We have always found local staycations too extravagant. Dollar for dollar, a 1-night stay in a local hotel can never compare to the more eventful getaway to a neighbouring country.

 

In fact, the only staycation that we'd actually booked for was a 2010 stay at Changi Village Hotel. And that was only because of a 50% off deal offered by Zuji. But we had a great stay then, with an escapade to Pulau Ubin, relaxing swim at the rooftop pool and delectable meals at the multitude of eateries in Changi Village.

 

So when I saw that they were having a 35% year-end sale with irresistible deals, it didn’t take me too long to snap up a 3D2N staycation [superior room king-sized bed @ only $120.25!! per night with breakfast and free city hopper tour (before taxes)].

 

We arrived at the hotel at 1pm, turning into the driveway of the turquoise-white layered building with striking neon panes. Like the exterior, everything about the hotel was modest (small) but stylishly contemporary.

 

 

Although it was an hour short of the stated check-in time (2pm), we were allowed to check into our modest but stylishly contemporary room.

 

During the online booking, we were required to indicate if we wanted the city tour and to choose a date and time. I also called up the hotel a few days earlier to check if there is going to be 2-way transport and was told by that there will only be a 1-way pick-up.

 

But when we asked about it during check-in, we were told that there will not be any pick-up from the hotel and we will have to make our own way to Singapore Flyer for the city tour. But it turned out that the reservation was valid for a month which worked just fine for us so we could make the most of our short stay in the hotel.

 

 

As always, baby Coven a.k.a hotel boy got high after entering the air-conditioned room with a BIG BIG bed.

 

 

At level 5, our room overlooks the Civil Service Club @ Changi, offering a peek of the sea through the foliage of the history-laden trees that line Netheravon road. We were also treated to views of aeroplanes taking off and landing from the comfort of our air-conditioned room and swivel arm chair.

 

 

We found a smart phone nestled on the TV console and it turned out to be ‘Handy’ – a complimentary smart phone which offered free 4G mobile data, local and overseas (selected countries) calls during the stay! The android phone was also loaded with apps to introduce guests to the variety of attractions as well as deals on the admission tickets.

 

Maybe I’m ignorant but this is the first time I have encountered such a generous and thoughtful offering from a hotel! Imagine the great convenience and savings if I were a visitor to the country.

 

 

The first item on our itinerary was swimming at the roof-top infinity pool!

 

Are we ready to go yet?

 

The baby pool was only 0.5m deep so our little one had a swell of a time wading in it while periodically enthralled by the BIG BIG planes and ships rolling by.

 

 

Mommy also did a few laps in the deeper pool while daddy chilled under the clear blue skies. Yeah, daddy can’t swim.

 

 

After the swim, baby Coven didn’t want to nap so we went to the gym, which was again modest but contemporary and well-equipped.

 

Bring on the regatta~!

 

After the 'intense' workout, we headed for Changi Beach Park so that baby Coven could see even BIGGER planes as they descend via the coast to the airport. That’s when he finally dozed off in the baby carrier.

 

 

While waiting for the little one to wake up, we strolled along the beach enjoying the soft breeze and gently lulled by the symphony of the waves.

 

We were really smitten by the cleanliness and serenity of the beach which is a stark contrast to many other local beaches streaked with campers, barbeque smoke and of course the ensuing litter and rodents.

 

Speaking of rodents, there were however a plethora of virtual ones as mommy had a bountiful haul of pokémons.

 

Going the extra mile (literally) to catch pokémons.

 

Baby’s up!

 

 

For dinner, we raided the famous Changi Village food centre for local food takeaways, sneaking sheepishly past the doorman into the asylum of the lift.

 

Dinner for 2.5 pax.

 

With numerous pokestops surrounding the hotel, it is no wonder both mommy and baby didn’t want to sleep. But hey, mommy finally caught the elusive Pikachu!