singapore staycation

Hotel Review: The Westin Singapore – Of Stunning Bathtubs & Infinity Pools

February 16, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

It is easy to categorize the The Westin Singapore as a “business hotel.” Located squarely within Singapore’s central business district, the SPG property has the regional headquarters of several banks and multinationals right at its doorstep. But to dismiss it simply as such would be a travesty. The property boasts of a stunning infinity pool and a jacuzzi overlooking the bustling seaport, to name a few bells and whistles. The lobby which is situated at the 32nd floor – is the highest hotel lobby in the country and affords guests with plenty of sumptuous views.

the westin singapore lobby – highest hotel lobby in singapore

If you are staying here on a weekend, you will find The Westin Singapore relatively quieter as the bulk of its guests are business people. The lack of warm bodies is great news for leisure travelers as well as locals on a staycation. During weekends, rates are markedly cheaper compared to its peers – the St. Regis Singapore and W Singapore Sentosa Cove.

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Hotel Staycation Review: Hotel Fort Canning – Relaxing Getaway in the Middle of Singapore’s CBD

January 18, 2021 by Bino Leave a Comment

Hotel Fort Canning is one of the most atmospheric boutique hotels in Singapore. Sitting prettily on a hill right in the middle of the city’s bustling CBD, the property has all the trappings of a heritage hotel even though its history as a place for lodging is fairly recent. The building housing it dates from 1926. It used to be the administration building of the British Far East Command HQ but was later occupied by the Japanese during World War II. The area surrounding the hotel, Fort Canning Park, is also known as the place where Singapore was surrendered to the Japanese in 1942.

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What to Expect From the Award-Winning Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road

December 19, 2020 by Bino Leave a Comment

It used to be the case that serviced apartments catered to only three types of people – those on long business trips, those relocating to a new country for the first month or two and finally, business people on generous expat packages who could afford paying almost hotel prices month after month for an apartment that is cleaned every other day.

In recent years however, the rise of more discerning travelers looking for extra space in their Singapore accommodations for day-to-day activities as well as local staycation-ers have meant that the value proposition of serviced apartments has intersected with hotels. Such is the case with Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, one of the newest service apartments to come up in Singapore. Conveniently located just next to the tourist attractions of Arab Street and the indie shopping haven that is Haji Lane, it is one of the few serviced apartments in the country that actually has a hotel license.

pan pacific serviced suites beach road lobby

Entering the property for the first time and seeing the sleek and modern furnishings of the lobby, I would be fooled to think that the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road is actually a hotel. It’s no wonder that the property has won a couple of awards in the two years since it opened, including citations for its architecture and design at the Asia-Pacific International Property Awards and being named Luxury Apartment of the Year by Luxury Travel Guide. What added to the perception of being in a luxury hotel was the staff member manning the check-in counters dressed in a uniform not too dissimilar from what I remember from my unbelievable staycation at Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel. As with my experience with that property, I was greeted warmly and in no time, my key cards were handed to me using the same golden key card holder that I remember from that memorable stay.

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Hotel Staycation Review: Lloyd’s Inn – Minimalist Boutique Hotel Near Orchard

December 14, 2020 by Bino Leave a Comment

When it comes to choosing a hotel for staycation in Singapore, there are a number of considerations. There are folks who are looking to be pampered, in which case a stay at a luxury hotel would suit. Then there are those looking for hotels with plenty of facilities or add-ons to keep their kids busy, in which case a full-service hotel would be more appropriate

After staying in over 50+ hotels in Singapore over the years, I recently chose to have a staycation at Lloyd’s Inn. While this hotel neither fulfills the luxury aspect nor the full-service element for the most part, I chose this property after seeing its minimalist and mostly-white interiors and thought a change of environment would be good. I wanted a staycation that was refreshingly different from a chain hotel experience and Lloyd’s Inn seemed to fit the bill. The location, just off Killiney Road and within walking distance to Orchard, is also a plus.

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Hotel Staycation Review: Shangri-la Hotel Singapore Valley Wing – Most Luxurious Staycation in Singapore

December 13, 2020 by Bino Leave a Comment

The Shangri-la Hotel Singapore can be thought of as the ultimate hotel because of its staggering 792 rooms and 3 varying propositions, from the business-friendly Tower Wing to the resort-like Garden Wing and the exclusive Valley Wing. I have stayed at the Shangri-la Hotel Singapore a couple of times and tend to think of the property as akin to a small community with its myriad of dining options as well as perpetually busy lobby.

Some weeks back, I had the opportunity to have a staycation at the hotel again, this time at the more opulent Valley Wing. Featuring a separate entrance and high-ceiling lobby which is iconic of Shangri-la hotels the world over, Shangri-la Hotel Singapore’s Valley Wing is carefully tucked behind the main portion of the hotel.

the separate lobby of the valley wing in shangri-la hotel singapore

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Hotel Staycation Review: JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach – Trendy Club Rooms & Compelling Dining Concepts

December 10, 2020 by Bino 1 Comment

JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach probably stands as somewhat of an oddity when pitted against the other JW Marriott properties around the world. The rooms carry a highly trendy look, with an immaculately white shade interspersed by the shine of stainless steel. Indeed, the thought that this is not your usual JW Marriott is palpable even from the time one steps foot into the lobby, with its semi-industrial finish juxtaposed against Peranakan elements while the loud colors emanating from the giant LCD screen serve to arrest the senses.

It was not long ago when the property stood as the independent South Beach Hotel. With no affiliation to any major chain, it was not doing as well and as such the management was handed to Marriott Hotels, where it subsequently became the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach. Business has been brisk since then. During the weekend I stayed at the hotel, the property was running at full capacity. I had deliberated extending for another night but could not get any available room out of the booking portals.

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Hotel Staycation Review: W Singapore Sentosa Cove – Feeling Cool in this Enclave for the Rich & Famous

December 8, 2020 by Bino 2 Comments

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove stands as a true getaway from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, with a location that is relatively intimate, relaxing and far from the maddening crowd. This is considering that the resort island where it is situated is more known for lively attractions such as Universal Studios and Adventure Cove Waterpark. With a setting right at the playground of the rich and famous, this W property’s Sentosa Cove location not only creates an atmosphere perfect for a hideaway but also one that is thankfully not touristy.

Part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, this property is a Category 6 for SPG members, effectively tying it with St. Regis Singapore and Westin Singapore. While the W’s sister hotels in the country are all city hotels, getting here’s an easy cab ride from Vivocity which took less than ten minutes for me. Shuttle buses also run from here to the hotel every hour or two. You can check out the shuttle bus schedule here.

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Staycation Review: Orchard Rendezvous Hotel – Family Rooms & Free Minibar

December 5, 2020 by Bino Leave a Comment

Orchard Rendezvous Hotel was officially launched in September 2018 as part of a rebranding exercise of the former Orchard Parade Hotel that underwent phases of renovations between 2015 to 2018. As one of the more recognizable landmarks in the Orchard Road stretch, the newly refurbished hotel now carries a palpable botanic theme, taking inspiration from the site’s past as a pepper plantation. The hotel even had an orchid specially bred for its launch – the Vanda Orchard Rendezvous.

I have stayed at the hotel twice to experience the revamped rooms and facilities. First time was right after they renovated and second time was during Phase 2 when the property was among those open to local residents for staycations. If you are looking for an affordable hotel in Orchard Road, this is probably one of your best bets. Depending on the day, the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel can rival the Yotel Singapore as the cheapest hotel along Singapore’s main shopping stretch, with more spacious rooms to boot!

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