While Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower is allowing more employees to return to the office lately, and Phase 3 of the country’s COVID-19 reopening strategy should be just around the corner, many of us are still consigned to our own homes for work purposes, instead of the regular office space.
It’s fair to say the arrangement is one some have warmed to more than others!
Recent studies have shown that while over two-thirds of Singapore residents are happier to work from home, close to 30% find it more difficult and more time consuming to be productive, for reasons including:
- Practical constraints
- Family presence
- Distractions
- Lack of space
For those struggling with the concept, it’s no doubt been a long eight months from the start of the ‘Circuit Breaker’ period until now, with many eager to get back to the office!
Some we’ve spoken to, who are otherwise happy working from home, are simply eager for a change of scenery, or the occasional physical detachment between work life and home life at least one day a week.
The hotel solution
With many corporations sticking strictly to the government guidance and only permitting essential staff to return to their usual workplaces, hotels across Singapore have been increasingly offering a relatively new concept to help bolster their occupancy and revenue – daytime rooms for use as quiet workspaces.
Many business-oriented hotels are seriously struggling with mid-week occupancy, as evidenced by our latest staycations at both The St. Regis and the Marriott Tang Plaza, which were largely deserted Monday to Friday, giving us the swimming pool and gym practically to ourselves almost throughout!
In November’s update there are six properties added to the list for a total of 20 across the city, including options to bring your pet along with you for the day and wine-inclusive deals for extra ‘daytime inspiration’!
New options since our last update:
- Ibis Budget Selegie
- Ibis Budget Imperial
- The Vagabond Club
- PARKROYAL Pickering
- Four Seasons
- Pan Pacific Beach Road
The St. Regis and the Sofitel Sentosa, meanwhile, have removed their day use options.
Here’s a summary of the hotels ordered by cost per hour for day use of your own private room. Cost per hour is based on the cheapest available option at the specified hotel (some allow room upgrades or longer stay periods for increased rates).
Simply click on the hotel name to jump to the full ‘work from home’ offer details in this article, or scroll down to see them all.
| Hotel | Cost (inc. tax) |
Time | Cost per hour |
Ibis Budget Selegie  Little India |
S$58 | 9h | S$6.41 |
| Ibis Budget Imperial Lavender |
S$58 | 9h | S$6.41 |
| lyf Funan River Valley |
S$82 | 10h | S$8.24 |
| Hotel G Bugis |
S$106 | 12h | S$8.82 |
| The Vagabond Club Jalan Besar |
S$118 | 12h | S$9.80 |
| Mandarin Orchard Orchard |
S$105 | 9h | S$11.51 |
| InterContinental Robertson Quay River Valley |
S$117 | 10h | S$11.65 |
| Marriott Tang Plaza Orchard |
S$141 | 12h | S$11.77 |
| PARKROYAL Beach Rd Bugis |
S$151 | 11h | S$13.70 |
| InterContinental Bugis Bugis |
S$177 | 12h | S$14.71 |
| Fairmont City Hall |
S$171 | 11h | S$15.52 |
| PARKROYAL Pickering Chinatown |
S$177 | 11h | S$16.05 |
| Four Seasons Orchard |
S$198 | 12h | S$16.48 |
| The Fullerton Marina Bay |
S$212 | 12h | S$17.66 |
| Oakwood Premier AMTD Tanjong Pagar |
S$177 | 10h | S$17.66 |
| Andaz Bugis |
S$177 | 8h | S$22.13 |
| Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Changi |
S$188 | 8h | S$23.54 |
| Pan Pacific Beach Road Changi |
S$188 | 8h | S$23.54 |
| The Fullerton Bay Marina Bay |
S$330 | 12h | S$27.46 |
| Sofitel City Centre Tanjong Pagar |
S$224 | 8h | S$27.95 |
If tying yourself to a laptop all day long sounds like your idea of hell, don’t worry. Many of these hotels are also including gym and swimming pool use as part of the package to help break up your day.
