The best hotels for a staycation in Singapore

Strike the right balance between staying within walking distance of the Orchard shopping belt while luxuriating in complete bliss at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. Set amidst 15 acres of lush gardens, Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore is a sanctuary just seven minutes from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road. You can choose to stay in one of the three distinctive wings, whether it’s the newly rejuvenated Tower Wing, the tropical Garden Wing, or ultra-lavish Valley Wing. 

A staycation at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore is great for foodies. With the hotel’s extensive range of culinary options, you'd be spoilt for choice. Choose from eight restaurants and bars and a total of 11 dining concepts: from a sumptuous array of local heritage hawker dishes at The Lobby Lounge, to an all-day international buffet at The Line, featuring 16 live kitchens and dishes that are freshly prepared a la minute. There's also farm-to-table meals made with premium produce sourced from around the world at Origin Grill – not to mention stellar tipples at the bar for a nightcap before you head back up to your room for a good night's sleep. 

And if you're looking to pamper yourself or your loved ones, the hotel is also home to Chi, The Spa. The spa offers holistic treatments based on time-honoured methods shared by many Asian cultures, using natural ingredients for the its signature revitalising and therapeutic treatments.

For more info, visit www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila

Time Out Singapore in partnership with Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

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Housed in a 1920’s building in Little India, the Wanderlust Hotel in Little India has undergone a complete transformation. The newly reimagined hotel merges old-world charm with essential modern-day comforts. Swing the doors of the adorned facade of the original Peranakan tiles and you'll step into a peaceful and inviting lobby, contrasting beautifully against the vibrant neighbourhood the hotel is in. Whether you're having a staycation with your special one or a group of friends, there is a range of accommodation for you to choose from – be it the Loft category, Studio category or the intimate Wanderlust Room. 

Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building from 1887, the iconic Raffles Hotel provides a relaxing getaway in the heart of the city. Since the hotel has just undergone a meticulous two-year refurbishment by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, there's no better time to book a stay than now. The hotel boasts beautiful interiors with antique furnishings, fine oriental carpets, and teak wood flooring. In addition to the six existing suite categories, the revitalised hotel offers three new ones: Residence, Promenade, and Studio Suites. 

The luxurious hotel boasts a choice of 14 dining options – including BBR by Alain Ducasse and the Raffles Courtyard –and a shopping arcade, outfitted with a charming Raffles Boutique and various retail brands such as Leica, Rimowa, and The Hour Glass. And if you're looking for the famous Singapore Sling, head up to the hotel's Long Bar.

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Watch your monochrome Instagram feed goals come to life at Hotel Mono. Set in six restored, traditional heritage shophouses, the boutique hotel boasts 46 rooms in the heart of Chinatown. Its original buildings retain their original charm with characteristic air wells and Rococo-era windows, seamlessly interweaving with the culture of traditional Singapore and a cosmopolitan. And if it's nightlife you're looking for, the bustling nightlife of Clarke Quay is just a short distance away.

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This new upscale property in Sentosa exclusively caters to adults, so you can to rest and rejuvenate without being distracted by little ones running around. Stay in one of the 193 stylish guest rooms with sophisticated design inspired by Singapore's distinctive colonial black and white bungalows, with crisp, clean lines and a sharply contrasting palette. For a sundowner, head up to the lush rooftop boasting sweeping sea views. Take a dip in the pool exclusively for guests while ordering your favourite cocktails from the bar. 

In an erstwhile warehouse that sits along the old Straits of Malacca trade route and former epicentre of Singapore’s red-light district, The Lo & Behold Group – the folks behind the 37-room boutique space – has taken the building’s 120-year history in its hands and spun it on the head. The hotel’s plush lounge faces the lobby bar, so if you’d rather relax away from the soft thumping beats and gentle chatter, the rooftop infinity pool – fitted with salmon pink tiles, no less – offers the reprieve you desire. Each room simply screams gorgeous with the wooden panels, sleek beams, a custom pillow top king mattress with finishing touches by MatterPrints, and a cheeky, open concept standing shower make it seductively easy to linger in your room all day.  For a loft-style upgrade, book out the River View Suite (from $495), that overlooks the Singapore River from the uppermost floor of the triple-peaked heritage hotel. 

