The hype for all things character-related is unwavering, as Singaporeans continue going starry-eyed over character cafes, snapping up cartoon Ez-Link charms, and lining up at ungodly hours for Happy Meal merch. We’re talking about grown adults here – guess there’s just something about themed stuff that brings out everyone’s inner child.
There are already numerous Hello Kitty hotel rooms all over Asia, so we’re pretty surprised that Singapore hasn’t followed suit with its own series of character-themed accommodation…Until now, that is.
Unbeknownst to our staycay-lovin’ masses, the first Tokidoki-themed hotel in Asia has been quietly operating in Singapore since October last year. You’ve got about 2 weeks left to enjoy their vibrant rooms, as they’re part of a pop-up at The Quay Hotel Singapore that will be running till 30th June 2019.
P.S: Check out our article on new hotels in 2019 here.
The Quay Hotel Singapore is a modest 6-storey building located in a row of shophouses in the Boat Quay area. It doesn’t have a gym or a pool, but the central location means you’re right in the thick of all the good food and bars – so you might as well throw that fitness regime aside and indulge.
There are a total of 3 Tokidoki-themed rooms, all located on the top storey of the hotel. A open-air rooftop event space also lies on the same floor.
Staycation idea for larger groups: Book up the entire level and have it serve as your private party pad!
Those who squeal in excitement over all things pink would go nuts for Pastel Dreamland (from $200/night). Its walls are a candy-coloured invasion of Donutella, the donut character, and her equally colourful friends. OwO.
It goes without saying that anyone who books themselves a stay in one of these rooms is mainly down for the aesthetic appeal of it all (i.e., photo-taking opportunities), so if you’re gonna do it for the cam, make sure you do it right! Since the walls are already a flurry of intense hues and patterns, it would help to wear solid basics so you don’t blend into the backdrop.
This particular room is the smallest of the lot, and while it doesn’t have a full-fledged wardrobe, there are pockets of space for you to chuck your bags, as well as multiple drawers for your clothes.
Taking you into the depths of the marine realm is the Mermicorno (from $190/night) room, which is peppered all over with the eponymous character.
Quick backstory: Mermicornos are basically Unicornos that followed a falling star into a magical sea, and got transformed by the sparkly waters into their current half-unicorn, half-fish state.
Image credit: Expedia
Now this one’s a little different. Instead of saccharine rainbow shades, the 24k (from $210/night) room comes in a muted palette of black, white, and gold with a bit of punk-rock edge.
Mermicornos found here are laden with spikes and skull tattoos, accompanying slightly more sinister characters like Adios and Ciao Ciao – a pair of grim reaper-like creatures that got banished from hell because they were too good-natured to live in the infernal regions.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, because the illustrations are still way more adorable than spooky. None of the characters are meant to be evil, so don’t worry about them haunting you in your slumber.
All rooms – themed or otherwise – come with a free-to-use smartphone with unlimited local and international calls, internet access, as well as promotions for shopping and local attractions.
Hosting a birthday party or baby shower? Go all out and book the rooftop event space (from $200), which comes with a predominantly pink “sweet shop” theme.
There’s a tent with tall tables and bar stools if you wish to hide away from the sun, and come night, it’ll be illuminated by twinkling fairy lights. Go on and open a mini makeshift bar there with your own bottles of alcohol – rosé would fit the pink settling perfectly!
Colourful standees and a life-sized character figure amp up the overall cute factor of the place.
I’m the kind of girl who is big on all things kawaii and multi-coloured, and these rooms were certainly right up my alley – the psychedelic Harajuku-esque designs by Simone Legno have certainly brought a fresh twist to our boutique hotel scene, which is now dominated by sleek simplistic or industrial designs. Those are of course appealing in their own way, but have since gotten rather commonplace.
The only bummer is the fact that these rooms will be shedding their colorful cloaks and turning back to their pre-fairy godmother state after June 30th. One can only hope that The Quay Hotel will come up with a cool new pop-up like this again in the future – or even consider a permanent themed floor.
Address: 57 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058688
Telephone: 6532 2482
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay
Website
Photo credit: Huy Pham and Daryl Goh
For more staycation ideas, check out our other Singapore hotel guides below:
Boutique/mid-tier:
If you’re in the mood to splurge:
Prices start from $10.
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