18-20 Sept: HSBC offering 20% off Agoda staycations; 2 nights at Hilton for S$270, and other hotel deals

Last month, HSBC ran a weekend-long staycation sale which featured 20% off on Agoda bookings, as well as special rates at The Fullerton Hotel and PARKROYAL Beach Road. 

From 18-20 September 2020, the sale is back again, with 20% off Agoda, plus special rates at the Fullerton, Hilton,  Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, and W Sentosa Cove as well. 

HSBC Revolution cardholders will also be able to earn 4 mpd on their hotel bookings, as part of the card’s new features that kicked in on 1 August. For a full review of the new-and-improved HSBC Revolution, check out this post.

20% off Agoda staycation bookings

HSBC cardholders currently receive 12% off staycations booked with Agoda, a benefit that runs through the end of 2020. 

However, from 18-20 September 2020, the discount will be increased to 20%. Eligible stay dates remain the same (i.e until 31 December 2020), and you’ll need to make bookings via this link and pay with a HSBC credit card. 

HSBC x Agoda promotion

This offer only applies to “promotion eligible” hotels, for rates that are fully paid for online. “Promotion eligible” hotels can be identified by a tag on their listing. 

Once you’ve chosen a “promotion eligible” hotel, be sure to book a “promotion eligible” rate too. Remember: any rate which you pay at the hotel is not eligible; you’ll need to pay online via Agoda.

How does this compare to other Agoda offers?

Agoda has tie ups with other banks too, and here’s how the HSBC offer compares to others:

	Offer for Staycations	Book By /Stay By
DBS Altitude DBS Woman’s World Card	10 mpd (Read More)	31-Dec-20/ 31-Dec-20
Citi PremierMiles	6.2 mpd	31-Aug-20/ 31-Mar-21
OCBC 90°N OCBC VOYAGE	6 mpd (Read More)	31-Jul-21/ 31-Dec-21
UOB PRVI Miles	6 mpd	31-Dec-20/  30-Jun-21
HSBC Revolution	4 mpd + 20% off (18-20 Sep)	31-Dec-20/ 31-Dec-20

Special Staycation Rates

From 18-20 September 2020, HSBC cardholders will also be able to book the following hotel deals:

Here’s the analysis and how to book each of these offers. 

Hilton Singapore from S$318 nett (2 nights)

Details

From 18-20 September, HSBC cardholders can book two nights in a Deluxe Room for S$270++ (S$318 nett) or in a Executive Suite for S$550++ (S$647 nett). 

Regardless of which package you book, you’ll enjoy:

• Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children
• S$80 F&B credits
• Free parking

From 21 September onwards, the pricing stays the same, but the breakfast benefit is removed and the F&B credits drops to S$50. 

Good deal?

Yes, I’d say so, if you don’t mind booking two nights. The current Dream Away sale on the official Hilton website costs S$216++ just for a single night in a Deluxe Room, with no breakfast or F&B credits. 

If you don’t have an American Express card to take advantage of the ongoing $120 statement credit, then this HSBC offer is a very good consolation prize. 

Booking

This package requires full prepayment with a HSBC credit card, and while it’s non-refundable (unless the government’s policy on staycations changes), stays can moved up till 31 March 2021. This seems to contradict the “stay by 31 December 2020” condition, but that’s what it says on the landing page. 

To book this deal, call +65 6730 3200 or email Singapore_Reservations@hilton.com and quote “HSBCWOWWeekendHilton”

Fullerton Hotel from S$350 nett

Details

From 18-20 September, HSBC cardholders can book 1 night in a Heritage Room for S$297++ (S$350 nett). This includes: 

• Breakfast for 2 people
• S$100 F&B credit

This rate is only available to the first 50 bookings. The 51st booking onwards (or bookings from 21 September) will pay S$314++ (S$370 nett), with breakfast and S$80 of F&B credits. 

Good deal?

I personally don’t think this is that great a deal, considering how in August it was possible to book a Courtyard Room with breakfast and S$80 of F&B credits for S$299 nett.

You’re now paying S$51 more for an additional S$20 F&B credit and a higher-category room (note that I didn’t say “bigger”, because Courtyard rooms are 42 sqm, while Heritage rooms are 34-58 sqm). 

Booking

The landing page doesn’t mention anything about refunds or changes, so you’ll need to contact the hotel directly to check. To book this deal, call +65 6553 8388 or email tfs.reservations@fullertonhotels.com

Mandarin Oriental from S$470 nett

Details

From 18-20 September, HSBC cardholders can book 1 night in a Marina Bay View Room for S$399++ (S$470 nett). This includes: 

• Specially crafted Italian signature cocktail served in-room (once per stay)
• SGD 75 dining credit at Dolce Vita (once per stay)
• Daily dine-in breakfast for two
• Two dishes selected from the Italian selection of the poolside menu (once per stay)
• 15% dining discount at Dolce Vita and BAY@5
• Late check-out at 4pm

From 21 September onwards, the same package can still be booked, just without the 4 p.m late check-out. 

