10 Hotels in Singapore that make for a Family-friendly Staycation

We all could use a good holiday every now and then. But sometimes, we just prefer something with a little less planning - a quick break from the usual daily routine without having to gather the passports, book the various tours, or compare the travel insurance plans. That’s why a staycation right here in Singapore ticks all the right boxes.

The great thing about staycations is it allows the family to enjoy a relaxing break without hitting the road, or skies. So here are our favourite Singapore staycations - all tried and tested - packaged nicely, just for you.

1. Festive Hotel

Of the six hotels in Resorts World Sentosa, kids rule big-time at Festive Hotel. Designed to be a fun and vibrant hotel for families, kids are greeted with sweets and a kid-tailored welcome pack upon check-in. Festive Hotel’s huge rooms are divided into separate sections for parents and kids, with kids having the option of sleeping on colourful loft beds. Each room also comes with a sofa bed which adds extra sleeping space for larger families.

Cheekiemonkies Love: Besides having its own pool, a host of attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and SEA Aquarium is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. So perhaps a one-night staycation is not going to be enough!

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 5 (out of 5)

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Room Rates: From $365++
Tel: 65778899
Website

2. Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa

For the best beach holiday in Singapore with the family, check into Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa. Tucked away at the end of Siloso Beach, the resort offers tons of fun with swimming pools, water slides, a two-storey supervised Kid’s Club, a Cool Zone to occupy kids with various activities and a giant tree house slide. Older kids will enjoy the selection of water sports as parents indulge in idyllic resort comfort.

Cheekiemonkies Love: Cool Zone for kids. Spanning 100sqm over two storeys, this zone consists of three activity centres (Toots Club, Craft Zone and Game Zone) and the highlight is the giant tree house slide that winds from level 3 into a pit of colourful balls on level 1. As an added service, the full-day kid’s programme includes complimentary lunch and/or dinner for kids.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 5 (out of 5)

Address: 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa, Singapore 098970
Room Rates: From $365++
Tel:  62750100
Website

3. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is not a typical transit hotel. Conveniently situated beside Changi Airport Terminal 3, it resembles a tropical paradise resort with huge beautiful rooms. For that added thrill, request a room that faces the airport runway for an awesome view of planes taking off, landing and taxiing along the runway.

Cheekiemonkies Love: Tons of kid-friendly activities right at their doorstep - and FREE too! From indoor playgrounds and tall slides to Skytrains at the airport, there are plenty of free activities to keep the family busy and happy. And, many of the food outlets at Changi Airport are open 24 hours. Head to my previous blog post HERE for more details on the activities available.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Address: 75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664
Room Rates: From $245++
Tel: 68235300
Website

4. Furama RiverFront

Located along Havelock Road between vibrant Chinatown and Orchard Road, Furama RiverFront has recently upped the ante in providing more kid-friendly facilities for families - and it does not get any bigger than kid-themed hotel rooms! Choose from three themes: Go on a swashbuckling adventure in the Pirate-themed room, explore deep sea-diving with marine animals in the Underwater World-themed room or set off on a medieval adventure in the Castle-themed room.

Cheekiemonkies Love: Each room comes with a bunk bed that features a single, double and pull-out bed to accommodate two adults and two children. As an added bonus, an XBOX game console is included in the room as well! Other child-friendly amenities include the PAWS Playroom, a huge play area at its The Square buffet restaurant and an inflatable water bouncy castle.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Address: 405 Havelock Road Singapore 169633
Room Rates: From $270++
Tel: 63338898
Website

5. The Fullerton Hotel

If you wish to stay in a five-star hotel in Singapore that boasts rich history, look no further than The Fullerton Hotel. This grand Neoclassical building situated at the mouth of the Singapore River was once Singapore’s General Post Office, and housed several government departments, where some of Singapore’s pioneer leaders began their careers. Besides boasting some of the plushiest rooms, the hotel's Fullerton Heritage Gallery and Infinity Pool are its other highlights. Do go for its free Fullerton Heritage Tour if time permits.

Cheekiemonkies Love: At Fullerton Hotel, kids are made to feel like kings and queens, thanks to the personal attention and gifts lavished upon them during the stay. "Our Fullerton Adventure" colouring books are provided to all little guests, including ice cream passes which allows kids to redeem a scoop of ice cream daily. How's that for sweet service!

