Fancy but affordable hotels near Singapore
Image adapted from (clockwise from top-left): Rumah Luwih Beach Resort, G Hotel Kelawai, G Hotel Kelawai, Marriott
With its grand restaurants, posh hotel rooms and an infinity pool that’s photogenic AF, Marina Bay Sands pretty much checks all the boxes for luxury accomodation. Too bad a single night there can cost more than a holiday at Maldives.
But luckily for us less affluent folk, we have good ol’ currency exchange on our side. So go ahead and book a stay at one of these 7 five-star hotels in Southeast Asia, because they come with all of the luxe, and none of the possibility of bankruptcy.
1. J.W Marriott Hotel, Hanoi – from $155/night
Classy accomodation for business travellers
For a hotel under Marriott – a brand well-known by Singaporeans for its posh hotels – you’d have certain expectations when it comes to luxury.
Image credit: Marriott
The J.W Marriott Hotel in Hanoi doesn’t disappoint. Intended as an extra atas lodging option for business travellers, which explains why their rooms designs are so sleek and chic. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light, and the rooms are equipped with modern facilities like automatic curtains and marble showers.
Being a business hotel, the building houses a variety of meeting rooms, event spaces, salons and ballrooms.
Image credit: Marriott
But all work and no play makes for a dull work trip, which is why the hotel also boasts an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as spa treatments and a Jazz club.
Indoor whirlpool
Image credit: Marriott
Gym with a view
Image credit: Marriott
J.W Marriott Hotel, Hanoi
Address: 8 Đỗ Đức Dục, Mễ Trì, Nam Từ Liêm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Telephone: +84 243 8335 588
Price: $155 per night
Website
2. G Hotel Kelawai, Penang – from $151/night
Rooftop bar and bikes to explore the city
Image credit: G Hotel Kelawai
If you’ve exhausted our list of rooftop bars in Singapore, just hop over to the G Hotel Kelawai, which offers stunning views of Penang as well as wine buffets starting at just RM 75 ($25). Their infinity pool offers a pretty decent view too:
Image credit: G Hotel Kelawai
If you’re looking for dining options besides the hotel’s own eateries, Gurney Drive – aka the famous food hotspot of Penang – is only a 10 minute walk away. Or rather, a 5 minute ride, because the hotel also provides bicycles for all of its guests to use.
Premier Suite Bathroom
Image credit: G Hotel Kelawai
On the other hand, if you’re not in the mood to leave the hotel, just spend the day chilling in their elegant and classy hotel rooms.
The Executive Premier Room
Image credit: G Hotel Kelawai
Image credit: G Hotel Kelawai
G Hotel Kelawai
Address: 2, Persiaran Maktab, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Telephone: +604 219 0000
Price: From $151 per night
Website
3. The Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh – from $142/night
Forest retreat with lakefront infinity pool
1 Bedroom Lakeview Suite with king bed
Image credit: The Haven Resort, Ipoh
Whoever said infinity pools had to be in the city? The Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh sits right on the edge of a lake and a forest, and the view from their pool is to die for:
Image credit: @yukie87
Forget hotel rooms, because guests don’t stay in mere rooms here – they stay in suites. Even the most humble accommodation option comes with a living room, a dining area and a kitchenette attached.
Image credit: The Haven Resort, Ipoh
Image credit: @khairulafham_k.a
Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh
Address: Persiaran Lembah Perpaduan, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Telephone: +605-540-0000
Price: From $142/night
Website
4. Palace of the Golden Horses, Selangor – from $74/night
Feel like royalty in an Aladdin-esque castle
Image credit: Palace of the Golden Horses
With its Aladdin-esque castle-shaped building, sparkling lake, and vibrant greenery, the Palace of the Golden Horses will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the middle of a lush desert oasis.
Image credit: Arabian Falcon Holidays
While there are no magic carpet rides or blue genies here, the scenic boat rides on the blue waters are still a pretty magical experience. Especially if you book one of their sunset dining cruises!
