Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium (Reward Night Stay)

I have previously covered the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium in January. Albeit being rather dated, the property definitely excels on the softer side. The timely check-in, excellent service and additional benefits for Platinum members have all contributed to this being one of my favourite IHG properties in Singapore. 

I recently redeemed for a Reward Night (25,000 IHG points) in a Deluxe Room at this property. Upon checking in, I realised that I have been awarded an upgrade to an Executive Room (on level 26) with Executive Lounge privileges. Therefore, even though reward night redemptions do not generally come with complimentary breakfast, I was given the option to have breakfast at the Executive Lounge or the Melting Pot Cafe on level 4. Addtionally, I was also given two welcome drinks, a late check-out at 4pm and a fruit platter for being an IHG Rewards Club Platinum member. The hotel was also (still) running a lucky draw promotion where you are able to pick from four cards. I won 20% off local and international calls so nothing extremely exciting (especially since my room came with unlimited local calls anyway). 

If you're a returning guest of the property, you'll realise that major refurbishments are under way. In fact, the iconic bubble lifts in this property received a makeover on the inside. Fortunately, they did not take away the rather emblematic design of the bubble lifts. The lobby area now allows for more guests to sit and wait with a refreshing touch of colour. When I was there, part of the check-in area was covered up as some works were going on but I was told that this would be completed the Monday following my check-out. There were a couple of new initiatives by the hotel like the free bottle of Merlot if you dine at the Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant. 

The cocktail hour from 6pm was nothing to get excited about. The Carbernet Sauvignon (house wine) was extremely disappointing and I could not even finish my first glass. The canapés served were dull and rather unappetizing. There were cold sushi (no fresh fish!), pseudo-crab claws, dim sums and a small cheese station. With that being said, the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium is not a luxury property to begin with and therefore one should not expect the finest to be served. The staff in the lounge were however attentive and seemed rather friendly towards the Executive level guests.

If you're craving for something local, the famous Zion Riverside Food Centre is only a short stroll away. Conversely, if are interested in Western or European cuisine, you can walk towards Robertson Quay where you will be able to find an amalgamation of restaurants featuring different dining experiences and flavours. Also, one of the most famous and popular nightclubs in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Zouk, should remain in its current location on until the end of the year (after occupying this space for 23 years).

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Head on down to the Singapore Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium and enjoy a different side of Singapore or simply drop by Zouk before it's imminent relocation. Spend a lazy weekend at this charming property and watch the world go by in this busy city (especially if you're an IHG Rewards Club Platinum member!). 

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road, Singapore 169075
Website Email

 

Hotel Review: Conrad Centennial Singapore (Executive Room)

Voted as one of the top 10 luxury hotels in Singapore, the Conrad Centennial Singapore is located downtown with just over 500 rooms. I opted for the King Bed Executive room (43 sqm) which came with the following executive benefits on level 31: 

  • Champagne Breakfast - 6am to 1030am
  • Afternoon Tea - 230pm to 5pm
  • Evening Cocktails (and hors d'oeuvres) - 530pm to 8pm

In addition to those benefits, executive level guests also receive a fruit plate on arrival, two hours of meeting room usage and a late check-out at 6pm (subjected to availability). Complimentary pressing of up to five items and complimentary local calls where also provided for. When I arrived at the hotel around 12pm, there was a rather long line of people waiting so I approached the concierge who then led me to the executive lounge for a private check-in area. 

Similar to the InterContinental Singapore (in terms of overall decor and hotel standing), the Conrad Centennial Singapore also show signs of age throughout the property. With that being said, the room and hotel grounds are extremely clean, showing only little signs of wear and tear. 

Unique stuffed toys are provided complimentary to hotel guests at all Conrad hotels around the world - I got a toy monkey previously at Conrad Bali. A fruit platter and a box of pralines were found behind the stuffed animal with various cutlery in the drawer underneath it. The thing about Conrad Centennial Singapore is that there are so many drawers located around the room that it makes me question the necessity of it all. 

There were generally two main issues I had with the room. Firstly, electric sockets were not readily available. In fact, I could not find one by the bed at all. I counted a total of three main electric sockets around the whole room. One by the coffee machine, one at the TV console and one near the work desk by the window. Secondly, although the bed provided direct views of the marina and its surrounding area, it was slightly difficult to watch the TV from the bed as you would have to be lying on your side. 

