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On my many trips to Singapore, I’ve stayed in an array of unforgettable places that beautifully combined style, personality, and jaw-dropping design. Here’s my handpicked collection of favorites in this exotic island nation…
1. Naumi
Naumi was one of the trendiest boutique hotels I stayed on my trip — playful, design-led, and filled with cheeky art-inspired details that made it stand out straight away. The striking interiors mixed bold wall murals, sculptural light fixtures, and rich textures like velvet and silk, giving it a fun, creative, boutique-luxury vibe.
My themed suite, inspired by icons like Coco Chanel and Andy Warhol, had a funky mirrored wall, a king bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a rain shower and soaking tub stocked with SOAK toiletries, plus thoughtful extras like a yoga mat and in-room aromatherapy.
I loved swimming in the rooftop infinity pool with a Lychee Martini from the Cloud 9 bar while spotting Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer, and I also tried everything from a tandoori mushroom bento set to veggie pasta at the stylish onsite restaurants. Its Civic District location was a bonus too — just steps from Bugis’ shops, heritage sights, and foodie haunts.
My personal highlights…
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Swimming in the rooftop infinity pool with a iconic Singapore Sling, I soaked up breathtaking views of the skyline, spotting the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, the CBD, and even Fort Canning Park!
2. JW Marriott South Beach
Walking into JW Marriott South Beach felt like stepping into a living artwork — from its painted concrete floors and soaring light-filled lobby to Philippe Starck’s cheeky design flourishes, it was stylish, cosmopolitan, and buzzing with energy.
The lobby felt like a showpiece in itself, with painted concrete floors, a soaring ceiling of light fixtures, and a mesmerizing video wall, while the overall vibe was cosmopolitan, stylish, and arty with playful pops of color against heritage military buildings.
My trendy bedroom came with floor-to-ceiling city views, a sleek white leather headboard, motion-sensor lighting, and a marble bathroom stocked with Aromatherapy Associates toiletries — my favorite feature was the freestanding bathtub where I soaked while gazing at the skyline.
I swam laps in the Flow18 rooftop infinity pool overlooking Marina Bay, sipped cocktails at the lively Court Martial Bar, and indulged in a blissful Asia Heritage Massage at the spa before wandering out into the buzzy Civic District, steps from Marina Bay and the National Gallery.
My favorite highlights…
- Being greeted by Botero’s dramatic Donna a Cavallo bronze sculpture in the lobby, a bold, larger-than-life statement that I thought really set the tone for the hotel’s arty vibe!
3. ParkRoyal Collection Pickering
I thought ParkRoyal Collection Pickering was one of the most striking eco-luxury hotels I’d ever stayed in — dubbed the world’s first “hotel-in-a-garden,” it wowed me with four-story sky gardens draped in greenery, cascading waterfalls, and planter terraces that wrapped dramatically around its architecture.
Inside, sleek contemporary interiors were softened with wood, stone, and natural touches that echoed the garden theme. The whole place felt tranquil and eco-conscious but still very luxurious, a refreshing contrast to the surrounding city buzz.
My room felt like a serene retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows, a marble bathroom stocked with eco-friendly Appelles toiletries, and thoughtful extras like filtered water taps and a Nespresso machine. I especially loved curling up on the window daybed with the skyline stretching out in front of me.
During my stay, I sampled creative Asian dishes at LIME, indulged in a detoxifying spa treatment, and floated in the landscaped infinity pool surrounded by birdcage-style cabanas — it honestly felt like I was swimming in a sky garden. The service throughout was exceptional, polished yet genuinely warm.
My highlights…
- Going for a detoxifying Algocalm facial which included a Sensibiote Soothing Mask at their very zen-like, award-winning spa (and left my skin glowing and ready for the night)!
4. Andaz Hotel
Andaz Singapore instantly stood out to me in the striking DUO twin towers with André Fu’s warm, residential-style interiors and its quirky rooftop bar, Mr. Stork, complete with teepee huts overlooking Marina Bay.
The minimalist-chic design was superb, with natural oak, warm textiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows that framed gorgeous city views. It felt stylish and cosmopolitan yet still had a welcoming neighborhood vibe.
My guest room carried that same sleek touch with oak-paneled walls, a king bed with crisp 300-thread-count linens, a Nespresso machine, and a rain shower stocked with Bespoke 55th Street toiletries by NYC perfumer Jonathan Adler. I especially loved the thoughtful extras like a minibar filled with complimentary local snacks.