Of course if the work all becomes too much there’s always a comfy bed just a few steps away from your desk for an afternoon power nap!
Here are the hotel room deals we found on offer across Singapore, which you might want to consider next time the kids are off school for a week or you have that looming project deadline to meet.
Ibis Budget Selegie
The cheapest day use room rates in Singapore come from the Ibis Budget chain, with the Selegie property offering a (windowless) Standard Room at just S$49++ for 9 hours.
|
Ibis Budget Selegie |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$58 |
| Time available: | 9 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$6.41 |
Inclusions:
- Monday to Friday only
- Day use from 9am – 6pm
- Access to the hotel’s pool during day use
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- In room coffee & tea making facilities
- 1 set lunch valid for 1 person
- For additional person, a surcharge of S$30++ (includes 1 set lunch) applies, with maximum of 2 persons per room.
| To book: Online via Accor’s ‘Rest’ website. |
Ibis Budget Imperial
The Ibis Budget Selegie has a Standard Room at S$49++ for 9 hours for day use.
|
Ibis Budget Imperial |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$58 |
| Time available: | 9 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$6.41 |
Inclusions:
- Monday to Friday only
- Day use from 9am – 6pm
- Access to the hotel’s pool during day use
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- In room coffee & tea making facilities
- 1 set lunch valid for 1 person
- For additional person, a surcharge of S$30++ (includes 1 set lunch) applies, with maximum of 2 persons per room.
| To book: Online via Accor’s ‘Rest’ website. |
lyf Funan
The ‘Singapore Workspace Package’ at lyf Funan allows 10-hour room usage from S$70++ in a Studio for one person, with larger apartments for groups to work together.
|
lyf Funan |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$82 |
| Time available: | 10 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$8.24 |
Inclusions:
- Day use hours are from 9am – 7pm only
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Private ensuite bathroom
- Stationery kit
- Coffee/tea and local snacks
- Note: Bed is removed for day use rooms
lyf is also offering the following room types for larger groups working together, under the same terms for a 10-hour daytime use at higher rates:
- 2 bedroom apartment (up to 3 pax) at S$150++
- 4 bedroom apartment (up to 4 pax) at S$250++
| To book: Online here using promo code ‘WORKSPACE’. Select a one-night stay, commencing on the day you wish to occupy the room. Booking will be made and reflected as a nightly stay, but room is booked for day-use from 9am to 7pm. |
Hotel G
Hotel G has a ‘Hustle and Grind away from home’ package inclusive of 12-hour room usage from S$90++ in a Studio for one person on weekdays.
|
Hotel G |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$106 |
| Time available: | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$8.82 |
Inclusions:
- Use of guestroom from 7am – 7pm with maximum of 1 guest per room
- Complimentary usage of high speed internet
- Set lunch from Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
- 2 glasses of house pour wine from Ginett
- Coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices throughout the day, with morning & afternoon snacks
- A complimentary parking coupon
- 15% off dining at Ginett and 25 Degrees
- Upgrade to overnight stay for 2 persons at an additional $50++ (including breakfast)
This is an excellent value option, given the inclusions.
| To book: Email res@hotelgsingapore.com with your preferred date. |
The Vagabond Club
The Vagabond Club, a relatively new staycation option in Singapore, is offering 12-hour day use of a Classic Room at a competitive S$100++ as part of its ‘Work Your Way’ rate.
|
The Vagabond Club |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$118 |
| Time available: | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$9.80 |
Inclusions:
- 7am to 7pm usage of guest room
- In-room nespresso and tea making facilities
- Usage of gym (by appointment only)
| To book: Online at the hotel website. Select a 1-night stay starting on the day you wish to use the room, and enter promo code ‘ZDY’. Alternatively contact the hotel directly on +65 6291 6677. |
Mandarin Orchard
Mandarin Orchard is offering two ‘Work-from-Hotel’ packages from S$88++ for up to two people, depending on whether you need a 9-hour or 12-hour room usage.