Perhaps that's what the small recliner sofa is for besides allowing for some light reading or lounging for those who are particular about the bed being only a sleeping place and nothing else. The work table at the corner of the room overlooks the Pan Pacific Singapore with views of the wider marina area. Internet can be costly at hotels like Conrad but having a Hilton Gold status will automatically give you free internet access. Internet access costs S$29.96 for 24 hours and S$10.70 for an hour of usage. There is however complimentary internet in the executive lounge if you do not wish to pay for internet and still need to get some work done.

The room also came equipped with a minibar and snack counter stocked with various nibbles for both children and adults. There was basic tea making facilities and a Nespresso machine if you are too tired or unmotivated to make the trip up to the executive lounge. For those who are unmotivated, it is worth noting that the executive lounge has an all day open bar. 

The bath room was spacious with a separate bath and shower area (no rain shower though). While the tub was generally wider than most hotels, I thought that it wasn't deep enough. Moreover, a tub caddy would have been perfect for those that enjoy using their mobile phones or tablets inside. If you were sharp enough to notice, there's also a rubber duck which is perfect for those with kids (or even adults too). 

Bath salts are provided by the hotel but I would highly recommend you getting a proper bubble bath (especially if you're on a staycation) because you deserve that more. I requested for an evening turndown service via the Conrad Concierge iPad application before leaving my room for evening cocktails around 715pm. 

The executive lounge is pretty quiet during normal hours and afternoon tea time but it was full during cocktail hour (why of course). One good thing about the hotel is that they are completely prepared for this and have therefore opened up the meeting rooms on the other end of the corridor to accommodate more executive level guests during this crucial time. 

Local delights alongside the usual bread, cheese and desserts were served during the cocktail hour. As with the case of Hilton Singapore, this can serve as a light dinner for weary travelers who are simply too fatigued to leave the hotel.

Upon returning to the room after drinking at least half a bottle of Shiraz, the bed was made, towels were replaced with clean ones, toiletries were refilled and laundry bags were brought out for convenience. The default amenity provided comes from the Aromatherapy Associates but do note that you can easily request (via the application or just a simple phone call) for Shanghai Tang (click here to find out more about Shanghai Tang's range of soaps) or Tara Smith (organic) amenities if you do not favour the ones in the room. 

Something different then caught my eye as I entered the room. There was a flowering tea that was made available and I was dying to try it (although the smell did not exactly resonate well with me). 

Even though the process of blossoming was pretty beautiful, I was definitely not a fan of the tea (taste-wise). 

The view from the room was not as amazing as the one from the Harbour Studio in Pan Pacific Singapore which allows for an uninterrupted view of the Marina Bay Sands and the bay area. However, my room did allow for a much wider view of Singapore. It was also strangely therapeutic gazing into the city lights from afar. 

I had breakfast at Oscar's the following morning (S$43++ per guest if breakfast is not included in your room rate) which served egg cocottes and frittatas apart from fresh sashimi. More interestingly, there was an ice-cream counter where you could concoct your favourite sundae recipe. 

The rates at Conrad Centennial Singapore do not usually come cheap but there's still a week more to go before the current weekend promotion (25% off weekend stays) runs out. Rooms start at S$270++ for double occupancy (classic room with no executive lounge access and no breakfast) or S$360++ for the executive room I stayed in. Advance rates (non-promotional) are usually S$324++ and S$432++ respectively so the current promotional rates are actually pretty decent. 

Enjoy up to 30% off hotels and resorts in the Asia-Pacific Region by clicking through the link.

Conrad Centennial Singapore
2 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038982
Website | Email

Hotel Review: Hilton Singapore (Executive Room)

I stayed at the Hilton Singapore over the past weekend to enjoy some personal space and time away from the hectic daily life. I also made a deliberate attempt to mute all work-related email notifications to ensure that I do not get tempted to do what I should not. While I have covered this hotel in a previous review, I thought this stay was pretty exceptional so it deserved another review. Besides, I stayed in a different room type this time and thought I might cover more aspects of the hotel.  

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Lodgewood by L'hotel Mongkok Hong Kong

Located in the heart of Mongkok on Kowloon West, lies a new kid on the block with only 83 rooms and suites - the LODGEWOOD by L'hotel. Chosen for her proximity to famous eateries and night markets, the hotel can be easily accessed via various methods.

In my opinion, the best way to get to the hotel is to take the Airport Express (Train) to Kowloon, then take the free hotel shuttle into the hotel. Do remember that group discounts apply for 2-4 people so make sure you don't buy them using the ticketing machines as you won't get the discounted tickets. Single trip tickets from the airport to Kowloon costs HKD$90 per person but only HKD$70 person when you buy two tickets. Buying four tickets reduces this to HKD$55 per person! The train comes every 10 minutes or so and it takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to get to Kowloon. 

