10 Tried and Tested Singapore Staycations for Families

 

It sure looks like we will be stuck in Singapore for a while longer so the next best option is to go on a staycation with the family. With so many hotel options in Singapore, it can get mind-boggling to pick one - especially a family-friendly hotel which can keep the kids occupied.

Over the course of the past year, we had the privilege of staying in ten different hotels - five of which are sponsored while the other five are not. Surprisingly, each of them has its own unique charateristics and features to offer to families who may be looking for different experiences (and budgets).

So depending on your staycation preference, here are your options... just in time for the upcoming school holidays!

1. Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore

(Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families gunning for a serviced apartment with a kitchen and LOTS of space (& a kick-ass view too)

Set in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant Central Business District, Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore is home to spacious apartments which come with a kick-ass view.

How's that for a stupendous view? And it sure does help that the apartments come in three types - Studio, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom. For a family of 4 or 5, the two-bedroom offers more than adequate space for the whole family.

In fact, staying here brought back so many memories of us vacationing in Australia because this also came with a fully-equipped kitchen (as well as a washing machine and dryer). We always love heading to supermarkets in Australia to buy groceries and cook - which was what we did at Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore too.

The bedrooms are comfortable and big on space, so it is a breath of fresh air compared to the standard hotel rooms that staycations are usually made of. And did I mention the view already?

Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore also boasts an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor infinity pool, and Residents’ lounge. 

Location is superb too, within walking distance to Tanjong Pagar which has plenty of food options, cafes and supermarkets.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Just one word - SPACE. Lots and lots of it for them to run amok. And be sure to bring them to to the pool too. There is a shallow portion that is perfect for younger kids.

Rate: From $280++ (Studio Deluxe)

*We stayed in the 2-Bedroom Executive (from $518++)

Address: 6 Shenton Way, OUE Downtown 1, #07-01, Singapore 068809

Website

2. W Singapore

(Non-Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families longing for a staycation with that 'overseas feel'

Partly because it is located at the eastern tip of Sentosa, W Singapore - Sentosa Cove, a 5-star luxury hotel under Marriott International, is an oasis of modern luxury for everyone who is craving for a taste of overseas travel. Amidst the lush greenery and lively coastal setting of Sentosa, families can escape from the everyday and take a whirl into the resort lifestyle.

Go for the Wonderful Room, a 40-square-metre mesmerising swirl of art and fashion with 2 double beds. Lit by bold purple hues inspired by the orchid, Singapore’s national flower, floral motifs adorning the furnishing and in the stylishly curated décor complement the sunny tropical scene framed through floor-to-ceiling windows.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Kids (and adults) will love the huge pool, which is also home to a spiral water slide! And since it is situated on Sentosa, there are a wide variety of both free and ticketed attractions that you can bring the kids to on the island.

Rate: From $550++

Address: 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374

Website

3. Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa

(Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families pining for a beach getaway

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.

Families can book the Family Garden Room which is not only equipped with a king-sized bed and a sofa bed for 2 children, it is also conveniently located on the ground floor, offering easy access to the swimming pools, garden and kids club!

WHAT'S IN IT FOR KIDS: The stupendous number of activities to keep the kids occupied!

 In addition to private beach access, Kid's Club and massive pool (with seperate slide pools and water playground), kids can head to Nestopia which features variations of climbing obstacles, suspended bridges, mazes and slides. Kids can embark on an exhilarating adventure through 17 (!!!) play sections with netted obstacle courses connecting 3 giant nests and 2 of the longest slides on Sentosa island! 'Nuff said.

Rate: From $450++

Address: 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa, Singapore 098970

Website

4. York Hotel

(Non-Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families wishing for a huge room with a Balinese touch

Most people probably wouldn’t consider booking a staycation at York Hotel, which is located beside Mt Elizabeth Hospital and a 5-min walk away from Paragon. But it is situated right at the doorstep of Singapore’s lively Orchard Road retail and entertainment belt and besides the usual hotel rooms,  it has Balinese styled cabanas that made my jaw dropped.

The Cabana room is HUGE! And the best part? It comes with one King bed and one Queen bed. I also love the feel of the room, because it makes me feel like I was holidaying in a private villa overseas, thanks to its Balinese-themed vibes.

The good thing is there are only 8 Cabana rooms in total so it is set in an exclusive area. But don’t expect a lot of amenities here at York Hotel because other than the pool, it only has a gym. But If you are looking to escape from the crowd and stay in a ‘different’ room, this Cabana might be the staycation you are looking for.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Having tons of space in the Cabana. In addition, each Cabana comes with its own private patio outside the room, with the pool just right at the doorstep. Granted it is just your average pool, but having that pool in close proximity enhances that resort feels.

P.S. The 8 Cabana rooms comprise of 4 rooms with 2 double beds (like the one we booked) while the other 4 rooms are split-level with just one king bed on the second floor. Great for smaller families.

Rate: From $193++

Address: 21 Mount Elizabeth Singapore 228516

Website

5. Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

(Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families seeking a pampering staycation with a super comfortable room

Tucked away in a corner of Orchard Road, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy street. And stepping into one of its rooms is a clear representation of that calm.

Not only do the rooms come in soothing tones of mocha, beige and ivory, with burgundy accents - with a hint of Peranakan influence - they are also big enough for families AND newly renovated!

We stayed in connecting Boulevard rooms, and can I just say Four Seasons beds are the best. They are just super comfy and we literally spent most of our time in the room just lazing on the bed snacking and watching TV... just how a staycation should really be.

