Smaller than the state of Rhode Island, tiny Singapore on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula is among the world’s most sophisticated countries with a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. Plus, a thriving art scene and destination-worthy street food. Explore it from the country’s impressive array of luxury hotels, as voted by Travel + Leisure readers.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
T+L readers were eager to expound on their favorite hotels in Singapore, which has capitalized on its gateway-to-Asia location with one of the world’s most entertaining airports and a deep field of luxury resorts encouraging travelers to stay a while. Passions were particularly strong for the 1887 classic Raffles Singapore (No. 3), home to the Singapore Sling and “flawless” food, said one reviewer. For another, it was “In a class of its own.” It was edged out by the modern Andaz Singapore (Nov. 2) for its location in the historic-turned-trendy Kampong Glam neighborhood and skyline-ringed infinity pool. Read on to learn how both were ultimately eclipsed by reader favorite Capella Singapore.
The Winner
Capella Singapore
The reigning champion of 2023, Capella Singapore returns as our readers’ favorite. On lush Sentosa Island, the 30-acre compound delights both traditionalists — with a pair of 19th-century colonial manors — and modernists, with a serpentine Foster + Partners addition that loops around a rainforest and a trio of swimming pools. Together, historic and new wings house 112 rooms, most of them with panoramic ocean views, as well as a biophilic spa with treatments synched to the moon’s phases. Before choosing between Cantonese and Italian restaurants, toast the sunset with cocktails at Bob’s Bar overlooking the Singapore Strait. Readers extolled the property’s food, service and celebration of nature, earning raves like this one: “Best resort or hotel I have ever stayed at.”
T+L Reade
Best resort or hotel I have ever stayed at.
— T+L Reade
The Full List
Reader Score: 95.09
Reader Score: 94.00
Reader Score: 93.57
4. Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
Reader Score: 92.00
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Reader Score: 91.37