Seasoned travelers would know that accommodation in Hong Kong is definitely on the higher side and especially so for luxury hotels. To put things into perspective, the Conrad Singapore costs approximately S$340 a night whilst the Conrad Hong Kong costs S$577 for the cheapest room without breakfast. The Lodgewood in comparison, costs approximately S$200 a night. 

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The room was not luxurious but yet charming in its own way. Space was maximised as custom-built furniture ensured that no space was wasted. There was ample space under the bed to put your luggage and more than sufficient drawers/cupboards were available for hanging of clothes and storage. An electronic safe albeit small, was also provided to keep your valuables (relatively) safe while you're out visiting the city. 

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The room also came equipped with a mini-fridge and a microwave oven. You may also find a range of cutleries (including chopsticks and soup bowls) in one of the drawers. Having a microwave in the room enables you to heat up (leftover) street food should you get hungry at night. 

Albeit not having a bath tub (which is usually a main consideration for picking hotels), my stay at Lodgewood has been more than simply enjoyable. The rain shower area overlooked the room through a concave glass window. The only problem for me was that the privacy curtains were located outside. That is to say that someone can open these curtains while you're showering and there's no way you can draw them since they are located outside the bathroom. Then again, you'll probably be staying with friends or your loved ones so this should not be a problem at all. 

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The room also came with two complimentary bottles of water each day and some basic grooming/hygiene amenities. The bathrooms were not extravagant but definitely spacious and modern with quality fittings. Bath amenities were White Tea scented and were locally branded. Interestingly, even the television in the room was branded by L'hotel. 

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The bedrooms also came with an iPhone dock from JBL that was compatible with iPhone 5/5s. Electrical sockets can also be found around the room and there was one at each side of the bed to make sure that technology-reliant travelers get ample juice after a restful night sleep. 

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My room on the twelve floor overlooked a quiet part of Mongkok and there was no noise to disturb my sleep at night. However, the walls between rooms are slightly thin so you can actually hear it when your neighbour comes back or slams a cupboard door. That being said, it does not happen often and will most definitely not affect your rest. All in all a great property that is value for money in a rather centralised location. 

Leave a message if you need food recommendations around the area and I'll do my best to help! 

Lodgewood by L'hotel
1131 Canton Road, Mongkok, Hong Kong
Website | Email

Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay

Located just one street away from the busy walkways of Clarke Quay where tourists and locals both enjoy alfresco dining along the Singapore River lies the newest addition to the Singapore IHG family, the Holiday Inn Express (HIX) Clarke Quay. The HIX is a no-frills kind of accommodation that is a separate brand from Holiday Inn which caters towards a more value-conscious segment of travellers. The roof level (level 8) provides for travellers a rather unique 40m swimming pool and two jacuzzi pools that overlook certain areas of Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Read more about this location now! 

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InterContinental Singapore Staycation

The InterContinental Singapore officially opened in 1995 and has since then been a characteristic landmark of Singapore. Decorated in Peranakan and Colonial style, this iconic property has remained an exemplary example of impeccable hospitality over the years. 

While many first time visitors to Singapore may choose to stay around Orchard Road and the Marina Bay area, seasoned travelers will know that the MRT network in Singapore is extensive and it's really easy to get around places pretty quickly. Surrounding this tastefully old-fashioned hotel is a treasure trove filled with rich cultural heritage, excellent food, affordable shopping and a side of the city that visitors don't usually associate with. It is also situated conveniently above the East West Line (Bugis MRT) and the newly opened Downtown Line. 

The IHG mobile application allowed me to export my reservation confirmation into Passbook. This in reality serves minimal purpose since they can easily look up my reservation using my name on the credit card. Whilst the official check-in and check-out times are 3pm and 12pm respectively, rooms may be available earlier (or later) if you email in advance to ask. Correspondence between the InterContinental Singapore team was professional and timely - something you would expect from a leader in hospitality. 