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
Room Rates: From $470++
Tel: 67338388
Website

6. InterContinental Singapore

InterContinental Singapore is strategically situated in the Bugis area, offering a vibrant mix of shops and eateries. It is also just beside the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct. The design of the rooms in the hotel is heavily influenced by Peranakan culture, blending modern luxury and old world charm. For a little
indulgence, head to The Lobby Lounge for its famed afternoon tea or dine at the hotel’s Man Fu Yan restaurant, famed for its delicate handmade dim sum and other classic Cantonese cuisine.

Cheekiemonkies Love: The Shophouse rooms. These rooms are located on the second level of the hotel reflecting how Peranakan shopkeepers used to live on the upper floors and run their business on the ground floor. Hotel guests will be able to look out of the suite windows through the charming wooden shutters, and relive nostalgic memories from yesteryear.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Address: 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
Room Rates: From $300++
Tel: 63797111
Website

7. Swissotel Merchant Court

Situated conveniently next to Clarke Quay MRT station, Swissotel Merchant Court launched its Family Fun Escape package which will most certainly put a smile onto the kiddos' faces! Colourful themed bedding aside, the rooms are designed for 2-17 yr olds and depending on the age group that your kids are in at the time of booking, the room will be furnished with ageappropriate toys and activities. There is even a game console in the room!

Cheekiemonkies Love: Soft toys, activity books, storybooks, puzzles, and kid-sized desk and chairs - all to keep the kids entertained. The bathroom is also stocked with a child friendly step stool, non-slip mat and colourful toiletries.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Address: 20 Merchant Road, Singapore 058281
Room Rates: From $569++ for TWO rooms
Tel: 63372288
Website

8. Village Hotel Changi

Offering a breath of fresh air away from urban Singapore, Village Hotel Changi is near the rustic island of Pulau Ubin and the flora and fauna of the Chek Jawa Wetlands, which are both a bumboat ride away from Changi Ferry Terminal. Request for the newly refurbished Deluxe Rooms on the higher floors to enjoy unblocked views of the Changi coastline.

Cheekiemonkies Love: The rooftop infinity pool. It looks out towards the coastline, which also offers planespotting opportunities for kids.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Address: 1 Netheravon Road Singapore 508502
Room Rates: From $170++
Tel: 63797111
Website

9. Grand Park City Hall

Strategically located just 5 mins away from City Hall MRT station, and minutes away from Raffles City, Suntec and Marina Bay shopping malls, this hotel’s main attraction for families is its “Family
Moments” package. Book a second room at 50% off, and the second room even comes decorated with colourful and cheery bed linen, kids’ amenities and soft toys.

Cheekiemonkies Love: Kid-friendly attractions everywhere! All are within walking distance of the hotel - the Peranakan and Singapore Philatelic Museums, as well as the vast greenery at Fort Canning Park. The Central Fire Station nearby opens its doors to the public every Saturday from 9–11am.

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Address: 10 Coleman Street, Singapore 179809
Room Rates: From $230++
Tel: 64325558
Website

10. Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy

Conveniently located between Parkway Parade shopping centre and the culturally-rich (AND food-rich) Katong district, the hotel is also near to East Coast Park and its many recreational amenities. For families, go for the Studio Suite which is extremely spacious, thanks to the existing sofa bed and the option of adding an extra bed.

Cheekiemonkies Love: Exploring the hotel's surroundings and enjoying the activities that the hotel is close to. Besides being nestled in the heart of historical Katong, a heritage area on the East Coast of the city that is rich in Peranakan culture and having all the Katong coffeeshops/cafes/restaurants one can visit, the hotel is directly opposite Parkway Parade Shopping Mall. Even East Coast Park is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel!

Cheekiemonkies Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

Address: 50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
Room Rates: From $200++
Tel: 63448000
Website


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Enjoyed this post? The second edition of my book, GOT KIDS, GO WHERE?, is OUT NOW, and it is the most important book in the world and will change your life for the better. Without it, you will feel incomplete and lost whenever the weekends and public holidays come along.

Okay, so maybe I exaggerate when I say Got Kids, Go Where? is the most important book in the world. BUT I'm not kidding when I say the book contains brand new 5 chapters - on top of the existing 50 chapters - which works out to a whopping 550 family-friendly activities!

