Embrace the high life at Singapore’s finest luxury hotels

Singapore is a destination which refuses to be pigeonholed. It’s at once a city brimming with historic grandeur, an architectural wonderland where innovation is second nature, and a modern mecca uniting the best of Asia in one vibrant package.

Whether you’re a business traveller on the move, a foodie looking to taste your way through Asia’s best restaurants, or just want to spend your days lounging in a cabana at an exclusive beach club, the Lion City has everything you need, want and more.

Pulling up to the Raffles is an experience you won't forget.

As you can imagine, luxury Singapore hotels are a cut above the rest, with a dizzying array of five star resorts, highrise hideaways and even a glamorous beach resort designed by the same architect behind Apple’s high-tech ‘spaceship’ HQ.

In no particular order, and by no means a definitive guide, these are some of the best hotels and resorts Singapore has to offer. 

The best luxury hotels in Singapore

Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Singapore is the city’s most iconic hotel. When it first opened in 1887, it put Singapore on the map as a destination worthy of the six weeks it took to reach it from London at the time. And its allure has not diminished in the many years since.

The hotel's recent refurbishment has added a sprinkling of modern refinement.

Exquisitely restored just a few years ago, the hotel is brimming with heritage charm and style, transporting guests to a time when famed writers such as Rudyard Kipling once roamed its courtyards. Yet it’s surprisingly modern too, with state-of-the-art technology in each of its 115 rooms and suites.

Love succulent steaks? Butcher's Block has your name on it.

Lofty four-metre ceilings and polished teakwood floors set the scene, with 24-hour butler service and a myriad of delicious dining options adding to the indulgence. Stop for a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, enjoy sumptuous steaks at Butcher’s Block, feast on North Indian cuisine at the Tiffin Room and more.

Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore

Frequently described as ‘a Jenga tower rising above the busy streets of Singapore’, Pan Pacific Orchard is a high rise tropical oasis on the doorstep of Orchard station, and within easy reach of malls including Palais Renaissance, ION Orchard, and Isetan Scotts.

The hotel cuts an impressive figure at any time of the day or night.

Designed by WOHA Architects, the team behind the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport and cliffside Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, the hotel has been created with the environment in mind – bringing the outside in through lush plantings, 120m green walls and towering open-air cutouts.

One of Pan Pacific Orchard's elegant Deluxe Rooms.

Orchard’s interiors are no less impressive, with each of the 347 rooms and suites including the vast Cloud Terrace Suite, Pacific Club Balcony King and Beach Club Loft – the latter enjoying direct pool access – filled with natural fishes of timber and stone.

COMO Metropolitan Singapore

Spanning 11 floors within Singapore’s COMO Orchard development, an integrated complex of restaurants, retail outlets and a signature spa, the freshly-debuted COMO Metropolitan Singapore is – surprisingly – the group’s first hotel in its home country.

The brand's COMO Shambhala wellness centre makes a welcome appearance.

In line with its 16 properties around the world, décor across its 156 rooms is elegant and restrained, with a focus on neutrals and timbers complemented by bold pops of mustard. Views are extraordinary too, particularly from the rooftop bar.

This Emerald King Room is a good teaser of what awaits inside.

Dining takes the form of three venues: the first international outpost of Michelin-starred COTE Steakhouse, plus a patisserie from French pastry chef Cédric Grolet and COMO Cuisine, serving all-day dining classics.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Singapore luxury hotels can be found throughout the island, yet few have a location as good as the Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Towering alongside the waters of Marina Bay, moments from the Esplanade and Concert Hall, it’s also a fantastic spot to view the F1 Grand Prix.

The Mandarin Oriental Singapore's four-bedroom Royal Marina Bay Penthouse.

Following a recent refurbishment, the landmark hotel is more beautiful than ever, with its refreshed design taking cues from signature Singaporean elements such as Peranakan style architecture, black and white houses and Angsana trees.

You'll enjoy a taste of the sweet life at Dolce Vita Italian.

Dining has been receieved a delicious twist too in the form of all-new embu International Buffet, which proudly sits alongside long-time favourites such as Cherry Garden Cantonese and Dolce Vita modern Italian. The latter affords a sensational outlook across Marina Bay. 

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

Singapore is no stranger to architectural statements, yet The Fullerton Building – built in 1928 and once home to the city’s GPO, as well as an exclusive member’s only club where tycoons and civil servants made deals behind closed doors – leaves many in its wake.