Host of Nation Suite
Image credit: Palace of the Golden Horses
The hotel has also hosted plenty of VIPs in the past, like Queen Elizabeth and Nelson Mandela. Their rooms are cosy and filled with ornate furniture, designed to make you feel like royalty.
Golden Suite
Image credit: Palace of the Golden Horses
Palace of the Golden Horses
Address: Jalan Kuda Emas, Mines Wellness City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
Telephone: +603-8946-4888
Price: From $74 per night
Website
5. The Face Suites, Kuala Lumpur – from $153/night
Walk-in wardrobe in every room
Bring as many outfits as you want if you’re staying at the Face Suites Kuala Lumpur. All of their rooms come with a walk-in wardrobe, and even the most basic one looks like something out of a luxury apartment:
Their most basic room looks like this!
Image credit: Face Platinum Suites at KL
The walk-in wardrobe leads to the stylish bathroom
Image credit: The Face Platinum Suites
The hotel is situated across both the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower, so if you’re looking for a rooftop infinity pool with stunning views of the Kuala Lumpur cityscape, this one hits the spot.
Image credit: @myelytorry
The Face Suites
Address: 1020, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: +603 2168 1688
Price: From $153/night
Website
6. W Hotel, Bangkok – from $221/night
24h room service and pool with underwater speakers
The Wonderful Room
Image credit: W Hotel
If Tony Stark traded his Ironman suit for a hotel manager’s one, W Hotel Bangkok would probably be the result. It’s a little eccentric, but book a stay here, and you’re definitely in for a sleek, technologically-advanced and over the top luxury experience.
Inside each of the rooms, you’ll find your own Jarvis-style assistant in the form of a tablet which controls the the air-con, lighting, alarms, and just about every other aspect of the room.
W Hotel Bangkok’s Spectacular Room – spot the giant boxing gloves on the bed
Image credit: W Hotel
All rooms also include their own set of Bliss toiletries, as well as a pair of giant boxing gloves. Nobody knows why the gloves are there, but they certainly make for great selfie props!
Bathroom of the Wow Suite
Image credit: W Hotel
Whether you need info about nearby clubs, help with a surprise party, or just feel like taking a helicopter ride over the city, W Hotel is willing to make it happen. They have a unique service concept that lets you ask for anything you want, 24 hours a day – as long as it’s legal.
Image credit: W Hotel
The building itself is pretty sleek too, with a freeform LED-lit pool with underwater speakers, as well as the stylish Woobar with live DJ performances. And to top it all off, they bought over the old Russian Embassy building next to them, and turned it into a fine dining restaurant.
Image credit: W Hotel
W Hotel Bangkok
Address: 106 North Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10500
Telephone: +66 (0) 2 344 4000
Price: From 5,400 baht (~S$221)/night
Website
7. Rumah Luwih Beach Resort and Spa, Bali – from $118/night
Private dining in a beach pavilion or seaside chapel
Giri Suite
Image credit: Rumah Luwih Beach Resort and Spa
Situated beside a quiet stretch of beach in Bali, the Rumah Luwih Beach Resort and Spa is all about the premium zen experience. You can indulge in their spa treatments, or just soak up the stunning views in the infinity pool.
The Giri Suite’s sea-facing balcony
Image credit: Rumah Luwih Beach Resort and Spa
Image credit: Rumah Luwih Beach Resort and Spa
For all you romantics out there, this also happens to be the place where you can score some extra brownie points with your partner by booking a private dinner for two at the beach pavilion, or even at the seaside chapel. Private dinner prices start at just IDR 450,000 ($43) per person.
The seaside chapel
Image credit: Bridestory
Rumah Luwih Beach Resort and Spa
Address: Jl. Prof Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,9, Lebih, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 2005899
Price: From $118/night
Website
Luxurious hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia
While not all of us can afford a night at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, we can still go fancy overseas, thanks to exchange rates that work in our favour. Even with airfare included, these places are more wallet-friendly than MBS, so go ahead and pamper yourself a little during your next holiday!