For this stay, I stayed in a non-smoking Club InterContinental Room with Club InterContinental Lounge access and benefits. I arrived at the main lobby area to check-in but was met with a large crowd. I then approached the concierge who showed me to the InterContinental Club for an expedited check-in. I was offered a drink while I waited for the staff to verify whether my room was ready. The friendly staff then ran through all club benefits (including but not limited to Afternoon Tea, Cocktail Hour, Breakfast) with me. As a Platinum IHG member I was also given two free drinks at the Victoria Bar downstairs, a 3pm late check-out and some dining benefits. It is worth noting that InterContinental Hotels have a separate (paid) loyalty program that complements the IHG program - InterContinental Ambassador

I received a handwritten welcome letter alongside a Club InterContinental letter detailing all Club benefits at check-in. Although I have received welcome letters from General Managers of other luxury hotels, none of them were actually handwritten like this one which I thought provided a really nice personal touch. 

Being almost two decades old and having a colonial theme meant that the rooms were not going to be swanky like the W Hotel. I was given a corner room in the main hotel building and was also told that it will be slightly bigger. Honestly, I was initially taken aback by the antiquated look of the room. Compared to the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport that I stayed a couple of weeks ago, this room was indeed on the other end of the spectrum when measuring the modernism of interior décor. 

However, the room was indeed very spacious. Apart from the huge reception area as shown in the photo above, the bedroom and bathroom were large as compared to other luxury properties in Singapore. The Peranakan tiles inspired carpet was classy and although the room décor was slightly dated, it was well maintained. There was also a pillow menu boasting seven different kinds of pillow, ensuring that every guest gets the best sleeping experience.

Nonetheless, I did have one minor issue with the room. Whilst the curtains managed to block out most of the light to ensure darkness for sleeping, some light still managed to seep through the sides. This may pose as an issue for light sleepers wanting to sleep in. This was also prevalent in the bathroom so I highly suggest closing the bathroom doors to minimise the light coming through in the morning. 

The bathroom was extremely roomy boasting a separate shower area and a deep bathtub that overlooked certain areas of Bugis, allowing for a glance over the Marina Bay and City Hall area. Bathroom amenities were provided by Agraria, a boutique brand from San Francisco that provides for InterContinental Hotel & Resorts worldwide. I was not a huge fan of the Lemon Verbena scent as it vaguely reminds me of detergent but some may find it uplifting to some extent. 

I had a stroll around the property briefly before heading to the Club for Afternoon Tea (2.30pm to 5pm). The lobby lounge exhibited an air of elegance and was stunning from the second level. Natural light streamed in from the glass ceiling on the sides, illuminating the entire area in a luminous amber while refined and almost opulent chandeliers hung from above, completing the entire symphony of grandeur. 

Being a huge lover of natural lighting (in the comfort of air-conditioning), I particularly liked the area outside of Man Fu Yuan - one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Singapore that serves authentic Cantonese cuisine and delicate Dim Sums. 

Entering the main area of the InterContinental Club, it is evident that the interior décor of the Club has been heavily inspired by authentic Peranakan-style furniture. It was quiet as some executive level guests tucked themselves away in little corners on their laptops. Tea was served in beautiful teapots with real tea leaves and tea snacks included focaccias, wraps, cookies and some tradition Nyonya snacks. I liked how there was ample space between couches and tables. 

However, this was a problem when it came to Cocktail Hour (5.30pm to 7.30pm). After calling for a turndown service, I arrived at the InterContinental Club at 6.30pm, the entire area was taken up and I had to eventually share a table with a guest. That being said, it was not an unpleasant experience but you should definitely head down the Club early if you would like a table (or the comfy sofas) on your own. The beverage menu for Cocktail Hour was quite extensive as it covered a handful of popular cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and other beverages. I thought the Singapore Sling was pretty delicious and I highly recommend you begin quenching your thirst with that. Canapés such as cheese, Dim Sum, pastries, salads, fruits and other nibbles were also served alongside alcohol. 

Upon returning to my room, the turndown service has already been completed. Water and shampoo was replenished, extra bath towels were given, curtains have been drawn and slippers were placed on the side of the bed. Laundry bags were also placed on the bed for easy access should you require any laundering or pressing done. While the turndown service was completed in a timely manner, I thought the Pan Pacific Singapore did a much better job in comparison. The latter allowed for a guest to request for turndown services through the press of a button and the rooms were turned down to almost a brand new state. 

Overlooking the busy streets of Bugis, I took a long and deep soak in the tub before calling it a night.

The next morning, I chose to have breakfast at the Olive Tree restaurant instead of the InterContinental Club as I was interested in a more extensive breakfast buffet (6.30am to 10.30am). Upon reaching the restaurant at approximately 9am, there was a line waiting to enter the restaurant. I waited approximately ten minutes which was not half as bad as I thought it would be. 

