The Covid-19 restrictions have been going topsy-turvy, from five-pax to two-pax with confusing vaccination status allowances, to an all-out ban on dining-in. Although we’re back in Phase 2 Heightened Alert, take heart in the fact that we can still go for staycays. And just in case you’re bored of regular hotels, here are some themed hotel staycation ideas to consider.
We’ve included local hotels with various overseas vibes to satiate all the travel-starved Singaporeans. There are also aesthetic themes for people who are particularly drawn to the minimalist loft, vintage shophouse or urban jungle experience. Whichever it is, make full use of the exclusive hotel promos and additional SRV perks for DBS/POSB Cardmembers.
Image credit: Google Maps
We’re getting close to the one-year mark since Emily In Paris was the talk of the town – how time flies. The inimitable Parisian charm remains a timeless favourite, though. And The Vagabond Club Singapore is a lesser-known hotel that’ll make you feel fancy and très chic.
In the unexpected location of Jalan Besar, you’ll find this striking red-and-white low-storeyed hotel amidst miscellaneous businesses like hardware stores, homeware centres and even industrial supply providers.
Junior Executive Club Suite
Image credit: The Vagabond Club Singapore
Step inside to find classy decor dripping in rich tones of maroon and gold, and the crème de la crème: executive club suites with skylights allowing the sunshine to flood in. Skylights can be found in the Junior, Art and Vagabond executive club suites. But if you’re looking for something more pocket-friendly, there’s a sweet deal for DBS/POSB Cardmembers.
DBS promo: Book using a DBS/POSB card to stay at the Classic Room from $239++, using the promo code “LPR”. Receive a complimentary upgrade to the Courtyard Executive Club Room, daily breakfast for two, and late check-out at 2PM*.
*For stays from Monday to Thursday only, and subject to availability.
Find out more about DBS promos for The Vagabond Club Singapore.
Valid from now till 30th December 2021.
Image credit: @j.b.bernard
When we stroll past stretches of colourful shophouses in Singapore at neighbourhoods like Joo Chiat and Outram Park, there might be some fleeting desires of one day living there. It seems like such an idyllic way of life but, for those who aren’t quite ready to leave behind HDB or condo dwellings, there’s always Hotel NuVe Heritage at City Hall.
The chic vintage shophouse combines modern and contemporary, and you can be sure that the room conditions won’t be a throwback to the 70s. Flushed in pristine white brick and light wooden tones, the rooms evoke a classy and serene atmosphere.
The Artist Suite
Image credit: Hotel NuVe Heritage
If you’re spoilt for choice on the numerous room types, we recommend either the Artist Suite or Explorer Suite. The former comes with an outdoor bathtub where you can soak in some suds and watch the world go by. Bathing on a rooftop garden with a bird’s-eye view of the city is truly one for the bucket list!
The Explorer Suite
Image credit: Hotel NuVe Heritage
Meanwhile, the Explorer Suite boasts a massive 45-square metre room for you to prance and dance around in. For reference, that’s about the size of an entire two-room HDB flat. It also has a Super King-sized bed for you to snooze in, and canopy drapes so you can sleep like royalty.
Trip.com promo: Exclusively available for DBS/POSB Cardmembers, book your Hotel NuVe Heritage staycation with SRV via Trip.com to get:
Tours and ticket bookings via Trip.com are also subject to $10 off with a $100 minimum spend, using the promo code “DBS10TNT”. Limited to the first 100 redemptions per month.
Find out more about DBS promos for Trip.com SRV bookings.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
Bali has long been one of the top travel destinations for stressed out Singaporeans, offering a quick beach getaway at low airfare prices. While it’s been many moons since we’ve last visited a beach not on Singapore soil, Dusit Thani Laguna is a local hideout providing the same tranquil resort vibes.
Situated in the East side, this hotel is one of Singapore’s newest – having just opened in February 2021. Although it’s kind of ulu, surrounded by country clubs and even a NEWater factory – Dusit Thani Laguna is ideal for those who want to just get away from it all. The many amenities also mean that you’ll be plenty entertained within the confines of the resort.
There are multiple swimming pools for you to have a dip in, tennis courts for you to channel your inner Serena or Rafael, and two different golf courses if you fancy giving the “rich people sport” a try.
For those who prefer nua-ing in the room over some chill activities, the hotel has a series of board games for you to pass the time. You can challenge your staycay companion to classics like Jenga, or even Monopoly: Spongebob Squarepants edition, among others.
