Singapore is a city often overlooked as a tourist destination, despite most of us probably having already been there while on a layover to elsewhere. It's a city that has seen singificant growth over the last few decades, and is now recognised as one of the world's cleanest, safest and exciting travel destinations. You might already recognise that it's a mecca for luxury shopping and fine dining, but it's also got a wealth of historical architecture and heritage that are still largely untapped by visitors.
While it's tempting to stay at the obvious 5-star resorts that Singapore has become known for, there are a plethora of interesting, boutique accommodation options in and around the Lion City that are equally as beautiful, luxurious and unique.
Below we take you through 10 of the best boutique hotels in Singapore, from unique tree-top lofts to 19th century heritage buildings.
1. Lloyd's Inn
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Benefits: complimentary breakfast vouchers, social communal areas, plunge pool.
Lloyd's Inn is a boutique 34-room hotel nestled into a quiet stretch of road behind the Orchard Road shopping area. The accommodation boasts complimentary breakfast at a nearby coffee shop, and minimalist rooms with plenty of natural light. There's also a rooftop terrace, modern garden deck and plunge pool for guests to enjoy on site, as well as an outdoor communal meal space that makes for a perfect spot to make a new friend and enjoy the neighbourhood views.
The hotel's front desk is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your every question, and luggage storage and shower facilities are available before your flight.
2. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
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Benefits: infinity pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centre, close to airport.
Juxtaposing modern and heritage architecture, the unique design of Hotel Indigo's 131 guestrooms and rooftop infinity pool is the perfect spot to lap up a more unique experience of Singapore. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour access to an on-site gym, a self-service business and function room – and in close proximity to an all-day neighbourhood cafe – be ready to explore the rich heritage of the lively Katong area with ease.
The airport is also just a 15-minute drive away.
3. Naumi Singapore
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Benefits: infinity pool, art-inspired decor, fitness centre, restaurant and bar on-site.
This sky-high sanctuary allows you to truly immerse yourself in the tranquility and sophistication of Singapore. Located where the city’s chic shopping precinct meets the buzzing financial district, guests can soak in the panoramic vistas from the hotel's Cloud 9 infinity pool, or take in the abundance of artworks the hotel has on display – like graffiti artist Tr853-1 (Trase Oner) and award-winning French photographer Olivier Henry. There's also an Italian restaurant, cocktail bar and fitness centre on site.
4. The Warehouse Hotel
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Benefits: late checkout (midday), complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, room service.
Experience all the best of Singapore's old-world glamour, without compromising on modern comforts, at this five-star Robertson Quay hotel: The Warehouse. Housed in a meticulously restored 1895 heritage building in central Singapore, The WareHouse Hotel is like an industrial hideaway for the adventurous, featuring exposed brickwork and earthy leather upholstery. Soak in the playfulness of their uniquely spiced, spirit-forward cocktails at Lobby Bar downstairs, or recline at the rooftop inifinity pool overlooking the Singapore River.
5. Raffles Singapore
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Benefits: heritage architecture, plenty of on-site dining options, on-site wellness spa.
The storied Raffles hotel originally opened in 1887, and is one of the few remaining 19th century hotels in the world. Recently restored, it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in some charming heritage architecture – about which you can speak to their resident historian. Situated in the heart of the business and civic district, just 20 minutes from Changi Airport, the hotel's classic colonial architecture has been beautifully preserved for guests to enjoy.
6. Duxton Reserve Singapore
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Benefits: complimentary Wi-Fi, dry cleaning services, late check-out (midday).
Situated on the island's city centre of Tanjong Pagar (in the heart of Chinatown), Duxton Reserve Singapore is part of the Autograph Collection and boasts 49 uniquely designed rooms and suites designed by acclaimed New Zealand-born designer, Anouska Hempel. Its dramatic frontage featuring gold fans and Oriental screens artfully melds Chinese, Malaysian and European architectural influences, and you'll be greeted with an intimate tea ceremony upon arrival.
7. Capella Singapore
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Benefits: infinity pools, on-site spa, airport transfers, guest laundry, babysitting, complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you're looking for a more luxurious stay, then the flagship hotel of Singaporean-owned Capella group might be more your speed. Just 20 minutes drive away from the mainland, on the tranquil island of Sentosa, you'll find 112 rooms, a world-class spa and wellness centure, two infinity pools and an abundance of natural grounds to trawl through. Despite the property's size, each room feels incredibly private and comes with top-tier service. Capella also offer a unique opportunity to zoom through the city with one of their 'Culturists' on a rare vintage sidecar to discover the city in a more intimate way.
8. Andaz Hotel
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Benefits: on-site dining and bars, infinity pool and 24-hour gym.
Situated at the intersection of the Kampong Glam, Little India and Bras Basah Bugis districts, this 5-star concept hotel from the Hyatt group captures the essence of the traditional shophouse-filled alleyways, and has multiple bars and restaurants on site. The rooftop teepee bar is a standout amenity, as are the room interiors designed by Andre Fu. Guests can enjoy access to a rooftop infinity pool and 24-hour fitness centre.
9. Equarius TreeTop Lofts
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Benefits: unique accommodation, on-call butler, resort-wide shuttle bus.
Nestled 12 metres up in the canopy of native trees, these exclusive one-bedroom lofts are the epitome of privacy and tranquility. With a personalised butler on call, and a shuttle service running at regular intervals throughout the day to take you around the resort, you'll be perfectly at home amongst the flora and fauna of the beautiful Sentosa island.
10. The Sultan Singapore
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Benefits: complimentary Wi-Fi, late checkout (midday), on-site dining options.
This boutique accommodation has just 60 rooms, each inspired by the early 1900s shophouses of the area. The building itself is over 100 years old, and is located in Kampong Glam, Singapore’s oldest urban quarter. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and late checkout at midday. And if you're not out exploring the historic neighbourhood, you can grab a late-night cocktail or bite in the grand double-storey Salon on the second floor of the hotel.
