Singapore is not only one of Southeast Asia’s most convenient transfer hubs (thanks in part to a sparkling modern airport), but also a fascinating place to sample incredible food, visit major cultural institutions — and stay in some of the region’s best hotels. GoTravelDaily readers cast their votes for the best places to stay, below.
How Voting Works
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 GoTravelDaily readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Properties were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities.
Hotels were classified based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
This year’s runner-up, Shangri-La Singapore, earned its No. 2 spot thanks to a variety of factors: aside from its location near the bustling shopping area on Orchard Road, the property itself feels more like a resort than a big city hotel. There are 15 acres of tropical gardens, an enormous swimming pool, three standalone buildings housing 700 guest rooms, and four restaurants — including the Michelin-starred Shang Palace, known for its Cantonese cuisine.
Over by Marina Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (No. 3) rises 32 stories above the city’s downtown in a modern high rise designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kevin Roche, with quick access to several shopping malls, Gardens by the Bay nature park, and public transportation.
For those who prefer a bit of history, Raffles Singapore (No. 4) is the clear choice. While the property underwent a total renovation in 2019, the hotel originally opened in 1887 and still retains much of its 19th-century atmosphere (especially if you order a Singapore Sling, which was invented at the property’s Long Bar).
The top spot in the city this year, however, was the Capella Singapore. Read on for more about what made it the favorite and the full list of the best hotels in Singapore.
The Winner
Capella Singapore
This year’s winner offers the best of both old and new worlds: one part of the resort (which is located on Sentosa Island) comprises a pair of colonial bungalows from the 1880s; the other part comprises a curvy, super modern building slightly reminiscent of a spaceship. All of it has been brought together as one cohesive unit by architects Foster + Partners. The 112 rooms, suites, and guest villas are nestled within 30 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, which sit alongside three swimming pools, a nine-treatment room spa, and four food and beverage outlets — including Bob’s Bar, which overlooks the Singapore Strait, making it an ideal spot for sunset drinks. Voters praised the hotel’s exceptionally deft customer service, too. “The service at Capella Singapore is excellent and subtle,” noted one GoTravelDaily reader. “Every aspect feels curated and individually planned for the guests.”
The service at Capella Singapore is excellent and subtle. Every aspect feels curated and individually planned for the guests.
— GoTravelDaily Reader
The Full List
Reader Score: 98.62
Reader Score: 96.63
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Reader Score: 94.09
Reader Score: 92.50
Reader Score: 92.38
