For travelers weighing urban hotels in Singapore’s financial district, Amara Singapore presents a data-backed case: a 5-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT, a recently refreshed property with 389 rooms, and a collection of dining venues that locals actually frequent. This review unpacks the verified details—the pool dimensions, the walking distances, the pricing signals—so you can decide whether this CBD address fits your itinerary without sorting through marketing copy.
Last checked: 2026-06-02
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Location: Tanjong Pagar, Singapore’s heritage district · Rooms: 389 rooms and suites · Key Feature: Balinese-style pool and spa · Transport: 5-minute walk to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-02.
Sources reviewed: official Amara Singapore property website (amarahotels.com), Booking.com listing, Agoda listing, Travel Weekly hotel directory, Hotels.com listing, TripAdvisor guest reviews, and Instagram (@amarasingapore).
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interviews were held, and no independent price verification was performed. All claims draw from publicly available, published sources listed above. The property’s official star classification from the Singapore Tourism Board was not confirmed in reviewed sources; this review treats the hotel as upscale-to-luxury based on OTA positioning and amenity lists.
Amara Singapore at a Glance
- 165 Tanjong Pagar Road places the property about a 2–5 minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (Travel Weekly)
- 389 rooms and suites across 18 floors in the Downtown Core (Travel Weekly)
- Listed as “Newly Renovated” on major booking platforms, indicating recent refurbishment of rooms and public spaces (Booking.com)
- Balinese-style outdoor swimming pool and spa positioned as a key cooling facility in Singapore’s tropical climate (Booking.com)
Key Numbers
| Attribute | Verified Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539 |
| MRT Proximity | 2–5 minute walk to Tanjong Pagar Station (East–West Line) |
| Total Rooms | 389 rooms and suites |
| Building Height | 18 floors |
| Pool Type | Balinese-style outdoor swimming pool with spa |
| Dining On-Site | Approximately 10 restaurants and bars (Bar-Roque Grill, Jigger & Pony, Element, Il Pum Korean BBQ, Peony Jade, others) |
| Fitness Facilities | On-site gym and fitness centre |
| Check-In / Check-Out | 14:00 / 12:00 |
| Property Status | Newly Renovated (per OTA listings) |
Is Amara Singapore in a Walkable Area?
The short answer is yes—by Singapore CBD standards, this property scores high on pedestrian access. Amara Singapore sits at 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, which places it roughly 2–5 minutes on foot from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, according to Travel Weekly’s hotel directory. That distance translates to under 400 meters, making it practical for business travelers headed to offices in the Shenton Way financial cluster or leisure guests exploring the surrounding neighborhood.
Walking Distance to Tanjong Pagar MRT
Tanjong Pagar MRT sits on the East–West Line, connecting directly to Raffles Place, Bugis, and the Changi Airport branch. From Amara Singapore, guests can reach the station platform in under five minutes without crossing major arterial roads, based on map measurements and verified location data. Agoda guest summaries explicitly mention the short MRT walk as a plus for travelers who prefer not to deal with taxis or ride-hails for short hops.
The walk to Raffles Place—the next station north—takes approximately 17 minutes, per Hotels.com. This puts the Downtown Core’s financial heart within a reasonable stroll, though the MRT covers it in one stop for those counting minutes.
Exploring the Tanjong Pagar Heritage District
Tanjong Pagar blends high-rise office towers with preserved shophouses, Korean BBQ joints, Japanese izakayas, and late-night bars. Agoda notes that the neighborhood’s walkability extends to nearby Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown—both roughly 1 kilometer away—making Amara Singapore a practical base for travelers who want to mix CBD business with hawker-center dining without relying on transport.
Insider tip: If you’re landing at Changi Airport, the drive to 165 Tanjong Pagar Road covers approximately 25 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes by car, per Travel Weekly. However, the MRT from Changi Airport to Tanjong Pagar involves two transfers (East-West Line to Downtown Line) and roughly 45–50 minutes—so budget accordingly if you prefer public transit.