The other great point about Four Seasons Hotel is its location: it's at Orchard Road but not quite on Orchard Road as well. Located along the quiet stretch of tree-lined Orchard Boulevard, it is away from the bustle of Orchard Road but yet it is only a five-minute walk to ION Orchard. Which also means loads of shopping and dining are within walking distance.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Dipping in the hotel's pool and just chilling.

There are two swimming pools at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. One is an outdoor lap pool on the third floor which is for adults only. For families, head to the rooftop pool instead.

Besides offering a panoramic view of the city, the family pool is surrounded by cabanas and deck chairs which makes for the perfect location for chilling while the kids go frolicking away in the pool.

And just for kids, there is also a selection of water toys, floating pool games, kickboards and other swimming accessories. And don’t worry if you forgot to bring sunscreen, the hotel provides it for guests too!

Rate: From $340++

Address: 190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646

Website

6. InterContinental Singapore

(Non-Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families wanting a luxurious staycation in a convenient location

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.

Opt for the Deluxe Room with Two Double Beds which exudes a residential charm with plush beddings and custom furnishings that are specially designed. 

Or for something a little different, book the Heritage Rooms which 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.

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.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: For that ultimate kid-friendly staycation, book the themed Family Suite which comes with two bunk beds! 

Designed to engage little ones and ignite the imagination, the newly-launched Family Suite features a spacious King Bed Room connected to an interactive kid’s zone featuring two custom-designed bunk beds with a slide, engaging crawl spaces, a mini activity desk, and a kid’s tepee. The Family Suite is ideal for two adults and two children (4 - 12 years).

Rate: From $220++

Address: 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966

Website

7. Pan Pacific Singapore

(Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families considering a staycation in the Marina area with kid-friendly activities within the hotel

Directly connected to Marina Square Mall and Suntec City, Pan Pacific Singapore is within easy walking distance to Singapore's most iconic sights. 

Pan Pacific Singapore offers a wide variety of rooms that cater to different family sizes. My suggestion is to go for the Panoramic rooms. Offering city skyline views, the elegant Panoramic Room comes with either a King-sized bed or twin beds and features a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a spacious executive workspace.

If you desire more space, go for the City Suite which offers a whopping 79sqm of space. The suite comes with a separate living area, with one sofa bed, And if you require an additional bed, one can also be added (chargeable).

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Loads of kid activities to keep them occupied - starting with the huge pool (with giant inflatable floats)!

There are also bouncy castle, beanbag and ring toss games, playground and even a herb garden!

Did you know there is a pretty big and beautifully-landscaped Japanese-themed garden on the fourth level of Pan Pacific Singapore for hotel guests too? With the lush landscape of weeping willows, a beautiful koi pond and flowing stream, the garden will make you breifly feel like you are in Japan. 

Rate: From $240++

Address: 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square Singapore 039595

Website

8. Ramada by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park

(Non-Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families searching for a non-mainstream staycation location with a focus on heritage

Mouthful hotel name aside, it is situated in the Balestier/Novena district - a district that isn't where your usual staycation will take you. But that's where the charm is as Balestier Road is home to many historical sites, from colonial-stye villas to traditional shophouses and temples.

Families with kids can book the two-room Suite which offers a king bed fitted, an adjoining living room with a sofa pull-out bed, LED vanity mirrors, mini-refrigerator, Nespresso machine and 2 bathrooms. The suite price includes breakfast for 2 adults and the room can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Go on the Balestier Heritage Trail which will take you to some landmarks that have shaped Balestier Road from its early days to the recent past. You can download the pdf version of the trail HERE.  Or visit the family-friendly Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall which is located directly behind the hotel. Plus, there are loads of supper options for the family too!

Rate: From $170++ (City View Room)

*We stayed in the 2-bedroom Suite (from $300++)

Address: 16 Ah Hood Road, Singapore 329982

Website

9. Hotel Michael

(Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families fancying a resort staycation that is close to all RWS attractions

Planning a few days of fun on Sentosa, then Hotel Michael at Resorts World Sentosa will complete that all-in-one family-friendly staycation itinerary nicely.

My first impression of the hotel was its close proximity to the major attractions at RWS, and also the monorail station! It's less than a 5-minute walk to Universal Studios Singapore and S.E,A, Aquarium, as well as the restaurants at RWS.

With all the fun outdoors, it helps that the Deluxe rooms at Hotel Michael are huge!

I have got to say I was pleasantly surprised by how big the room is. One can actually place another King-sized bed in there! No kidding.

The kids had their own connecting Deluxe room which comes with two Super Single beds - which are big enough to accommodate all three of them after joining the beds together.

As for amenities, Hotel Michael has a gym as well as a swimming pool. The swimming pool is a decent size and there is also a jacuzzi if you are looking for a relaxing dip. Do note, however, that there is no pool for younger kids here.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: Are you kidding? It's RWS and nothing beats the feeling of heading back to the hotel room for a good rest (and bath) after a day of fun at USS or S.E.A. Aquarium!

Rate: From $228++

Address: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269

Website

10. Park Hotel Clarke Quay

(Non-Sponsored)

BEST FOR: Families looking for a no-frills staycation

Park Hotel Clarke Quay has a central, downtown location that is minutes from the Clarke Quay entertainment precinct and CBD. In addition, it has plenty of restaurant and cafe options within the Rovertson Quay area.

The hotel rooms come in neutral undertones and provides a warm and welcoming residence. Althouhg a little dated, they are functiuonal and clean.

Facitilies-wise, there is the 25-metre swimming pool as well as the gym. 

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE KIDS: A no-frills staycation with the whole family as the room pricing for this hotel is the lowest in this list. In addition, it is a walking distance to Fort Canning Park and the super fun Jubilee Park which is home to a few long slides and obstacle course.

Rate: From $160++

Address: 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983

Website