So order your copy online or grab one from Popular, Kinokuniya, Times and MPH bookstores!

Got kids who love planes? Fly to the FREE Aviation-themed Playground at Seletar Aeospace Park!

In case you haven't heard, The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP) is currently the foodie hot spot to head to for a family-friendly alfresco brunch or dinner.

Consisting of a few dining establishments like Wheeler's Estate, Youngs Bar & Restaurant and The Summerhouse, The Oval @ SAP is a cluster of ex-Royal Air Force black and white colonial bungalows – which the restaurants are housed in – that were gazetted for conservation under the Urban Redvelopment Authority Master Plan 2014.

But more than just dining, it is a great place to bring the kids as there are plenty of open green spaces for them to run amok. Oh, and of course there is this.

An aviation-themed playground for the kids!

In keeping with the aviation theme of SAP, all the play structures at the playground come in the form of aeroplanes and other aviation landmarks.

The playground is essentially divided into 2 areas: one for toddlers and younger kids while the other is for older kids who love a good climb.

The toddler area features a mini play structure where everything are mini-sized, like the climbing rope, ladder, wall and slide.

What's a playground without a swing, no?

The perennial merry-go-round fave is given a slight twist here - it comes in the form of a helipad.

But what got the monkies excited was the huge life-sized Ludo (or aeroplane chess) board game that parents and kids can play together!

Up to 16 people can play at any time. But how does one spin the dice to move, you ask? By spinning this rocket-shaped structure in the middle.

Obviously the monkies could not resist indulging in a game of Ludo.

Guess who was the eventual winner?

For older kids, they might fancy the other playground which comes with larger play structure and a control tower.

Scamper up the control tower and one will be rewarded with a meandering slide down.

Besides the usual slides and climbing components, the main play structure also has monkey bars for kids to expend even more energy.

Or you could just simply relax by plonking onto the net swing.

Parents who prefer to let their kids do the playing can rest on the nearby bench area, which interestingly is also shaped like an aeroplane.

The playground is located between The Summerhouse and Wheeler’s Estate. If you are driving, park at either Zone A or Zone D. There are toilets and a wash tap nearby.

Also, do note that the playground is not well-sheltered so it can get really hot during midday and afternoons. Remember to bring along sunblock or caps!

Useful Information

The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park
Address: 3 Park Ln, Singapore 798387
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ovalsap/

5 New Singapore Attractions for Kids that Opened in 2017

UPDATED LIST of 14 New Attractions here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2017/06/new-singapore-attractions-2017-for-kids-families.html


We are nearly approaching the end of the first quarter of 2017 and while there are the usual places to bring the kiddos, there are a few new places that have sprouted up this year to discover together as a family.

Some of them may be familiar names but to the kids, they offer a different fun experience! So the next time the holidays or weekends come along, here are 5 new adventures - of which 3 are FREE for all! - to take your pick from.


1. Diggersite @ ORTO

Located at ORTO, Singapore's first 24-hour multi-recreational park, Diggersite offers little diggers the chance to realise their dream of operating a real-life working excavator! Previously at East Coast Park, Diggersite now occupies a larger area in Yishun which means that the construction vehicles are spaced out further apart.

All of the previous stations at East Coast have been replicated here - some with a slight twist. In total, there are now 5 stations where one of the fave will be kids having the chance to drive - yes, DRIVE - a forklift around the Diggersite compound while transporting a wooden mallet from one point to another. For kids who love sand play, there is a dedicated sand pit with sand toys.

Head HERE for a detailed review.

Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu, #01-01, Singapore 769198
Opening hours: Weekdays 11am - 9pm | Weekends 9am - 9pm
Cost: $5 per ride (7 minutes per ride, except for Forklift which is 5 minutes)
Website: www.facebook.com/diggersite

2. Palawan Pirate Ship

Port of Lost Wonder at Sentosa may have closed its doors in December last year, but the water play park with the iconic pirate ship comprising of plenty of water slides and cannons for the kids to splash around and run amok has OPENED its doors again this year. And best of all, it is FREE for everyone!