The neoclassical building was once home to Singapore's General Post Office.

A national landmark since 2015, the neoclassical marvel is known for its soaring columns and a barrel-vaulted coffered ceiling. Its reputation for grandeur continues as The Fullerton Hotel, with 400 spacious rooms and numerous dining options to whet your appetite.

You'll feel like a visiting head of state in the Presidential Suite.

Among its opulent abodes are the Palladian and Fullerton Suites, each with an enviable outlook to Marina Bay and the Singapore River; and The Loft Suite, a two-level duplex with original double-storey French doors leading to a balcony with views of the waterfront.

Hotel Telegraph Singapore

Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Telegraph – formerly known as Sofitel So/ Singapore – offers an exquisite blend of contemporary and traditional. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World stable, it’s both playful and relaxed, with decor that’s a little eccentric too.

Built in 1927, the four storey building played a key role in Singapore's communications history.

Housed within a heritage-listed building in the central business district, it boasts 134 elegant rooms, each with complimentary high-speed WiFi, Nespresso coffee machine, and ultra-glam bathroom.

Rooms are filled with personality, with a few subtle references to the city's landmarks and history.

When it’s time to treat your tastebuds, head down to The Dining Room all-day cafe, restaurant and bar, or order a signature cocktail at the Pool Bar and soak up the city’s hustle and bustle.

Capella Singapore

Capella Singapore has been regularly named among the country’s best hotels since opening in 2009. And yet, somehow, it still manages to fly under the radar for many travellers. Its exclusive location could be a good reason for that.

Capella Singapore is a striking fusion of the old and new.

Hidden on the lush island of Sentosa, between Palawan Beach and Serapong Golf Course, the five star hotel blends two historic 1800s bungalows with a sweeping contemporary addition.

Gaze out to the South China Sea from your Premier Seaview Room.

Designed by Norman Foster, the acclaimed British architect behind Apple’s high tech Apple Park in Cupertino, its 112 manors, suites and guest rooms are classically refined. Views of lush gardens and out across the South China Sea are just the icing on the cake.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Not to be confused with its aforementioned heritage sibling, The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a sleek, contemporary escape boasting phenomenal views of Marina Bay and the city skyline – particularly from its chilled rooftop bar, Lantern.

Take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail or two on the hotel's rooftop.

Standard rooms like the Bay View Corner are well worth checking into, though it’s the Theme Suites you’ll really want to check out. Each is inspired by a different era or culture, from Singapore’s Peranakan traditions to an Indian-infused suite fit for a Maharaja.

The Bay View Corner Room boasts impressive views across the marina.

Beyond its fine rooms, the hotel takes guests on a culinary journey to France at its La Brasserie Restaurant, while also satisfying their sweet tooth with a daily Expressions Afternoon Tea – it’s more than just scones and cucumber sandwiches – at The Landing Point.

W Singapore Sentosa Cove

More than a city of history buffs, Singapore has plenty of contemporary offerings too. Take W Singapore, for example. Hidden on Sentosa Island, it’s about as outrageous as they come, with vivid interiors and flamboyant restaurants. There’s even a room with its own DJ booth!

There's nothing understated about the W Singapore.

Start each day with a buffet breakfast at The Kitchen Table, enjoy inventive cocktails or a locally-infused high tea at Woobar at midday, and then send your taste buds on an adventure with fresh seafood and perfectly-seasoned steaks at Skirt.

The appropriately-named Fantastic Suite.

When you need to wind down, W has you covered too. Its Away Spa offers signature treatments such as a detox massage, while the Vitality Pool is a perfect spot to soak away your cares. Outside, the cabana-lined Wet Pool is a perfect escape from the balmy, tropical heat.

The Capitol Kempinski

What’s better than one historic building? Two historic buildings! The Capitol Kempinski is a masterclass in timeless elegance, breathing new life into both the 1930s neoclassical-style Capitol Building and Venetian Renaissance-style Stamford House, built from 1904.

The Bar at 15 Stamford has 'raised the bar' with its extensive drinks menu.

The 155-room luxury Singapore hotel is a multi-sensory adventure, from its grand lobby sure to leave you speechless to highly-textured interior furnishings and classically-inspired bar and restaurant options dishing up fare which smells and tastes as good as it looks.