During my stay, I joined the complimentary evening receptions, grazed on Mala-flavored nuts and other treats, and cooled off in the 25th-floor outdoor pool before heading to Mr. Stork for cocktails in one of the rooftop teepees. Its location was equally ideal—tucked between Kampung Glam and Bugis, just a short walk to the MRT and overlooking Marina Bay.
My highlights…
- Dining at their 5 ON 25 modern Cantonese restaurant, I loved their divine Dim Sum – especially the steamed beetroot dumpling with shacha sauce and the crispy shiitake mushrooms which came with osmanthus honey!
5. YOTEL Orchard Road
This place felt like a futuristic gem in the heart of Singapore’s shopping district, with its sleek, space-inspired “cabins” and tech-savvy touches that made my stay both fun and efficient.
The interiors were minimalist and modern, with glossy white surfaces, purple accent lighting, and clever built-in storage that maximized every inch of space. The vibe was youthful, energetic, and perfectly suited for city explorers.
My compact cabin-style room came with a motorized SmartBed™, smart TV, fold-out desk, and a rain shower stocked with Urban Jungle toiletries, plus floor-to-ceiling views of the Orchard skyline. I especially enjoyed the voice-controlled lighting and the YOTEL app that let me adjust everything from the air con to service requests.
Highlights included lounging on the rooftop pool terrace with sweeping views, sampling local flavors at the Community bar, and watching the hotel’s robotic luggage system retrieve my bag with a coded touchpad — a clever, very cool detail. Best of all, I was right on Orchard Road, surrounded by high-end malls, food courts, and easy MRT links.
My favorite highlights…
- Being served salted egg yolk–flavored potato chips and an ice-cold Tiger Beer by the super-intelligent (and cute!) room service robots YOSHI and YOLANDA (and making friends with them at the same time)!
6. W Sentosa Cove
This was one of the boldest hotels I stayed in Singapore — a luxury resort-meets-party playground with neon accents, oversized art, and one of the island’s largest pools lit up at night. It had a glamorous, indulgent vibe that felt like a destination in itself.
The interiors mixed exotic and futuristic touches — mirrored walls, giant installations, and galvanized steel details — creating a playful, high-energy atmosphere. My bedroom continued the drama with a W signature bed dressed in 350-thread-count linens, metallic floral motifs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. I especially loved the round soaking tub glowing against a neon-lit feature wall, which felt pure W-style decadence.
Days here revolved around the enormous 1,300 m² WET® pool with its underwater speakers, glowing lights, and cocktail service, while evenings meant sipping drinks at WOOBAR before dancing to DJ sets. I also made time for the Bliss Spa, modern gym, and a trio of fine-dining restaurants. Its exclusive Sentosa Cove setting, just minutes from Universal Studios Singapore, sealed the deal as a true party-luxe escape.
My highlights…
- Going for an awesome Hair Glow treatment at their funky, modern AWAY® Spa — it used nourishing argan oil and amino acids including serine and threonine that left my sun-damaged hair feeling silky and completely replenished
7. Hotel Indigo
I loved my stay at this boutique lifestyle hotel – it completely charmed me with the way it blended Peranakan heritage and playful modern design — it felt both cultural and contemporary.
The interiors popped with color and character, from vintage Peranakan floor tiles and rattan furniture to bold murals and eclectic accents. It had a quirky, chic atmosphere that felt rooted in local tradition while still very fresh.
My guest room was Insta-worthy, with murals of local street scenes, batik cushions, and floor-to-ceiling windows that filled the space with light. The king bed, Nespresso machine, and rain shower with Appelles toiletries were thoughtful touches, but my favorite feature was the deep freestanding bathtub perfectly positioned by the window for a soak with a view.
I dined at Baba Chews on their signature laksa and a delicious stir-fried eggplant dish, then ended the day sipping a Katong Sling cocktail at the rooftop infinity pool. The view of colorful heritage shophouses and buzzing eateries in the Katong district made the whole experience feel authentically local.
My highlights…
- I loved the local vibe, browsing treasures at Katong Antique House and sampling Kueh Pie Tee—crispy pastry cups with stewed turnip, veggies, sweet chili, and fried shallots—at Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat!
8. Hotel Soloha in Chinatown
I thought this trendy boutique hotel was a striking spot for its jungle-chic design which had Insta-worthy spirit-animal murals, neon-lit hallways, and even bird-call sounds playing in the corridors!
The interiors were a heady mix of tropical greenery, bold wall art, and heritage shophouse charm with a splash of neon, creating a buzzy, artsy vibe that felt full of energy. My rainforest-themed room had artisan furnishings, a luxurious platform bed, curated local snacks, and a spa-style rainfall shower. I especially loved that each floor had its own spirit animal theme — mine was the hornbill!
