Singapore’s increasingly popular hipster scene has injected color into the orderly island state and this is also reflected in some of their incredible wow-inducing hotels. Want to stay somewhere to make your trip extra memorable? Here is my collection of choices…
1. Naumi
This unique ten-story hotel on Seah Street has been an iconic feature of the Singapore skyline for over a decade. With lean lines, neutral tones, and unusual furnishings, I loved that this 5-star hotel offers hip accommodation combined with first-class service!
Rooms were all individually themed and inspired by such icons as Coco Chanel and Andy Warhol and come with Nespresso machines, yoga mats and smart TV upgrades that feature soaking tubs and/or private decks and in-room aromatherapy.
It has a striking annexe (only a 4-minute walk to the station) and my other favourite highlights included an international art collection, a fine-dining Indian restaurant, a spectacular infinity pool, a fitness center, and a stunning rooftop bar with views out across the city!
2. JW Marriott South Beach
Tucked away in a huge retail, office, hotel, and residential complex, this place is set within an architect-designed pair of shimmering glass and steel towers, with interiors designed by the world-famous Philippe Starck.
I was a big fan of the centerpiece lobby, which had a painted concrete floor and towering ceiling festooned with light fixtures and a wall-to-ceiling video installation, is breathtaking. At the same time, the plush and uber-trendy bedrooms offer white leather headboards and plenty of mirrors and chrome and free-standing baths. I would recommend opting for an upgrade if you can as you then get butler service, terraces, and access to a lounge with free snacks and drinks!
Located opposite the iconic Raffles building and just a 3-minute walk to the station, my other favorite highlights include three contemporary bars, two swish Japanese restaurants, a modern gym, an upscale spa, and a stunning infinity pool offering panoramic views across the city!
3. ParkRoyal Collection Pickering
Tucked away in an eco-friendly garden is this upscale 5-star gem! Conveniently located at the crossroads of vibrant Chinatown and CBD, I loved that it has a theme inspired by nature.
The elegantly furnished light and airy rooms come with a private bath, dedicated work desk, minibar, deluxe amenities, and sweeping views from balconies making it a sanctuary-like retreat in the urban area. I would recommend enjoying the Asian specialities at LIME, pampering yourself with holistic body treatments, or enjoying a soothing dip in the infinity pool. I also thought the service was exceptional but I guess you’d expect it from a place like this!
4. Andaz Hotel
I personally think Andaz Hotels can always be relied on for its unique upscale design and impeccable customer service, and this place is no exception! I thought the location of this hotel was equally fabulous too, nestled between the hip districts of Kampung Glam and Bugis and overlooking Marina Bay (and only a 3 walk to an MRT station).
Inside the beautiful high-rise building, you’ll find super upscale guest rooms featuring lush floor-to-ceiling windows, which make the most of the fabulous city or bay views and lots of mod cons and design-conscious communal areas. Also expect complimentary evening receptions and all-day snacks, multiple trendy restaurants and bars to choose from (including swish rooftop options), and my favorite was the striking 25th-floor outdoor pool!
5. YOTEL Orchard Road
I’m always a big fan of Yotel hotels and this one is a great example! The futuristic spot is located on the famed Orchard Road is located right next to the shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs and also the Orchard MRT Station which will take you anywhere in the city. The rooms (otherwise known as cabins) package luxury and comfort in a sleek format, with purple mood lighting, fully adjustable Smartbeds, and stunning city views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows.
This brand is always big on tech, and you can enjoy the tech wall with a large-screen TV and multiple power points and even make friends (my favorite bit!) with the super smart room service robots YOSHI and YOLANDA!
I would also recommend destressing at the fitness center and swimming pool and getting a taste of local cuisine at the Community bar and restaurant, which serves up a diverse international menu from breakfast to late at night.
6. W Sentosa Cove
With fabulous views out across the China Sea, the 5-star party hotspot offers highly refined luxury accommodation with plenty of wow factor! Situated in the upscale residential enclave of Sentosa Cove, Singapore’s main tourist attractions are easily reached using the efficient shuttle service to and from the island.
I would say it’s almost like a destination in itself and comes with a bold design and giant wall installations, while plush designer bedrooms feature leather headboards, metallic floral motifs galvanised steel furniture and ornate furnishings as well as 40-inch TVs, Bose speakers and iPod docks.
Upgrades? Well, as expected, they’re truly spectacular with balconies or terraces, and some have plunge pools, whirlpool tubs and day beds. As well as a spa, a gym, and several stores. I would recommend visiting the Woobar for coffee or cocktails, enjoying fine dining at the Quayside Isle restaurant or just lounging beside the swanky outdoor pool with underwater speakers.
7. Hotel Indigo
Paying tribute to the rich Chinese history of the Katong neighborhood, in my opinion, the 4-star boutique offers stunning oriental design and luxurious accommodations. Located on the vibrant and colorful eastern fringes of the city, the stylishly funky place is a 20-minute taxi journey to the city’s main attractions.
The beautiful bedrooms feature murals with local street scenes, batik-printed cushions, and wall-to-ceiling windows, while the communal areas offer contemporary oriental charm and sumptuous surroundings. The arty abode has one restaurant, Baba Chews, that serves up delicious Peranakan-inspired dishes and I would also highly recommend lounging around the fabulous rooftop infinity pool while soaking up those stunning views!
8. Hotel Soloha in Chinatown
Embrace the spirit of the urban jungle! The traditional shophouse building in the Chinatown enclave with the five-foot walkway in front and a peaceful inner courtyard combines heritage with contemporary funky decor and eco-friendly sensibilities.