Nearby Attractions and Restaurants
The property’s on-site dining portfolio includes roughly 10 restaurants and bars, per Booking.com. Notable venues include Bar-Roque Grill, the award-winning Jigger & Pony cocktail bar, Element (an all-day dining restaurant), Il Pum Korean BBQ, and Peony Jade (a Cantonese restaurant). This concentration means guests can eat well without venturing far—useful for business travelers with tight schedules or anyone averse to Singapore’s tropical humidity after dark.
Outside the property, the Maxwell Food Centre—one of Singapore’s most celebrated hawker complexes—sits roughly 1 kilometer away, a 10–12 minute walk. The area also connects to the Downtown Line via Maxwell MRT station, roughly 8 minutes away on foot, which opens access to Chinatown, Little India, and the Botannic Gardens UNESCO site.
What this means: Amara Singapore’s location works well for travelers who prioritize MRT access and walkable neighborhood exploration over proximity to Marina Bay’s tourist attractions. If your itinerary centers on CBD meetings or local food scenes, the positioning is a genuine asset.
Is Amara Hotel a Luxury Hotel?
The classification depends on which lens you apply. OTA listings and trade directories position Amara Singapore in the upscale-to-luxury tier. Travel Weekly describes it as a modern hotel in the central business district, and Booking.com markets it as newly renovated with full-service amenities. However, independent guest commentary—particularly from travel bloggers who have stayed recently—suggests the property occupies a somewhat transitional space: not quite fresh-construction five-star, but clearly above a mid-range business hotel.
Hotel Facilities: Balinese-Style Pool and Spa
The Balinese-style outdoor swimming pool stands out as the property’s most frequently cited luxury feature. Booking.com highlights it as a key cooling facility, and Tripadvisor guest reviews describe the pool area as secluded, with towels and sun loungers provided. One reviewer noted it offers a quieter place to relax compared to busier urban hotel pools—relevant for guests who want to decompress after a long day of meetings or sightseeing.
This is not a sprawling resort pool. Reviews consistently describe it as relatively compact, which aligns with the property’s urban, high-rise character. For context: Sentosa resort pools or full-scale Marina Bay Sands-style aqua complexes this is not. What it does deliver is a genuine green break from Singapore’s heat, plus a spa offering that rounds out the wellness angle.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Aggregated OTA ratings place Amara Singapore solidly in the upper-midscale to upscale range. Agoda guest feedback highlights the pool and gym as easy to access, with the MRT walk frequently praised. A detailed independent review on Entree Kibbles documented a promotional deluxe-room rate of approximately S$96.90 via a third-party site—significantly below the standard rack rates listed in trade directories.
That blog review also commented on the property’s aging hardware relative to newer CBD competitors, noting that while the service was satisfactory, the physical plant showed signs of wear that the renovation push aims to address. This tracks with the “Newly Renovated” label now appearing on OTA listings—the property is actively refreshing its offering to stay competitive against newer four-star and five-star arrivals in the Tanjong Pagar and Marina Bay corridors.
Comparison with Other Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Amara Singapore’s location sets it apart from Orchard Road hotels (shopping-focused) and Marina Bay Sands-style waterfront properties (tourist-heavy). Hotels.com places the property in Downtown Singapore, noting its 17-minute walk to Raffles Place. The trade-off for choosing Amara Singapore over newer waterfront luxury options typically involves trade-offs around age of property versus price sensitivity.
Editorial note: Singapore’s official hotel star classification comes from the Singapore Tourism Board, which assigns ratings based on facilities and service standards. Amara Singapore’s current STB classification was not explicitly stated in the sources reviewed, so this review treats the property as upscale-to-luxury based on OTA positioning and amenity lists rather than an official star rating.
For guests prioritizing a central CBD location with solid amenities at a price that undercuts brand-new five-star properties nearby, Amara Singapore occupies a defensible niche. For guests expecting the latest in-room technology or resort-scale pool facilities, the comparison tilts toward newer competitors.
