The 511-room Royal Plaza on Scotts is an older upscale hotel located in the heart of the action on Orchard Road, surrounded by shopping malls and dining spots. The hotel is a popular choice for the area, and while interiors look opulent on first glance, it's all a bit dated and overdone. Pleasant rooms are decorated in brown and beige, and offer free nonalcoholic minibars, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and work desks. The hotel has an buffet restaurant, as well as an outdoor pool and small fitness center. Eight event spaces can accommodate business and social gatherings, plus there's a business center. As an alternative, the Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore is a similarly priced option in the area with a spa, but some of its rooms are dated and plain.

The two-and-a-half-pearl YMCA is a good mid-range hotel in the heart of the city. It's next to the National Museum and Fort Canning Park, and within walking distance of Orchard Road and Clarke Quay. Features include a rooftop pool, gym, and restaurant serving all three meals. The 111 rooms are basic, but have decent amenities including mini-fridges and kettles. They also come in a variety of configurations that are great for larger groups and families. As a YMCA, there are several Christian quotes around, which may not suit all guests, but rates are hard to beat for the location. Travelers willing to shell out a bit more could take a look at Far East Hospitality's nearby Elizabeth Hotel, where rooms are more homey.

The 388-room Orchard Parade Hotel by Far East Hospitality is a three-pearl property situated in a quieter section of Orchard Road. It's still close to shopping and dining, with malls a five- to 10-minute walk away, plus the Orchard Metro station is an eight-minute walk away, making it relatively simple to navigate the city at large. The hotel is undergoing renovations as of 2016, so some -- but not all -- rooms have already received a face-lift. Still, even more modern rooms are quite simple, though all include modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, mobile phones with internet access, and rainfall showers. The hotel also has a lovely outdoor pool, a decent fitness center, and event space. The Orchard Hotel Singapore is a nearby alternative with fresher rooms and more services.

The 256-room Elizabeth Hotel by Far East Hospitality is a mid-range property situated in a quiet area off Orchard Road, a 12-minute walk to the area's shopping buzz and the metro. Rooms are a mixed bag, some are dated and worn while Premier Rooms are modern and more attractive. All include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and air-conditioning, though it can be weak and shower temperatures are hit-or-miss. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a small fitness center, as well as a restaurant serving Italian and Asian fare. Rates here are lower than at more centrally located hotels, but travelers who don't mind paying more might want to check out Hotel Jen Orchardgateway, which is closer to shopping and public transportation and offers modern, stylish rooms.