Food from The Greenhouse at Laguna
Needless to say, your pampering and dining needs will all be settled by the in-house spa and five different eateries to order takeaway or room service from. For more deets, check out our full Dusit Thani Laguna review.
GlobalTix promo: Exclusively available for DBS/POSB Cardmembers, book your Dusit Thani Laguna staycation with SRV via GlobalTix to get a $5 Gojek voucher, no minimum spend. This is limited to the first 300 redemptions weekly, and multiple redemptions are allowed.
Find out more about DBS promos for GlobalTix SRV bookings.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
Image credit: Ascott
There’s an official MUJI Hotel all the way in Shenzhen, which is sure to delight any MUJI-loving Singaporean. We’re not likely to be able to fly to Japan nor China anytime soon, but the highly MUJI-esque Ji Hotel Orchard will do nicely in the meantime.
Image credit: Ascott
Situated just a three-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT, this quaint and cosy hotel opened in 2019 and is still a relatively hidden gem. Compared to the same few boutique hotels everyone has on the tip of their tongues as soon as a staycay is mentioned, Ji Hotel Orchard offers greater affordability. The central location also means access to a ton of retail and dining options.
Image credit: Ascott
Their rooms are spacious and comfy without veering towards opulence. Decor wise, expect simple and soothing designs as opposed to in-your-face aesthetics for the Instagrammable factor. In short, this is a solid choice if you want a no-frills getaway to just relax and recharge.
Klook promo: Exclusively available for DBS/POSB Cardmembers, book your Ji Hotel staycation with SRV via Klook to get $50 off with a $400 minimum spend, or $10 off with $150 minimum spend.
Attraction bookings via Klook are also subject to $10 off with a $60 minimum spend.
Find out more about DBS promos for Klook SRV bookings.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
Image credit: Cube Hotels
Another hotel concept which always gives major Japan vibes, other than the classic Muji-esque aesthetic, is the capsule-style accommodation. You might be picturing cramped quarters which are only suited for solo travellers needing nothing more than peaceful slumber, but the capsule rooms at CUBE Family Boutique are decked out in spacious and futuristic fittings.
Image credit: Traveloka
With rooms that are ideal for couples as well as families, you can choose between getting cosy in a double bed or having individual bunks for each person. One thing’s for sure, the stylish and luxurious bunks will be a delight to navigate – for both kids and the young at heart.
Family rooms have bunk beds with safety nets, so you won’t have to worry about the kids taking a tumble.
Image credit: Cube Hotels
In an unexpected location, just two minutes away from Chinatown MRT on foot, you’ll be surrounded by things to do, see, and dabao back to your capsule to eat. This includes notable attractions and landmarks like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Pagoda Street to peruse unique stalls.
Traveloka promo: Exclusively available for DBS/POSB Cardmembers, book your CUBE Family Boutique staycation with SRV via Traveloka to get $15 off Singapore hotel bookings with a $300 minimum spend. Use the promo code “DBSSRVH”, limited to the first 200 redemptions per month and one redemption per user per month.
You can also get $10 off Singapore tour and attraction SRV bookings on Traveloka with a $100 minimum spend. Use the promo code “DBSSRVX”, limited to the first 100 redemptions and one redemption per user per month.
*Note: Minimum spend is calculated before SRV is applied.
Find out more about DBS promos for Traveloka SRV bookings.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
Image credit: Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Singapore may be a concrete jungle for the most part, but we’ve also earned the nickname “Garden City”. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is a perfect marriage between nature and the metropolitan, featuring sleek modern architecture against lush greenery.
Image credit: Pan Pacific Hotels Group
This is a hotel where you’ll want to be out and about, exploring the premises instead of holing up in the room. While the rooms and suites are comfy and stellar for your mealtimes and shut-eye, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay has scenic layouts and Insta-worthy set-ups aplenty.
Image taken before Phase 2 Heightened Alert, for illustration purposes only.
Image credit: Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Saunter through the high-ceiling lobby with luscious trees and wooden accents, pick up some takeaway dinner from the in-house restaurants set in glasshouses, or hang out with your staycay buddy in the intricately-constructed pavilions. The pavilions are a sight to behold, and resemble fancy bird nests which us humans can get cosy in.