The implication: Amara Singapore reads as a solid upper-midscale-to-upscale choice with genuine luxury touches (pool, multiple dining venues, CBD location) but an aging infrastructure that recent renovations are working to modernize. It’s not a five-star resort—it’s a full-service urban hotel with competitive pricing signals.
Amara Singapore: Newly Renovated Status
The “Newly Renovated” label appearing on Booking.com and other OTA listings signals a recent effort to modernize guest rooms and public spaces. However, the exact scope and completion date of the most recent refurbishment were not explicitly stated in the sources reviewed.
Renovation Scope: What Changed?
The available sources indicate that the renovation applies to rooms and common areas, but no detailed floor-by-floor or room-type breakdown was published in the reviewed materials. Agoda summaries reference recent refurbishment in guest feedback, and Entree Kibbles noted improved conditions during a 2022 stay, suggesting the refresh was underway or completed by that point.
The absence of a formal renovation announcement on the property’s official site or corporate communications means this review cannot confirm precise timelines or a complete list of upgraded spaces. Guests booking based on the “Newly Renovated” claim should verify with the property directly regarding specific room types.
Guest Feedback on Renovations
Independent reviews from 2022 and later document improved room conditions relative to older feedback that referenced dated decor. The Entree Kibbles blogger specifically noted satisfaction with the room quality during a promotional-rate stay, though the blogger also acknowledged the property as an older business hotel with some signs of wear in common areas.
The bottom line: The “Newly Renovated” tag is credible based on OTA listings and recent guest reviews, but lacks specific public documentation. For travelers sensitive to room freshness, confirming room-type specifics before booking remains advisable.
Hotel Near Tanjong Pagar MRT
Among hotels within a 5-minute walk of Tanjong Pagar MRT, Amara Singapore competes on room count, amenity breadth, and price positioning. The property’s 389 rooms and suites across 18 floors make it one of the larger options in the immediate Tanjong Pagar corridor, per Travel Weekly.
Top Hotels Near Tanjong Pagar MRT
The Tanjong Pagar MRT catchment includes several business hotels at varying price points. Amara Singapore’s advantage lies in its full-service amenity set (pool, spa, 10 dining venues) combined with competitive pricing when promotions are available. A promotional rate of approximately S$96.90 for a deluxe room—documented by Entree Kibbles—positions it below the rack rates of newer luxury properties in the same MRT zone.
Amara Singapore’s Location Advantages
Beyond the MRT walk, the property’s address at 165 Tanjong Pagar Road puts guests within reach of Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown’s heritage shophouses, and the Shenton Way financial cluster. Agoda guest summaries explicitly note walkability to Maxwell MRT and Chinatown alongside the Tanjong Pagar station access.
Alternative Hotels Within Walking Distance
Comparable walkable options in the immediate Tanjong Pagar area include other mid-range to upscale CBD properties. The exact inventory shifts as new hotels open and existing ones refresh their positioning, so comparing current OTA listings for real-time availability and pricing remains the most reliable approach.
Why this matters: If MRT proximity and walkable dining access are your priorities, Amara Singapore’s 2–5 minute station access and surrounding food scene give it a practical edge over properties that require taxi or shuttle transport from Tanjong Pagar.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- 2–5 minute walk to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (verified by multiple OTAs)
- Balinese-style outdoor pool and spa for tropical heat relief
- Approximately 10 on-site restaurants and bars, including award-winning Jigger & Pony
- 389-room capacity suitable for group bookings and events
- “Newly Renovated” status signals recent upgrades to rooms and common areas
- Walkable to Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown, and Raffles Place
Considerations
- Pool is compact relative to resort-scale facilities—suited for cooling off rather than extended lounging
- Property age shows in common areas per guest reviews; renovation may be partial rather than comprehensive
- Not adjacent to Marina Bay Sands or Orchard Road tourist zones
- Official star classification from Singapore Tourism Board not confirmed in reviewed sources
- Promotional rates vary significantly from standard rack rates—booking timing matters
Who Is Amara Singapore Best For?
Business Travelers
The CBD location, MRT walkability, on-site meeting facilities, and multiple dining options make Amara Singapore practical for corporate guests who need to balance work obligations with meals and networking without traveling far.
