Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Destinations > Asia > Singapore
Reload this Page >

Where to stay for a 26-hour trip in Singapore?

Where to stay for a 26-hour trip in Singapore?

Old Apr 13, 2022, 3:41 pm
  #31  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,889
Originally Posted by lsquare
I already know my dates as my airfares are already booked.

What do you recommend around Bugis?
Well, if you're looking for a conventional mall experience, Bugis Junction/Bugis+ works... There are also a few other popular spots nearby like Funan Mall ("recently" renovated) or Simlim Tower (electronics, more like a bazaar feel to it). Foodwise, there is a pasa malam across from Bugis Junction (although it operates during the day as well). There is also a hawker center there (Albert Centre) or sorta nearby (Golden Mile... very popular). It's been a few years since I've been there and with the pandemic, the lay of the hawker centers has likely changed, but here's a
which does a tour of Albert Centre (from last year). Further out, Chinatown (one of the biggest and oldest hawker centers)? Culturally, you've got a few temples in the area as well as "Kampong Glam". All have MRT stations (although the lines involved might not intersect (like Chinatown). It really depends on how much free time you'll have (before running to the airport).

Personally, I'd probably sleep (maybe not a whole night's worth, but enough to start the transition back to your home time zone), grab some food at Albert Centre/Golden Mile (or if air conditioning is important, the basement of Bugis Junction should do you)... then wander around a bit. Towards the evening, shift over to Changi and explore the Jewel before shifting over to your proper terminal and do the lounges. That's assuming you are spending the night at the airport.
lsquare likes this.
StuckInYYZ is offline  
Old Apr 13, 2022, 4:40 pm
  #32  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,344
Since we're talking about bugis, i miss this roasted pork place(siu yuk). Tender and skin still crispy
New Rong Liang Ge+65 9099 9489


https://maps.app.goo.gl/drATTFCWfecQQH9X8



there's also Mustafa hypermarket somewhat nearby in little India (and donki Japanese supermarket near it too)
https://biancakarina.com/2019/04/22/...-little-india/


DON DON DONKI City Square Mall+65 6634 1711. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JmarioXSLu2FZhNSA

If you are keen on just overnighting in changi, then find a day room rate somewhere (staycation/day room for workspace is quite common during COVID and should be guaranteed.


not sure how good/bad the lounge situation is (and you might not be able to access lounges/airside overnight if you're flying out on United - changi early check-in listing doesn't show united, and UA still doesn't offer mobile boarding pass afaik at changi
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30364973-post10.html
lsquare likes this.

Last edited by paperwastage; Apr 13, 2022 at 4:57 pm
paperwastage is offline  
Old Apr 13, 2022, 6:08 pm
  #33  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,889
Originally Posted by paperwastage
there's also Mustafa hypermarket somewhat nearby in little India (and donki Japanese supermarket near it too)
https://biancakarina.com/2019/04/22/...-little-india/

If you are keen on just overnighting in changi, then find a day room rate somewhere (staycation/day room for workspace is quite common during COVID and should be guaranteed.
It depends on what you're shopping for. It's cool that it's open 24h (at least it was the last time I was there), but I'm not a big fan of their security measure (this may have changed as well) where you have to leave your bag(s) at the door (I understand it, I just don't agree with it due to the "processing")

Actually, here's a thought...

There is a landside hotel at the Jewel (https://www.jewelchangiairport.com/en/stay-yotel.html). I'd call them to see if they offer a day rate (and early check-in).... if they do, you stay there, get some sleep... when you wake up, you can have your run of the island... then when you get back, you sleep and you don't have to be up all night (well, assuming your plans can accommodate that) and you can get up a little later. Since you're at the airport and you have the room, you get a bit more rest. You can still go to Bugis if you'd like or pretty much anywhere on the island and food-wise, if you don't like the food at Jewel, there is a food court on B2 of T3 which is quite popular (when I was there, lots of local cuisine... now it only shows as kopitiam).

