5 Points to Check Before Booking Accommodation in Singapore

From a Korean traveler's perspective, departing from Seoul/ICN.

To ensure a comfortable stay in Singapore, here are essential points to check before making your reservation.

Overview

Accommodation location and transportation convenience: Consider proximity to major attractions and MRT station access.
Parking facilities and fees: Check availability and costs if using a private vehicle.
Pool and amenities: Availability of facilities like pools and fitness centers.
Family and couple suitability: Consider family-friendly facilities and romantic atmospheres.
Cancellation policies and booking comparisons: Verify cancellation policies and compare various booking sites.

1. Accommodation Location and Transportation Convenience

Singapore boasts a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to reach major attractions via the MRT (subway) and buses. When choosing accommodation, consider its accessibility to MRT stations. For instance, accommodations near Orchard Road are advantageous for shopping and dining, while those in the Marina Bay area offer close proximity to tourist attractions.

Additionally, understanding the local characteristics around your accommodation is crucial for enjoying Singapore's diverse food culture, cafes, desserts, and markets.

Orchard Road: Singapore's iconic shopping street, bustling with various brand stores and restaurants.
Clarke Quay: A riverside area filled with restaurants and bars, perfect for enjoying meals with a night view.
Chinatown: A great place to experience local cuisine with its traditional markets and eateries.
Little India: A vibrant area to experience Indian culture and food, featuring numerous Indian restaurants and markets.
Bugis: A lively area where shopping and food blend, with Bugis Street offering a variety of street food options.

When selecting your accommodation, consider the characteristics of these areas to choose a location that aligns with your desired experiences.

2. Parking Facilities and Fees

If you plan to use a private vehicle, it's essential to check the availability and fees for parking at your accommodation. Hotels in Singapore may have limited parking spaces, and some may charge parking fees. For example, Marina Bay Sands charges approximately 2.50 Singapore dollars per hour for parking.

Moreover, parking spaces can be scarce on Singapore's roads, and fees may be high, so considering public transportation is also a good idea.

3. Pool and Amenities

Given the hot weather, choosing accommodation with pool facilities is advisable. The infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands is famous, but it's only available for guests, so be sure to check this when booking.

Additionally, confirm the availability of amenities such as fitness centers, spas, and restaurants, along with any additional fees, to plan a convenient stay.

4. Family and Couple Suitability

For family trips, look for accommodations with kids' clubs or family-friendly facilities. For couple trips, consider places with romantic room settings and spa facilities. For instance, resorts on Sentosa Island are well-suited for families, while boutique hotels in Clarke Quay are popular among couples.

5. Cancellation Policies and Booking Comparisons

Before booking, check the cancellation policies to allow for flexible travel plans. Also, compare various booking sites to find the best prices and benefits. For example, comparing the same accommodation on Booking.com and Agoda may reveal price differences.

By considering these points, you can plan a more satisfying stay in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the best time to check accommodation before booking in Singapore?

It's easier to adjust your itinerary based on accommodation location and travel times if you schedule shopping routes for the second day rather than the first. It's also wise to double-check operating hours, closures, and reservation availability through official channels or the latest map information before your visit.

Q. How should I prepare cash and cards for Singapore?

While many large stores and areas around hotels accept cards, markets, street vendors, and smaller shops may only accept cash or have a minimum purchase requirement. It's good to prepare small denominations and confirm prices before ordering or purchasing in places without price tags.

Q. What should I be most cautious about when focusing on accommodation checks during my travels?

Since search results may differ from actual operating conditions, it's advisable not to cram your schedule into one location. Save one or two alternative candidates in the same area, and check the latest reviews and operational notices before moving to reduce unnecessary trips and overspending.