Staycation Guides

What is a staycation in Singapore?

A staycation is a short holiday in your own city. In Singapore, it usually means one or two nights in a hotel, with time at the pool, good meals and a late check-out. Residents book staycations for birthdays, anniversaries and school holidays. Visitors on longer trips can use the same idea to switch to a resort for a few nights.

Singapore is small, so the trick is to choose a hotel that feels different from home. A beach resort, a skyline tower or a heritage building all change the mood.

Types of staycation

Island and resort stays

Sentosa is the classic choice for a beach-style break. Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore sits by Siloso Beach and suits families. Capella Singapore offers a quieter five-star resort feel. In the east, D'Resort @ Downtown East is a resort-style stay in Pasir Ris, close to Pasir Ris Park. Our Sentosa Resorts page explains the island in more detail.

Skyline and city stays

For views, look at Marina Bay. Marina Bay Sands has a rooftop infinity pool for hotel guests only. From the bay, you can walk to Gardens by the Bay for the evening light show. Free Light Shows in Singapore: Spectra & Garden Rhapsody has the details. For more pools with a view, see Hotels With Rooftop Pools.

Heritage and boutique stays

Old buildings make a city break feel special. Raffles Hotel Singapore is a colonial-era landmark, well known for its afternoon tea. Smaller hotels in restored shophouses offer character at a lower price. Browse Boutique & Heritage for ideas.

Food-focused stays

Some staycations are built around a meal. Many packages include breakfast, a dining credit or a buffet. Browse Hotel Buffets to plan a big dinner or a weekend brunch. Book popular hotel restaurants early, as they fill up at weekends.

What a good staycation package includes

Hotels often sell packages with extras. Compare them with the plain room rate before you book.

• Breakfast: useful if you plan a slow morning at the hotel.
• Late check-out: one of the best extras. Get it confirmed in writing, as it often depends on availability.
• Dining credit: check which restaurants accept it and what it covers.
• Room upgrade: often "subject to availability", so do not count on it.
• Club lounge access: can include breakfast, snacks and a quiet space to relax.

Read the price carefully. A rate marked "++" does not yet include service charge and GST, Singapore's goods and services tax. As a rough guide, a good 4-star staycation may start from about S$200 a night. Five-star resorts often cost S$400 or more. Prices change with dates and demand, so check the latest prices.

Tips for a better staycation

• Pick a new area. If you live in the west, try the east coast or Sentosa. A change of view makes it feel like a trip.
• Book early for peak dates. School holidays, long weekends and festive periods fill fast.
• Compare weekday and weekend rates. The cheaper night differs from hotel to hotel.
• Plan one outing. Add a walk in East Coast Park or the Singapore Botanic Gardens, then head back to the pool.
• Check the pool. Ask if it is closed for repairs during your stay. Outdoor pools also close during thunderstorms.
• Pack light. Swimwear, sun cream and a good book are often all you need.

Planning a break for two? The Couples & Romance section has more ideas.

FAQs about staycations in Singapore

When is the best time for a staycation?

Non-holiday periods are usually calmer. School holidays and long weekends are the busiest, so book well ahead for those dates.

Can tourists book a staycation package?

Usually, yes. Most hotel packages are open to any guest, though a few deals are for residents only. Read the terms before you book.

What does "++" mean on a hotel price?

It means service charge and GST are not yet included. Expect the final bill to be higher than the listed rate.

Which staycation is best for families?

Look for a big pool, family rooms and things to do nearby. What Makes a Hotel Family-Friendly in Singapore lists what to check.