Where to stay for 1 night in Singapore

[sanne]

My family, 2 couples and an eight year old are overnighting in Singapore on the way from Frankfurt to Brisbane in July. Non have been to Singapore before and its a while since we've stayed there too so don't feel like we can offer any useful advice.

Their flight arrives at SIN at 4pm and they depart the day after at 8pm, so not a lot of time.

I would welcome any advice for them re where to stay ( $200-$300 price range ) and things to do. They are early 40s.

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated.

 

[opusman]

Marina Bay Sands if you can get a good deal (it's pretty pricey normally), otherwise another hotel nearby (the Westin is nice). Plenty of restaurants etc things to do, Chinatown is walking distance and the MRT to get to Orchard Rd etc.

 

[sanne]

Marina Bay Sands if you can get a good deal (it's pretty pricey normally), otherwise another hotel nearby (the Westin is nice). Plenty of restaurants etc things to do, Chinatown is walking distance and the MRT to get to Orchard Rd etc.

Thanks very much for your quick reply opus man. That's great advice. I will pass that on to them. Busy people so they ask me to do all their research.

 

[Glider_]

The Swissotel "The Stamford" is a good option. Right on top of the MRT station and you can get rooms that look over the harbour and Marina Bay Sands hotel, which IMO is better than staying there if you were only able to afford a cheap room.

 

[sanne]

The Swissotel "The Stamford" is a good option. Right on top of the MRT station and you can get rooms that look over the harbour and Marina Bay Sands hotel, which IMO is better than staying there if you were only able to afford a cheap room.

Thanks for that suggestion.

Do you think that the Marina Bay area is the place to be? they do like sophistication on a budget!! But I just may treat them…spend a bit of their inheritance!!

 

[AnnaB]

We stayed at the Pan Pacific with views over Marina Bay area, just lovely view. Had a Harbour Studio with one bedroom and a lounge with desk. Great club lounge too, but it might be a bit on the pricey side for such a short stay and for an overnighter only.

 

[Burgo]

If you are open to suggestions away from the main tourist hotels, then the Grand Mercure Roxy on East Coast Rd is worth a look. We've stayed there a few times, always had a Deluxe Room Poolside with direct access to the pool deck and own veranda.

It is only 20mins from the airport with free regular shuttle bus. There is no MRT close by, but there are bus stops on East Coast Rd and Marine Pde. Taxi's are cheap in Singapore and if only there for one day they may be the best way to travel around.

The hotel is in Katong, with a wide choice of cuisine, our favourite (and it used to be a QF staff haunt) is Sin Hoi Sai Eating House on East Coast Rd...open to 4am, most tables are out on the footpath but some indoors with aircon...very popular, good food & reasonable prices.

Depends a bit on what interests you as to what to recommend visiting, Orchard Rd is popular, Mustafa Centre in Little India worth a visit as you can buy just about everything there...supposedly the best place to buy gold jewellery. A visit to Marina Bay Sands, the Barrage, the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Museum (the lotus shaped building) are all worth a visit if so inclined. Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are worth a look though comparatively expensive, a river cruise on a Bumboat is a good experience though.

 

[YSSY]

If they've never been to Singapore, I'd definitely suggest staying in the city. Sentosa Island is an option, but can mean missing out on the Singapore experience, good for subsequent or longer stays. The alternative is new the airport for convenience (such as one of the hotels near the expo), but does mean a trek into the city. It's worthwhile looking for a hotel that will offer a good deal for late check outs (4pm would be ideal).
Personally, we stay at the Orchid Country Club whenever we visit now, but thats because it offers everything we need and gives a very authentic Singaporean experience (lots of Singaporean staycationers), but probably not good for tourists who want to explore.

 

[Denali]

Im also going to suggest MBS as its a do once thing.

Ask for a late checkout and if you get a club room, enjoy the afternoon canapés, all day drinks in the club lounge and breakfast. Feed the troops and let them swim, get onto the plane tired and sleepy.

 

[sanne]

All excellent suggestions. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Now to decide what to do.

Has anyone used the MRT from the airport to the city and if so how was it?

 

[opusman]

I have a few years ago but it takes a lot longer than a taxi, and depending on how much luggage you have you may find it more trouble than it's worth. There are also security inspectors in the MRT system and I have seen them make people open and go right through all their luggage at times, which has put me off ever trying it again.

 

[yohy?!]

All excellent suggestions. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Now to decide what to do.

Has anyone used the MRT from the airport to the city and if so how was it?