Unlike other restaurants where you had to either wait in line for an omelette or to come back later to pick it up, the Olive Tree staff will send your order to your table as long as you have your table number handy. The restaurant was packed and the wait for a cooked to order item had an at least 5-7 minutes wait. Quality of food was average in my opinion and the variety was limited. The Pan Pacific Singapore still has the best breakfast that I've had in Singapore so I highly recommend them for a weekend staycation.  

I then went to check out the hotel facilities after breakfast. The hotel pool (on level four) was pretty small and the tanning areas were rather limited. That being said, it was still a rather quiet area that one could enjoy a leisurely swim. 

The hotel gym (on level three), like most hotel gyms, was dated and lacked a variety of gym machines. However, I have to say that the InterContinental Singapore gym did have a handful of threadmills available for her guests alongside some decent workout machines. Let's be honest though, who's going to use the gym when you're on a staycation? Then again, if you're here on business and don't already have a global gym membership, it's easy to burn off those Peranakan goodies from the previous day right here. 

As I made my way back to the room, I realised an uncanny resemblance of these white washed walls to a particular scene in the movie Titanic. As mentioned before, albeit having an old fashioned colonial design, the interiors were extremely well taken care of and did not show signs of age through wear and tear at all. 

As I spent some time in bed catching up on my weekly reads and some television, I realised that guests of the InterContinental Singapore were able to download an extensive range of newspaper/magazines for free via the PressReader Application. I already have a subscription to this service so it does not really apply to me but I'm sure international travelers will appreciate the flexibility of reading the newspaper from home on a tablet of your choice.

Whilst I know that some hotels and good libraries around the world do offer similar privileges, I was quite surprised that this was not mentioned at check-in or at the InterContinental Club. I really enjoy the PressReader subscription (for US$30 a month) and I think it's a really good investment but more on this another time.

I enjoyed one last glance of the grand lobby as patrons enjoyed their Sunday brunch. Although the InterContinental Singapore has lived up to its standards by ensuring a high level of service and attentiveness to details, I don't think I will be back soon. With the same price to pay, I think the Pan Pacific Singapore or the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport serve as better candidates for the perfect weekend staycation in Singapore. 

However the Club room privileges do provide a nice touch of luxury and privacy for discerning guests or simply travelers who enjoy a more intimate setting. If you're a business traveler or simply a traveler who is searching for an alternative area to stay in (apart from Orchard or Marina Bay), I would definitely recommend the InterContinental Singapore for some good old fashioned luxury whilst you immerse yourself in the grandeur of the property and the rich heritage of the Bugis area. 

Book your next InterContinental stay here

InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966
Website | Email

Hotel Review: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (Deluxe Room)

Coming in fifth place and voted as one of the World's Top 10 Airport Hotels by the World Airport Awards, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport sits quietly in a corner of Terminal 3. That being said, the entrance to the hotel cannot be easily missed as clear signage from the MRT Station and around the terminal points you towards the property. Once in a while, a hotel exceeds my expectations by showing me what it has to offer. My recent staycation at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport over the weekends has inspired me to take more photos than usual as I really liked what is done with the overall property design. Email communications with the hotel were also replied promptly which is always a good telltale sign of a healthy property.

The walls of the walkway allowed natural lighting to come in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that I believe will be beneficial for weary travelers. Personally, the airport is a pretty cold place (metaphorically speaking and otherwise). However, the passageway actually created this bridge of distinction between a place of hospitality and a place of transit. 

The location of this hotel is excellent for both business travelers and guests coming for staycations. There is a supermarket approximately ten minutes walk away with a range of dining options that cater for different tastes and budgets. Many of these restaurants are also open 24 hours so you can be sure to satisfy a midnight craving or a post-flight hunger pang. 

The check-in process was almost painless and since I was approximately an hour early, I had to wait a couple of minutes while they checked on the condition of the room. As an IHG Platinum member, I was upgraded to a Club Room on the executive floor with direct pool access from my room. I was also offered a 4pm late check-out (which was highly beneficial since it started pouring around 12pm), two welcome drinks at the bar, a fruit platter as well as some discounts for laundry and restaurants within the hotel. I went up to check out my room once I was told that my room was ready. However, upon reaching the entrance of my room, I realised that there was a pair of work shoes in front of the door and I pressed the doorbell to check if there was indeed someone in my room. Surprisingly, housekeeping was still in the room and so I showed myself to the Club Lounge while I waited for the room to be ready (for real this time). 