|
Mandarin Orchard |
||
| 9-hour package | 12-hour package | |
| Cost (inc. tax): | S$105 | S$139 |
| Time available: | 9 hours | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$11.51 | S$11.57 |
Inclusions:
- Each package is valid for two persons on Mondays to Fridays
- 9-hour package: 9am to 6pm
- 12-hour package: 7am to 7pm
- Unlimited Wi-Fi
- Complimentary parking
- 50% off in-room dining
- Refreshments such as cake and coffee/tea for two persons
- Upgrade to Suite for S$70++ (9-hours) or S$90++ (12-hours), inclusive of Mandarin Chicken Rice set for two at Chatterbox
| To book: Click here to reserve the 9-hour package or here to reserve the 12-hour package. |
InterContinental Robertson Quay
The InterContinental Robertson Quay may not have received the staycation ‘seal of approval’ yet, but that’s not stopping the hotel offering its Studio rooms under its ‘Digital Nomads’ package for 10 hours day use at a competitive S$99++ for one person.
|
InterCon Robertson Quay |
||
| Full Day | Half Day | |
| Cost (inc. tax): | S$117 | S$81 |
| Time available: | 10 hours | 4 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$11.65 | S$20.30 |
Inclusions:
- Television & BOSE Bluetooth speaker
- In-room Nespresso coffee & Monogram tea
- In-room minibar (full-day use only)
- Wireless internet & local calls
- In-room hand sanitiser
- Access to the hotel pool, fitness studio and parking
- Daily housekeeping and room sanitisation
- Add-on cocktails & canapés in the Club Lounge from 6pm – 8pm at $40++
| To book: Call the hotel directly at +65 6826 5000 or email sales.sinic@ihg.com. |
Marriott Tang Plaza
Marriott Tang Plaza’s ‘Work In Style. Stay Connected’ day use room package is available at S$120++ for one person. The hotel has also launched an ‘English High Tea Daycation’ option.
|
Marriott Tang Plaza |
||
| Work In Style | High Tea Daycation | |
| Cost (inc. tax): | S$141 | S$194 |
| Time available: | 12 hours | 8 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$11.77 | S$24.28 |
Work In Style:
- Usage of Deluxe guest room from 7am to 7pm (maximum of 1 guest)
- In-room coffee and tea making facilities
- 30% off F&B (including in-room dining)
- Usage of Swimming Pool and Gym (by appointment only)
- Complimentary parking
- Double occupancy at S$30++ supplement
Actual room type allocated may vary, be subject to availability on the day.
English High Tea Daycation:
- Day-use room for 8 hours between 7am and 5pm
- English High-Tea at Lobby Lounge for up to two adults (usually S$38++ per person)
- Complimentary use of swimming pool and gym (by appointment only)
- Complimentary one car park coupon per room
| To book: Call the hotel directly at +65 6831 4785 or email mhrs.sindt.sales@marriotthotels.com. |
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
PARKROYAL on Beach Road is offering its ‘Ultimate Work from Hotel Day-cation Pass’ from S$128++ for one person in a day use room.
|
PARKROYAL Beach Rd |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$151 |
| Time available: | 11 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$13.70 |
Inclusions:
- Check-in at 8am and check-out at 7pm
- Spacious guest room (Superior category) with multi-functional desk
- Complimentary Afternoon Tea Set (choice of Dim Sum or Nyonya Kueh)
- 30% savings on in-room dining and in-house dining establishments
- 25% savings on a la carte treatments at St. Gregory spa
- Access to Wellness Floor with usage of gym and outdoor swimming pool
- Complimentary in-room coffee and tea
- Complimentary Pan Pacific Cares Pack (hand sanitiser, face mask and sanitised wipes)
- Complimentary internet access and parking
- Additional 10% discount on room for DISCOVERY loyalty members
- S$10++ supplement for double occupancy
- S$20++ supplement for deluxe room category
| To book: Online (check ‘Book for day use’ option) |
InterContinental Bugis
InterContinental’s ‘Work from Hotel’ package offers 12-hour room usage at a fixed rate of S$150++ in a standard room or S$200++ in a Heritage Suite.
