Best heartland hotels in Singapore
Visiting town for a staycation can get repetitive after a while, since it’s the same old hotels that always get booked up. For a change, embark on an adventure in the suburbs and check out some of these lesser-known hotels located away from the CBD. Get away from the touristy crowds at these heartland hotels. They’re still close to malls and good food, so you won’t get bored.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Best heartland hotels in Singapore
- 1. Shipping Container Hotel @one-north
- 2. Genting Hotel Jurong
- 3. Park Avenue Rochester
- 4. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
- 5. Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore
- 6. D’Hotel Singapore
- 7. Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar
- 8. Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
- 9. Village Hotel Katong
- 10. The Serangoon House
- 11. Aloft Singapore Novena
Hotel | Price | Nearest MRT | Travel time to Orchard (by car) |
Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar | From $130/night | Paya Lebar | 20 minutes |
The Serangoon House | From $137 | Farrer Park | 12 minutes |
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy | From $147.25 | Marine Parade | 20 minutes |
D’ Hotel Singapore | From $160/night | Outram Park | 8 minutes |
Aloft Singapore Novena | From $170 | Novena | 13 minutes |
Park Avenue Rochester | From $172.55/night | Buona Vista | 17 minutes |
Village Hotel Katong | From $180 | Marine Parade | 22 minutes |
Shipping Container Hotel | From $210/night | One-North | 14 minutes |
Genting Hotel Jurong | From $214/night | Jurong East | 19 minutes |
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong | From $238/night | Marine Parade | 21 minutes |
1. Shipping Container Hotel @one-north
Stay in a “tiny home”
Image credit: Shipping Container Hotel
Experiencing tiny home living doesn’t require a flight to Europe – just get down to Queenstown to check this off your bucket list. Despite its small exterior, the Shipping Container Hotel at one-north is really spacious inside.
You’ll find an air-conditioned bedroom with a king-size bed, a fully-equipped kitchenette, and a spiffy standalone bathtub if you’re in the mood for a hot soak. There’s enough room for 4 adults, and in case you need more space, the living room has a hidden Murphy bed. If more people are joining in, you can request for a sofa bed to be set up for $50.
Image credit: Shipping Container Hotel
Don’t let the hotel room’s secluded appearance fool you; you’ll still have access to WiFi and Netflix if your idea of a vacation is to lepak in bed all day. If you feel like heading out, take the train from one-north MRT station one stop down to Holland Village to shop and dine at the breezy One Holland Village shopping mall
2. Genting Hotel Jurong
Walking distance to Jem & Westgate
Image credit: Booking.com
We’ve got good news – you don’t have to cross the border to stay at a Genting Hotel as there’s one right here in the West.
Genting Hotel Jurong is ideal for those who want connectivity within their reach but still crave a quiet getaway among the flora and fauna. In the vicinity, Jem and Westgate are 2 major shopping malls only about a 6-minute walk away, where you can shop, watch a movie, or grab a bite to eat.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Back at the hotel, the rooms are decorated in vibrant colours with large windows allowing lots of natural light to stream in, making it very inviting. Drop by their gorgeous outdoor pool for a leisurely dip or their gymnasium to work up a sweat.
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
If you are feeling famished, head down to the hotel’s Festive Cafe which specialises in whipping up Asian fare, so swing by to chow down at their sumptuous buffet spreads during your stay.
3. Park Avenue Rochester
Suites for $233/night
Image credit: Park Avenue Rochester
It’s no secret that we Singaporeans want to live bougie but on a budget. If you’re feeling thrifty, check out the 1-bedroom executive deluxe suite at Park Avenue Rochester. With a cosy and homey decor, it measures a whopping 549 sqft, sports a luxurious king-sized bed, and a flat screen tv.
It also comes with a fully functional kitchenette, so you can cook up a storm during Netflix marathons. For what it offers, it’s also pretty affordable from about $233/night. Where else can you get a hotel suite below $500/night? Whenever you’re hungry, Rochester Mall next door offers a wide variety of local and western restaurants.
Image credit: Trip.com
Plus, they have a stunning outdoor swimming pool with a mini waterfall, surrounded by a garden, so you can enjoy the lush greenery while you swim.
4. Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
Boutique hotel with infinity pool
Image credit: IHG
What was once the Joo Chiat Police Station has now been transformed into Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. Decorated with Peranakan murals, tiles, and furnishings, the decor is vibrant and artistic, making it the perfect staycay spot for the ‘Gram.
The rooms even feature floor-to-ceiling windows that can create a larger sense of space and offer bird’s eye views of the neighbourhood.
Image credit: IHG
Get in a leisurely swim with laps in the long outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the pretty Joo Chiat and Katong precinct to catch a glimpse of the IG-famous colourful shophouses.
Image credit: Baba Chews
Check out their in-house restaurant, Baba Chews Bar & Eatery that offers a fusion of local and western cuisines, or head to the rooftop to clink glasses at the Sky-High Serenity At Rooftop 88 bar. There are also plenty of IG-famous cafes and restaurants in Joo Chiat if you feel like exploring the neighbourhood.
5. Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore
Stunning views of Buona Vista
Image credit: Discover ASR
With its cool and earthy tones, the rooms at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore will give you a sense of zen the moment you walk in. Take advantage of floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy sweeping views of the off-beaten Buona Vista neighbourhood while relaxing in the calming ambience.
For the full experience, choose the Deluxe Garden room for access to the mini garden where you can do outdoor yoga every day.
The pool has deck chairs so you can chill or read a book while you soak up the rays.
