With a recent big money purchase and a planned vacation to Hong Kong, we were adamant to tighten the purse strings.

But when Changi Village Hotel came knocking with a free birthday upgrade to executive club room (from deluxe room), we took the bait.

We have long wanted to try the club room privileges:

• Access to club lounge (open from 6.30am-11pm) which has free pastries, hot/ cold drinks at various times
• Free alcohol/ cocktail plus finger food during 6-8pm
• Late checkout at 4pm
• Higher level so better chance of nice view!

This time, our staycation took on a sluggish and gloomy start.

Coven developed fever and stomach flu symptoms on the eve, Papa had a tiring morning at work, and dark clouds loomed as we checked in the hotel.

Although there was a slight delay during check-in, we found respite in a tidbits cart at the lobby.

After settling into our room at level 6, we made our first raid visit to the club lounge. We had to take turns to go though as the lounge is out-of-bounds to children below 12. Nevertheless, the staff there were kind enough to let us bring the food and drinks back to our room.

We wanted to get some hot chocolate for Coven but despite the wide assortment of nespresso capsules and tea, they had no hot chocolate! So we ended up dispensing the hot milk which was meant for the coffee.

Coven soon became cranky and insisted on going to the beach. So we took a chance and scrambled out with our beach tools and stuff.

But we barely made it across the road when the raindrops started falling.

So stranded in Changi Village food centre, there was only one thing we could do. Eat.

By the time we gnawed off our satays and hokkien mee, the rain had eased into a drizzle. The dark clouds had part and the evening rays shone through. With all the conditions checked for a rainbow, I scanned the skies and there it was!

As heralded by the rainbow after the downpour, our staycation took a slow turn for the better. When we were back in the room, the door bell sounded and it turned out to be a hotel staff who presented us with a complimentary birthday cake. What a sweet (literally) gesture!

So for supper, we indulged in the chocolate cake, finger food and a glass of white wine from the executive club lounge.

With a lack of physical activity in the day, Coven only fell asleep at 10pm. Mama then indulged in her Korean dramas on the Handy phone (4G being more stable than the wifi) while papa hit the deserted gym.