|
InterContinental Bugis |
||
| Classic Package | Executive Package | |
| Cost (inc. tax): | S$177 | S$235 |
| +1 Guest: | S$29 | S$35 |
| Time available: | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$14.71 | S$19.62 |
No specific room type is allocated for the Classic Package, with the hotel telling Mainly Miles that “the room types will subject to hotel’s availability upon confirmation of booking and package rate is standardised at $150++ per day”.
Inclusions:
- Use of private space from 7am to 7pm
- Access to the fitness centre and swimming pool
- In-room Nespresso machine with 5 pods & TWG Tea sachets
- Bento lunch with a healthy juice (Classic Package)
- 2 Course set lunch at Ash & Elm (Executive Package)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary parking at the forecourt, subject to availability
- Continue with evening drinks and canapés (6pm to 8pm) at S$45++ per person
You can also opt to bring your pet with you for S$75++ on the Classic Package or S$100++ on the Executive Package, inclusive of ‘pet amenities’.
| To book: Email SINHB-SALES@ihg.com, or complete the enquiry form. |
Fairmont Singapore
The Fairmont Singapore is offering an 11-hour ‘Ultimate Daycation’ package including access to your own Fairmont Room and full facilities use from Mondays to Thursdays between now and 30th December 2020, with a generous F&B credit including for in-room dining.
|
Fairmont Singapore |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$171 |
| Time available: | 11 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$15.52 |
Inclusions:
- Day use of a Fairmont Room for up to 2 adults and 2 children from 8am to 7pm
- Free unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi for multiple devices
- Nespresso coffee / TWG tea / Drinking water in room
- S$75 nett dining credits that can be used at SKAI, Prego, Anti:Dote, Mikuni, The Eight, and for in-room dining
- Access to outdoor swimming pools, fitness centre and spa facilities, including Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and hot/cold plunge pools
- Access to sunbeds, towel service and changing facilities
| To book: Email reservations.singapore@fairmont.com, or call +65 6837 3883. |
PARKROYAL Pickering
The PARKROYAL Pickering is offering an 11-hour ‘Garden Daycation’ package including access to your own guest room and access to the fitness centre or outdoor infinity pool located at the dedicated Wellness Floor. There’s also a S$30 F&B credit for in-room dining.
|
PARKROYAL Pickering |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$177 |
| Time available: | 11 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$16.05 |
Inclusions:
- Spacious guest room with multi-functional desk
- S$30 nett in-room dining credit
- 30% savings on total dining bill at Lime Restaurant and Bar
- 20% savings on a la carte treatments at St. Gregory spa
- Access to the Wellness Floor with usage of fitness centre and infinity pool
- Complimentary in-room coffee and tea
- Complimentary Pan Pacific Cares Pack (hand sanitiser, face mask and sanitised wipes)
- Complimentary Internet access and parking
| To book: Online (check ‘Book for day use’ option) |
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Singapore is offering a ‘Daycation Escape package’ package with 12-hour guest room use alongside complimentary parking and access to the hotel’s services and amenities.
|
Four Seasons |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$198 |
| Time available: | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$16.48 |
Inclusions:
- Sunday to Thursday only
- Day use of a guest room or suite, with check-in at 7am and check-out at 7pm
- Complimentary parking for one vehicle
- Access to the hotel’s services and amenities, including the lap pool
| To book: Call +65 6734 1110 or email res.fssingapore@fourseasons.com |
The Fullerton Hotel
The ‘Work From Fullerton’ package offers 12-hour room usage from S$180++ in a Premier Courtyard Room.
|
The Fullerton Hotel |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$212 |
| Time available: | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$17.66 |
Inclusions:
- Flexible check in and check out for a single 12-hour room usage (falling between 7am and 11pm)
- Food and beverage credit of S$50 nett (includes in-room dining)
- Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi
- Complimentary in-room coffee and tea selection
- Complimentary access to gym and swimming pool
- Complimentary parking
- Top up additional S$70++ per person (Sun-Thu) or S$130++ per person (Fri, Sat & PH) to enjoy Straits Club benefits – daily Chandon breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés
Note: From 1-30 December, this package requires full prepayment and is not refundable.
