Singapore, often referred to as the Lion City, is a global hub of culture, innovation, and luxury. This vibrant city-state seamlessly blends futuristic architecture with lush greenery, colonial heritage, and a rich tapestry of multicultural influences. For travelers seeking an unforgettable stay, Singapore’s hotel scene is nothing short of spectacular, offering everything from iconic landmarks to boutique gems. In this article, we explore the five best hotels in Singapore for 2025, each selected for its exceptional service, unique design, prime location, and ability to embody the city’s dynamic spirit. Whether you’re a business traveler, a family on vacation, or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, these hotels promise an unparalleled experience.
1. Raffles Singapore: The Iconic Grand Dame
Location: 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Why It Stands Out: Timeless elegance, historical significance, and legendary service
Raffles Singapore is not just a hotel; it’s a living legend. Established in 1887 and named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, this all-suite hotel exudes colonial charm while embracing modern luxury. Following a meticulous refurbishment completed in 2019, Raffles has solidified its position as one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Its stately white facade, lush courtyards, and neoclassical architecture transport guests to a bygone era, while its contemporary amenities cater to the modern traveler.
Accommodations and Design
Raffles offers 115 expansive suites, each a masterpiece of design with high ceilings, teakwood floors, and antique furnishings. The suites, ranging from Studio to Presidential, feature four-poster beds, clawfoot bathtubs, and private verandas overlooking manicured gardens. The decor blends colonial elegance with Peranakan influences, reflecting Singapore’s cultural heritage. Modern touches include smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort without compromising character.
Dining and Experiences
Raffles is a culinary destination in its own right. The Long Bar, birthplace of the Singapore Sling, is a must-visit for its historic ambiance and signature cocktail. The hotel houses seven restaurants and bars, including La Dame de Pic by three-Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic and Butcher’s Block, a haven for meat lovers. For a cultural immersion, guests can join a complimentary history tour led by the hotel’s resident historian, Leslie Danker, who shares stories of famous guests like Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.
Amenities and Service
The Raffles Spa is a sanctuary of wellness, offering treatments inspired by Asian traditions. The rooftop pool, surrounded by tropical greenery, provides a serene escape from the city. What truly sets Raffles apart is its legendary butler service, available 24/7, ensuring every guest feels like royalty. From personalized check-ins to curated city tours, the staff’s attention to detail is unmatched.
Why Choose Raffles?
Raffles is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of history, luxury, and cultural immersion. Its central location near the Civic District puts guests steps away from the National Gallery Singapore and Marina Bay. While the price tag reflects its exclusivity (average rates start at $750 per night), the experience is worth every penny for a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
2. Capella Singapore: A Tropical Oasis on Sentosa Island
Location: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297
Why It Stands Out: Secluded luxury, stunning design, and A-list appeal
Nestled on 30 acres of lush parkland on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore is a tropical retreat that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle, yet it’s just a 15-minute drive from the Central Business District. This Forbes Five-Star hotel is a favorite among celebrities (Taylor Swift stayed here in 2024) and discerning travelers seeking privacy and tranquility. Designed by Norman Foster, the hotel blends colonial bungalows with modern glass structures, creating a harmonious fusion of heritage and innovation.
Accommodations and Design
Capella’s 112 rooms, suites, and villas are a study in understated luxury. The interiors, crafted by Hong Kong designer André Fu, feature soothing earth tones, teakwood furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the Singapore Strait or tropical gardens. The Constellation Rooms boast private hot tubs, while the Capella Manor offers a sprawling 3,800-square-foot residence with a private pool. Bathrooms are stocked with Aesop toiletries, and each room includes a complimentary minibar and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Dining and Experiences
The hotel’s dining options are as impressive as its accommodations. Fiamma, led by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, serves authentic Italian cuisine, while Knolls offers all-day dining with peacock-dotted garden views. Guests can participate in unique activities like mahjong lessons, Peranakan tile painting, or a sidecar tour with a feng shui master, curated by the hotel’s Culturalists. The Auriga Spa, with treatments inspired by lunar cycles, is consistently ranked among Singapore’s best.
Amenities and Service
Capella’s three cascading pools, including an infinity-edge pool, are a highlight, offering stunning views of the South China Sea. The hotel’s private beach access to Palawan Beach and proximity to Universal Studios Singapore make it ideal for families. The service is impeccable, with staff anticipating guests’ needs, from arranging scavenger hunts for kids to customizing spa treatments.
Why Choose Capella?
Capella Singapore is the ultimate escape for those craving luxury and serenity. Its Sentosa location is perfect for travelers who want to balance relaxation with easy access to Singapore’s attractions. Rates start at around $600 per night, reflecting its high-end offerings and exclusive ambiance.
3. Marina Bay Sands: The Architectural Marvel
Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Why It Stands Out: Iconic infinity pool, prime location, and endless amenities
Marina Bay Sands is arguably Singapore’s most recognizable landmark, thanks to its three towering structures topped by the world’s longest infinity pool. Designed by Moshe Safdie, this mega-resort is more than a hotel—it’s a destination with a casino, high-end mall, convention center, and nearly 50 dining options. Its central location in Marina Bay makes it a top choice for first-time visitors eager to explore Singapore’s skyline.