Beyond the rooms, the hotel kept up the fun with free pandan cake slices, a courtyard for ping-pong and lounging, and a bar-style reception that greeted me with a quirky grass jelly drink. Its lively Chinatown location was perfect too — just steps from hawker stalls, temples, and the MRT.
My personal highlights…
- Sampling their dramatic Dragon’s Breath cocktail—dragon fruit–infused rum, blue curaçao, and smoking dry ice—in the chic cocktail bar!
9. M Social
I thought this hip, design-led boutique hotel on Robertson Quay deserved a place on this list for its Philippe Starck–designed interiors with quirky industrial-chic details, loft-style rooms, and even a robot butler named Aura delivering amenities!
The industrial decor definitely caught my eye with its mix of polished concrete, neon accents, mirrored walls, lava lamps, giant statues and whimsical designer furniture. It was trendy, youthful, and very social, with a creative edge.
My guest room felt like a tranquil design haven with concrete walls, chrome fittings, a comfy queen bed with premium linens, an LED-lit headboard, mirrored panels that maximized space, and mod cons such as a loaner smartphone, smart TV, and a rainfall shower. I particularly loved how a robot butler delivered amenities to me – it was such a cute touch!
I watched in awe as the robot bartender whippedr up cocktails at the chic Beast & Butterflies restaurant-bar, which served creative East-meets-West dishes and Asian-inspired drinks, before heading out to enjoy the lush infinity pool, sundeck, pool table, and on-site gym!
The location was perfect—right on Robertson Quay, I was surrounded by riverside dining and bars, and I was just a short stroll to Clarke Quay!
- To book, check prices or dates for M Social
My personal highlights…
- All the futuristic tech – I admired the hassle-free self-check in kiosks and how I used a mobile app to unlock my room door!
10. lyf Bugis
I thought this co-living style boutique hotel was such a unique gem nestled in the heart of Bugis Bohemian social. It had community-driven concept with quirky shared spaces, co-working lounges, and very Insta-worthy murals!
I thought the design captured Singapore’s cosmopolitan, forward-looking spirit — whimsical and colorful with black-and-white vintage photos, neon signs, and industrial-chic touches. The whole place had a youthful, creative, and social vibe clearly aimed at digital nomads and travelers who love to mingle.
My room was compact but cleverly designed, with a comfy bed, writing desk, smart TV, and space-saving storage. Fun details like the neon loaner mobile, quirky artwork, and bulletin boards gave it personality, while the glass-walled bathroom was a bold standout feature.
What I enjoyed most, though, was the community spirit. I joined in on casual events, worked in the funky co-working lounge, and hung out in the colorful shared kitchen before heading to the gym. For food and drink, I loved the 25 Degrees burger bar (their vegan options were great) and the chic Ginett wine bistro. Its Bugis location was a huge plus too — right in the heart of a hip district filled with indie boutiques and trendy cafés.
My favorite highlights…
- Trying the heavenly Apricot and Pineapple Chili Mùa craft Sake served in a sleek ceramic cup with a garnish of dried pineapple n their trendy onsite Middle Child Wine Bar!
11. The Clan
I personally loved this luxury boutique hotel – it was a special place for its mix of heritage-inspired design and modern sophistication, and its exclusive “clan rituals.”
I really admired the minimalist and elegant design which came with lashings of dark wood, brushed metal, oriental motifs, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The atmosphere felt sophisticated, and exclusive with subtle nods to old-world heritage (which I loved)!
My guest room continued the theme with a plush bed dressed in 400-thread-count linens, a Nespresso machine, a smart TV, and a spa-style bathroom with rain shower and upscale Apotheke toiletries. The calligraphy set with cute Bak Kut Teh cookies was a charming personal detail I loved.
During my stay, I was welcomed with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, swam rooftop laps in the infinity pool with a Jacuzzi, and ended evenings with Chinese cuisine and cocktails at QIN, their stylish rooftop bar. Its Telok Ayer location was another highlight, surrounded by heritage shophouses, hawker stalls, and hidden speakeasies.
- To book, check prices or dates for The Clan
My personal highlights…
- Joining a ‘Master Series’ tour led by a knowledgeable Clan Keeper, and exploring Chinatown, Little India, Tiong Bahru, and the colorful Malay-Muslim quarter of Kampong Glam!