DBS promo: Book using a DBS/POSB card to get 10% off the Best Available Rate across participating Pan Pacific hotels. Get 15% off the Best Available Rate with the following cards: DBS Black Visa/Amex, DBS Woman’s World Mastercard, DBS Altitude Visa Signature, DBS Treasures Black Elite Amex, and DBS Insignia Visa Infinite.
On top of the 10% or 15% off discount, there will be complimentary breakfast for up to two adults per booking. Pan Pacific Discovery members also get to enjoy an additional 10% off.
Find out more about DBS promos for Pan Pacific Hotels Group.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
Image credit: Google Maps
In the culture-rich Katong district, you’ll find Santa Grand Hotel East Coast. It’s relatively off-the-radar when it comes to potential staycay spots, but checks all the boxes for a fuss-free yet enjoyable hotel stay.
Image adapted from: Santa Grand
First off, the exterior is classy and pretty darn gorgeous. What makes it even more meaningful is that the building has been specially conserved over the years for its history. The site began as a shophouse cluster occupied by Peranakan folks, all the way back in the 1920s.
Within the hotel, you’ll find loads of vibrant Peranakan artefacts, from colourful vases to meticulously crafted wooden furniture.
Image credit: Santa Grand
Although there is a lot of heritage and tradition behind the neighbourhood and the building itself, don’t go thinking that Santa Grand is a run-down hotel devoid of modern-day fittings. Journey to the rooftop for access to their outdoor pool. You’ll have sunshine cascading upon you, a jacuzzi area bubbling away at your sore muscles, and lots of trees surrounding you for a paradise vibe.
Changi Recommends promo: Exclusively available for DBS/POSB Cardmembers, book your Santa Grand Hotel East Coast staycation with SRV via Changi Recommends to get 20% off with a $150 minimum spend, capped at $40 and limited to the first 250 redemptions per month.
Alternatively, you can also get 10% off with no minimum spend, capped at $10 and limited to the first 800 redemptions per month.
Find out more about DBS promos for Changi Recommends SRV bookings.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
Image credit: Heritage Collection
Loft hotels are highly favoured by Singaporeans, perhaps because there’s just something inexplicably fun about dashing up and down some stairs in a cosy little space. The treehouse-esque feeling is also something most of us wouldn’t be able to recreate in a HDB or condo, so it beats sleeping in a regular bed – no matter how atas and comfortable.
Heritage Collection on the far right
Image credit: Google Maps
Heritage Collection On Seah is yet another shophouse boutique hotel, looking charming and old-timey on the outside, but super chic and modern within. Located centrally in between Bugis and City Hall, you’ll be smack in the middle of countless popular food establishments for maximum dabao convenience.
There are three different types of loft rooms: Loft, Premium Loft, and Premium Loft Plus.
Image adapted from: @hericollsg
To keep yourself busy, you can swing by the nearby malls including Suntec City and Bugis Junction, or visit places of interest such as the Mint Museum of Toys, Kampong Glam and the National Museum of Singapore. Cheers to being a tourist in your own country, while we await becoming actual tourists in a foreign land.
Klook promo: Exclusively available for DBS/POSB Cardmembers, book your Heritage Collection on Seah staycation with SRV via Klook to get $50 off with a $400 minimum spend, or $10 off with $150 minimum spend.
Attraction bookings via Klook are also subject to $10 off with a $60 minimum spend.
Find out more about DBS promos for Klook SRV bookings.
Valid from now till 31st December 2021.
It’s one thing to go for a staycay, but themed hotel staycations are where it’s at. Especially if you’re itching for some overseas vibes, or prefer hotels with a specific theme rather than a forgettable standard bedroom.
Your DBS/POSB Cards can unlock a slew of exclusive perks when it comes to hotel stays, and can even grant additional discounts and freebies when you redeem your SRV.
So whether it’s to spend a night or two at a swanky themed hotel or go for an exhilarating full-day outing with your partner or pal, book and pay with your DBS/POSB Card to take full advantage of the savings and bonus perks.
This post was brought to you by DBS.
Cover image credit (clockwise from top-left): The Vagabond Club Singapore, Heritage Collection TheSmartLocal, Ascott
Just an hour away from KL!
Taichung is only an hour by High Speed Rail from Taipei or Taoyuan station.
No more stressing over what to get your loved ones for Christmas.
Gone are the days when family photoshoots used to be boring and extra formal.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
Meet new-to-Singapore species as well.