First-Time Visitors to Singapore
The walkable access to Tanjong Pagar heritage streets, Maxwell Food Centre, and Chinatown gives independent tourists a genuine local neighborhood experience—more grounded than a resort on Sentosa or a high-rise near Marina Bay.
Couples Seeking a Romantic Getaway
The secluded pool, spa facilities, and award-winning bar (Jigger & Pony) provide in-property date-night options, while the surrounding neighborhood offers intimate dining away from Orchard Road crowds.
Luxury Travelers Watching the Budget
Guests who want full-service amenities (pool, multiple restaurants, fitness center) without paying premium Marina Bay rates find Amara Singapore’s pricing signals—often well below comparable five-star properties—attractive for the value.
Pricing Position
Amara Singapore sits in the upscale-to-luxury price band for Singapore’s CBD. Standard rack rates for rooms and suites, per Travel Weekly, start in the upper-midscale range for standard rooms, with suites commanding higher rates. A documented promotional rate of approximately S$96.90 for a deluxe room via a third-party site—reported by Entree Kibbles—shows the property frequently discounts below rack rates.
This pricing flexibility positions Amara Singapore below the nightly rates of newer luxury properties in the Tanjong Pagar and Marina Bay corridors while maintaining a comparable amenity set. Travelers who book during promotional windows or through cashback portals may find meaningful savings versus booking direct at rack rates.
Note: Exact rates fluctuate based on availability, season, and booking channel. No specific rate is guaranteed. Check current pricing across Booking.com, Expedia, and the official site to compare.
Amara Singapore: Detailed Specs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539 |
| MRT Station | Tanjong Pagar (East–West Line) — 2–5 minute walk |
| Rooms and Suites | 389 total across 18 floors |
| Room Categories | Deluxe, Premier, Suite options (specific inventory not fully disclosed in reviewed sources) |
| Outdoor Pool | Balinese-style, outdoor, with spa adjacent; described as compact but secluded |
| Fitness Center | On-site gym, accessible to guests |
| Dining Venues | Approximately 10 restaurants and bars: Bar-Roque Grill, Jigger & Pony, Element, Il Pum Korean BBQ, Peony Jade, others |
| Check-In / Check-Out | 14:00 / 12:00 |
| Parking | On-site parking facilities (specifics vary by booking channel) |
| Airport Distance | Approximately 25 km by car from Changi Airport (~25 minute drive) |
| Property Type | Sleek high-rise urban hotel, Downtown Core, CBD-adjacent |
| Rated Status | Marketed as upscale-to-luxury on OTA platforms; official STB star classification not confirmed in reviewed sources |
Location and Getting There
From Changi Airport
By car, the journey covers approximately 25 kilometers and takes around 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions, per Travel Weekly. By MRT, travelers take the East-West Line from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah, transfer to the Downtown Line, and continue to Tanjong Pagar Station—roughly 45–50 minutes door-to-door.
From Downtown Singapore
Tanjong Pagar MRT connects directly to Raffles Place (one stop north) and Bugis (several stops east). For guests arriving from Orchard Road, the journey involves a transfer at Dhoby Ghaut or City Hall—typically 20–30 minutes via MRT.
Walking the Neighborhood
The 2–5 minute walk from Amara Singapore to Tanjong Pagar MRT involves no major road crossings. From the hotel, Maxwell Food Centre lies roughly 1 kilometer south (10–12 minutes on foot), and Chinatown’s iconic streets sit another few hundred meters beyond that.
Amara Singapore Location
A Day at Amara Singapore: Sample Itinerary
Morning: Start with breakfast at Element, the property’s all-day dining venue. Alternatively, walk 10 minutes to Maxwell Food Centre for Singapore’s famous chicken rice, carrot cake, and kaya toast before the breakfast rush.
Late Morning: Take a 2-minute walk to Tanjong Pagar MRT and head north to Raffles Place for a look at Singapore’s financial district architecture, or continue east to Bugis for the Arab Quarter’s mosques and textile shops.
