Singapore is a favourite destination for any business traveller. This futuristic city offers state-of-the-art offices, seamless public transport and a well-developed business environment. Professionals who want to stay in the city for the period of several weeks or months seek out accommodations that will provide comfort, convenience and easy access to their workplaces. Professionals who wish to make a lengthy business trip may be wondering where to stay in Singapore CBD for a long-term business trip. Read on to compare different areas, transportation options and accommodation to pick one which suits different tastes, lifestyles and business needs.
This Is What The Experts Have To Say
Best neighbourhoods for long business stays
“Singapore is a top spot for business travellers, offering a mix of modernity and tradition. It’s got swanky hotels, great food, and a buzzing business scene. If you’re heading there for work, picking the right neighbourhood can make all the difference. From the glitzy Marina Bay to the lively streets of Chinatown, there’s a spot for every type of business traveller… Bugis and Kampong Glam, often buzzing with energy, offer a vibrant stay for business travellers. This area is renowned for its mix of budget-friendly hostels and luxurious hotels. Whether you’re a fan of capsule hotels or prefer a more upscale experience, there’s something here for everyone.” (moveandstay)
Marina Bay is a great option for business travellers looking to stay in the area with plenty of commercial buildings, offices and conference centres. It also provides stunning views and places to relax. The CBD is one of the most convenient locations for professionals looking to have easy access to commercial buildings and meetings with clients. Tanjong Pagar has easy access to nearby restaurants and local eateries while being set in a commercial district. Bugis offers a variety of business facilities along with shopping centres and restaurants. Orchard Road offers the best nightlife entertainment. Clarke Quay is a great option for professionals looking to enjoy dining and drinks in the evenings at the riverside. Some professionals who are hoping to stay in Singapore for a few weeks at a time may prefer serviced suites like those offered by Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, Singapore to traditional hotel rooms since it ensures privacy and has a homely atmosphere.
Convenient areas with easy access to business districts and transport options
“Choosing where to stay in Singapore is less about distance and more about friction. The city is compact, the MRT is useful, and a lot of neighborhoods look equally central on a map, but they do not feel equally easy once you factor in heat, rain, late dinners, airport transfer logic, and how much you want to walk before reaching the next thing.” (CityFieldGuide)
Source: https://www.cityfieldguide.com/singapore/best-neighborhoods-to-stay-in-singapore
Singapore’s MRT is the most convenient way to get from one business district to another and to navigate to residential areas. If you will be placing most of your meetings in one area, staying near that site means you can avoid commuting back and forth. Beach Road is close to the CBD and has great transport links as well as restaurants and other amenities. This is an ideal spot for business travellers who are likely to have a busy schedule. If you’re planning on taking a few international flights, you should think about how easy it’ll be to get to the nearby Changi Airport from wherever you’re staying. Some areas might seem like they are only a stone’s throw away on a map, but in reality you’ll have to navigate busy roads and take buses through twisting backstreets to get to your destination. Think about how far you have to walk from the nearest MRT station to your hotel, as well as how many different modes of transport you’ll have to switch between. While being right next to your office sounds ideal, not many people would want to live right in the middle of rush-hour traffic jams. Make sure wherever you stay has other amenities within easy reach.
Neighbourhoods offering dining, shopping and leisure experiences
“The neighbourhood is a well-known food haven. As one of four districts under the Chinatown area, Tanjong Pagar boasts many beloved hawker centres, such as Maxwell Food Centre, alongside world-class restaurants. Many dining establishments have ranked on international best-of lists…Tanglin is excellent for families looking to live in low-rise condominiums or houses with gardens. Located between Holland Village and Orchard, the neighbourhood is sufficiently removed from the din of busy roads, yet mere minutes away from Orchard Road, Singapore’s prime shopping belt.” (EDB SINGAPORE)
Source: https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/news-and-insights/moving-to-singapore-which-neighbourhood-is-for-you
When you are busy attending business conferences and meetings, having a few dining places and leisure sites at hand is helpful. Not only does it save time, but it will let you taste the local cuisine during your stay and allow you to experience the local culture and unwind after a hectic day of discussions and networking. Experience the traditional food culture, hawker centres, cafes, and restaurants at Chinatown. Have a night out on the famed shopping street, Orchard Road. This place offers large-scale shopping centres, trendy boutiques, and restaurants to suit breaks in between work. Get away from the bustle of the town and have a relaxing walk along the Marina waterfront and enjoy the city skyline. Spend a night out at Clarke Quay, a riverside entertainment district with a variety of restaurants and bars. Escape the business atmosphere of Singapore city by visiting Kampong Gelam, a local neighbourhood with plenty of independent shops, cafes, and cultural sights, or simply drop by a nature park like Fort Canning Park to engage in some exercise or just to sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere amid nature.
Comfortable accommodation options for extended business trips
“With its apartment facilities and business services, the hotel is geared toward corporate travelers on stays of a week or more, but tourists, especially families and couples, find their way here too…Guests staying at least seven nights receive a personalized welcome hamper, and a free ironing service for a maximum of two pieces of clothing or one suit…Parking here is free only for guests staying longer than one month. A free shuttle service takes guests to several major landmarks across the city. Other services include a grocery delivery service, as well as laundry and ironing services. Wi-Fi is free throughout.” (Oyster)
Source: https://www.oyster.com/singapore/hotels/pan-pacific-serviced-suites-beach-road-singapore/
Those staying for a few weeks may enjoy the convenience of having their own space to unwind, read or work outside regular hours. Consider staying at a serviced suite as these often offer the comforts of a home away from home. A traveller can have a more flexible and nutritious diet and can stick to their favourite home-cooked meals even when on a business trip if their accommodation is equipped with a kitchen. In-room washing machines or nearby laundry services can help you avoid a mountain of dirty clothes waiting to be washed when you are rushing from one business venue to the other. Regular cleaning can be a godsend for busy professionals who may not have the time to keep their rented place spick-and-span.
Conclusion
Choosing the right neighbourhood can make all the difference when on a long business trip to Singapore. The likes of the Central Business District, Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar have an advantage in terms of proximity to offices and meeting venues. Meanwhile, other areas such as Bugis and Orchard Road house hotels that offer dining, shopping and entertainment options that can help one unwind after work. A serviced suite offering kitchenware, laundry facilities and workspace is befitting for someone staying on a business trip for a lengthy period. Therefore, consider the transport and lodging options as well as personal preferences when you hunt for a place to stay. No doubt you will find the best accommodation during your trip in Singapore if you prioritise these essentials.