Jen says 'Hello'. Nestled in the quiet part of Tanglin Road, close to the start of Singapore’s famed Orchard Road, is a rather unassuming hotel which has much to offer her guests. Formerly the 'Traders Hotel', it has taken on a entirely new identity in a major re-branding exercise last year and reinvigorated with a major overhaul to its image. The Club Lounge, 15 Suites and 550 Guest Rooms have all been newly refurbished and the last phase of refurbishment is expected to complete soon in … [Read more...]
The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore – A Celebration Among Friends
Singapore is not short of luxury hotels and we've been blessed to have stayed in a few but what makes a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore truly one of the most memorable? In our home, I’m usually the 'crafty' one. No, I don’t do handicrafts but I do like to spring the occasional surprises for the wife and family. Recently, it seems that my wife and daughter have inherited my ‘craftiness’ – they planned and executed a surprise staycation for my birthday successfully. Both were … [Read more...]
The Pan Pacific Hotel – The luxury of space for a relaxing staycation
We all know that space is a premium in this tiny island of Singapore. That's why Singaporeans are one of the world's most well-travelled lot. We we go on holidays to look for places with space to breathe, unwind and be liberated from the daily cares that suffocate us. Be it beach hopping, shopping, reading a book, enjoying a walk or just lazing around in the hotel…Space is a luxury that we seek when on holiday. Actually, long before the term ‘staycation’ was coined, one of the … [Read more...]
The InterContinental Singapore – Capital ‘H’ for Hospitality
We had a foretaste of the level of hospitality we were going to have at this hotel months before we even stepped in. You see, we had initially booked for a V-day staycation but were forced to postpone the booking due to family bereavement. We wrote to the hotel. The very same day, the PR & Marketing Director herself wrote back, assuring us that we would be welcomed any time but not before penning a personal note to tell us that she share our loss as she too had also lost her … [Read more...]
Shangri-la’s Rasa Sentosa Resort – where family fun meets luxury.
There it was, right before my eyes, sitting inside a tall chiller – rows of quality baby food and organic drinks from Heinz and Gerber that cater for babies and kids from a few months old to a few years old. I don’t know about you but I’ve never seen a hotel restaurant (or any restaurant for that matter) serving a buffet spread of baby food - free. There at the baby’s corner are sterilizers and milk warmers complete with baby diapers for use. Free. In fact, right in the middle … [Read more...]
Village Hotel Katong – Modern Chic with Old World Charm
Mention 'Katong' and it would immediately conjure up images of Peranakans (Straits Chinese), their cuisine, their rich heritage and intricate patterns of geometric shapes, birds, plants and flowers. On the surface, we see vintage shop houses that line the East Coast Roads of Singapore. On a more personal level, we experience the warm and 'homey' hospitality THAT is exactly what you'd experience right here in the heart of downtown Katong. Opened since mid October 2013 on the site formerly … [Read more...]
Don’t Just Fly! Stay! The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel
I’ve always been intrigued. Whenever we drive past the facade of the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, I would often wonder “Who would stay in an airport hotel?”, “What would they do there?”, “Would it be noisy?”, “Is it even a normal hotel?” Well, after our recent stay-cation there, I was much enlightened…and had all my curious questions answered! We've always flown from here...this time, we are staying! 1) Who would stay in an airport hotel? Is it suitable for families? … [Read more...]
Right in the heart, Right from the heart – The Grand Park City Hall Hotel
Singapore has no shortage of hotels. From our world-famous Orchard shopping belt to the bustling city centre, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. As avid travellers who have stayed in budget hotels (in ulu Malaysian town of Setiawan) to posh, high end ones (like The 'W', Ritz Carlton and Mandarin Oriental), luxury to us is more than plush bathrobes, high thread count bedding or opulent interiors. True luxury is when we are treated more than mere paying guests but as … [Read more...]
Home & Away – A Mothers’ Day Staycation…
Mother's Day, a day about thanking and appreciating the women in our lives whose sacrifices and love shape us into who we are today. So when the occasion and the weekend presented itself, we scooped Dana's Grandma, Great-Grandma, Grand Aunt Judy off to somewhere off the beaten track for an inter-generational getaway. Our choice? Nope, not boisterous RWS Sentosa but the quaint old Changi Village. Going East to escape from it all!Bright facade of the hotel jazzing up the relaxed vibes … [Read more...]