Singapore Hotel

What's your budget? What are the other criteria?

I’m staying 3 nights so would like to keep it at $1,200 or less for the three nights total.

I want to be centrally located and I like the look of the marina area. Don’t care about spas and that.

The Marina district is one of the high end (and very expensive) areas in the city. You're not likely to find any bargains there.
Chinatown is one of the most affordable areas - you can find some real bargains there if you're flexible.

A few years ago, I stayed at the Fairmont which is right across the street from Raffles. I just tried a random booking for this July and it looked like a room would be about $350 per night - your budget. I think I was able to get a discount by first joining their loyalty program.

The room was extremely comfortable and the view was spectacular. The hotel was next to the subway and it was also walkable to some sights. The hotel was right above one of Singapore’s amazing food courts where I ate several not-too-expensive meals.

My flight home left late in the evening after a day of sightseeing. The hotel allowed me to use a day room after I checked out (for free) and to take a shower in their spa before the flight (also free).

I wandered across the street and through Raffles, just to see what the fuss was about.

I've spent a lot of time in S'pore. I think you might start by finding a hotel with prices and amenities you like, then checking access to the MRT.

The MRT system is excellent, there is also great bus service. I don't think I would call any area of Singapore "central", but you can easily get to the major areas of the central city by public transport. Taxis are also easily available.

Check the Orchard Road area as well as Clarke Quay although it looks like several options there have ceased to be in recent years.

What sort of activities and touring sites did you plan?

Edit - This hotel has been "rebranded" since I last stayed there, but the location was quite good. Current reviews seem good. Paradox Singapore Merchant Court

Unfortunately that's a mid-range budget for Singapore, and you're not going to find anything in Marina Bay at that price
The suggestion of the Fairmont is a really good one. There is a central singapore, and the Fairmont is right in it. A very good choice, and right at City Hall MRT. Also, check out it's sister hotel the Swissotel.

I should qualify that my budget is in Canadian Dollars.

May have to look a bit further afield. ORDtraveler, I was looking at that Paradox hotel you mentioned. I was bit put off by one review that said the photos look great, but it isn’t reality. That may be a grain of salt type thing.

KB, I took a look at more reviews for the Paradox Merchant Court on TripAdvisor out of curiosity. They either seem excellent or average - hard to get a read on reality! As I said, it is under new management since I stayed, so I wouldn't know the current situation.

I've stayed in a lot of areas in S'pore, a few hotels and several private homes. I have to say that the location of the Paradox on Clarke Quay was my personal favorite for getting around quickly to different areas of the city. I found it very walkable to the Marina area, Fort Canning Park, Chinatown, etc. (Note - I am a walker, even in S'pore's humidity and heat.) A couple MRT stations close by for different routes. Whether worth the risk if the hotel rooms are not up to expectation, I can't judge.

We stayed at the Four Points Sheraton last March for a few nights.at the beginning of a 7 week SE ASI trip. Aside from taking a cab to the hotel. from the airport it is very easy to get around using the Metro or bus. The Four Points is a 5 minute walk to a metro station and then just a couple of stops to Marina Bay. There is also a bus stop just outside the hotel. As others have said it is very easy to get around Singapore using transit. We had a great time in Singapore, expensive (also fellow Canadian) but definitely worthwhile for a couple of days.

It's a good place to use hotel points if you have some. SG hotels are not cheap.

Also, did you ask your employer to see if they allow you to use their corporate rates?

It really depends what standard of accomodation you're looking for - the Paradix Merchant Court is not a luxury hotel, but to be fair, the rates reflect that. It is perfectly adequate, with the added bonus that the staff are very helpful and friendly. As others have pointed out, it's close to Clarke Quay station (Northeast line) and Chinatown (NE line and Downtown line). It's a short MRT ride to Little India, Marina Bay/Raffles Place and Orchard Rd. I would happily stay there.

Ok, so it’s sounding to me like Singapore is similar to London in that you can stay anywhere and be handy to things by taking trains/subways. Will hunt down an MRT map.

I don’t really have hotel points because I’m not a chain hotel kind of person. I much prefer well located boutique type hotels and even better if they are locally owned. I find they have a lot more personality and character. I have stayed in some great places all over the world. Some higher end, some more budget.

In this instance, I’m not spending much time in the hotel, so location is paramount.

I believe I used a Lonely Planet guide to Singapore. LP guides usually list some budget hotel options. It also give a good overview of public transportation.

Just to back and update, I have booked the Clan Hotel.

I'm glad you found a place that meets your needs! I hope you enjoy S'pore!!!