4 Best Hotels in The CBD, Singapore

Named after the Zhangzhou people, who came from China to settle in Singapore, this boutique hotel is a tribute to the area’s trading past and full of character. You’ll enter via Fuk Tak Chi Museum, formerly a temple and headquarters for the Hakka and Cantonese communities in the 1800s. The same historic aesthetic carries through the hotel, with intricate latticework and heritage designs across the 37 rooms.

The dull exterior makes the modern and stylish interior of this business hotel a bit of a surprise, and, though it's near the business district, it's removed from all the hurly-burly. Rooms are small, neat, and contemporary, with separate showers and bathtubs. The suites rival those of five-star hotels—the living areas have large flat-screen TVs, and the bedrooms have a TV, DVD player, and Bose stereo. There's live jazz in the J Bar, the Buffet has a selection of hot pots available each night, and Café 2000 serves Asian and Western dishes.

Moody lighting and traditional Chinese design define this modern 30-story hotel, which is located perfectly at the edge of the CBD, overlooking the intricate red-tiled shophouses of Telok Ayer. With a rooftop pool, gym, and Jacuzzi, as well as personal touches like a welcoming Chinese tea ritual, it appeals to both business travelers and tourists alike. Opt to stay in one of the Master Series rooms, which include such special privileges as customizable in-room snacks, all-day breakfast, and local precinct tours from your personal concierge.

Singapore's former General Post Office-turned-hotel has many historic details paying tribute to its past, making this an atmospheric setting to base yourself; plus, its central location means that you’ll be within walking distance of many of the top sights. The rooms facing Marina Bay offer views of the nightly laser-light show; the infinity pool overlooks preserved shophouses in Boat Quay. The restaurants here include Jade (serving Chinese), The Courtyard (international menu with traditional English afternoon tea), and the buffet restaurant Town.