The Club Lounge was vacant when I visited and I was quickly offered a drink by the staff after selecting a seat overlooking the magnificent garden pool. The coffee was a standard caffeine infused beverage that one may expect from a coffee machine. On this note, I do not remember the last time an Executive Club Lounge actually served real coffee. My room was ready in about five minutes after sitting down, and I was told that my room was special because it was one of the few rooms with direct access to the pool. 

The room like most modern hotel rooms, came with a deep soaking tub behind a glass wall that overlooked the bedroom (and more importantly, the TV). The bathroom also came equipped with in-built speakers to make sure whatever you're watching is audible even when you're enjoying a good soak. I really enjoyed the almost-symmetry arrangement of my bedroom. The floral mural across the walls and bathroom glass actually did create a rather soothing effect to the overall atmosphere of the room. While instant coffee was provided, one thing that was lacking in the room however was a coffee machine. However, being on the executive floor meant that I could hop over the Club Lounge quickly for a caffeine fix whenever I wanted to. 

As mentioned previously, one of the full-length window panels open up to the swimming pool directly. While one may question the difficulty of taking a lift down to the pool level, having it literally at your door step is a luxury due to the ease of access.

IHG Platinum members also enjoyed complimentary internet that was accessible via my room. It is worth noting however that a more expensive and supposedly higher speed internet was available at an additional fee. Like most other IHG properties, this complimentary internet (24 hours) was available for up to 4 devices. The spacious work desk that overlooks the beautiful garden area, allows for the business traveler to catch up quickly on work before the temptation of taking a dip in the pool takes over. 

One of the benefits of club rooms is the cocktail hour where drinks and canapes are served. The cocktail hour for Crowne Plaza Changi Airport ran from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, offering a range of alcoholic beverages and evening snacks. Apart from the delicious Shiraz that I was offered, I particularly liked the sweets that were served. A club room is always a good decision if you intend to have a drink of two at the hotel. 

I was unable to resist the temptation for a swim after the cocktail hour (although swimming after drinking is questionable). However, it is worth knowing that the pool isn't heated. While some may call the cold refreshing, it was not pleasant to me initially. Once you're warmed up however, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings, the control tower and the regular flight take-offs from the pool. Times like these, you'd wish you have a pool access room. 

Bathroom amenities were from The White Company. The invigorating scent from these products was the perfect complement to an after-swim rinse down. 

Light sleepers need to note that the sounds from airplanes taking off are not completely blocked off as the rooms are not sound-proof. That being said, as a relatively light sleeper myself, the noise did not affect me much as I didn't have trouble sleeping. In fact, I thought the beds were amazing to sleep in. Additionally, the rooms are designed to allow for natural lighting to come into the bathroom and the entrance. To ensure that you have near complete darkness, it is highly recommended that you draw the blinds for the bathroom and at the entrance of the door. 

I chose to have breakfast at Azur on level two instead of the Club Lounge as I fancied a little more variety over privacy. Featuring two open concept kitchens, the restaurant offered a mix of Western and Eastern cuisines for her guests. IHG Rewards Club members have a reserved seating area which is positioned strategically in front of the omelette station. 

After breakfast, I took a leisurely stroll back to the room as there was no need to rush. The 4pm late checkout for Platinum IHG Members is definitely a much appreciated luxury. I enjoyed a lazy afternoon by the pool (after the rain has subsided) and watched as the planes went by. After returning to the room after my swim, I requested for some additional bath amenities to be sent up. However, these were never sent up and I just requested it from a housekeeping staff who was around the corridor approximately twenty minutes later. This is actually the first property that I have encountered to fail in delivering additional amenities. 

After checking out, I went to the Lobby Lounge to redeem my 'Welcome Drink' (which was evidently my departure drink). I really liked how the natural light illuminates the entire area while boasting a garden view. A quiet weekend at this amazing property topped off with a glass of Merlot. There's really not much more I can ask for... except maybe for that heated pool dream to come true. 

Book your next Crowne Plaza visit here.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819664
Website | Email

Hotel Review: Conrad Bali (Deluxe Ocean View)

Located about two and a half hours from Singapore is a popular getaway beach destination - Bali. I stayed at the Conrad Bali and spent three days at this fantastic property. I contacted the hotel to arrange for transport from the Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport for US$22 each way (per vehicle). Alternatively, you may choose to flag down one of many taxis for a cheaper rate (approximately US$8 - 10). The hotel is located at Nusa Dua, which is away from the usual Kuta haunts in Bali. As such, the beaches are a lot quieter but that also equates to being further away from the action and having to spend more time commuting to popular destinations. 

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