Re-branded as Palawan Pirate Ship, the water play area retains all the play features that the kids love. Housing a signature water play area in the shape of a huge pirate ship, expect lots of water pistols, slides and water jets. There is also a wading pool surrounding the entire ship!

Head HERE for a detailed review.

Address: Palawan Beach, Sentosa

Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm daily

Cost: FREE

Website: www.sentosa.com.sg/Explore/Attractions/Palawan-Pirate-Ship

3. Former Ford Factory

Previously known as Memories at Ford Factory - or more recently, Syonan Gallery - the Former Ford Factory is the site of the surrender of Singapore by British forces to the Japanese Imperial Army. Re-opened in February and a national monument, its contents have been revamped and now features refreshed content and a new focus. The gallery highlights a new area of focus for the exhibition by looking at the impact of the war and the Occupation years, including the immediate and longer-term legacies of this period on Singapore and the region.

The exhibition space proper is broadly divided into three zones: Fall of Singapore: Outlines the events leading up to that fateful moment where British forces surrendered unconditionally to the Imperial Japanese Army in the Ford Factory boardroom, Becoming Syonan: Captures the diverse experiences of people during the Japanese Occupation and Legacies: Highlights the various legacies of war and Occupation in Singapore, from the political and social changes that arose and the ways we remember the war in Singapore today.

Head HERE for a detailed review.

Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 9am – 5.30pm | Sundays, 12 noon – 5.30pm

Cost: FREE Admission for all Children under 6, Singaporeans and permanent residents, Singapore student pass holders and Museum Roundtable members | Others: $3 per person

Website: www.nas.gov.sg/formerfordfactory

4. Clip 'n Climb

Okay, so I cheated a little because this attraction opened late last year. But hey, this is one indoor playground with a difference and one which I am sure kids will go crazy over!

New Zealand's indoor climbing theme park Clip 'n Climb has set up base at HomeTeamNS Tampines' space located at the refurbished Our Tampines Hub, a community and sports centre. Quirkily designed walls awash in bright colours greet climbers at Clip 'n Climb, which is not your run-of-the-mill indoor climbing joint. There are 19 wall designs in the 260sqm facility that range from easy for the rookies to difficult for the more experienced, such as the snaking beanstalk from fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, a lightning bolt and Morse code-inspired one.

The park utilises an automatic belay system, which means kids can climb the different walls at the same time without having to take turns. Experience a twist in rock climbing at the Dry Ice wall where you’ll be given ‘ice picks’ - a pair of wooden sticks - to scale the structure and manoeuver yourself to the top.There is no minimum age for climbers, they just need to weigh between 10 and 150kg.

Head HERE for a detailed review.

Address: Our Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4 #03-03, Singapore 529684

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday: 12pm – 9pm | Friday and Saturday: 10am – 11pm | Sunday and public holiday: 10am – 9pm | School holiday and eve of public holiday: 10am – 11pm (1st Monday of every month: 2pm – 9pm)

Cost: From $18 for 90 minutes. View all rates HERE.

Website: www.hometeamns.sg/clip-n-climb-hometeamns/

5. Chestnut Nature Park

There are two areas to Chestnut Nature Park – Chestnut Nature Park (South) and Chestnut Nature Park (North). Chestnut Nature Park (South) opened last year and is Singapore’s first nature park with separate mountain biking and hiking trails. Chestnut Nature Park (North) opened in February this year and together with the southern portion, Chestnut Nature Park now totals 81 hectares, making it Singapore’s largest nature park to date.

If you are planning to bring the kids for their first taste of hiking, great news - the hiking trail is slightly undulating and pretty straightforward. Chestnut Nature Park (South) has a 2.1km hiking trail, while Chestnut Nature Park (North) has a 3.5km hiking trail. Click HERE to download the southern hiking trail and HERE for the northern hiking trail.

For more adrenaline thrills, the 8.2 km mountain biking trail at the fully completed Chestnut Nature Park comprises varying levels of difficulty ranging from easy, moderately difficult, very difficult and extremely difficult. Visitors can rent mountain bicycles at AIRE MTB (Address: 201 Chestnut Avenue, #01-K1, Singapore 679525).

Address: Located along Chestnut Avenue

Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm daily

Cost: Free Admission

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/chestnut-nature-park


I'll update the list whenever new attractions open in Singapore, so do check back often!