Shangrila Singapore hotel gardens

7 Tried-and-Tested Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Singapore

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Indoor gardens at Shangrila Singapore with text overlay Shophouse shutters in Singapore with text overlay

Looking for the perfect place to stay in Singapore? Here are my first-hand experiences with some of the best luxury and boutique hotels in the city.

The options are endless for where to stay in Singapore, and it can be hard to narrow down the choices – especially if it’s your first time to the Lion City.

Tan Teng Niahs House in Little India Singapore exterior wall

The good news is that I’ve done the legwork for you! Over the years I’ve travelled to the city a countless number of times for work and to catch up with friends, and have been lucky to stay in a number of the best boutique hotels in Singapore.

Ann Siang Hill in Singapore

If you love unique stays then you are in for a treat as Singapore has some seriously cool properties – from converted shophouses and warehouses to design-focused spa hotels. Here are 7 luxury and boutique hotels in Singapore that I’ve personally stayed at and loved!

3 days in Singapore is the perfect amount of time for a city getaway. Read this guide to plan your perfect Singapore itinerary!

Quick tips for your Singapore trip

Changi International Airport in Singapore

✈️ To get into Singapore you’ll need to fly into Changi International Airport. A cab from the airport to the city costs approximately 25 SGD (18 USD) and takes less than half an hour from door-to-door, or you can pre-book your private airport pick up or drop off here. Not in a rush or traveling light? Hop on a shared airport shuttle for 7 USD if you aren’t in a hurry. Click here to book your Singapore airport shuttle ahead of time!

🛂 Most visitors to Singapore do not require a visa for entry. Visitors from these countries will require a visa for entry. Prior to arrival, you should fill in your SG Arrival Card (this can be done up to three days before your visit).

💱 The currency is the Singapore Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately US$1 to 1.38 SGD, 1 Euro: 1.46 SGD or AU$1: 0.87. though most places accept credit card.

🎟️ You pretty much never have to pay full price for admissions tickets in Singapore. Just click here and search for places you want to go, and book online for discounted entry or head on over here to read more about how to use Klook to book travel experiences.

📱 Stay connected and pre-buy a local SIM card. The airport sells SIM cards for 30 SGD a piece, but you can buy a Singapore SIM card for a third of the price here! Just head to the pick-up counter at Changi Airport once you arrive.

🌤️ There is no “best time of year” to visit Singapore. It is a tropical country and is hot all year-round, though there may be more rain during the summer months from June to August and October to November. There are also some major tradeshows, corporate events and concerts that take place in the city – during these times, you can expect hotel rates and demand for accommodation to go up.

🌐 Language in Singapore: Most Singaporeans are bilingual if not trilingual, and almost everyone speaks and understands English.

MRT in Singapore

🚌 Get around Singapore on foot, MRT (subway), bus or by Grab (similar to Uber). Make sure you download the app ahead of your trip as it is fairly ubiquitous, and you can pay by cash or link your Grab account to a credit card. If you are traveling with children it is a legal requirement in Singapore to use a car seat for kids under 1.35 metres in height – unless you are taking a taxi. Therefore you will need to select the “GrabFamily” service if you are using the Grab app, or order a taxi instead.

You can pay for MRT tickets and bus journeys using contactless credit/debit card payment, or you can purchase an E-Z link card at the airport. The card is similar to London’s Oyster or Hong Kong’s Octopus card and costs 10 SGD – it comes with 5 SGD of credit and 5 SGD is a non-refundable deposit.

🛏️ Despite the fact that it is relatively easy to get around Singapore, you should still be strategic when booking a hotel to cut down on travel time – most first-time visitors to Singapore opt to book around Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown, Little India and Robertson Quay.

Another popular option for families visiting Singapore is to stay on Sentosa where there are a number of theme parks and child-friendly attractions. Head over here to check out some highly-rated accommodations in Singapore, or keep reading for my thoughts on personally tried-and-tested boutique hotels in the city.

Where to stay in Singapore

I’m all about options, options, options. Whether it is your first time to Singapore or you are a repeat visitor, you’ll love these boutique hotels – here are my first-hand reviews on these places to stay in Singapore.

1. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering

Exterior photo of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore

Singapore is also known as “The Garden City”, so it is only fitting to check yourself into PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, one of the best city hotels in Singapore.

Garden and wellness floor at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore

This is a jungle that happens to have a hotel in it, what the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering refers to as a “hotel-in-a-garden” concept inspired by the rice paddies of Bali. In fact, the 50+ species of lush plants and foliage make up more than double the land area of the hotel. The property is a living, breathing structure that has won sustainability awards around the world – in-room filtered drinking water taps are only the beginning.

Infinity pool at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore

Head straight to the 5/F to go on an urban Garden Walk that wraps around the entire level shared by the infinity pool, spa and gym. I promise you won’t even realize you’re still in the city when you are surrounded by monstera varieties, bird of paradise, frangipani trees, calatheas, ferns and so much more. You will love the fitness and wellness classes held on the first and third Saturday of each month, check the website for the updated schedule.

COLLECTION Club room at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore

The COLLECTION Club level rooms at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering are the ones to book – the room rates include exclusive access to the roof lounge which offers breakfast complete with prosecco, afternoon tea as well as evening cocktails and huge array of snacks. I even cancelled dinner reservations at restaurants outside the hotel, because I already had everything I needed!

Prosecco at Club Lounge at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering in Singapore

To get around, walk over to the Chinatown or Clarke Quay MRT stations, or book a Grab taxi. Click here to check rates and availability at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering or read my full hotel review here.

What we loved: Incredibly brightly-lit and spacious rooms with functional design; friendly and experienced staff; stunning infinity pool; one of the best hotel spas in the city; lush greenery that surrounds you at every corner; sustainability measures and features built into the hotel’s DNA and ethos.

But you should also know: This hotel is a no-brainer for independent and business travelers, but aside from the (shaded) infinity pool which has a small shallow end with stairs there are no other facilities for families traveling with very young children. If that is important to you, there are other options – keep reading!

2. Ann Siang House

Ann Siang Hotel in Singapore entrance

For a sophisticated stay in Singapore’s city centre, check out Ann Siang House, a restored heritage property that has been converted into one of the most unique boutique hotels in Singapore.

Ann Siang Hotel in Singapore bedroom

Ann Siang House offers only 20 rooms across three room categories: deluxe, executive and suite, but all of them feature a dreamy “Hypnos” mattress (the manufacturer claims that these are “the most comfortable beds in the world”).

Ann Siang House in Singapore cooking room

It is a fantastic city getaway hotel for first timers to Singapore with a location that can’t be beat – tucked away between Chinatown, the CBD and Tanjong Pagar. Ann Siang House is in one of Singapore’s most vibrant neighborhoods and is a fabulous retreat after a long day of sightseeing and you can venture to Maxwell Centre or Lau Pa Sat for your dose of local food.

Ann Siang Hotel in Singapore bedroom 2

To get around, walk over to the Chinatown, Telok Ayer or Tanjong Pagar MRT stations, or book a Grab taxi. Click here to book your amazing stay at Ann Siang House in Singapore, or click here to read my full review of the hotel!

What we loved: Modern décor that is tasteful and functional; small kitchenette in some rooms, excellent water pressure; lovely reception team; very comfortable bed; amazing location steps away from some of Singapore’s best bars and restaurants.

But you should also know: There are no dining facilities so you’ll need to head out for breakfast and meals; windows let in plenty of natural light so you don’t feel claustrophobic, however they cannot be opened.

2. Hotel Soloha

Hotel Soloha in Singapore loft

If you are looking for an effortlessly fun boutique hotel in Singapore then check out Hotel Soloha in the Keong Saik neighbourhood in Chinatown. The hotel sits in a converted traditional shop-house and is a short stroll away from the Chinatown MRT station. The design-driven property offers 45 rooms across a number of room categories, including the unique loft-style room that I stayed in.

Hotel Soloha in Singapore bathroom

Though the rooms at Hotel Soloha are on the smaller and compact side, every inch of space is maximized and used efficiently – the design is meticulous and practical so that guests have an extremely comfortable stay.