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With its eclectic mix of brightly-coloured traditional rattan chairs and corridor art accents, along with a rooftop pool that sees through into the communal breakfast area on the first floor, XY Boutique Hotel is a unique property that you have to see for yourself. Centrally located in the Bugis precinct, the hotel has a total of 15 rooms available with three various types to choose from: Superior, Deluxe, and Junior Suite. Each room is uniquely designed with the same minimal setting, pops of colours, and unique pieces of art by both local and international artists. Technology is the star here at XY Hotel with the HANDY smartphone. Given to guests at check-in with the QR code to unlock your room door, it also allows you to control the room features directly from your phone – whether it's to switch off the lights, draw the curtains, or switch on the air conditioner.  

The coolest new kid on Keong Saik, the intimate 45-room Hotel Soloha evokes tropical modernism that juxtaposes against the earthy tones of the surrounding neighbourhood. Hotel Soloha is situated right in the heart of Singapore; within proximity to popular spots such as Chinatown, Ann Siang Hill, and Maxwell Food Centre. Swing through the wooden panel doors of the white and blue facade, and you'll be greeted by witty and bold interiors and artisanal furnishings. 

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Housed within a heritage building in the heart of the city, the luxurious yet playful Sofitel So Singapore features 134 rooms designed by locally-based French design house MIAJA, with several specially designed or curated items by Karl Lagerfeld. To reflect the harmonious juxtaposition of old and new in Singapore, the rooms are divided into the So Heritage and So Hip wings. Guests can choose to relax at HI SO, the golden rooftop infinity pool and bar, or La BiblioteK, a library and bookshop with titles selected by Lagerfeld. Fitness enthusiasts can also head to So FIT, a spacious gym with cardio and strength equipment, as well as an indoor rock climbing wall.

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Probably the OG staycation spot, Studio M Hotel features stylish loft-inspired designer rooms in the chilled out neighbourhood of Robertson Quay. The minimalistic, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a cooler refrigerator, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The en-suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and slippers. Looking for a wellness retreat in city? Make use of the hotel's open-air gym or relax in the 23-metre lap pool. The hotel is also conveniently located in between the entertainment hub of Clark Quay and the vibrant Orchard Road shopping belt, with complimentary shuttle service to Singapore's main attractions. 

M Social is aimed at the young, tech-savvy crowd: there are self-check-in counters and automated room service robots that’ll bring you anything from linen to cutlery. The rooms have cool features, too – the Alcove Cosy Room has a four-metre-high pitched roof for a ‘hut’ vibe, while the Loft Gallery Room has a glass-ensconced duplex that makes the room feel much bigger than it really is. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite at the adjoining Beast and Butterflies, where the daily international buffet breakfast is served.

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Rich in colonial style, the luxurious five-star Hotel Fort Canning offers complimentary WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and an exclusive pillow menu. The heritage hotel offers free evening drinks from 6-7pm at the private lounge and free self parking for all in-house guests. Surrounded by the lush greenery of a historical park, Hotel Fort Canning is a two-minute walk to Fort Canning Park and eight-minute walk to Orchard Road. Clarke Quay, the entertainment hub is a five-minute drive away. Fitted with wooden floors, the elegant air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Fort Canning come with HD TV screen with satellite and cable channels, and beautiful park or city views. Guests may enjoy a revitalising workout at the fitness centre or simply take a dip in the swimming pools.

Conveniently located above Farrer Park MRT station, One Farrer Hotel and Spa offers an Olympic size outdoor pool, a spa, suites and villas to cater to all business- and leisure-seekers. There are five dining options in the hotel – feast on international delights at the all-day restaurant Escape, pick up a quick meal at Local, Fresh and Seasonal Deli, chill out at the poolside cafe Flip Flop and drink up at Sunset Bar. But it's not just that. A stone's throw away is the 24-hour iconic Singapore institution Mustafa Centre and popular supper spot Swee Choon, perfect for you browse the shopping aisles for just about anything before heading down the road to grab some grub.

Why jet off to Bali when there’s a resort getaway (well, almost) right at our doorsteps?  With its monochromatic colour palette and unassuming décor, Lloyd’s Inn is at the top of its minimalism game. Go all out and book a Big Skyroom where you can bask in your private outdoor bathtub to your heart’s content. Alternatively, there’s a dipping pool surrounded by lush foliage to lounge in and a roof terrace to star gaze from. 

