Singapore hotels

An iconic part of the Singapore skyline thanks to its towering height and one-of-a-kind design, Marina Bay Sands is one of the best hotels in Singapore. It’s also probably the most well-known hotel in the country, thanks to its 57-storey infinity pool made world-famous on social media.

And it’s not just a hotel – the property also has a casino, convention centre, museum, observation deck, shops and restaurants helmed by renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsey and Daniel Boulud.

Decidedly less glamorous but still important, I love the hotel’s more practical amenities when travelling with my family, like kitchenettes, bunk beds and laundry facilities that come in some guestrooms and suites. When you get tired of lounging by the pool, try one of the wellness sessions at Sands SkyPark, like open-air sound meditation, Pilates or yoga classes.

The Barracks Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality is one of the best hotels in Singapore if you want to combine colonial charm with modern luxury. Once a British artillery outpost that’s now been transformed into an inviting tropical oasis, this hotel dates back to 1904 and is packed with history.

From its sparkling pool backed by palm trees and tropical plants to its British-inspired leather furniture, dark wood and deep tones, you’ll get the best of both worlds – new and old – when staying here. Some rooms also come with quaint outdoor patios that overlook the pool and gardens.

I particularly loved learning more about the unique history of this building during my stay, especially at the Heritage Tales and Tea Experience, where I sipped and snacked while listening to fascinating tales of the hotel’s past.

This Sentosa Island escape is one of the best hotels in Singapore for a tropical experience. Capella Singapore combines Asian design details with colonial and upscale architecture to create a welcoming space perfect for any type of traveller.

Although solo visitors and couples will appreciate the outdoor garden breakfast where you can admire the resident peacocks, I loved visiting this hotel with my son thanks to the family scavenger hunts and Peranakan tile painting workshops.

The hotel spans nearly 30 acres of tropical gardens, and all guestrooms and suites have balconies that overlook the lush foliage or sparkling Singapore Strait. The Constellation rooms even have private hot tubs on the balconies. The hotel also features an award-winning Auriga Spa with signature treatments like the cleansing Moon Ritual.

One of the best hotels in Singapore for art lovers, Artyzen Singapore focuses on exactly what its name suggests: art and zen. I love the guestrooms' high ceilings, massive windows, original artworks and funky rugs.

The hotel’s Roof Garden offers expansive vistas of Singapore’s skyline and waters and is home to leafy plants and comfortable sofas where you can enjoy the view with a cocktail in hand. The centrepiece of the space is a floating glass-bottom infinity pool.

There’s also a wellness and fitness centre, where you can indulge in treatments or join daily fitness classes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to yoga and Pilates and even water sessions in the pool.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a waterfront gem that has all the perks of a luxury resort but still feels intimate and personal. The property has 100 guestrooms, and you can opt for a city or waterfront room with amenities like large windows and marble bathrooms.

But for me, this is one of the best hotels in Singapore if you want to stay in a historic, themed suite. At more than 800 square feet each, the large theme suites are dedicated to key figures in the country’s history. There’s the Malay-themed Clifford Suite, which pays homage to former Governor Hugh Clifford, and – my personal pick – the Cavenagh Suite, which references the colonial era.

The hotel is also ideal for families – my son still talks about the ice cream pass, which offers kids one complimentary serving of ice cream each day during their stay, and splashing around in the rooftop pool.

Hidden away amid 15 acres of tropical greenery, this is one of the best hotels in Singapore if you want a bit of everything. It has three different wings and 11 restaurants, meaning any traveller can find the right space here. My top choice for a stay is the Garden Wing, a peaceful part of the hotel with balconies that overlook gardens, the swimming pool or the koi carp-filled ponds.

The Valley Wing’s lavish guestrooms offer plenty of privacy, with separate entrances and amenities like butler service and afternoon tea. Meanwhile, the Tower Wing feels refreshing and modern, with high-rise views that span the skyline. This wing also has family-themed suites where little ones can sleep in a castle or treehouse-style bunk beds.

Speaking of children, this is one of the best hotels in Singapore for families, with an indoor playground, interactive play space and an outdoor splash pad.

The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore is another top choice for art aficionados. It has more than 4,000 pieces of art in its collection, including original works from Andy Warhol and David Hockney. My personal favourite is “Cornucopia” by Frank Stella, a massive, whirled sculpture that dangles from the lobby ceiling.

This is also one of the best hotels in Singapore for fans of Taoist feng shui design principles. The Ritz uses elements like Chromafusion glass and mother-of-pearl filters to balance the hotel’s five elements – you’ll notice it most in the muted, inviting guestrooms.

This rings especially true in the pearly marble bathrooms, where you can enjoy views of Singapore’s expanse through hexagon-shaped windows directly from the bathtub.

Another top Singapore hotel set along Marina Bay, the Mandarin Oriental Singapore was made for travellers who want to take in Singapore’s skyscrapers overlooking the water. In fact, the guestrooms and suites were designed with views as a focal point, with entire walls of glass. Beds and sitting areas face the windows, so no matter where you are, you can’t escape the glittering lights of Singapore.

Accommodation options range from entry-level guestrooms to three-bedroom suites with kitchenettes and laundry facilities. There are several dining options, but my favourite is Bay@5, a tropical lounge with waterfront views.

There’s also a fifth-floor swimming pool (and a children’s pool too), which, like the rest of the hotel, offers epic panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is one of the best hotels in Singapore if you’re travelling with a dog, as it’s pet-friendly. The hotel’s colourful Peranakan-themed décor embodies the diversity of Singapore itself, a mix of Malay, Chinese and Western cultures. Expect to see quirky design elements in the guestrooms, like murals sketched on the walls and tables that look like playing cards.

Some rooms have large, oval-shaped soaking tubs in front of spacious floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Singapore’s Katong neighbourhood. There’s also an outdoor infinity pool that looks out over Katong’s sprawl, complete with colourful loungers and sofas. This space is my number one choice for a relaxing daytime hangout spot in Singapore.

For those who want a dash of historic charm as they dine or sip cocktails, the Hotel Indigo Garden was formerly the Joo Chiat Police Station, but today features one of the best happy hours in the city.

Cocktail enthusiasts should stay at the Raffles Singapore, a storied hotel famous for making the very first Singapore Sling drink, which is considered the national cocktail. It’s one of the best hotels in Singapore to experience old-world glamour, as the property dates back to 1887.

Staying here feels like stepping back in time with all the comforts of today – I love sipping Singapore Slings at the fabled Long Bar, strolling the verdant gardens that cover much of the property and dipping into the charming swimming pool.

If you have more questions about the hotel’s celebrated past, there’s even an on-site historian, Leslie Danker, ready to share legendary tales. This is an all-suite hotel, each of which boast high ceilings, verandas that overlook the gardens, four-poster beds and private butler service.