Hotel Soloha in Singapore courtyard

The fresh and bold aesthetic is perfect for discerning travelers who crave a splash of character and personality – there’s nothing “standard” about Hotel Soloha. Hotel Soloha features commissioned artwork from homegrown Singaporean artists, a small internal courtyard, on-site bar and excellent ramen restaurant.

Hotel Soloha in Singapore reception

Not a fan of loft-style rooms? Not to worry – there are several “regular” rooms, some of which even feature a private outdoor bathtub! This is one of the best unique hotels in Singapore – click here to book your stay at Hotel Soloha in Singapore!

What we loved: Fun décor – no bland beiges here; killer ramen at the on-site restaurant, and decent breakfast spread; excellent location just around the corner from Potato Head and other restaurants; great value for money.

But you should also know: The rooms are definitely on the smaller side – perfect for a solo traveler or a couple, but not the best fit for families or those with young children.

3. Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore

If you love getting off-the-beaten-track, then Hotel Indigo is where you need to check yourself into. It is located in the first heritage town of Singapore, Katong, and features design elements inspired by Peranakan culture.

Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore Local Candy

The east coast of Singapore is the up-and-coming area with lots of restaurants and bars, and Hotel Indigo is the perfect place if you want to travel deeper in Singapore, avoid the tourist crowds and explore cultural and heritage sites.

Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore

The hotel has beautiful rooms designed to reflect the local culture, character and history of the Katong neighborhood, and feature a bright and vibrant colour palette throughout the property. The rooms are spacious and some offer a panoramic view across Katong. Alternatively, just head upstairs to the Hotel Indigo rooftop to check out the 25-metre infinity pool or grab a drink on the terrace!

Hotel Indigo Katong Singapore rooftop pool

There is no MRT stop near the hotel, but it is easy to get into town in just 10 minutes or so – just hop on a bus or book a Grab taxi – the fee is approximately 12-15 SGD for a one-way journey. Click here to book your stay at Hotel Indigo in Singapore!

Terrace Houses in Katong Singapore

What we loved: Design that reflects the character and heritage of Singapore; spacious rooms with wood floors; unique neighborhood to explore on foot.

But you should also know: The location is a double-edged sword – quieter than the city centre but may be better suited to travelers who have been to Singapore before or those who don’t mind a slightly longer “commute” to the main tourist attractions.

4. Shangri-La Singapore

Indoor garden at Shangri La Singapore

For those traveling with young children, I’ve got you sorted as well. Shangri-La Singapore will make your trip to the Garden City fuss-free and full of fun! This luxury hotel is one of the best hotels in Singapore for families – it offers spacious rooms just a stone’s throw away from the famous Orchard Road.

The hotel’s selling point is its many dining options and plentiful breakfast buffet and oodles of facilities to keep the little ones busy (and the adults stress-free). You’ll never have to rack your brain for things to do and where to eat at Shangri-La Singapore.

Head to the indoor Buds playroom or the hotel’s outdoor children’s waterpark, Splash, which has a section for infants and toddlers as well as a pirate-themed section for older kids. We especially loved the lush tropical gardens in the heart of the hotel – click here to book your stay at Shangri-La in Singapore!

What we loved: Huge rooms with everything you need – have a crib or high chair sent up; fantastic Singaporean local fare in the lobby lounge (best satay I’ve had in a while!); greenery all around the hotel including a waterfall makes you forget that you’re in a city; awesome pastries and coffee at the on-site bakery; location in the city centre means you don’t have to sacrifice access to facilities.

But you should also know: There are extra charges to use the indoor kids playground and the waterpark and you will need to book a session ahead of time; we loved the food at the pool bar and the Italian restaurant but the food at the all-day dining restaurant could be improved on.

5. Oasia Resort Sentosa

Oasia Resort Sentosa in Singapore

This stunning heritage building-turned-spa hotel on Sentosa Island is the perfect choice for a wellness getaway in Singapore for solo travelers and couples.