Accommodations and Design
The hotel’s 2,561 rooms and suites are spacious and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Marina Bay or the city skyline. The color palette of pastel pinks, blues, and greens is inspired by the views, creating a calming atmosphere. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms are equipped with plush bedding, smart TVs, and marble bathrooms, while the Chairman Suites offer private gyms and karaoke rooms. Family rooms and interconnecting options cater to groups traveling with children.
Dining and Experiences
Marina Bay Sands is a foodie’s paradise, with restaurants by celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay (Bread Street Kitchen), Wolfgang Puck (Spago), and Daniel Boulud (db Bistro & Oyster Bar). The SkyPark Observation Deck offers breathtaking views, and the ArtScience Museum hosts world-class exhibitions. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s Banyan Tree Spa or try their luck at the casino.
Amenities and Service
The 57th-floor infinity pool is the hotel’s crown jewel, offering unrivaled views of Singapore’s skyline. The pool is exclusive to guests, ensuring a serene experience despite its Instagram fame. The hotel also features a fitness center, a skating rink, and direct access to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Service is efficient, though it can feel less personalized due to the property’s size.
Why Choose Marina Bay Sands?
Marina Bay Sands is ideal for travelers who want to be at the heart of Singapore’s action. Its proximity to Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and the Esplanade makes sightseeing effortless. Rates start at $400 per night, offering good value for a luxury experience in a prime location.
4. The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore: Glamour by the Bay
Location: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
Why It Stands Out: Heritage charm, waterfront views, and intimate luxury
Housed in a neoclassical building that once served as Singapore’s General Post Office, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is a boutique gem overlooking Marina Bay. This five-star hotel combines heritage architecture with modern glamour, offering a more intimate alternative to larger resorts like Marina Bay Sands. Its prime location in the Collyer Quay arts district makes it a favorite among business travelers and couples.
Accommodations and Design
The hotel’s 100 rooms and suites are elegantly designed with dark wood, leather accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the bay or skyline. The Bayview Rooms feature private balconies, while the Presidential Suite includes a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi. Bathrooms are equipped with Diptyque toiletries, and all rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi and minibars.
Dining and Experiences
The Fullerton Bay is home to some of Singapore’s best dining venues. Clifford Pier serves heritage-inspired dishes in a stunning setting, while Lantern, theCharged, is a rooftop bar with panoramic bay views. Guests can also enjoy dim sum brunches or cocktail evenings at the hotel’s various outlets. The hotel’s heritage tours provide insights into its storied past.
Amenities and Service
The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool, a spa, and a gym. The service is warm and attentive, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The hotel’s concierge can arrange private yacht charters or curated city tours.
Why Choose The Fullerton Bay?
The Fullerton Bay is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated, intimate stay with stunning views and easy access to Marina Bay’s attractions. Rates start at $500 per night, offering a luxurious yet accessible option for a boutique experience.
5. The Standard, Singapore: A Stylish Newcomer
Location: 3 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258825
Why It Stands Out: Bold design, vibrant energy, and a fresh perspective
Opened in 2024, The Standard, Singapore has quickly earned its place among Singapore’s elite hotels, landing on Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List and Travel + Leisure’s It List for 2025. Located between Orchard Road and the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, this 143-room hotel brings a playful, midcentury-modern vibe to the city, infused with tropical flair and artistic touches.
Accommodations and Design
The Standard’s rooms are a riot of color and personality, with bright yellow tiled bathrooms, timber canopies, and handwritten messages on mirrors. Even the smallest Cozy Single Pool View rooms (21 sqm) feel luxurious, with 300-thread-count linens, Davines bath products, and modern amenities like Nespresso machines and 50-inch smart TVs. Suites offer extra space and city views, perfect for longer stays.
Dining and Experiences
Kaya, the hotel’s modern izakaya, focuses on low-waste cuisine with bold flavors, while Kaya Bar serves Asian-inspired cocktails. The Pool, a lush rooftop oasis, hosts cultural talks, fashion events, and poolside parties, making it a hub for Singapore’s creative crowd. The hotel’s pet-friendly Garden hosts weekly Pup-Up Club events for dogs and their owners.
Amenities and Service
The Standard boasts one of Singapore’s most enviable pools, surrounded by greenery and equipped with a sound system for lively events. The Suite Spot meeting room caters to business travelers, while the 24/7 gym and complimentary bikes appeal to active guests. Service is friendly and proactive, with staff curating personalized experiences.
Why Choose The Standard?
The Standard is ideal for trendsetters and solo travelers seeking a vibrant, design-forward stay. Its location near Orchard Road and the Botanic Gardens offers the best of both worlds—urban buzz and natural beauty. Rates start at $300 per night, making it a relatively affordable luxury option.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Singapore Stay
Singapore’s hotel scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering something for every traveler. Raffles Singapore delivers timeless elegance and historical charm, while Capella Singapore offers a secluded tropical escape. Marina Bay Sands is the go-to for iconic views and endless amenities, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel provides intimate luxury with a heritage twist. For a fresh, stylish vibe, The Standard, Singapore is unmatched. Each of these hotels reflects Singapore’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring a stay that’s as memorable as the city itself.
When planning your trip, consider your priorities—location, ambiance, and budget—and book early, especially during peak seasons like the Formula 1 Grand Prix. No matter which hotel you choose, Singapore’s world-class hospitality and vibrant energy will leave you longing to return.