Westin Singapore reopening for staycations from 16 December; weekend stays at just S$286 nett

Well this is an unexpected surprise.

Few people were expecting that we’d see the Westin Singapore reopen for staycations this year, with the hotel quietly serving SHN duty ever since the start of the circuit breaker.

But I’ve just learned that the Westin will be taking staycation guests from Wednesday 16 December 2020, with rates starting from just S$286 nett per night. 

Westin Singapore reopening specials

Here’s the good news: December rates are extremely reasonable considering how crazy hotel prices usually get during this time, and given what you’d normally expect to pay at the Westin Singapore (pre-COVID: upwards of S$400 a night).

The price calendar shows room-only refundable rates starting from S$243++ (S$286 nett) on most nights (including the 19/20th weekend), with the exception of the period around Christmas and on New Year’s Eve. 

If you need breakfast, I’d highly recommend you look at the Culinary Journey package. This starts from S$320++ (S$377 nett), and includes:

• Daily breakfast for 2 guests
• S$80 F&B credit daily
• 2 cocktails per stay at Cook & Brew
• Early check-in/ late check-out (upon availability) 

This rate is also fully refundable up till 11.59 p.m the day before arrival, and is much better value than the breakfast-included rate (S$346 nett). 

From what I can see, only Deluxe and Premier rooms are available in December 2020. If you want a club room or suite, you’ll have to wait till January 2021. This implies that the club lounge won’t be reopening straight away, so plan accordingly. 

The good news is that rates remain mostly the same even in January 2021, regardless of whether you stay on a weekend or weekday. I don’t think this will last for long, so I’d advise you to book something quickly if you’re eyeing this property- you can always cancel it later. 

For those looking at club rooms, rates start at S$298++ per night (S$351 nett)

What’s the Westin Singapore stay experience like?

The Westin Singapore has 305 rooms and suites spread across floors 32 to 46, split into the following categories:

With only 16 suites available, Marriott Ambassador, Titanium and Platinum members should temper their expectations regarding upgrades. 

On the plus side, all rooms come with deep soaking bathtubs as standard, with some lucky guests getting views of downtown Singapore (although the neighboring MarinaOne may get in the way). While the property is decidedly business-focused, it’s not stodgy the way some business hotels are. The décor veers more modern luxury, with marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothingly muted color palette. 

The hotel’s iconic infinity pool is on the 35th floor, boasting expansive views of the South China sea. Capacity will be limited to 10 people at a time, and each guest will get a 1.5 hour slot per day. Guests can also take advantage of the Heavenly Spa (although it’s not clear whether this will reopen together with the hotel) and a well-equipped gym. 

The hotel’s executive lounge, as mentioned, is unlikely to be open until January 2021. Before the circuit breaker, guests could expect a hearty selection of afternoon tea and evening canapes (together with Belstar prosecco). The evening selection was supposedly so comprehensive it could be a dinner replacement. 

In terms of dining, guests can choose from buffet restaurant Seasonal Tastes, gastropub Cook & Brew, or grab drinks in the Lobby Lounge. Marriott Bonvoy members will enjoy up to 30% off the bill at all outlets up till 31 December 2020. 

Here’s a selection of pre-circuit breaker reviews at the Westin Singapore:

• I Wandered
• Secret Life of Fatbacks
• The Points Guy
• Young Travelers Hong Kong

Conclusion

I stayed at the Westin back in 2014, and found it to be a highly-enjoyable experience. The staff were friendly, the pool was amazing (although freezing in the mornings when the wind blows), and the evening canapes selection was so hearty I didn’t need dinner after that. The hotel lobby also has the most incredible scent (when you’re there you’ll know), and I’ve held more than a few Milelion drinks meetups over at the bar. I even considered hosting my wedding there, but in the end chose the Grand Hyatt because of Hyatt’s superior wedding rewards program. 

It’s rare to see sub-S$300 rates at this hotel, much less on weekends in December, so try and snap up something quickly if you haven’t booked a year-end getaway. From what I can see, all the rates are refundable up till the day before check-in, so there’s little to lose.