More welcoming than a standard check-in counter, the bar/reception offers you free drinks, and it’s also a place to mix and mingle. I was a big fan of the Rainforest and ecological themes predominate in the room decor, with artisan furnishings and a special spirit animal assigned to each floor.
The quirky rooms include choices like loft rooms with high ceilings and outdoor suites, which have all indoor amenities plus outside space and an open-air bathtub. I would recommend stepping out into all the excitement and bustle of little Chinatown on Keong Saik Road with its Instagrammable heritage shophouses, foodie destinations, famous Buddhist and Hindu temples and street art. The Outram Park MRT Station is nearby to take you to further adventures.
9. M Social
Focusing firmly on its new millennial clientele, the 4-star hotel offers interior design by Phillipe Starck and plenty of whimsical touches throughout.
The communal spaces at this chic and unique hotel feature quirky design touches, including lava lamps, giant statues and even a pool table. At the same time, I thought the bedrooms were peaceful havens and I loved the concrete walls, chrome fittings and designer decor with mod cons such as loaner smartphones, flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showers, suites add lofts and living areas.
If you can I would highly recommend upgrading as the quarters feature gorgeous garden terraces. The Beast & Butterflies Bar and Restaurant offers East meets West cuisine and has an interesting drinks menu with a distinctly Asian flavour. My other favorite highlights included the on-site gym and the lush infinity pool and sundeck.
Bohemian and eclectic, I thought this place was a perfect representation of the cosmopolitan and forward-looking city-state. It also has an ideal location that puts you close to the shopping, financial center, art scene, dining, beaches, and tourist attractions like Chinatown and Little India.
In my opinion, what sets apart this 4-star hotel is the 5-star service that has won awards and the buzzy environment that’s great whether you’re looking to work or play. The rooms are clean and contemporary, with quirky decor like colorful mobiles, artwork, and bulletin boards that add a personal touch.
There’s a small gym, and two onsite dining options, the French bistro-style Ginett restaurant and wine bar and my favorite the 25 Degrees burger bar with comfort food and drinks which also had vegan options!
Attractively set in the Central Business District, just 2km from the Gardens by the Bay, the Clan Hotel offers a modern take on Asian hospitality. A tribute to Singapore’s heritage, I loved that it blended the historic charm with sophisticated grandeur.
Uncover a unique experience in the polished rooms with minimalist décor, deluxe beddings, flat-screen TVs, minibar, coffee makers, and upgraded rooms with soaking tubs and the best city views.
I would recommend soaking in the refreshing waters at the rooftop infinity pool with a Jacuzzi, hitting the gym, and relishing the Chinese cuisine from the rooftop restaurant!
This architect-designed hotel is fresh air in a city full of towering skyscrapers and uniform buildings. With a green garden theme, I think it offers a real respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The swish bedrooms are sleek and well-designed with a comfortable post-modern feel and floor-to-ceiling windows. At the same time, bathrooms offer freestanding bathtubs and sliding glass doors.
The modern abode also offers two stunning rooftop pools and a sky terrace complete with its lawn and a 24-hour gym. I would recommend dining at The Marmalade Pantry with its modern bistro cuisine or choosing from over 100 different types of gin at the very hip Cin Cin Bar!
13. Lloyd’s Inn
This is a sleek and minimalist hotel located just 4 km from the Marina Bay Sands casino complex and 7 km from Universal Studios Singapore theme park. Industrial chic concrete walls, muted pallets and ornament-free design have transformed this modern spot into a calm and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Each room at the exceptionally rated Lloyd’s Inn is uniquely designed with beautiful minimalist decor which I thought was very calming. The swish upgrades add private patios and/or free-standing baths. I would recommend joining your fellow guests at the outdoor pantry to help yourselves to breakfast or cooling down in the gorgeous outdoor wading pool! My other hotel highlights include the rooftop terrace and the tranquil garden!
14. Raffles Hotel
The iconic Raffles Hotel is a stunning colonial masterpiece that was declared a national monument in 1987. Situated on Beach Road, it’s located at the heart of the city and is close to the major shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife, and just a short 10-minute drive from the beach at Marina Bay Sands.
In my opinion, this is as elegantly opulent a hotel as you can find anywhere in the world, the interiors hark back to the hotel’s heyday in the 1930s, and bedrooms offer high ceilings, whirling fans, and charming, old-world furnishings. I would suggest dining at the Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Kanesaka, enjoying world-class Chinese at Royal China, or enjoying a must-have Singapore Sling at the hotel’s famous Long Bar!
15. Wanderlust
Situated just 10 minutes from the cosmopolitan stretches of Orchard Road and the Central Business District, the 4-star hotel is a unique boutique which features the work of three different award-winning Singapore design agencies.
The individually styled bedrooms are arranged by color or theme. They are full of whimsical touches that I thought made for an interesting stay – some have glass-enclosed, in-room showers, vintage bathtubs, sofas shaped like giant typewriters, and very funky lighting systems.
There’s even a quirky treehouse room which I loved! Bathrooms offer hot and steamy soaker showers to wash off the city after a long day of exploring. I would suggest trying out the WINEDERLUST bar and restaurant offers an extensive wine list and delicious dishes and is based around a cellar door concept.
Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
Hotel Reviewing Experience – published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board,Canada Tourist Board, Eviivo, France.fr, Visitoostende.be,Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos.
