Your questions answered, from Check-in to Check-out.
We embarked on an unparalleled family adventure at The Bus Collective, where retired buses transform into luxurious staycation a hotel, nestled in the heart of Singapore’s iconic Changi Village. Offering an unmatched blend of eco-conscious hospitality and unconventional charm, this collection of 20 repurposed buses promises an unforgettable staycation experience unlike any other.
Unique Accommodations for Family Fun
Our overnight stay at The Bus Collective was a journey into novelty and convenience. The deluxe room comfortably accommodated our family of four in a bunk bed and a queen-sized bed. Unlike traditional hotels, this staycation offered the allure of glamping within a fully remodelled bus – an experience that resonated with every member of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered for You
Fresh off our one-night stay, here are some FAQs which will be helpful for guests:
1- Is there free WIFI?
Yes, WiFi is offered free within the compound as well as in the rooms. Within the rooms are SMART TVs that offer the usual streaming services such as NETFLIX and YOUTUBE as well.
2- Is there a lobby / reception area?
Yes, there is a reception area just right after entering the compound and passing the gate. It is manned 24/7.
3- Are there receptionists? Concierge?
There are receptionists that offer concierge service like the many boutique hotels we’ve stayed. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive. Better than some of the conventional hotels we have experienced I might add.
4- Is there a room key?
As with any modern rooms, contactless key cards are issued. These key cards can be used to access the gates at The Bus Collective compound leading to Changi Village Hawker Centre too.
5- Is there room service?
A Café / Bistro will be opened in December 2023. When it opens, there will be room service that serves food, drinks, snacks for guests to your rooms.
6- Are there amenities inside the room?
Yes, everything you would expect from a luxury hotel room. This includes plush bathrobes and fluffy bath towels, complimentary snacks, and drink in the mini-bar (replenished daily), coffee/tea-making facilities and even a room safe. Adding a nice touch to the amenities, The Bus Collective provides shampoo and shower gels from the renown Australian brand, Ink & Water.
7- How’s the bed?
Excellent. The bedding quality rivaled or even surpassed that of regular local hotel Each bed comes with its own quilt (yes even the single beds on the bunk). The contoured pillows are a surprise touch which added to the comfort. The bedding quality is better than some regular local hotels we’ve stayed in!
8- Is there a phone in the room?
Currently, there are no phones in the room. The rooms will be connected to the reception area via a unique app which guests can access to request for service.
9- Is there 24-hour security?
Yes, there is. As with any hotel, the compound is manned 24/7 by the receptionist and monitored via CCTV. Gate access to the compound after 10pm will be controlled by staff on duty. This means that any visitors wishing to enter the compound after hours can only do so when clearance is given by a registered guest.
In fact, when David went around to shoot some night scenes late at night, two night guards did separately came and checked on him to ensure that he’s a guest. Good.
10- Is there Housekeeping?
Yes, there is housekeeping. Bathroom amenities and the mini bar fridge will be replenished.
11- Was it noisy?
This was one of our chief concerns since the hotel rooms are refurbished buses and our room was very near to the Changi Village Hawker Center. Furthermore, I’m a light sleeper. I’m happy to report that the rooms are generally well insulated. Noise from the activities in the vicinity around The Bus Collective eased around 1030-11pm.
More prominent than the ambient noise is the occasional whine of the passing commercial jets. These that stoke so much enthusiasm in the kids (and the ‘big kid’ aka my hubby) also ceased around 11pm.
Our room did offer us an uninterrupted and well-deserved rest throughout the night right till breakfast time the next morning. Impressive.
12- Is breakfast included?
When guests make the reservation, you can choose if they want breakfast to be included. If you opt for breakfast, you can enjoy it at The Bus Collective’s in-house café/bistro. Otherwise, there is a HUGE variety of local food available at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, right next to The Bus Collective (accessible via the side gate)! For our stay, we chose to have our breakfasts at the Hawker Centre and relished the famous Nasi Lemak, Prata and Wonton mee.
13- Does the room come with bathtub?
There are different categories of rooms catered to different needs of guests. For our family of 4, our room comes with a bunk bed and a queen-sized bed, so our room only comes with a standing shower. The other category of room comes with a King-sized bed, a sofa bed, and a bathtub. There is also a room that is wheel-chair friendly.
14- How’s the water pressure?
It was excellent! We were pleasantly surprised the water pressure is so good. We had a very relaxing and nice shower.
15- Is there a Mini bar?
Yes, there is a mini bar with snacks and drinks inclusive as part of the room stay. The contents (such as mineral water, coke and even beer!) are replenished daily.
16- What is there to do?
The Bus Collective is right next to the iconic Changi Village Hawker Center. Aside from enjoying the food, guests can take a leisurely walk to the nearby Changi Boardwalk or hop o a bum boat to Pulau Ubin. If you prefer, the hotel also offers customized guided tours for a fee.
The hubby and son also used the complimentary bicycles reserved for guests to explore Changi precinct after breakfast while I stayed indoors in the room to chill.
Each room also offers very new BBQ facilities and guests can arrange for The Bus Collective to provide marinated food along with accessories for BBQ. Full convenience at your service!
17- Are there car parking facilities within the compound?
Due to the set-up of the compound and regulation by LTA, open spaces are reserved for access of emergency vehicles (e.g. fire-engines, ambulance etc). All guests and visitors can park at nearby public car parks or take private-hire vehicles.
18- Can we have our own BBQs and gatherings with friends since each room comes equipped with its outdoor dining and cooking area?
The Bus Collective can supply BBQ food and materials at a fee for guests to BBQ at the patio outside their buses. After the BBQ, guests are advised to tie up the food waste and dispose it properly to prevent crows and other pests (such as ants) from visiting the buses.
As the dining areas are outdoors, hygiene needs to be strictly maintained for the comfort of all guests. As such, guests are not encouraged bring their own BBQ food or hire external caterers to upkeep a high standard of cleanliness.
Beyond Ordinary Staycations
Our stay was more than a hotel experience; it was a captivating adventure, especially for our kids who adored the bus captain’s seat. The environment’s laid-back vibe, coupled with the security, privacy, and accessibility to Changi Village’s famed hawker delights, made it a standout experience. This is quite simply, the jewel of Changi Village!
Ready to embark on your own bus adventure? Book your stay at The Bus Collective and unlock an extraordinary staycation in Singapore.
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