Singapore's hotel boom: Why it's the perfect moment to visit

While Singapore’s hotel legacy began with the iconic Raffles, it wasn’t until the arrival of the Marina Bay Sands in 2010 that another property captured the world’s attention in quite the same way.

Since that landmark moment, Singapore's hotel industry has only grown more vibrant, with the city now recognized as both the leading business hub in Southeast Asia and a top destination for leisure travelers.

This newfound allure reached its peak in 2017, marked by an influx of new hotels making their debut in the city’s bustling tourism scene.

“The past few years have seen a major surge, with over 8,000 new rooms added to the market,” says Jesper Palmqvist, Asia Area Director at STR, a market analytics firm with an office in Singapore.

However, the rapid growth of the market has led to a temporary oversupply.

“Overall demand hasn’t quite matched the influx of new rooms,” says Palmqvist, despite an increase in visitors to Singapore this year. Consequently, average room rates have dropped.

For travelers, this means there are great deals available at some of the city’s hottest new hotels.

With the steady rise in visitor numbers, demand is expected to eventually catch up with the available supply, says Palmqvist, making now the ideal time to take advantage of these offers.

With so many fresh hotel options vying for attention, a bit of careful selection is needed.

The latest additions to Singapore’s hotel scene include the newly opened Andaz and, on the budget-friendly side, the city's very first YOTEL.

Several other exciting openings – including the much-anticipated return of Raffles – are set for 2018.

These new properties will join three of the year’s standout hotels in Singapore, highlighted below:

The Warehouse Hotel

A true game-changer in a Singapore hotel scene traditionally dominated by luxury chain hotels, this 37-room boutique property is locally owned and has transformed a 1895 spice warehouse along the Singapore River into a stunning modern retreat.

The building’s storied past includes roles as a distillery, opium den, and nightclub. These historical layers are celebrated through industrial-chic design touches, such as the striking light fixtures in the grand lobby, which pay homage to the pulley system once used to lift spices to the ceiling.

Due to the unique layout of the building, no two rooms at The Warehouse are identical, but all feature a cohesive design of gray and gold tones, hardwood floors, Bang & Olufsen speakers, single-serve pour-over coffee with locally crafted mugs, and luxurious rain showers with premium toiletries. Many rooms offer stunning views of the river, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The infinity pool is a true highlight – made entirely of glass on three sides, it’s suspended above the river on a platform that’s seamlessly connected to the main building.

In addition to its many other qualities, The Warehouse is one of the few places in Singapore that serves a truly strong cocktail.

The Warehouse Hotel, 320 Havelock Road, Robertson Quay, 169628 Singapore; +65 6828 0000

Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Every detail has been meticulously curated to ensure a seamless and refined experience for guests in this brand-new building, centrally located in Singapore’s business district, just steps away from the vibrant Chinatown.

The service here is exceptional, with attention to detail that rivals some of the best we've encountered worldwide.

The 223 rooms are designed with soothing, clean lines and textures, highlighted by subtle brass accents, flattering lighting, expansive bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of nearby skyscrapers. Thoughtful touches include Bose speakers, a curated selection of books on local culture, complimentary mobile phones, bedside USB ports, and power outlets compatible with US plugs.

The ultra-comfortable beds almost insist on a restful night’s sleep, while the spacious desk caters perfectly to business travelers, offering enough space to hold meetings if needed.

The hotel also boasts a stunning 100-foot pool located in a lush outdoor area on the sixth floor, along with Racine’s, a dazzling high-ceilinged restaurant that offers two distinct menus – one French, the other Chinese.

Breakfasts here are a morning delight, offering a truly memorable start to the day. A small gym is available near the pool for all guests, and some will also have access to the adjoining Virgin Active Fitness Club.

For the discerning business traveler, it’s hard to imagine a better option in Singapore.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre, 9 Wallich Street, Central Business District, Singapore; +65 6428 5000

InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay

Situated along the Singapore River in Robertson Quay, the InterContinental brand continues its business-friendly tradition while also appealing to a trendier, more leisure-focused crowd.

This balanced approach is evident not only in the rooms, which are compact yet so thoughtfully designed that they never feel confined, but also in the welcoming atmosphere of the public spaces.

The Italian restaurant, Publico, features a terrace that seamlessly merges with the lively riverfront scene – and don’t miss the freshly baked bread, made in-house and absolutely delicious.

Further from the river, the Publico Deli transforms from a casual daytime café into a craft cocktail bar in the evening. These spots have a neighborhood vibe, and it’s easy to envision them becoming beloved local hangouts.

In the rooms, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows create a stunning backdrop for the combined seating, work, and dining areas. The hardwood floors, sleek lighting, plush bed, and hidden cocktail stations with dropdown panels complete the sophisticated design.

All the ingredients for the provided cocktail recipes, such as the vodka gimlet we crafted, are conveniently stocked in the minibar – a thoughtful and convenient feature.

Just off the lobby, the pool, while lovely, feels somewhat secondary compared to the impressive pools at the other two hotels mentioned above. However, the rest of the hotel experience here is nearly flawless.

The Intercontinental Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Robertson Quay, Singapore; +65 6826 5000