Singapore Hotels: What You Should Know Before You Book

By Roger Wade

23 Jul, 2025 Comments (0) Add a comment

Singapore is one of the most exciting cities in Asia, but booking the right hotel here isn’t as simple as it might seem. For one thing, prices are higher than in most of Southeast Asia—even for small or basic rooms. And perhaps even more surprising, many of the cheapest rooms in Singapore don’t even have windows.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect when booking a hotel in Singapore – including insider tips on price ranges, neighborhoods, hotel types, and a few common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re planning a short stopover or a longer visit, this will help you find the best place to stay without wasting hours clicking through listings.

Hotel Prices Are Higher Than You Might Expect

Singapore is famously clean, safe, and efficient—but it’s definitely not cheap. Hotels here tend to cost quite a bit more than in most other Southeast Asian destinations, even for modest places. If you’re used to paying $30 to $50 per night in cities like Bangkok or Hanoi for a basic private room, prepare for a bit of sticker shock in Singapore.

For budget travelers, it’s possible to find a clean and well-rated private room in a 2-star hotel or guesthouse starting around US$60 to US$90 per night, but that usually means a tiny room with minimal amenities—and possibly no window (more on that below). Mid-range hotels typically start around US$130 to US$180 per night, and you’ll need to budget closer to US$200 to US$300 for a proper 4-star or boutique hotel in a central location.

Luxury hotels in areas like Marina Bay and Orchard Road can easily top US$400 to US$600 per night, though prices can vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.

In short, if you’re planning to stay in Singapore for more than a couple of nights, hotel costs will make up a significant chunk of your budget—so it pays to research carefully and book early.

Many of the Cheapest Rooms Have No Window

One of the most surprising things about booking a hotel in Singapore is that many of the cheapest rooms—especially in the budget and lower mid-range categories – literally have no window. And not just a frosted glass panel or a tiny one facing an airshaft, we’re talking no window at all.

If you’ve never encountered this before, it can be a bit disorienting. You might go to sleep at 10 p.m. and wake up at 8 a.m. feeling like it’s still the middle of the night. It’s not unsafe or necessarily uncomfortable, but it can throw off your internal clock if you’re staying for more than a night or two.

This setup is common in compact cities where land is at a premium, and it’s especially prevalent in parts of Asia—particularly China, where no-window rooms are often standard in budget hotels. Singapore, with its dense city layout and high land values, has adopted this model in many of its budget properties.

When browsing listings, you’ll often see rooms described as “No Window,” “Internal Room,” or “No View”. If you’re someone who likes to wake up with natural light—or just prefers to know whether it’s day or night—make sure to double-check the room type before you book. In some hotels, only a handful of rooms have windows, and they may cost a bit more.

Windowless rooms can be a good money-saver for a short stay, but for longer visits, many travelers find them a bit claustrophobic. Personally, I’ve stayed in a few and while they’re often fine for sleeping, I avoid them when I can – especially in a destination like Singapore, where jet lag can already be a factor.

The Best Areas to Stay in Singapore

Singapore may be a compact city-state, but choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can make a big difference—both for convenience and for price. Luckily, most of the major attractions are within a short MRT ride of each other, but some areas are simply better suited for tourists than others.

Here are the most popular (and practical) areas to consider:

Marina Bay

If you’re after iconic views, luxury hotels, and easy access to big-name attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, this is the place. It’s sleek, modern, and impressive—but it’s also one of the most expensive areas in Singapore. You’ll find the city’s most spectacular rooftop pools here, especially at [Singapore hotels with a rooftop pool].

Orchard Road

Singapore’s famous shopping district is home to dozens of malls and plenty of upscale hotels. While it’s not quite as scenic as Marina Bay or as charming as Chinatown, it’s a good base if you plan to shop—or if you want a polished, central location with international hotel brands.

Chinatown

One of the most interesting areas for tourists, Chinatown blends heritage charm with great food and a wide range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. You’re also close to multiple MRT lines here, which makes getting around the city super easy. Check out the best hotels in Chinatown for character-filled options.

Little India

For food lovers and culture seekers, Little India is lively, colorful, and full of budget hotel options. It’s one of the most affordable areas to stay, and it’s also close to Bugis and Kampong Glam. Just be aware that some hotels here are older and not all rooms are created equal—read the reviews carefully.

Clarke Quay & Riverside

If nightlife is on your list, Clarke Quay is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s a convenient location with a more Westernized vibe and some excellent boutique Singapore hotels nearby, though you’ll pay a bit more for the location.

Sentosa Island

Home to Universal Studios, beaches, and family resorts, Sentosa is best for travelers with kids or those after a more relaxed, resort-style stay. It’s not ideal for sightseeing in central Singapore, but great if you’re focused on Sentosa attractions.

Each area has its own pros and cons, and thanks to Singapore’s excellent public transit system, you can’t go too far wrong. But if it’s your first visit, Chinatown or Marina Bay are often the best bets for a mix of charm and convenience.

Singapore Hotel Rooms Are Generally Quite Small

If you’ve traveled around Southeast Asia before, you might expect spacious rooms and lots of bang for your buck—but in Singapore, that’s rarely the case. Land is extremely limited, and hotel rooms reflect that. Even many 4-star and boutique hotels offer rooms that are under 200 square feet, sometimes significantly smaller.

