Imagine weekends away at some sandy beach resort, shopping in Hong Kong, pigging out in the late-night markets of Taipei, or savouring the Bangkok party scene? Sounds good eh, until you see the racking travel costs. Why not have a quick staycation in Singapore instead?
The idea of having a staycation in Singapore as an alternative might seem inferior to some but there are many upsides to having one – minimal planning, cheap transportation, convenience and most of all, we’re staying in one of the safest countries in the World.
Would you want to spend a chunk of your long weekend travelling and planning and getting vexed from the travel stress? Moreover, Singapore has many top hotels so you can choose from.
Here are the best local hotels for a Singapore staycation I’m sure you will enjoy.
1. Hotel Vagabond
Opened in September 2015, the eclectic Hotel Vagabond along Syed Alwi road draws on a broad mix of color, texture, fabric and dark woods designed by French interior designer Jacques Garcia.
The luxurious accommodation at Hotel Vagabond Singapore consists of 42 rooms and suites showcasing Parisian-chic design, along with personally taken framed photographs by hotelier Satinder Garcha.
Rooms with shared terraces are also available, overlooking the heritage street of Syed Alwi; the culturally rich district around Syed Alwi road makes for a stimulating staycation in Singapore, with no short supply of bars, restaurants and even a nearby mega mall (Mustafa Shopping Centre) during your stay at Hotel Vagabond.
Expected Damage: From $260 (excluding fees & taxes) | Opening promo $220
Hotel Vagabond Singapore: 39 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207630 | Tel: 6291 6677 | Website
2. Wanderlust Hotel
Brought to you by Unlisted Collection, the brainchild of accidental local hotelier, Mr. Loh Lik Peng, Wanderlust Hotel embraces the concept of an open invitation and unexpectedness.
The existing structure was originally built as a school in the 1920s and just has 4 thematic levels of 29 rooms, each level designed by award winning Singapore design agencies with full creative flexibility.
Its whimsical and quirky rooms are one of the most interesting boutique hotel concepts in Singapore for a staycation.
Expected Damage: From $162 (excluding fees & taxes)
Wanderlust Hotel: 2 Dickson Rd, Singapore 209494 | Tel: 6396 3322 |Website
3. Oasia Hotel Novena
Designed by acclaimed architect Takashi Sugimoto from Super Potato, the Oasia Hotel Novena is designed with natural wood and stone elements to invoke a sense of calm and peace with nature
Located just two stops from Orchard connected via Novena MRT station, as well as having a couple of malls walking distance away, convenience is at your finger tips at Oasia Hotel Novena.
The club floor on level 22 comes with trained baristas who serve Oasia’s proprietary blend of coffee. Oasia Novena is also one of the few hotels in Singapore to come with a private ‘infinity pool’ for club guests only.
Expected Damage: From $173 (excluding fees & taxes)
Oasia Hotel Novena: 8 Sinaran Drive Singapore 307470 | Tel: 6881 8888 | Website
4. Rendezvous Hotel Singapore
Located in Singapore’s art and cultural district, Rendezvous Hotel was recently refurbished in 2014 with an art-centric theme. Minutes from the art museum and national museum, spend your weekend away from home soaking up culture (or do some people watching – SMU’s just across the road). Rooms are quite compact and perhaps more suited for those who prefer less fuss during a staycation.
Expected Damage: From $180 (excluding fees & taxes)
Rendezvous Hotel: 9 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189559 | Tel: 63360220 | Website
5. Pan Pacific Singapore
Opened in 1987, Pan Pacific is one of Singapore’s most iconic hotels. In 2012, it underwent a S$80 million rejuvenation refurbishment and now blends the business and leisure needs of discerning guests. Situated in Marina Bay with easy access to great shopping, Suntec Convention Centre and the Central Business District.
If you are looking to be pampered, check out the club rooms – you get access to the exclusive Pacific Club on the 38th floor which has spectacular 360 degrees panoramic view of the surrounding Marina Bay district and the South China Sea. The collection of amazing restaurants within the hotel as well as a night club at the ground floor makes Pan Pacific Hotel one of the best choices for a Singapore staycation with all your needs covered.
Expected Damage: From $322 (excluding fees & taxes)
Pan Pacific Singapore: 7 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, Singapore 039595 | Tel: 6336 8111 | Website
6. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Crowne Plaza is one of the best airport hotels’ in the world I kid you not.
Most airport hotels are dull and draby but not Crowne Plaza – it has character! You have the option of requesting for rooms overlooking the runway or the pool/control tower. I would personally recommend the rooms overlooking the airplane runway, just laying in bed and gazing at the planes taking off/landing or aircraft being prepared for their next sortie is really therapeutic.
Expected Damage: From $245 (excluding fees & taxes)
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: 75 Airport Boulevard #01-01 , Singapore, 819664 | Tel: 6823 5300 | Website
7. InterContinental Singapore
Opened in the early 1990s, this 5 star hotel boasts a very classic Straits Chinese theme – So if you are looking for swanky or modern, perhaps W Hotel or Pan Pacific will be more toward your staycation preferences.
