Hotel
Check the Development Control guidelines for hotels
Last updated 9 June 2026
Advisory Notes
The guidelines set out in this handbook for the various development control parameters will generally be applied by URA in the consideration of a development application. However, if the circumstances of a case or the planning considerations relevant to a case so warrant, URA may in its discretion decide to depart from these general guidelines. Persons intending to carry out a development are advised to take this into consideration in the conduct of their affairs and check with URA through enquiries or development applications to confirm if their proposals can be allowed.
The guidelines, principles and illustrations found in the handbook series are not exhaustive in covering all possible site conditions and building designs. In evaluating the development applications, URA reserves the right to evaluate and impose conditions not covered in the handbook in respond to the specific design of the development proposal depending on merits.
Introduction
Hotel developments, regulated under the Hotels Licensing Act, are primarily public accommodation facilities used to provide boarding and lodging for tourists and transient visitors for commercial purpose. While Hotels are predominantly used as accommodation, other limited supporting commercial uses such as shops, restaurants and bars may be allowed.
Only the commercial use component within a hotel development may be strata subdivided.
Backpackers’ hostels, regulated under the Hotels Licensing Act, are also public accommodation facilities used to provide boarding and lodging for tourists and transient visitors for commercial purpose. They are open concept dormitories for boarding and lodging purposes, with a minimum of 6 beds per room. Refer here for the guidelines and requirements for conversion of an existing property to a backpackers’ hostel which may allowed on a temporary planning permission.