Singapore stopover- best hotel/area?

[NewZealandintherain]

Hi,

I’m looking for some advice about Singapore. We’re planning a stopover in July on our way back from Australia. Two or three nights only. We’re looking for a nice hotel in a characterful area. We’re not bothered about Western shopping malls etc…but are more into Asian shops, food and atmosphere. Happy to spend for a nice place.

Thanks very much for any information or advice that you can give.

The Fullerton is a lovely hotel, I stayed there in August.

Thanks @Lostsadandconfused it looks lovely

We stayed at the Paradox Singapore Merchant Court located at Clarke Quay last trip (seems to have changed hands as it definitely had a different name when we were there. Maybe a Stamford?). I loved the location and the rooftop pool.

I stayed at the Paradox last week and will probably use it again next time I’m in Singapore. It used to be the Swisshotel. For me the location was perfect. Good points are the rooms and bathrooms are a decent size (no stupid glass walls or toilet bowls at the end of the bed). The staff are also extremely friendly and helpful. The decor is a bit tired in places though.

Frasers Residences near Clark Quay look very nice - I’ve booked for next year.

Fullerton

My family has stayed in the CUBE Family Boutique Capsule Hotel at Chinatown, it’s above Hawker Chan’s restaurant so Michelin rated street food below (or next to) the hotel. Also close to MRT and a places to get a decent breakfast (Ya Kun Kaya toast and coffee.) Can recommend. There’s a laundry at the hotel too which is handy for traveling.

Fullerton

Pan Pacific, mandarin oriental, raffles hotel are lovely and have good location. Shangri la orchard is very nice too but in a different area from the other 3. Marina bay sands is also hugely popular but I preferred the others mentioned above.

I was there (again) a couple of weeks ago, if you want a local and character filled neighbourhood you can't beat the Maxwell (MRT and hawker centre) area, it's so colourful and vibrant, there's lots of street art and street food, the beautiful old wooden buildings have been restored. All of Chinatown is great but this particular pocket has so many interesting cafes and shops. There's a lot of boutique hotels around the area but if you like a big international chain, the Mercure is close by. (We walked past and thought - this is the perfect location for next trip.)

While the hotels may be lovely and all of Singapore is pretty accessible, I would avoid those located around Marina Bay or Clarke Quay if you are looking for character and tradition.

We stayed at Raffles, Mandarin Oriental and MBS in February.

For what you are looking for I would say MO hands down. The breakfast was exceptional.

We stayed at one of the accor hotels singapore properties near City Hall MRT—super easy to get around, and plenty of hawker centres nearby for cheap eats.

The pool was great for the kids, and the staff were really helpful with early check-in after our long flight. It's also close to Marina Bay and walking distance to Raffles, which was perfect for a short stopover.