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!
The rooms were all individually themed and inspired by icons such as Coco Chanel and Andy Warhol. They come with Nespresso machines, yoga mats, and smart TV upgrades. The bathrooms 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 centre, and a stunning rooftop bar with views out across the city!
My personal highlights…
- Swimming in the rooftop infinity pool and seeing views of the breathtaking city skyline, including landmarks like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, the Central Business District and even Fort Canning Park.
2. JW Marriott South Beach
Tucked away in a vast 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 centrepiece lobby, which had a painted concrete floor and towering ceiling festooned with light fixtures and a wall-to-ceiling video installation, which is breathtaking.
At the same time, the plush and uber-trendy bedrooms offer white leather headboards, plenty of mirrors, chrome, and free-standing baths. If possible, I would recommend an upgrade, as you 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!
My favorite highlights…
- I loved all the arty details including the huge modern art mural behind my guest room bed and the colorful glass blow sculptures which were everywhere I looked!
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 its theme, which was inspired by nature.
The elegantly furnished, light and airy rooms have private baths, dedicated work desks, minibars, deluxe amenities, and balconies that offer sweeping views, making them a sanctuary-like retreat in the urban area.
I recommend enjoying the Asian specialties at LIME, pampering yourself with holistic body treatments, or taking 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!
My highlights…
- Going for a very relaxing Algocalm facial which included a Sensibiote Soothing Mask at their very zen-like, award-winning spa.
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 three 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 (including swish rooftop options), and my favorite: the striking 25th-floor outdoor pool!
My highlights…
- Dining on their delicious Dim Sum in their 5 ON 25 modern Cantonese restaurant – my favorites were the steamed beetroot dumpling, shacha sauce and the crispy shiitake mushrooms with osmanthus honey sauce.
5. YOTEL Orchard Road
I’ve always been a big fan of Yotel Hotels, and this one is a great example! The futuristic spot is located on the famed Orchard Road, 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) offer luxury and comfort in a sleek format. They feature purple mood lighting, fully adjustable Smartbeds, and stunning city views from 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 intelligent room service robots YOSHI and YOLANDA! I also loved being able to control lighting, air conditioning, and even request services via the YOTEL app.
I also liked the modern fitness center and swimming pool and getting a taste of local cuisine at the Community bar and restaurant, serving a diverse international menu from breakfast to late at night.
My favorite highlights…
- The awesome robotic luggage storage and delivery system – I retrieved my stored luggage using a touchpad that communicated with the robot and then it deliver it to me using a clever coded receipt system.
6. W Sentosa Cove
With fabulous views 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. It 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.
There is also a spa, a gym, and several stores. I 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.
My highlights…
- Going for an awesome Hair Glow treatment at their funky, modern spa – the treatment used Argan Oil and amino acids and really replenished my sun damaged hair!
7. Hotel Indigo
The 4-star boutique, which pays tribute to the rich Chinese history of the Katong neighborhood, 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 delicious Peranakan-inspired dishes. I highly recommend lounging around the fabulous rooftop infinity pool while soaking up those stunning views!
My highlights…
- I loved the local neighborhood feel to the location – I browsed the exotic well-preserved items in the nearby Katong Antique House, and sampled the delicious laksa, a local noodle soup in the iconic 328 Katong Laksa.
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 free drinks and 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 loft rooms with high ceilings and outdoor suites, which have all indoor amenities, outside space, and an open-air bathtub.
I 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.
My personal highlights…
- Sampling their dramatic Dragon’s Breath hand-crafted cocktail which came with dragon fruit-infused rum, blue curaçao and dry smoking ice in their chic cocktail bar!
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.
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 exciting drinks menu with a distinctly Asian flavour.
My other favorite highlights included the on-site gym, lush infinity pool, and sundeck.
- To book, check prices or dates for M Social
My personal highlights…
- The very hassle-free self-check in kiosks and being able to use a mobile app to unlock my room door!
10. lyf Bugis
Bohemian and eclectic, I thought this place perfectly represented the cosmopolitan and forward-looking city-state.
It also has an ideal location close to the shopping, financial centre, art scene, dining, beaches, and tourist attractions like Chinatown and Little India.
In my opinion, what sets this 4-star hotel apart 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 colourful 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 favourite, the 25 Degrees burger bar with comfort food and drinks, which also had vegan options!
My favorite highlights…
- Tying the incredible Apricot sake and the Pineapple Chili Mùa craft Sake in their trendy onsite Middle Child Wine Bar.
11. The Clan
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. I loved that it blended the historic charm with sophisticated grandeur as a tribute to Singapore’s heritage.
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 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!
- To book, check prices or dates for The Clan
My personal highlights…
- Going on a ‘Master Series’ experience which was a specially curated tour led by a very knowledgeable ‘Clan Keeper’ – we explored Chinatown, Little India, Tiong Bahru and the colorful Malay-Muslim quarter Kampong Glam.
12. Oasia Hotel Downtown
This architect-designed hotel is a breath of fresh air in a city full of towering skyscrapers and uniform buildings. With a green garden theme, it offers a real respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The swish bedrooms are sleek and well-designed, with a comfortable post-modern feel and floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms offer freestanding bathtubs and sliding glass doors.
The modern abode also offers two stunning rooftop pools, a sky terrace with a 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!
My personal highlights…
- The vertical garden which was filled with greenery as well as pretty red and yellow flowers – the receptionist told me that it helped to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality too!
13. Lloyd’s Inn
This sleek and minimalist hotel is 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 an 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 found very calming.
The swish upgrades add private patios and 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 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 that features the work of three award-winning Singapore design agencies.
The individually styled bedrooms are arranged by colour or theme. They are full of whimsical touches that I thought made for an exciting 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, which offers an extensive wine list and delicious dishes and is based around a cellar door concept.
