It’s been a while since the last update on staycation-approved hotels, in no small part because the rate of additions has slowed to a crawl.
While dozens of hotels were added every few days throughout July, August saw a more modest appreciation, and over the past month only 11 new properties have received approval.
Still, a big name was added to the list today in the form of the Andaz Singapore, which I’m sure many Milelion readers are looking forward to visiting. The hotel will start accepting staycation guests from 9 September, and is currently running a Flash Sale with up to 50% off dining and stay vouchers.
Which hotels are approved for staycations?
The following 211 hotels are now approved to take staycation guests:
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Andaz Singapore is currently offering the following staycation rates for direct bookings through email (note: these prices recently increased)
| Weekday (Sun-Thurs) |
Weekend (Fri-Sat, PH and eve of PH) |
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| Standard Room | S$220 nett | S$260 nett |
| Deluxe City View | S$240 nett | S$280 nett |
| Deluxe Bay View | S$270 nett | S$300 nett |
| Andaz Studio Suite | S$370 nett | S$465 nett |
| Andaz Residence Suite | S$390 nett | S$495 nett |
| Andaz Large Suite | S$590 nett | S$650 nett |
These rates include:
- Breakfast for two adults (children aged 6 and under eat for free, 7-12 pay S$17.50++ each)
- 25% off dinner at Alley on 25
- Complimentary mini-bar, and all day refreshments at Sunroom on Level 25
- Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)
Remember that registered American Express cardholders can save S$75 off a minimum nett spend of S$300, so be sure to deduct that from the figures above.
The other noteworthy addition would be the Hilton Singapore.
Hilton will accept staycation bookings with check-in dates from 13 September onwards. I’ve written about how you can book an Executive Suite with lounge access for just S$280 nett, but the hotel has also launched a couple of foodie-themed staycation packages.
| 🏨 Opus Steak-Cation Package (S$250++) |
🏨 il Cielo Gourmet (S$320++) | ||
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| Book By | 28 Jan 2021 | Book By | 28 Jan 2021 |
| Stay By | 31 Jan 2021 | Stay By | 31 Jan 2021 |
| Link |
Link | ||
Do note that these foodie packages are non-refundable and require online prepayment, which means they will not qualify for the American Express S$120 Hilton statement credit. Don’t waste your time heading down to try and make prepayment, because the front desk won’t entertain you (others have tried).
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Update: It seems there’s been a change in policy on the Hilton side, and it’s now possible to reserve via email and go down in person to make prepayment. As per an email received by reader Mervin: As the Foodie Steak-cation is a promotional rate we would require to receive a pre-payment. Hence may we check if you will be using AMEX credit card which you provided ending with XXXX or other types of credit card? For your kind information if you are using an AMEX credit card for the AMEX promotion you would require to approach our Front Desk personally to make payment in order for you to be eligible for the AMEX promotion (Spend $400nett and received $120nett credit back from AMEX). For other types of credit card we will sent a payment link to you. |
Hilton has confirmed their Executive Lounge will not be open yet, but they will honor lounge benefits at an alternative venue in the interim (e.g evening drinks will be served at Opus Bar).
Here’s a map showing the geographical spread of staycation-approved hotels.
What staycation deals are available?
I’ve compiled a comprehensive article detailing the various staycation deals available, a list which gets updated daily as more packages come in.
In general, you’ll get much better value by paying for staycations with cash than redeeming hotel points, although exceptions apply (e.g a program with fixed value redemptions like Accor Live Limitless).
Here’s some of my picks from each price segment:
- Best Luxury Hotel Staycation Deals
- Best Upscale Hotel Staycation Deals
- Best Mid-Tier Hotel Staycation Deals
- Best Economy Hotel Staycation Deals
What will the staycation experience be like?
The STB has published an extensive list of regulations that hotels must comply with before they can accept staycation guests.
I’ve covered the details here, but you can expect things like:
- Staggered check-in/out timings (the Mandarin Orchard is assigning guests an arrival time slot between 2 to 5 p.m)
- Capacity constraints on pool and gym usage (Marina Bay Sands is asking guests to pre-book time slots for its famous infinity pool)
- Contactless delivery of room service and other amenities (YOTEL’s built a staycation package around its robots)
- Modified club lounge happy hours (the Shangri-La has closed its club lounge and is serving complimentary snacks at the Champagne Bar instead)
- No breakfast buffets (W Sentosa [and many more I’m sure] is doing an a la carte menu served buffet style)
Get ready for Phase 2 staycations: What to expect from Singapore hotels
Hotel rooms will be limited to a maximum of five concurrent guests, with extensive cleaning between stays and more single-use items.
I’ve already done a handful of staycations during Phase 2, and here’s my take on the overall experience:
- W Sentosa
- YOTELAIR Changi Airport
- Hotel 81 Tristar
- Hotel Soloha
- Raffles Hotel
- Mandarin Orchard
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
- Capitol Kempinski
Conclusion
As it stands, more than half of all hotels in Singapore are now approved for staycations. We can expect more to come towards the end of the month, as SHN contracts wind down.
I’m not done with staycation reviews by a long shot, and hotels currently on my to-review list include:
- Andaz Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands
- Sofitel City Centre
- Capri by Fraser Changi City
- Regent Singapore (unlikely to open before Jan 2021)
- PARKROYAL Pickering (ditto)
If there’s other hotels you’d like to see reviewed, do give a shout out in the comments. For a comprehensive list of staycation tips, deals and reviews, be sure to check out The Milelion’s Staycation Portal.
As always, if you spot any good staycation deals be sure to ping them over to me and I’ll take a look.
We’ll need a Fragrance Hotel review to see Hotel 81 or Fragrance Hotel is better!
Do you think Conrad will open by eoy?
Conrad will open by Oct according to the hotel booking team.
For the Amex promotion by Andaz, do you know if the owner of the card have to be physically present for the staycation?
add the card to your mobile wallet and make payment, no one’s the wiser
No Mandarin Oriental Suite review?
i decided to reallocate the budget to capitol kempinski. i might look at MO again if they reopen the club and have somewhat decent rates
Please shout out when Parkroyal Pickering opens with new deals – missed the fantastic offer with club access. Bummed!
i’m in touch with their PR team, but they’re unlikely to open before jan 2021 though
Why do you think Regent won’t open before Jan next year?
because that’s what they’ve told customers via email (those who bought their staycation vouchers)
Oh okay. Thanks!