However, if you are into colonial style luxury, this is one place to check out. There’s another InterContinental coming up in Singapore in 2016; the ex-Gallery Hotel is current undergoing refurbishment and this will definitely be swanky.
Expected Damage: From $255 (excluding fees & taxes)
InterContinental Singapore: 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966 | Tel: 6338 7600 | Website
8. The St. Regis Singapore
The flagship brand of the Starwood group, The St. Regis Singapore, is the epitome of fine living.
There’re butlers on call with just one press of the button. It’s really old style regal Britannia. If you fancy being treated like a Lord/Baron/Knight for a weekend, the gates of St Regis awaits your arrival on horseback. You can also enjoy a pampering champagne brunch at Brasserie Les Saveurs located at the 1st floor of the hotel.
Expected Damage: From $400 (excluding fees & taxes)
St Regis Singapore: 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911 | Tel: 6506 6888 | Website
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9. Grand Park City Hall Hotel
The luxury flagship from the Hong Kong based Park Hotel Group targets discerning business and leisure travellers.
Centrally located, Grand Park City Hall is just a short walk from the Theatres by the Bay so why not add a concert or a play to your staycation itinerary.
Funan the IT mall is also just a stone’s throw away from this very classic hotel.
Expected Damage: From $180 (excluding fees & taxes)
Grand Park City Hall Hotel: 10 Coleman St, Singapore 179809 | Tel: 6336 3456 | Website
10. W Singapore
If everything else is too mainstream, W Singapore at Sentosa probably appeals to your inner hipster. W Singapore Hotel is definitely for the trendsetter at heart, one who embraces fashion, design, nightlife and entertainment.
Positioned between the traditional and the boutique, W offers the furnishings and product of a typical chain hotel but with the aesthetic appeal of a small boutique hotel. And it’s located far far away from the city.
The wet deck lounge pool at W Singapore is breathtaking to say the least. F&B options are also stunningly appetizing at W Singapore with steak powerhouse Skirt, The Kitchen Table and Woobar at your fingertips. Just take a brisk walk out to quayside isle to really have a out of country staycation experience.
Expected Damage: From $380 (excluding fees & taxes)
W Singapore: 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374| Tel: 6808 7288 | Website
11. Village Hotel Katong
For those with kids, some of the hotel recommendations above are definitely not child friendly (read: exposed bathrooms, couple packages).
Village Hotel is a more family orientated hotel with spacious rooms, so check out their Peranakan Experience staycation package – Buffet breakfast at Katong Kitchen, 2-hour Peranakan experience at Kim Choo and there’s a complimentary shuttle bus service that brings you Big Splash. The vibrant Katong area also provides endless food choices.
Expected Damage: From $158 (excluding fees & taxes)
Village Hotel Katong: 25 Marine Parade, Singapore 449536 | Tel: 6881 8888 | Website
12. Naumi Liora Hotel
If you are looking for something more nostalgic yet avant-garde, Naumi Liora in Chinatown embraces a 1920s lattice-styled Peranakan charm, with an infusion of new modern elements as well as the owner’s quirky love for old-school ‘coolies’. The hotel is housed in an old heritage building along the dynamic Keong Saik road, which blends its dynamic culture with modern offerings. Multiple top restaurants can be found in this area, like Restaurant Andre, Roosevelt’s Diner, Restaurant Ember as well as many bar options like L’aiglon.
Naumi Liora has a few interesting concept rooms, like the enclosed window-less room and the porch room.
Expected Damage: From $288 (excluding fees & taxes)
Naumi Liora Hotel: 55 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089158 | Tel: 6922 9000 | Website
13. Wangz Hotel
Wangz hotel’s concept of maximizing the bedroom space (while reducing bathroom size) given the limited amount of land in this prime property deserves credit. The rooms are perceived to be a lot more spacious than many other small boutique hotel due to their well-planned area, which has a comforting after effect.
The eclectic Tiong Bahru neighborhood, where Wangz is, is also filled with cafes and eateries within walking distance from Wangz Hotel, so you don’t have to worry about food/coffee. A good bet for a simple hotel stay.
Expected Damage: From $255 (excluding fees & taxes)
Wangz Hotel: 231 Outram Rd, 169040 | Tel: 65951388 | Website
All prices are accurate as of 26 December 2014.
14. Studio M Hotel
Expensive property prices in Singapore mean the regular working citizen would probably only be able to own a HDB flat, or a Condominium in his or her lifetime. As a child though, I have always loved big houses where I can run around and up and down the stairs. Enter Studio M, the first fully loft-inspired hotel in Singapore, so you can live out your studio loft living fantasies for a night or two.
Studio M provides innovative accommodation with modern living spaces to appeal to a new generation of travelers. Combining style and functionality, its a great hotel especially for couples looking for a charming staycation weekend, whereby you can laze around in the well-designed room or pop out for a dinner date easily.
Expected Damage: From $160 (excluding fees & taxes)
Studio M Hotel: 3 Nanson Road, Singapore 238910 | Tel: 6808 8888 | Website