These days, you do not have to go faraway to get the feeling that you've gone
on a holiday.
More establishments are wooing guests to make their hotel the "staycation" of
choice by making the kids feel at home.
Hotels are going the extra mile by providing add-on services like children's
bathrobes and bedroom slippers and mini toothbrushes to make child travellers
feel like going to Orchard Road or Sentosa is like going on a real vacation.
However, staycations with all these extras do not come cheap, according to The
Straits Times. It reported that a two-night stay could set a family back by
about $1,000.
But increasingly, such short stays have become viable options for parents
because they do not have to deal with logistical nightmares of packing for an
overseas trip.
Here are 10 staycation ideas at family-friendly hotels in Singapore, ranging
from those with spacious rooms to those that offer child-friendly services.
1. FESTIVE HOTEL
Families looking for a getaway can check into the Festive Hotel located at
Resorts World Sentosa where there are spacious rooms that could accommodate up
to five.
Designed with families in mind, the rooms are separated into different sleeping
quarters for parents and kids, while families which require more space can opt
for suites that come with an extra living space.
1. FESTIVE HOTEL
Children will get the novelty of jumping into loft beds of their own. If you
have two of more kids or are travelling with a helper, then the sofa also folds
out to become a double bed to create extra sleeping space.
Further cashing in on the family travel segment, the hotel also offers candies
at the reception for children, welcom novelty packs and kids' tailored
bathrobes on request.
To entertain the kids, FestiveWalk - the integrated resort's dining and
entertainment strip- is located just outside the hotel. Watch the various light
or laser shows that run nightly or head to the Universal Studios amusement park
where kids can take the roller coasters or water rides. Hopefully, with
jam-packed activities lined up, the little tots will be exhausted by the end of
the day.
Room rates: From S$400 (excluding taxes). Contact details: Festive
Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway; +65 6577 8899
2. WANDERLUST
Boutique hotels, typically frequented by chi-chi couples, don't usually come to
mind as kid-friendly accommodation. But kids will like this one.
Tucked away in a corner of Little India is Wanderlust hotel, opened by boutique
hotelier Loh Lik Peng, who created whimsical rooms that promises to pique your
imaginations.
2. WANDERLUST
From a garishly gigantic typewriter to a vibrantly coloured life-size tree
house, the hotel features nine loft rooms on level four that come with high
ceilings and loft beds.
During the day, take your kids to the culturally-rich Little India for an
educational walk. Visit the Hindu temples in the vicinity, try some Indian
lassi, get a saree fitted or some henna done.
Room rates: From S$300. Contact details: 2 Dickson Road; + 65 6396
3322
3. SHANGRI-LA RASA SENTOSA RESORT
At this newly renovated resort, your kids will be busier than you for once.
Family-size rooms are spacious and fit two adults and two kids comfortably.
A stay there also comes with complimentary lunch and dinner with
"child-appropriate food", according to a 34-year-old housewife Silvia Ho who
was interviewed by The Straits Times in the article, 'Hotel stays for
families', dated on Sept 4, 2011.
3. SHANGRI-LA RASA SENTOSA RESORT
Other highlights include a three-storey tree house slide which winds down to a
pool of colourful balls, a covered children's pool and a play area with slides
and water jets.
For older kids, perhaps you can expose them to bigger challenges like the
Flying Trapeze or Rock Wall.
Room rates: From S$476 per night (family fun package inclusive buffet
meals and use of Flying Trapeze). Contact details: 101 Siloso Road; +65 6275
0100
4. HARD ROCK HOTEL
Hard Rock Hotel will appeal to tweens and teens who aspire to be the rock stars
of tomorrow.
Much unlike our ordinary homes, the teenagers will be eager to spend a few
nights in guest rooms designed with ultra-hip furniture and bathroom lighting
that brighten up like the dressing room of a superstar.
On a more practical note, adults will be delighted to know that
pull-out beds are available in all rooms.
4. HARD ROCK HOTEL
A major draw of the hotel's man-made beach which features a free-form pool and
a volleyball court - both great spaces for kids to play.
Hard Rock Hotel also has a Kids Club where there are all-day programmes for
children, including storytelling and art and craft sessions.
From S$450 (excluding taxes). Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa,
8 Sentosa Gateway; +65 6577 8899;
www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Hotels/HardRockHotel
5. MARINA BAY SANDS
The infinity pool on the SkyPark at the 57th floor is a draw for all, kids and
grown-ups alike.
Kids can also roam around the observation deck (with supervision, of course)
from which different parts of Singapore can be seen from various vantage
points.
