Hotel recommendations for Singapore

Recommendations for SIN. Please would people like to share their favourite hotels in Singapore. It would be a long weekend and taking "Ms P" for a birthday treat. We have Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold, IHG Platinum, Accor Platinum - W Sentosa, Conrad, Westin caught me eye amongst others in the interests of status benefits, but doesn't have to be a chain. Prefer not to pay $700 odd for places like Raffles and the Capella, maybe stretch to $350-ish. Any ideas? Thanks.

PLATY, are you looking for a place to basically hide in luxury and eat, drink and relax in your room, or are you looking for a base from which to really dive into Singapore?

Watson, a bit of both - definitely want to be out and about but be able to come home to a comfortable pit stop. More interested in sampling the ambience of the place soaking in the atmosphere (and possibly going to the zoo) rather than shopaholic or casino or late nights. Also be nice to respect the history of the place and the buddhist influence...does that hlep?!

PLATY:  for a bit of the cuture a visit to the Peranakan Museum is good, as it delves into the pre-colonisation history of Singapore and the influence of the Perenakan people.

The night zoo is fun, I'm told; the new Gardens by the Bay are astounding, and both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forrest enclosures are worth a visit.

The Bukit Timah hawker centre is great for brunch, especially if you're a little adventurous (its also cheaper, better value and less touristy than Newton Circus) – see http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/bukit-timah-market-and-food-centre-singapore and http://www.ladyironchef.com/2010/12/bukit-timah-food-market-hawker-centre-singapore/.

In the evening go for a wander around Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robinson Quay, and head for one of the many rooftops bars scattered around the CBD (some good ones near Boat Quay as this is at the inner-edge of the city).

I agree with everything David has recommended, but if you're really adventurous, dive into the local cooked-food market in the Bedok township on the way to/from the airport. It's just outside the MRT station and bus interchange, and has delicious local fare for a song - you can easily stuff yourself into a food coma for less than the cost of a coffee in Sydney.

Gardens by the Bay is quite impressive, but it's also a bit gimmicky. It's a pleasant way to while away a few hours, though - but be warned that walking there is a bit of a hike.

Obviously, hit up Orchard and walk around the CBD quays. There's plenty to do in Singapore, but the most important one is the food!

I would let location of intended activity influence the hotel choice accordingly - the ones that have been mentioned all seem to have good reviews - as I haven't much experience with the top-end hotels in Singapore.

I'd avoid the Orchard Road shopping strip...it's too cliché

The atmosphere in the suburban shopping centres is a bit more authentic and less touristy.

Whilst there my guilty pleasure is a couple of Old Chang Kee curry puffs and those gorgeous nyonya kueh from Bengawan Solo...very indulgent indeed.

Good suggestions, TRB. I'll see you one of those great Old Chang Kee curry puff and raise you a kopi + kaya toast at Ya Kun (not Toast Box, second rate!) - there happens to be a Ya Kun downstairs from The Fairmont & Swissotel, I usually visit them twice a day  when I'm staying at The Fairmont and I always seem to be the only white guy there!

To be fair, locals shop at Paragon and ION as well. But if you want to dive into the real local fare, the local malls are pretty good as long as you really want Giodarno trousers.

Most of the food centres are quite good. Ya Kun is good, but I usually end up at Killiney in the areas I frequent. All are good, but I still prefer the cooked-food markets - but if you're short on time or just want a taste (no pun intended, I promise!) these three kopitiam chains are pretty good, if a little sterile.

The Bengawan Solo kuih selection is simply divine. There's a branch in Terminal 1, and it's a must-try after check-in if you've missed it so far.

Speaking of which, there's that basement staff canteen in T1 for a last-minute local feed!

Hah, I've done the T1 basement once! We should arrange an AusBT tour of Singapore!

TRB, Tip Top curry puffs are better! There is even an outlet airside in Changi T2, usually with a long queue. Their original outlet is in Ang Moh Kio and there is one in the basement at Plaza Singapura. Used to be able to watch them hand making them in Ang Mio Kio, but the son has taken the business over and expanded into numerous outlets.

I've heard nice things about Hilton Singapore but for my money it's at the 'wrong end' of town - well, the 'right' end in the daytime if you want to hit the downtown Orchard Road shopping district around the Orchard/Scotts intersection, Ion shopping centre etc, but there's only so much of that you can do and this part of Singapore gets packed on Sundays (maids' day off), while in the evening you are across the road from Orchard Towers and some of their 'business' spills over to the near the front of the Hilton.

My fave in Singapore is the Fairmont, which you can get for decent rates via Wotif, especially if you snare it as one of their 'mystery' Wot Hotel deals. Right above a Raffles Place for a smattering of shops and a nice food court, above City Hall MRT station, just acfoss the road from Chijmes for some bars & restaurants.

Thanks, David, Fairmont definitely sounds like an interesting option. The photos look very enticing.

If it is your wife's first time in Singapore the Raffles has to be hard to beat  for its nostalgia value .and Singapore slings  etc.hope you enoy and have a great time.

Yes, if not to stay, definitely a visit for a drink (or two!).

The St Regis  or the "New"  Westin it's beautiful and all part of Starwood [SPG}

And should fall with in the price range plus  the best service in town

and both are in great locations to get around

Hope you have a great trip.....