where you stay. The hotel has to be right, the district has to offer something and fulfil certain requirements that are important to you. As one of Asia’s shining stars and a hub for international business, Singapore is without question a rather expensive place, especially when it comes to accommodation. However, each hotel Singapore is unique and the quality is relatively high in all price categories.
In this article, I will give you an overview of hotels in four neighbourhoods – from luxury hotels at Marina Bay to budget hotels in Little India or Chinatown.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is the district where some of the most famous and prestigious hotels in Singapore (including the Marina Bay Sands and the Fullerton Hotel) are located.
It shines with its prime location between the Gardens by the Bay, the financial district with its canyons of houses and the historic colonial district. It is also home to landmarks such as the Merlion, the Marina Bay Sands, the Helix Bridge and numerous skyscrapers of the finest kind. Other highlights at Marina Bay are the great views of the skyline and the evening spectacle of a light show that puts the Marina Bay Sands in the very best light.
It is therefore hardly surprising that Marina Bay is the most popular and expensive corner for tourists from all over the world.
Orchard Road
Another great place in Singapore to find a hotel is the Orchard Road area. Many hotels can be found here, with a good choice between boutique hotels, hostels and larger hotel chains. Prices are also a little lower than in Marina Bay.
Orchard Road is arguably the busiest area in the area, which means that all the amenities you could want are stationed here. Fine restaurants, huge shopping malls and large cinemas line the streets of Orchard Road. If shopping is not a priority for you, the many cafes and shops are super cosy and relaxing to hang out in. You can just enjoy the vibrant city life while you sit back and take it all in.
Clarke Quay
What used to be an old neighbourhood full of abandoned warehouses is now the nightlife capital of Singapore. This neighbourhood has a relatively wide range of hotels, so you can find a nice place to stay even on a smaller budget.
The streets are filled with pedestrianised streets, nightclubs, vibrant bars and other great attractions. The location of this neighbourhood is another great selling point. If you stay in the Clarke Quay, you can walk to both Chinatown and Marina Bay. If you want to explore other parts of the city, there are a few train stations nearby that will take you to your location.
Little India
The neighbourhood Little India is a great alternative to the expensive districts of the city because there are many nice and cheap hotels.
India fans will feel absolutely at home here! There are many delicious Indian restaurants, colourful bazaars, cheap fashion and electronics malls. There’s also a lot going on in the evenings when people meet for a cold beer on the corner and the restaurants fill up.
Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the oldest districts of the city and has been the settlement area of the Chinese since the beginning. You can choose from a mix of luxury and budget hotels in this district. It is also the destination of many backpackers, as there are some very cheap hostels here.
The old charm of temples, night markets and traditional shops has been preserved to this day, although the area is unfortunately slowly but surely being swallowed up by the neighbouring Central Business District. But you can still enjoy the exotic vibe here to the fullest!