If you prefer a Premier Room over a Premier Courtyard Room, this is available at a S$20++ supplement for the 12-hour period (i.e. S$200++).
| To book: Contact the reservations team directly at (+65) 6533 8388 or via email: tfs.reservations@fullertonhotels.com. |
Oakwood Premier AMTD
Oakwood Premier AMTD is offering a ‘Work from Oakwood’ package in its apartments, including fully-fitted kitchens, with 10-hour room usage from S$150++.
|
Oakwood Premier AMTD |
|||
| 1-bed Executive (46m2) |
1-bed Premier (53m2) |
||
| Cost (inc. tax): | S$177 | Cost (inc. tax): | S$200 |
| +1 Guest: | S$29 | +1 Guest: | S$29 |
| Time available: | 10 hours | Time available: | 10 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$17.66 | Cost per hour: | S$20.01 |
Inclusions:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary parking (one-time entry/exit)
- Complimentary in-room Nespresso coffee capsules and Monogram tea
- Complimentary morning and afternoon snacks
- Access to the fitness centre and outdoor infinity pool
- Black and white printing (up to 50 sheets)
- 20% off colour printing
- 20% off F&B at SE7ENTH
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
| To book: Online (click ‘Singapore’), or contact the reservations team directly at (+65) 6812 6008 or via email: reservations.singapore-premier@oakwood.com. |
Andaz Singapore
The recently reopened Andaz Singapore is offering an 8-hour day use block from Mondays to Fridays between now and 31st March 2020, called the ‘Andaz Great Workation’.
|
Andaz Singapore |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$177 |
| Time available: | 8 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$22.13 |
Inclusions:
- 8-hour day use of an Andaz Room, to fall between 7am and 7pm
- S$30 F&B credit to be used for in-room dining or in the hotel outlets
- Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi
- Complimentary local calls
- Complimentary in-room water, coffee & tea
- Pool and gym use
- Black-out dates include all public holidays, 22-31 December 2020 (inclusive), 1 January 2021 and 11-13 February 2021 (inclusive).
| To book: Email stay@andaz.com with your preferred date and check-in time. |
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
The ‘Work from Hotel Room Package / Day-cation Package’ at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport allows 8-hour day use of a Deluxe Room from S$160++.
|
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$188 |
| Time available: | 8 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$23.54 |
Inclusions:
- 8-hour day use, to fall between 7am – 7pm
- Complimentary upgrade to Premier Room
- Safety amenity kit: face masks and hand sanitiser
- $30 nett dining credit
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee and tea
- Pool and gym use between 9am and 6pm, subject to capacity constraints under the current safe management measures
| To book: Email reservations.cpca@ihg.com (9am – 6pm), or complete the reservation form. Alternatively, call +65 6823 5388. |
Pan Pacific Beach Road
The ‘Away on Work-cation’ package at Pan Pacific Services Suites Beach Road allows 8-hour day use of a One Bedroom Deluxe Suite from S$160++.
|
Pan Pacific Beach Road |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$188 |
| Time available: | 8 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$23.54 |
Inclusions:
- Check-in at 7am and check-out at 3pm, for 8-hour day use
- Complimentary high speed wired and wireless broadband Internet access
- Welcome Hamper upon check in
- Welcome Mini-bar with Snacks
- Complimentary Nespresso coffee & In room tea selections.
