Singapore fling: The best places to stay in the lively metropolis

Mondrian Singapore Duxton: The dazzling skyline views from the rooftop swimming pool at this property are enough to leave you speechless, but it's on the inside where this hotel truly scores. A pale beige palette sets a sophisticated tone in the guest rooms, which feature arched shutter doors and windows, and furniture with sinuous curves; while bold chandeliers and bright-coloured stone benchtops dial up the drama in the common spaces. From $333 per room, per night; all.accor.com

21 Carpenter Singapore: One of the city-state's newest establishments also happens to be one of its most characterful. Housed in a former remittance house, dating back to the 1930s, 21 Carpenter is located where Singapore's colourful Chinatown meets the bustling Clarke Quay neighbourhood. Soak up the grandeur of the hotel's magnificent oyster-grey facade, then check in to one of the rooms with period details such as original timber windows. From $387 per room, per night; 21carpenter.com.sg

Pan Pacific Singapore: Kids will love the Urban Jungle Village - a sprawling indoor activity area on level four, featuring seven fun and game zones, including Safari Trail, Cave Climber, Forest Library and Explorer Den; while adults will love the convenience of interconnecting rooms. Some rooms even feature bright-coloured bedsheets. Go for the Family Fun Package and make the most of incentives such as free meals for kids under 12 for every paying adult. From $410 per room, per night; panpacific.com

InterContinental Singapore: With vivid tapestries and gilded mirrors at every turn, the interiors at this hotel offer an insight into the culture of Peranakan people (or Singaporeans with mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage). But, wait, there's more: the lantern-strung laneways of the Arab quarter - complete with colourful boutiques and bustling bars - is a seven-minute walk away, while the Little India neighbourhood with sari stalls and curry houses is about 15 minutes' stroll. From $530 per room, per night; singapore.intercontinental.com

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Marina Bay Sands: It is one of the most striking architectural landmarks of Singapore - an enormous surfboard-shaped roof (with infinity-edge swimming pools, and chic bars and restaurants) plonked on top of three 55-storey-high towers. But sleeping in one of the rooms of this hotel takes the adventure to a whole new level. Check into a Sands Premium Room for 45 square metres of real estate and shiny ensuites with deep soaking baths, or - if the budget allows - upgrade to a Sands Premier Suite, with views of the Avatar trees at Singapore's world-renowned Gardens by the Bay. From $674 per room, per night; marinabaysands.com

Barracks Hotel: Gorgeous colonial architecture meets 120 years of history at this Sentosa Island establishment, which was first built as a British artillery outpost in 1904 and was transformed into a 40-room hotel in 2019. Check in to one of the ground-floor rooms with sumptuous interiors and direct access to the pool from your private patio, then make your way to Living Room - the hotel's glass-walled lounge area where you can enjoy a rolling roster of complimentary bites and drinks all day. Just don't forget to sign up for the complimentary tour of the historic hotel and its surrounds with two Singapore army veterans. From $750 per room, per night; thebarrackshotel.com.sg

Fullerton Bay Hotel: If the rooftop pool and water-facing rooms with Marina Bay views don't knock your socks off at this bright and airy property with cutting-edge interiors, its range of facilities for the business traveller - from meeting and events rooms to a sprawling gym with a number of wellness classes - will do the trick. From $774 per room, per night; fullertonhotels.com

Raffles: This local institution needs no introduction. Go for the Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, stay back for the lavish French feast by renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic at the onsite La Dame de Pic restaurant, then check into one of the rooms with four-poster beds, glowing white marble ensuites and dark-teak furnishings. From $1123 per room, per night; raffles.com/singapore