Bedroom at Oasia Resort Sentosa in Singapore

Oasia Resort Sentosa has just under 200 suites and rooms, each designed with earthy and warm tones and with the majority of rooms featuring beautiful wooden floors (no more carpet floors in hotels in the 21st century, please!). Click here to check availability and room types at Oasia Resort Sentosa.

Living room at Oasia Resort Sentosa in Singapore

The huge junior suite offers a separate living room which adds to the “wow” factor and allows you to fully decompress without taking the day’s stresses into the bedroom in the evening.

Bedrock Origin restaurant at Oasia Resort Sentosa in Singapore

If you can drag yourself away from the room and the blackout blinds then head to the in-house spa for a calming treatment, or take a stroll to the beach just 5 minutes away on foot. Make sure you check out Oasia Resort Sentosa‘s monthly recreational and workshop schedule for guests – try sunrise Qi Gong, aqua Zumba, sunset Yoga at the outdoor deck, a tea tasting workshop, breathwork and sound healing workshop or join an intro to community farming. Check out current rates and availability at Oasia Resort Sentosa!

What we loved: Extremely comfortable junior suite with floor-to-ceiling windows; plenty of preserved heritage architecture features; excellent breakfast selection at Bedrock Origin, the on-site restaurant; warm hospitality from the team – always went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and made our toddler feel very welcome.

But you should also know: Sentosa might not be for everyone, especially if your heart is set on staying in the city centre.

6. Village Hotel Sentosa

Activity pool at Village Resort Sentosa in Singapore

Looking for the perfect family hotel in Sentosa? There is only one place you should book if you are traveling to Sentosa with kids – Village Hotel Sentosa.

Pamukkale pool at Village Resort in Sentosa in Singapore

This family-friendly property in Singapore almost feels like a destination in and of itself, with four (yes, 4!) separate pool areas to fill your days with sun-filled swimming fun. From the lazy river to the Pamukkale-inspired tiered pool (complete with swim-up bar for the adults), you won’t have any issues keeping everyone entertained at Village Hotel Sentosa.

Bedroom at Village Resort Sentosa in Singapore

Our room was on the smaller side but well-designed as well as light/sound-proof, and we loved our morning lie-ins in the incredibly comfortable beds.

Native Kitchen at the Village Resort Sentosa in Singapore

Kids will also love the “Mini Hotelier” program at Village Hotel Sentosa which gives them the opportunity to learn a range of functions in hospitality, from engineering to housekeeping. There is an on-site restaurant as well as an adjoining food court named the “Mess Hall”. Click here to book your family stay at Village Hotel Sentosa!

What we loved: The pools are a real winner – the children’s pool area is shaded in the afternoons and a great place to kill a few hours; the reception team is extremely friendly and helpful and we loved the thoughtful kids welcome gifts – things that we actually used like mosquito patches and a suction baby plate for mealtimes.

But you should also know: I personally wouldn’t book the Village Hotel for a couple’s getaway or if I was traveling alone – this property is the perfect destination for families with children. Instead, look into staying at The Outpost or Oasia Resort. Additionally, while we enjoyed the lunch and dinner menu at Native Kitchen the breakfast buffet left much to be desired and wasn’t worth the hefty price tag, in my opinion.

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

I hope this list of boutique Singapore hotels helps you to plan your stay in the city – these places are wonderful choices for your perfect city trip. Looking for even more options for unique hotels in Singapore? Lloyd’s, The Warehouse Hotel, Wanderlust by Oakwood, The Clan, The Outpost (adults only) and The Barracks and the Heritage Collection’s “digital hotels” with multiple locations are popular Singapore boutique hotel options that I have not personally stayed at yet.

Old Hill Street Police Station Singapore street view

I will update this post as my travels bring me back to Singapore and I can share my first-hand reviews of these boutique hotels in Singapore in the future. Click here to book other accommodation in Singapore!

You might also find these Singapore guides helpful:

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Just so you know, I was hosted as media on familiarization stays at a number of these properties. These stays allow me to experience the property and give a first-hand, honest review of their rooms, facilities and service.

This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using these links.

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