Closets are often tiny or replaced with wall hooks, and you might find a glass-walled bathroom just a couple feet from the bed. It’s all about maximizing space, especially in central locations like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and Bugis.

I remember staying near Orchard Road on my first visit to Singapore back in 1998, paying just US$50 per night. The room was basic but comfortable—and it even had a desktop computer connected to the internet, which was a big deal back then. These days, you’ll pay two or three times as much for half the space, even if Wi-Fi is now a given.

If space is a priority, be sure to check room sizes before booking. Many hotel sites list square footage or square meters, and that can help you avoid surprises—especially if you’re traveling as a couple or with luggage that doesn’t pack itself.

Rooftop Pools, Spas, and Other Perks Are Plentiful - but Not Always Included

If you’re dreaming of a rooftop infinity pool with skyline views—good news. Singapore has more of those than almost anywhere else in the world, especially in newer hotels built after 2010. You’ll find most of them clustered around Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, and along Orchard Road. It’s a small city, but they’ve definitely leaned into the “resort in the sky” concept.

What surprises some travelers is that not all pools are created equal. Some rooftop pools are more like decorative plunge tubs, and some are limited to higher-tier rooms or club-level guests. The same goes for spas and lounges—just because a hotel has one doesn’t mean it’s included in your rate.

That said, there are plenty of excellent Singapore hotels with rooftop pools that don’t break the bank. If that’s a must-have for your trip, check out this guide to Singapore hotels with rooftop pools, which includes a mix of luxury, mid-range, and even a few budget-friendly picks with a view.

And for those who love to unwind, a surprising number of Singapore hotels also include full-service spas—even at the 3-star level. These are often influenced by Thai and Balinese traditions, and prices are usually higher than in neighboring countries, but still fair by international standards.

5-Star Hotels Are Plentiful—but Not Always Worth It

Singapore is packed with 5-star hotels, and many of them are legitimately world-class. If you’re looking for polished service, top-notch dining, and rooms with skyline or marina views, you’ll find them here in abundance. Marina Bay Sands is the most famous, of course, with its rooftop infinity pool and three-tower design that’s become a global icon.

But here’s the thing, just because a hotel is rated 5 stars doesn’t always mean it’s a better experience than a top-rated 4-star hotel. In Singapore especially, some 5-star properties are aging or offer smaller rooms than you’d expect for the price. Meanwhile, many of the city’s 4-star hotels are sleek, modern, and much better value for money.

So how do you choose? If you’re someone who’ll use the gym, spa, and on-site restaurants daily, then yes, a 5-star stay can be worth the splurge. But if you just want a quiet, comfortable room with solid Wi-Fi and a great location, there are better value picks elsewhere.

If you’re considering a high-end stay, check out our roundup of the best 5-star hotels in Singapore – it includes both the classics and a few under-the-radar gems that deliver serious luxury without the sky-high rates.

Apartment Hotels and Family-Friendly Options Are Limited, But Growing

Compared to cities like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, Singapore has a more limited—but steadily growing—selection of apartment-style hotels and family-friendly places to stay. If you’re traveling with kids, or staying a week or more, these can be a great alternative to traditional hotels.

So-called “serviced apartments” are the go-to option for longer stays. You’ll usually get a small kitchen, weekly housekeeping, and a bit more living space—ideal for families or anyone who wants to save money by cooking a few meals. Some even offer on-site laundry and a pool, giving them the feel of a full-scale hotel.

That said, these places tend to be priced like regular hotels, especially in popular areas like Orchard Road or Marina Bay. Still, the extra space and flexibility can be worth the premium—particularly if you’re traveling as a group.

If you’re specifically looking for larger rooms, kitchenettes, or properties with kid-friendly amenities, we’ve rounded up Singapore’s best apartment hotels and top family-friendly hotels in two separate guides.

Where to Stay If You Want Something Unique

Singapore might be famous for its gleaming skyscrapers and luxury towers, but there are also a few places to stay that feel genuinely different—whether that means quirky, historic, or just outside the typical hotel mold.

Some of the most interesting boutique hotels are located in restored shophouses in neighborhoods like Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India. These tend to have more charm and personality than the glass towers in Marina Bay, and they’re often a bit cheaper too. The trade-off is that rooms are usually small and may lack amenities like pools or gyms—but for travelers who want atmosphere over flash, they can be a great pick.

There are also some design-forward properties scattered around the city, including a few with themes or bold aesthetics that feel more like art spaces than business hotels. They’re not always ideal for families or longer stays, but they’re memorable and often better located than you might expect.

We’ve rounded up a selection of the most unique Singapore hotels if you’re looking to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel like everywhere else.

A New Series to Help You Find the Perfect Hotel - Starting with Singapore

At Price of Travel, we’ve always focused on helping budget-conscious travelers get the most value for their money—and that includes finding the right place to stay. So we’re kicking off a new series of hotel guides aimed at making that process a whole lot easier.

Each article in the series covers a specific type of traveler or travel style, with curated recommendations and local insights to help you narrow things down fast. Instead of sorting through 300 listings with no context, you’ll be able to go straight to the best options for your trip—whether you’re looking for a cheap hotel in a central location, a 5-star splurge with a rooftop pool, or a family-friendly place with a kitchenette.

We’re starting this series with Singapore because it’s one of the trickier hotel cities to navigate, especially if you’re trying to balance comfort, location, and price. Below you’ll find all the Singapore hotel guides in the series so far—and we’ll be adding more regularly as we expand to other major destinations.