- Complimentary Pan Pacific Cares Pack
- Complimentary parking
- No deposit required, guest may cancel without penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival.
| To book: Online (check ‘Book for day use’ option) |
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
The ‘Work From Fullerton’ package at The Fullerton Bay is similar to the offer at The Fullerton, with 12-hour room usage from S$280++ in a Deluxe room.
|
The Fullerton Bay Hotel |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$330 |
| Time available: | 12 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$27.46 |
Inclusions:
- Flexible check in and check out for a single 12-hour room usage (falling between 7am and 11pm)
- Food and beverage credit of S$50 nett (includes in-room dining)
- Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi
- Complimentary in-room coffee and tea selection
- Complimentary access to gym and swimming pool
- Complimentary parking
The difference here is that there is no top up option for club lounge access (there isn’t a club lounge).
Note: From 1-30 December, this package requires full prepayment and is not refundable.
If you prefer a Premier Room over a Deluxe Room, this is available at a S$10++ supplement for the 12-hour period (i.e. S$290++). Premier Rooms overlook Clifford Pier and the original Fullerton Hotel (as pictured above), while Deluxe Rooms overlook the Customs House and Financial District.
| To book: Contact the reservations team directly at (+65) 6533 8388 or via email: fbh.reservations@fullertonhotels.com. |
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
The ‘Work From Hotel Guest Room Package’ at the Sofitel Singapore City Centre allows 8-hour room usage from S$190++ in a Luxury Room (38 sq m).
|
Sofitel Singapore City Centre |
|
| Cost (including tax): | S$224 |
| Time available: | 8 hours |
| Cost per hour: | S$27.95 |
Inclusions:
- Choose your own time slot based on your work style, with an 8-hour reservation to fall between 7am and 7pm
- Luxurious guest room with a dedicated work area
- Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi
- Charging docks with universal plug and USB ports
- Complimentary water, coffee & tea
- Complimentary energising minibar
- Access to all the hotel’s services, such as fitness area, pool, etc.
A 76 sq m Prestige Suite with separate living room and Club Millésime lounge access is also available under the same terms at S$290++ for an 8-hour period.
| To book: Online via Accor’s ‘Rest’ website. |
‘Shared space’ options
If getting out of the house and working in more conducive surroundings is your priority, without the need for a private hotel room like the options outlined above, there are a number of hotels offering lobby or executive lounge space for this purpose.
Even the Changi Lounge at Jewel Singapore Changi Airport is offering 2-hour access including a welcome drink and snack for S$15 (slightly higher than the S$12 it was charging at our previous update).
For the best value though, go for the 4-hour access package at S$24 (up from S$20 in August), which also includes 4 hours of free parking.
Other options in this category include The Furama Riverfront Hotel, offering daily (S$28) or monthly (S$250) work from hotel passes from its co-working area the Waterfall Lounge or at the lobby area, including S$15 of daily dining credits.
The Pan Pacific Singapore also has a Monday to Friday Work from Living Room at Atrium offer at S$38++ with your very own workstation at the spacious Living Room, including S$15 dining credit at Pacific Marketplace and complimentary tea and coffee all day.
Finally The Grand Copthorne Waterfront has a competitive deal from S$16++ a day or S$88++ a month, including drinks, parking and Wi-Fi connection.
Summary
If you’re one of the roughly one-third of Singapore residents still finding it less productive to work from home than from the office, it might be time to consider getting out of the house even if just for one day of the week.
Whether you’re dying to escape the daytime chaos at home, or simply need a change of scenery after all these months, there are quite a few choices on offer to get some uninterrupted productive work done with private hotel rooms from as little as S$58++ for 9 hours.
These options can also be useful if you have an important online video conference to present or you’re running a Zoom training course with several attendees, allowing you to do so without fear of your cat making an impromptu appearance!
Many of the more expensive options even include access to facilities like the hotel swimming pool and gym, with some even throwing in F&B credit too, to help break up your day, or provide attractive daytime options for couples and families.
(Cover Photo: Pan Pacific)