Singapore has one of the world’s best airports and is a popular stopover for international travellers. Why not skip the sights and have a Singapore Staycation if you have ‘been there, done that’ when it comes to Singapore’s attractions. Instead of going to Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, or cruising past the animals at River Safari, you can enjoy 24 to 48 hours of downtime when you’re in transit and extend your holiday. Here are five hotels for a superb Singapore staycation.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore has 400 rooms with a variety of styles, sizes and views. From the most affordable Premier Courtyard Room to the Presidential Suite, the rooms deliver on style and the old-world charm that blends seamlessly with twenty first century comforts. The building was once the General Post Office of Singapore and home of the elite Singapore Club. It is now a national monument and one of the city’s best luxury hotels. Don’t miss taking a dip in the pool which is set against a backdrop of Doric columns and overlooks the Singapore River. It’s perfect for soaking in style and enjoying a Singapore staycation.

Six Senses Maxwell

Six Senses Maxwell has been created from 14 three and four storey colonial-style shophouses dating back to the late 1920s. These have been sensitively restored and joined together to create a historic 138 room hotel with a rooftop pool and urban spa. The hotel has refined yet flamboyant French inspired décor and an intimate feel and is just around the corner from some of Singapore’s best hawker market food. The cosy Cook & Tras Social Library, a destination restaurant and bar on the ground floor, is lined with shelves holding more than 3,000 books which are available for guests to borrow. With plenty of nooks and crannies to tuck yourself away in, the restaurant is a delight for solo diners, book lovers and Instagrammers.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Transiting to and from the airport is a breeze at Sofitel Singapore City Centre which is located next to the Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Rooms are large and have a bathroom with a soaking tub, separate rain shower and divine Lanvin toiletries. However, those staying in an executive club room will probably spend most of their time at the swish club lounge, Club Millésime. Some of Singapore’s best and most affordable dining can be found just down the road at Chinatown. A complimentary phone with free data roaming and international calls to 10 countries, including Australia, is provided free-of-charge to each guest and can be taken outside the hotel.

Mercure Singapore Bugis

With the Singapore Art Museum directly across the road, and the National Museum of Singapore within strolling distance, this well-priced hotel is perfect for art lovers. Peranakan design touches and specially commissioned artworks which reflect the surrounding area add an authentic, local touch. Lofts at the Mercure Singapore Bugis have a mezzanine level and floor to ceiling windows, making these rooms seem larger than they are. If you feel like a stroll during your Singapore staycation, an enjoyable afternoon can be spent exploring the shops and boutiques in the nearby Arab Quarter or browsing the bustling Bugis Street Market.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore

With its soothing water features, semi-submerged day beds and lounging cabanas, the pool at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore is one of the best in Singapore. If you want to check out the famous sights there is no need to go far as many major attractions are within walking distance. You can reach the Singapore Flyer in five minutes or cross over the Helix Bridge to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for some retail therapy then continue on to Gardens by the Bay. Marina Bay Sands rooms offer a perfect view of the light and water show which takes place outside Marina Bay Sands nightly at 8pm.

St Regis Singapore

Shopaholics will love this hotel’s location in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district, but that is not the only reason to stay at the St Regis Singapore. Butlers are on hand to cater to your every whim, including delivering freshly made cappuccino, tea or creamy hot chocolate. Even better, this service is complimentary. Rooms are decadently plush and come with a bathtub that is almost big enough to swim in. Don’t miss the Remède Spa relaxation area featuring eucalyptus-scented Steam Chambers, an Aqua Reflexology Footpath and Spa Garden. It is available for in-house guests to enjoy at no additional charge.

Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel

Shopaholics will love this hotel’s location in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district. Cabanas and lounges surround the pool which can accommodate a vast number of guests without feeling crowded. Pool Terrace rooms at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel are located on the same level and geared to romance with a deep, stand-alone bath tub and individual outdoor sitting area. End your Singapore staycation with dinner at the Pool Grill which is dreamy in the evening with linen napped tables and flickering candles.

Oasia Hotel Downtown

With a lush vertical garden covering the outside of this new 27 storey building, Oasia Hotel Downtown stands out from the urban jungle. Catering to the health-conscious traveller, there is a lush green lawn on level 12 which can be used for yoga or simply soaking up the sun. A rooftop pool with fabulous views is available on Level 27. With an abundance of open air spaces, this hotel is instantly relaxing and feels like a haven in the middle of the city.

Capella Singapore

Sentosa Island may be better known as a family destination but the island is home to one of Singapore’s most romantic hotels. Capella Singapore, an intimate resort set high on a hill overlooking the Straits, is surrounded by jungle and has tiered swimming pools encircled by couple’s day beds. Rooms include complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar and a deluxe shower big enough for two. Sentosa Island offers fun activities such as Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, indoor skydiving, and luge rides but once you arrive at Capella, it is tempting not to venture outside the hotel’s luxurious surrounds.

InterContinental Singapore

With the Singapore Art Museum located within strolling distance, the luxurious InterContinental Singapore is perfect for art lovers and those who want to connect with Singapore’s heritage. Choose from classic InterContinental accommodation or a room or suite in the Heritage Wing which celebrate traditional 1920s Singapore shophouse living. Think timber flooring, duck egg blue panelling, louvered windows and wooden shutters overlooking the streets below.

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands Hotel is home to one of the world’s most famous swimming pools and it is only available to hotel guests. You could easily spend the entire day relaxing on a deck chair, gazing at the distant ships and enjoying a cocktail or two. Hotel guests can also visit the SkyPark observation deck without paying the $25 admission fee. Gardens by the Bay is within walking distance if you can tear yourself away from the pool.

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