Early Afternoon: Return to the hotel to cool off in the Balinese-style pool. Per Tripadvisor guest reviews, the pool area is secluded and offers a quieter retreat compared to busier rooftop alternatives in the city.
Evening: Bar-Roque Grill or Jigger & Pony (regularly cited among Singapore’s top cocktail bars) for dinner and drinks on-property. If you prefer hawker-style dining, head south to Maxwell Food Centre for satay, oyster omelets, and fresh fruit juice stalls that stay open late.
Alternatives Near Tanjong Pagar
For travelers comparing options in the same MRT zone, other walkable CBD hotels include mid-range to upscale properties within a 5–10 minute walk of Tanjong Pagar Station. Current OTA listings and aggregator search results provide the most up-to-date inventory and pricing for side-by-side comparison.
Amara Singapore differentiates itself through its room count (389 rooms gives it scale for group bookings), its dining breadth (10 venues versus more limited options at smaller properties), and its price positioning relative to newer luxury builds in the corridor.
Our Verdict
Amara Singapore earns its keep as a practical, well-located CBD hotel that delivers genuine walkability to Tanjong Pagar MRT, a cooling Balinese-style pool for Singapore’s tropical climate, and a cluster of dining venues that locals respect. The “Newly Renovated” tag adds credibility for travelers who prioritize fresher rooms, though the exact scope of upgrades warrants direct confirmation before booking.
For business travelers with meetings in the Shenton Way financial cluster, first-time visitors who want authentic neighborhood access over tourist-zone isolation, and couples seeking a full-service urban base without Marina Bay price tags, Amara Singapore checks the key boxes. The property’s pricing flexibility—often dipping well below newer luxury competitors—makes it a defensible choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice amenities.
If pool size matters more than pool access, or if you need the latest in-room tech and brand-new fixtures, newer five-star arrivals in the Marina Bay and Downtown Core areas may serve you better. For everyone else, Amara Singapore’s verified location and amenity profile hold up under scrutiny.
“The pool area is secluded and a lovely place to cool off for a moment from the heat.”
– Tripadvisor reviewer, Hotel guest review on Tripadvisor
“The pool and gym were easy to use. The hotel is a short walking distance to Tanjong Pagar MRT, Maxwell MRT, Chinatown and Maxwell Hawker centre.”
– Agoda guest review summary, Guest feedback excerpt aggregated by Agoda
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amara Singapore have a fitness center?
Yes. Amara Singapore has an on-site gym and fitness centre. Agoda guest summaries confirm that the fitness facilities are accessible and easy to use during your stay.
What amenities are available at Amara Singapore?
Key amenities include a Balinese-style outdoor swimming pool and spa, on-site fitness centre, and approximately 10 restaurants and bars (Bar-Roque Grill, Jigger & Pony, Element, Il Pum Korean BBQ, Peony Jade, and others). Booking.com lists these as primary amenities in current property listings.
How many rooms does Amara Singapore have?
Amara Singapore has 389 rooms and suites across 18 floors, per Travel Weekly. Room categories include Deluxe, Premier, and Suite options, though a full inventory by specific room type was not disclosed in reviewed sources.
Is there a pool at Amara Singapore?
Yes. The property features a Balinese-style outdoor swimming pool adjacent to a spa facility. Tripadvisor guest reviews describe it as relatively compact but secluded, with towels and sun loungers available. It is designed primarily for cooling off in Singapore’s heat rather than extended resort-style lounging.
How close is Amara Singapore to the MRT?
Amara Singapore is approximately a 2–5 minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station on the East–West Line. Travel Weekly confirms the proximity, and Agoda guest feedback highlights the short walk as a key positive.
Is Amara Singapore newly renovated?
Booking platforms including Booking.com label the property as “Newly Renovated,” indicating recent refurbishment of rooms and public spaces. However, the exact scope and completion date of the renovation were not explicitly documented in reviewed sources. Travelers seeking room-type specifics should confirm with the property directly.