How to Find Luxury Hotels in Singapore

The Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore is part tropical island paradise, part urban delight. Its affluent population enjoys every modern amenity from air-conditioned subways to world class dining and shopping. Singapore also boasts one of the best public transit systems in the world. Famous for its beautiful beaches and clean orderly city life, Singapore is a tourist's dream come true. Follows these steps to start planning your trip.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Choose Your Accommodations in Singapore

1. Get help booking accommodations in Singapore by calling the Singapore Tourism Board at 800-736-2000, or by visiting their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Know that there's a shortage of budget accommodations in Singapore. Most cheap hotels are in red light districts and rent by the hour.

3. Splurge on luxury accommodations on Orchard Road. Enjoy the widest selection of upscale shops and spas in all of Singapore.

4. Check out a variety of newly renovated boutique hotels in Singapore's Chinatown district.

5. Maximize your backpacking budget. Stay in one of the inexpensive tourist hostels in the Bugis, Little India or East Coast districts.

6. Book mid-level accommodations near the west end of the Singapore River to enjoy an abundance of A-list waterfront eateries within walking distance of your hotel.

Know Your Destination

7. Understand that a prosperous citizenry combined with authoritarian rule is responsible for Singapore's reputation as one of the cleanest, safest places to visit in all of Asia.

8. Don't be fooled by their ultra-low prices and casual atmosphere--Singapore's hawker centers offer some of the country's finest cuisine.

9. Enjoy the luxury of Singapore's diverse culture, vibrant riverfront walkways and world class shopping.

Organize Transportation to and from Singapore

10. Fly into Singapore's Changi Airport. Whiz through one of the world's fastest immigration centers and baggage claims.

11. Hire a taxi from Changi Airport to downtown for less than $50.

12. Take advantage of a moderately-priced flat rate for limousine service from Changi Airport to anywhere in the city proper.

13. Hop on a subway or city bus for a very inexpensive fare from the airport to downtown.

Tips & Warnings

• Recognize that Singapore is an ideal jumping off point for many of Southeast Asia's hottest tourist spots.
• Watch your baggage carefully at airports and train stations. The automatic penalty for anyone convicted of drug trafficking is death by hanging.