Image credit: Discover ASR
It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel has a refresh and recharge hospitality lounge where you can take a shower before you’ve checked in or even after you’ve checked out.
If you’re looking to explore this part of Singapore, you can check out Timbre+, a bar known for its live music, at one-north or Star Vista mall.
6. D’Hotel Singapore
Has tons of food options nearby
Studio with balcony room.
Image credit: Klook
Elegantly decorated, each room at D’Hotel Singapore includes a 37-inch flat screen TV, a king-size bed, a rainfall shower, and a free-standing soak tub. You can even cast your favourite movies and shows to the big screen using Google Chromecast.
However, there isn’t a restaurant within the hotel for when your stomach’s rumbling, consider this a blessing in disguise. That’s because you’ve got a plethora of yummy options when you set foot in the nearby Tiong Bahru neighborhood.
Image credit: @tiongbahrubakery via Instagram
From the hawker stalls at Tiong Bahru Market to fresh bakes at the famous Tiong Bahru Bakery, you’re not going to run out of grub to taste-test during your stay at D’ Hotel Singapore.
7. Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar
For foodies & shopaholics
Image credit: Klook
Located smack in the middle of Paya Lebar, Aqueen Hotel Paya Lebar is a great place to stay for shopping and eating local Malay food.
Image credit: Eatbook
Taste your way to bliss by trying popular dishes at Geylang Serai market which is only a 5-minute drive away. Be sure to try the famous Cendol Geylang Serai ($2) and Mutton Briyani ($6) from Geylang Hamid’s Briyani stall.
As for shopping, the aforementioned PLQ Mall, Singpost Centre, and Paya Lebar Square are all located within walking distance of one another.
8. Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
10 min walk from ECP & Cafes
Image credit: Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy has rooms that are perfect for families with little ones. In a natural and homely setting, the rooms are furnished with either a king-size bed or 2 twin beds to suit your needs.
If you’d rather stay in, grab a bite at one of the hotel’s in-house eateries – Feast Asia which serves local and western dishes, Jia Wei Chinese restaurant, or the Roxy Divine cafe.
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Of course, there’s a pool to lounge about in your swimwear.
Image credit: Klook
If these amenities don’t do it for you, head over to East Coast Park and get a bite from the nearby cafes at Parkland Green, a food and lifestyle hub at the beach. It is just 10 minutes away when you walk via the Marine Parade underpass.
There are also a couple of malls nearby including Roxy Square where you can get yourself a mani-pedi, and the i12 Katong shopping mall that sports an indoor climbing wall.
9. Village Hotel Katong
Peranakan-style staycation
Club Room.
Image credit: Village Hotel Katong
Peranakan decor welcomes you from the moment you walk through the doors of Village Hotel Katong. With 7 types of rooms to choose from, the hotel accommodates couples and families from their most basic Superior Rooms to their luxurious suites.
Image credit: Village Hotel Katong
You can cool off and unwind in their outdoor swimming pool. Or, if you are a Far East Hospitality member, you can access the Peranakan Club Lounge for complimentary cocktails in the evenings.
While you’re in the ‘hood, get a deeper understanding of the culture by checking out the many heritage walking tours that are conducted in the area. To commemorate the occasion, snap some Instagram-worthy photos at the famous colourful shophouses. And don’t miss out on the famous 328 Katong Laksa just around the corner.\
10. The Serangoon House
Opulent Indian colonial theme
Image credit: Marriott
Those of you who love Disney will absolutely adore The Serangoon House. Gold embellishments cover the beds and furniture, giving off major Disney princess vibes and an atas-like feeling. That said, you’ll be getting a taste of the high life without spending a fortune.
Image credit: Marriott
You don’t have to leave the hotel if you’re hungry, just head down to GupShup restaurant. Enjoy cultural delicacies from Punjab, Delhi, Bombay, and Calcutta at this eatery that sells gourmet tapas. For midnight cravings, hit up the restaurant kiosk for takeout food or exotic drinks.
Just a heads up – even though this hotel is quite chic, it’s a small boutique hotel. So don’t bring too much of your barang-barang or expect a royal room unless you opt for the suite. Instead, think of the smaller space as providing a more intimate and cosy atmosphere.
11. Aloft Singapore Novena
Complimentary shuttle service to Novena MRT
Image credit: Tripadvisor
For the best of both worlds, consider booking a stay at Aloft Singapore Novena. The bustling CBD is but a couple of MRT stops away, while the quaint charm of Balestier and Toa Payoh neighbourhoods is just within reach as well.
Speaking of which, when you decide to venture out of the hotel, the Zhongshan Mall is also right beside your accommodations if you’d like a quick bite to eat. For trips beyond that, there’s even a complimentary shuttle bus service that’ll bring you to and from Novena MRT.
The 1 Bedroom Suite.
Image credit: Aloft Novena Singapore
As for rooms, their Breezy rooms are mighty affordable, starting at $170/night, but if you’re bunking with a crowd, you can opt for their spacious Urban rooms or 1 Bedroom Suites. When the sun’s out, get your daily intake of Vitamin D at the outdoor swimming pool, or hit the weights at the hotel’s fully-equipped gym.
Visit these heartland hotels in Singapore
By booking a room at one of these lesser-known heartland hotels, you’ll be able to avoid crowds and exorbitantly high rates. If you’re on a budget but still want to have a staycation for a quick getaway or to celebrate a special occasion, then this might be a great alternative.
To find more hotels for your next staycay, check out:
Cover image adapted by: IHG, Shipping Container Hotel, Marriott
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions are ours.
Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 6th February 2025.