The W Singapore is a sexy hotel. Beats thump through the lobby, beautiful people parade around the pool and red Prada leather adorns the lift walls. A staycation here is like peeping into the lifestyles of Sentosa Cove’s rich and famous – so don’t forget your polo tee and bug-eyed sunnies. If you want to ball hard, book out the Extreme WOW Suite. There’s a jacuzzi tub, a private lap pool and even a turntable with stacks of records to DJ your own bash. At more than ten grand a night, though, reserve this for a super special occasion. The pool is, however, where you’re likely to spend most of your time: open 24/7, it pulses with life in the day and transforms into a private, sensuous and oh-so-inviting space at night.

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Take a trip down memory lane when you book a room at Hotel 1929. The hotel is housed in a row of conserved five-foot-way shophouses, and its corridors are filled with black-and-white archival photos of olden-day Singapore back in the early 20th century. All 32 rooms, split into five room categories, are decked in a mix of contemporary and retro furniture to ensure that no two rooms are carbon copies of each other. To chill, lounge on The Patio, the hotel’s garden on the second floor. Brunch fare isn’t too far away, too: gourmet deli The Provision Shop on the ground floor serves up your usual eggs Benny and wagyu beef burgers. 

Need a short island getaway? Check into this exclusive all-suite hotel at Sentosa, which has just been approved to accept staycation reservations. The hotel is within walking distance to attractions around Sentosa, such as Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. 

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Heritage and colours collide at the 131-room Hotel Indigo, where Peranakan influences abound in each of its 30-square-metre rooms. Each Indigo hotel around the globe reflects the neighbourhood in which it’s situated – and in storied Joo Chiat, lined with heritage buildings, the boutique space offers a culturally rich experience. Fuel up on Peranakan standards and fusion fare at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery within the hotel premises. And as a bonus for caffeine lovers, the beans used here are roasted by Common Man Coffee Roasters. After a long day out exploring, you’d want to soak your feet in a traditional foot bath – just utilise the basin tucked in the corner of your Peranakan-tiled bathroom that also comes with a salt foot soak, loofah and ‘good morning’ towel.

Ever wanted to live in a plush apartment right in the heart of the city? At Oasia Hotel Downtown, you can – even if only for a few days. The rooms here aren’t huge, but the clever use of tinted sliding doors to integrate the bathtub and living room means you can indulge in a soak while watching YouTube clips on the Smart TV. Chill out at the Skyline Pavilion – it’s only accessible to Club room guests – in the infinity lap pool that offers views of the CBD and Chinatown. On the rooftop, two mirrored pools crown the hotel with swing chairs and pale blue chaises. Refuel at The Marmalade Pantry. The restaurant doles out international cuisine the likes of steaks, pastas, sandwiches and a weekend brunch menu that has all your basics covered. 

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You’ll never go hungry here. Start off with lunch at J65, the hotel’s main restaurant that serves international and local cuisine. Then move on to dinner at Ah Hoi’s Kitchen, which whips up local delicacies like chilli crab and char kway teow. And if you check into the Club room, you can snack on complimentary drinks and snacks at the 24/7 Club Lounge. But hit up happy hour from 5 to 7.30pm when there’s free flow red and white wine, housepours and beers, as well as a selection of canapés. Otherwise, head to Rumpoles Bar to enjoy the one-for-one housepour promo during the same time. Still feeling peckish? Head to the 24-hour Jen’s Kitchen On-the-Go for light bites and good coffee. If you’re up for exploring, just borrow one of the Tokyobikes from the reception – they’re free to guests from 7am to 10pm – and cycle to Botanic Gardens, less than 10 minutes away.

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Checking into the Naumi Hotel isn’t just another cookie-cutter hospitality experience. The 40-room business luxury hotel is equipped with some of the niftiest extras any traveller, business or otherwise, could wish for. Molton Brown toiletries, a Nespresso machine, designer furniture like Poltrona Frau’s Don’do Rocking Chair and the all-important iPod docking station come standard in every room. Head up to the rooftop infinity pool offering sweeping views of the city skyline.