Since the start of the Circuit Breaker this April, most Singaporeans have been denied the opportunity to travel abroad. Many have cancelled their vacation plans and are pining for their next holiday.
It is uncertain when leisure travel will be resumed. So for now, the travel-starved have to content themselves with having staycations instead.
Luckily, hotels have been applying to accept staycation bookings, and there are now 18 hotels approved by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) which can accept staycation guests again.
Hotels Approved For Staycations
The STB has released the following list of hotels that are available to take staycation bookings with immediate effect:
- Capella Hotel, Singapore
- Crockfords Tower
- Hotel NuVe
- Hotel YAN
- lyf Funan Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands Singapore
- Oasia Hotel Downtown
- ONE15 Marina Club
- Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road
- PARKROYAL On Beach Road
- Raffles Hotel Singapore
- Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
- Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
- The St. Regis Singapore
- The Warehouse Hotel
- W Singapore Sentosa Cove Hotel
A Different Staycation Experience
Having a staycation in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic will surely be a different experience from what we are used to. The STB has also issued a circular on the rules and regulations that hotels and guests have to follow.
Check-In Process
Every guest has to have their temperature taken before entering the hotel. Guests will also be visually screened to ensure they are not unwell and exhibiting symptoms such as sneezing or coughing.
The total occupancy in the lobby is limited to no more than 1 individual per 10 sqm of space, so do expect staggered check-in and out timings. Social distancing rules also have to be adhered to.
Every individual has to wear a mask within the hotel, except in their rooms, when engaging in strenuous activity or when eating or drinking.
STB also recommends implementing online check-ins, suspending valet services, and serving welcome drinks in guest rooms instead of the lobby.
Guest Rooms
No more than five individuals are allowed to gather in any room, so large parties are definitely out of the question.
To minimise human interaction, hotels have been recommended to serve in-room dining via autonomous delivery technology, or simply leaving the food outside guest rooms. STB has also recommended hotels to provide mini-bar items on request only.
Strict cleaning and disinfection measures have also been put in place to ensure a high level of hygiene in each room.
Those concerned about cleanliness will be pleased to know that carpets and upholstery will be deep cleaned in between guests, bed linen will be washed at high temperatures, and hospital-grade disinfectants will be used, amongst other measures.
Sports and Recreational Facilities
Hotels are required to follow the measures set by Sports Singapore with regard to sports and recreational facilities.
In swimming pools, a three-meter distance must be maintained between groups and groups cannot have more than five people. Booking systems for facilities might be implemented to deal with capacity constraints.
Food And Beverage Establishments
Many can agree that a breakfast buffet spread is the highlight of every hotel stay. Unfortunately, self-service buffets will be suspended for now.
Hotel restaurants and bars also have to comply with safe distancing measures and contact tracing rules.
Staycation or Vacation?
There’s no telling when we will be allowed on a flight out of Singapore. For those with a bad case of wanderlust or desperately in need of a break, a staycation might just be the next best alternative.
It might not be all bad — with the safe distancing measures in place, hotel patrons can expect smaller crowds and more peace and quiet.
Featured Image Credits: Capella Hotel Singapore