Good Deal?

With the inclusions on offer, this is a deal worth considering. However, there’s no need to rush out and book, because the deal is practically identical to the “Italian Summer” offer that’s available on the Mandarin Oriental’s website.

The only difference is that HSBC includes 4 p.m check-out, provided you book from 18-20 September 2020. 

If you’re just trying to solve for space, however, do remember that it’s possible to book a City Suite at the Mandarin Oriental (84 sqm) for S$457 nett per night. This comes with breakfast, as well as some attraction tickets to Nerf Xperience or Kiztopia (it’s a kids-oriented package). 

Booking

Bookings only start from 18 September, so it’s not possible to see the refund or change policy yet. Reservations can be made through this link. 

Shangri-La Hotel Singapore from S$356 nett

Details

From 18-20 September, HSBC cardholders can book a Family Package with 1 night in a Garden Wing Deluxe Room for S$345++ (S$406 nett). This includes: 

•  Daily breakfast for 2 adults + 2 children aged 12 & below
• Access to buds by Shangri-La daily
• Access to Splash Zone throughout the stay
• Complimentary parking
• Child amenities

The first 50 customers will get a further S$50 off, bringing down the overall price to S$356 nett. 

Alternatively, cardholders can book a Couple Package with 1 night in a Garden Wing Deluxe Room for S$375++ (S$441 nett). This includes: 

• Daily breakfast for 2 adults
• F&B credits of SGD50 per stay
• 30% off treatments at Chi, The Spa
• Complimentary parking
• 15% off total bill at Shang Palace

The first 50 customers will get a further S$50 off, bringing down the overall price to S$391 nett. 

Good Deal?

It’s an OK deal if you’re in the first 50 customers, but if not, the same Family Package is bookable on Klook for S$388 nett. 

Booking

To enjoy the savings of S$50, email Reservations.sls@shangri-la.com in the following format:

1) Email subject: “HSBC WOW Weekend Staycation“

2) Names of guests

3) Promo Code: PHSBCFAM20 (for Family Package at S$345++) or PHSBCCOU20 (for Couple Package at S$375++)

4) Stay dates

5) Number of occupants

6) Any special arrangement or requirement

Contact the hotel for the refund and changes policy. 

W Singapore Sentosa Cove from S$410 nett

Details

From 18-20 September, HSBC cardholders can book 1 night in a Wonderful Room for S$349++ (S$410 nett). This includes: 

• Daily breakfast for 2
• S$100 F&B or spa credit
• Free parking

This rate is only available to the first 50 bookings. The 51st booking onwards (or bookings from 21 September) will pay S$399++ (S$470 nett). 

Good Deal?

If you get this for a Friday or Sunday night stay, it could make sense. However, don’t forget the Marriott Luminous rate (formerly known as SPG Luxury Privileges). For weekday nights, it’s sometimes possible to find a S$359++ (S$422 nett) rate that comes with:

• Room upgrade
• Early check-in/late check-out
• Breakfast for 2
• US$100 F&B credit

Luminous rates can only be booked through selected travel agencies. A simple Google search will throw up quite a few in Singapore. 

Booking

Email promotions.wsingapore@whotels.com from 18 to 20 September, 9am to 5 pm and quote “HSBC” with your stay dates.

Contact the hotel for the refund and changes policy. 

What card should you use to book these deals?

Apply here
Income Req.	S$30,000 p.a	Points Validity	37 months
Annual Fee	None	Min. Transfer	25,000 points (10,000 miles)
Miles with Annual Fee	None	Transfer Partners	•Singapore Air •Cathay
FCY Fee	2.8%	Transfer Fee	S$42.80
Local Earn	0.4 mpd	Points Pool?	No
FCY Earn	0.4 mpd	Lounge Access?	No
Special Earn	4.0 mpd on selected online and contactless payments	Airport Limo?	No
Cardholder Terms and Conditions

This staycation sale represents a great opportunity for new HSBC Revolution cardholders to accumulate spending towards their sign-up bonus.

As a reminder, cardholders who spend at least S$800 by the end of the month following approval will receive either S$150 cashback, or a Samsonite Prestige 69cm Spinner bag. 

Comparison shop with other staycation deals

Before booking any staycation deal, be sure to compare it with other staycation packages available on the hotel’s official website.

For a summary of various staycation deals currently available, check out my consolidated deals post.

Conclusion

Agoda may be a bit hit or miss when it comes to deals, but 2 nights for S$270++ at the Hilton is a very solid deal. The hotel recently reopened for staycation guests, and has since resumed its restaurant and Executive Lounge operations too.

Since these bookings are made directly with the hotels, they should qualify for hotel points, elite status benefits and elite status credit where applicable.