The Capitol Kempinski is stunning from every angle.

And its location? Right in Singapore’s civic and cultural heart, rubbing shoulders with fellow architectural gems including the National Gallery, the Capitol Theatre, and Armenian Church.

St. Regis Singapore

Timeless elegance with a multicultural twist; St. Regis Singapore is in fine company in the city’s embassy district, just a block from the bustling malls of Orchard Road. Add in butler service, fine dining and stellar views and you have everything needed for a memorable stay.

The Premier Specialty Suite certainly lives up to its name.

Every one of its 299 rooms and suites is divine, yet there are a few which stand out from the rest. Among them are the Premier Specialty Suite, gazing towards the Botanic Garden, and the exquisite Presidential Suite. The latter’s bathroom is breathtaking.

Sundays at Brasserie Les Saveurs are a gourmet haven sprinkled with je ne sais quoi.

Art is a key element of the experience, almost like staying in a gallery. Within the hotel’s private collection is a heady mix of works from western and eastern artists, including Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall, in addition to Anthony Poon and Fernando Botero.

Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

It may not be the newest or the flashiest in town, yet Shangri-La Hotel near Orchard Road never fails to be mentioned among the city’s best. Spread across three distinct wings, each of its 792 guest rooms is a haven of serenity.

A warm welcome is guaranteed at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.

Tower Wing is ever-popular with families, the Garden Wing perfect for couples seeking a tropical escape, and the Valley Wing a staple choice for dignitaries and business travellers. Though all quite different, they each share the same rich DNA and fondness for chandeliers.

Champagne and chandeliers await in the exclusive Valley Wing.

Set within 15 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel is home to a plethora of dining choices and the pampering Chi, The Spa. For a special treat, you can enjoy a dinner curated by master chefs, set amid an enchanting, seven-metre tall open air orchid greenhouse.

Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

Location, location. You’d be hard pressed to find a better one than Ritz-Carlton Millenia. Boasting uninterrupted views of Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer and the glittering city skyline, backed up by serious luxury within, it’s one of the city’s most celebrated getaways.

The Club Lounge boasts an incredible view across Marina Bay.

For a hotel with a 4,200-piece art collection, including works by Andy Warhol and the glass artist Dale Chihuly, decor in its 608 guest rooms is surprisingly restrained, with a neutral palette and architecture that does the heavy lifting. Restaurants are a different story, however.

Interior styling, like in this Deluxe Marina Guestroom, is surprisingly understated.

Republic Bar takes a ‘more is more’ approach, with brass, glass, leather, and mirrors used with abandon. Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion and international restaurant Colony are equally playful, dishing up both a treat for the eyes and a feast for the stomach.

Andaz Singapore

Andaz is the free-spirited sibling of the Hyatt family, a luxury brand where arts and culture are at the forefront of each property. Andaz Singapore has taken that brief and run with it, resulting in a fun and fresh hotel with cool bars, quirky fixtures and even tee-pees on its rooftop.

Stake your claim to a tee-pee on the Andaz Singapore rooftop.

In addition to 342 beautifully designed rooms, it boasts a sun-drenched rooftop swimming pool, refined Cantonese flavours at 5 ON 25 restaurant, prime cuts and sustainable seafood at 665°F, and a sleek cocktail bar perfect for drinking in Singapore’s dramatic sunsets.

The Andaz Large King Suite lives up to its name.

Kampong Glam (Little Arabia) and its colourful street art mecca of Haji Lane are located nearby, while the incredible Gardens by the Bay is only a short stroll or taxi ride away.

Hilton Orchard Singapore

Hilton Singapore on Orchard Road has been a staple for high-flying business travellers for some five decades. But you may want to double check the address next time you visit – it’s moved.

Rooms start from a compact 29sqm and climb to the immaculate 154sqm Presidential Suite.

Now located at 333 Orchard Road, and with a freshname, Hilton Orchard Singapore is the brand’s new Asian flagship. And it’s worthy of that honour, with more than 1000 guest rooms furnished in a subtle botanical theme, a call out to the fruit-growing past of its location.

Estate is the Hilton Orchard Singapore's all-day buffet dining venue.

On the dining front, it features five vibrant restaurants, including all-day buffet venue, Estate. US chef and former winner of the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef Award, Nancy Silverton, has also replicated her heralded New York Italian pizzeria, Osteria Mozza.