12. Oasia Hotel Downtown
I discovered this striking eco-friendly skyscraper hotel in the CBD was a stand-out for its iconic red tower wrapped in a living vertical garden with over 20 species of climbing plants and breezy open-air sky gardens!
Inside I found sleek, minimalist, and a nature-infused design with warm woods, earthy tones, and lots of natural light. I loved its serene and wellness-focused vibe – it was like an urban resort in the middle of the city!
My sleek, post-modern guest room came with a sumptuous bed dressed in crisp white linens, a smart TV, a yoga mat, and floor-to-ceiling windows. My highlight though was the spa-style bathroom which had a rainfall shower, freestanding tub, and sliding glass doors!
I sipped cocktails in the rooftop infinity pool surrounded by lush vertical gardens with sweeping skyline views, unwound on the sky terrace lawn, hit the 24-hour gym, dined on modern bistro dishes at The Marmalade Pantry, and sampled from over 100 gins at the hip Cin Cin Bar – I loved the Monkey 47 which was infused with lingonberries and elderflower.
It was also the perfect neighborhood for my trip—Tanjong Pagar, surrounded by hawker stalls and heritage shophouses.
My personal highlights…
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The vertical garden which bloomed with striking red Clerodendrum, Antigonon, and yellow-flowering vines, – the receptionist told me that it helped to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality too!
13. Lloyd’s Inn
This minimalist boutique hideaway won me over with its “urban oasis” concept – sleek white architecture surrounded by lush greenery, open-air showers, and Insta-worthy design corners!
With its industrial-chic concrete walls, muted palettes, and minimalist, nature-inspired design of clean lines, white walls, glass, and natural wood accents, this modern spot felt like a calm and intimate retreat in the heart of the city!
My calming minimalist room had a large bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a smart TV, and my favorite feature – an open-concept bathroom complete with a freestanding bath!
I helped myself to breakfast in the outdoor pantry, cooled off in the tranquil dipping pool, and loved unwinding on the rooftop terrace surrounded by tropical foliage and gardens all in prime Orchard Road location!
My highlights…
- The Pantry which was a relaxed communal café space with a microwave and fridge for guests – I grabbed a complimentary iced kopi and kaya toast each morning, sometimes a pandan cake or curry puff too, while chatting with fellow travelers!
14. Raffles Hotel
I just had to include this world-famous colonial-style icon -opened in 1887, declared a national monument in 1987, it was a stunning heritage masterpiece with grand colonial architecture, tropical courtyards, and the legendary birthplace of the Singapore Sling!
I was actually in awe of its elegant colonial-style with whitewashed facades, teakwood floors, lofty ceilings, Persian rugs, and vintage furnishings – it felt timeless, opulent, and steeped in history yet still very glamorous!
My lavish room featured a four-poster bed adorned with fine linens, high ceilings complete with a whirling fan, antique furniture, a marble bathroom, and my favorite features – a vintage rotary phone, a writing desk and a butler service!
I dined at the Michelin-starred Sushi Kanesaka, indulged in world-class Chinese at Royal China, and loved sipping an original Singapore Sling at the iconic Long Bar while tossing peanut shells on the floor (just like generations of travelers before me) all in the historic Civic District, just steps from the National Gallery and Marina Bay!
My highlights…
- Sipping on an original Singapore Sling made with Brass Lion Singaporean dry gin in the vintage-chic Long Bar, I loved chatting with the staff about its history as the birthplace of the very first Sling!
15. Wanderlust
This quirky boutique hotel set in a restored 1920s Art Deco building in Little India really charmed me! It stood out for its playful themed rooms— which ranged from whimsical pop-art designs to loft-style studios with hidden features.
I thought the interiors were charming – they fused heritage architecture with eclectic modern design, mixing exposed brick, neon lights, and sleek minimalist details. The vibe was extraordinary – it felt creative, artsy, and a little whimsical with a boutique-meets-hipster feel.
My individually styled guest room was full of whimsical touches that made the stay exciting— a lush bed, a trendy espresso machine, and clever space-saving layouts filled with natural light. I particularly loved the funky glass-enclosed rainfall shower! The receptionist even told me that there was a quirky treehouse room!
I dined at the WINEDERLUST bar and restaurant with its cellar-door concept, extensive wine list, and delicious dishes, then cooled off in the open-air dipping pool before grabbing a rich cup of Kopi-C in the cozy lounge!
My favorite highlights…
- I loved the lively Little India location, especially trying Shivam Restaurant’s aromatic vegetarian Dal Makhani made with black lentils, onions, garlic, and tomatoes!
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