Yes have used it once out of necessity during a thunderstorm when absolutely no cabs - would avoid with children it's a long, uncomfortable trip with an interchange.

Staying near marina bay it is quick and easy to get on the highway and should be less than 40AUD in a cab(cheaper for uberx)

 

[Cynicor]

MRT from airport is slow but cheap. Not worth it in SIN where a taxi is cheapish too. If money is the issue, you'd get better value from spending $30 less on the hotel for 1 night and taking a taxi.

I don't think the MBS is the way to go. I'd stay in Marina area. More to see and do within a 24 hour period because everything is walkable. There are museums, malls shops and parks (Fort Canning). Swissotel Stamford, Fairmont, Pan Pac, Conrad.

Or for real sophistication (can be done on a budget when on sale) the Fullerton with a Straits Club room. Beautiful.

 

[JohnK]

Has anyone used the MRT from the airport to the city and if so how was it?

Most times. It's quite easy to use but there could be a long walk at some interchange stations if you are carrying luggage.

It is my preferred mode of public transport in SIN. Shame services stop around midnight.

 

[Mike65]

The MRT to airport is easy, cheap, safe etc. I use it often but I am fit, mobile and usually only have minimal luggage. Trains can be pretty full at peak times so often have to stand. Can't complain for a few dollars but I wouldn't recommend to a group with luggage.
BTW, there are so many options for accommodation. I normally stay in the City (Stamford Swisshotel) or Clark Quay (Park Hotel). MBS area is a good option too - eat at Makansutra hawker market, visit the MBS gardens for the nightly light show etc etc
Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[Denali]

I have a few years ago but it takes a lot longer than a taxi, and depending on how much luggage you have you may find it more trouble than it's worth. There are also security inspectors in the MRT system and I have seen them make people open and go right through all their luggage at times, which has put me off ever trying it again.

Depending on the airline, OP could land, check in for their next flight (if they are not already checked through) and then take only carryon to their hotel for the night.

 

[Batesy]

All depends on price and the perceived value.
I've just had a long stay at Shangri-La near Orchard road which is my normal choice of hotel in Singapore.

Get a club room which means you have a base outside of your room(s) to share with the other couple and child. Gets you breakfast, arvo tea, coughtails at night that sort of thing. Very central location with a shuttle right into Orchard road shops. Would help with the 8pm departure too as you can access the club lounge right up until you leave the hotel, even if you have checked out. Factor all of this into the price per room.

 

[nlagalle]

All excellent suggestions. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Now to decide what to do.

Has anyone used the MRT from the airport to the city and if so how was it?

It takes close to an hour with one change.. i've done it twice but not towing kids...

 

[CMA222]

It takes close to an hour with one change.. i've done it twice but not towing kids...

I am in Singapore now (regular visitor) and the MRT is easy and cheap to use, but from the airport with a child and baggage it could be more of a challenge and does take an hour or so. With a few people a (large) taxi would be far more convenient for between S$25 and S$40 depending upon where you choose to stay. Singapore airlines has stopover packages and free city tours so it will also depend with whom you are travelling. A morning half day tour is worth it if it can be fitted into your schedule. Late check out will also be an advantage. If you want to move around independently any accommodation near an MRT station will make it easy.

 

[dajop]

For a short term visitor for first visit to Singapore, you really want to get a feel for the place, I wouldn't bother with a luxurious hotel experience with lots of privileges (such as club lounge and evening happy hour), as essentially you might as well just check into a hotel in Brisbane for and get the same sort of package.

Whilst the MBS is indeed spectacular (in terms of it's roof top pool), for the sort of money you need to spend for a night there, you really want to spend the afternoon evening enjoying the pool and hotel facilities, and you won't see much of Singapore. If that is the case ... fine, do that. The pool is amazing. But if you want to spend some time in Singapore itself (as opposed to just a hotel), then no need to go there.

For experience of some of the city, just stick to a reliable hotel in tripadvisor's top 50 (avoid Hotel 81, Fragrance Hotel) located near a fairly central MRT station. The Stamford or Fairmont are probably quite good, in that regard, as in anything located around Clarke Quay, Orchard, Bugis or Chinatown. Wouldn't bother with lounge access, evening drinks etc.

Also taxi or uber is best getting to/from airport unless there is a massive taxi queue - that extends beyond the barricades they have in place for the queue! MRT can be cheap and convenient, but does take a while. It's quite a pain if arriving in/leaving from T1 as then you also have to do a skytrain transfer within the airport.