Not sure if the pricing would be viable, but it's worth a look.
MSPeconomist likes this.
StuckInYYZ is offline  
Old Apr 14, 2022, 6:24 am
  #34  
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Trenton NJ
Programs: UA Gold MM, Honors Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 3,653
Originally Posted by lsquare
Is Pan Pacific a chain? You mentioned that hotel in Singapore. What did you like about it?
Yes, Pan Pacific is a chain. Its just a smaller Asian focused one. As I recall, they had great amenities built into their regular price and its attached directly to the Marina Square mall. Its in the location I prefer. Ive stayed right on Orchard Road, at the former Hilton, and it was okay.
lsquare likes this.
Bluehen1 is offline  
Old Apr 14, 2022, 3:23 pm
  #35  
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Shangri-La Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,412
Originally Posted by Bluehen1
Yes, Pan Pacific is a chain. Its just a smaller Asian focused one. As I recall, they had great amenities built into their regular price and its attached directly to the Marina Square mall. Its in the location I prefer. Ive stayed right on Orchard Road, at the former Hilton, and it was okay.
I noticed a Pan Pacific by Liverpool Street Station in London the other day.

Though, I generally have only seen them in Southeast Asia.
BuildingMyBento is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 9:20 am
  #36  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,798
Originally Posted by StuckInYYZ
Well, if you're looking for a conventional mall experience, Bugis Junction/Bugis+ works... There are also a few other popular spots nearby like Funan Mall ("recently" renovated) or Simlim Tower (electronics, more like a bazaar feel to it). Foodwise, there is a pasa malam across from Bugis Junction (although it operates during the day as well). There is also a hawker center there (Albert Centre) or sorta nearby (Golden Mile... very popular). It's been a few years since I've been there and with the pandemic, the lay of the hawker centers has likely changed, but here's a Youtube video which does a tour of Albert Centre (from last year). Further out, Chinatown (one of the biggest and oldest hawker centers)? Culturally, you've got a few temples in the area as well as "Kampong Glam". All have MRT stations (although the lines involved might not intersect (like Chinatown). It really depends on how much free time you'll have (before running to the airport).

Personally, I'd probably sleep (maybe not a whole night's worth, but enough to start the transition back to your home time zone), grab some food at Albert Centre/Golden Mile (or if air conditioning is important, the basement of Bugis Junction should do you)... then wander around a bit. Towards the evening, shift over to Changi and explore the Jewel before shifting over to your proper terminal and do the lounges. That's assuming you are spending the night at the airport.
Oh, sorry, I meant which hotels do you recommend or have stayed in the Bugis area. I will most likely email many of them to ask about a day rate.

Originally Posted by paperwastage
Since we're talking about bugis, i miss this roasted pork place(siu yuk). Tender and skin still crispy
New Rong Liang Ge+65 9099 9489


https://maps.app.goo.gl/drATTFCWfecQQH9X8



there's also Mustafa hypermarket somewhat nearby in little India (and donki Japanese supermarket near it too)
https://biancakarina.com/2019/04/22/...-little-india/


DON DON DONKI City Square Mall+65 6634 1711. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JmarioXSLu2FZhNSA

If you are keen on just overnighting in changi, then find a day room rate somewhere (staycation/day room for workspace is quite common during COVID and should be guaranteed.


not sure how good/bad the lounge situation is (and you might not be able to access lounges/airside overnight if you're flying out on United - changi early check-in listing doesn't show united, and UA still doesn't offer mobile boarding pass afaik at changi
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30364973-post10.html
Did something change since the start of the pandemic? I forgot if it was 2018 or 2019, but I took an early morning CX flight from SIN-HKG (~6 AM). Rather than pay for a night at the hotel, I checked out at about 4 PM, left my luggage at the hotel, went out and walked a bit, went back to the hotel at around 9 PM to pick up my suitcase, arrived at Changi a bit before midnight and was able to check my suitcase in. Then I spent most of the early morning at the Plaza Premium lounge, which was open 24/7. If what you say is true about United and early check-in, what do I do with my suitcase until check-in opens at around 7 AM?

Originally Posted by StuckInYYZ
It depends on what you're shopping for. It's cool that it's open 24h (at least it was the last time I was there), but I'm not a big fan of their security measure (this may have changed as well) where you have to leave your bag(s) at the door (I understand it, I just don't agree with it due to the "processing")

Actually, here's a thought...

There is a landside hotel at the Jewel (https://www.jewelchangiairport.com/en/stay-yotel.html). I'd call them to see if they offer a day rate (and early check-in).... if they do, you stay there, get some sleep... when you wake up, you can have your run of the island... then when you get back, you sleep and you don't have to be up all night (well, assuming your plans can accommodate that) and you can get up a little later. Since you're at the airport and you have the room, you get a bit more rest. You can still go to Bugis if you'd like or pretty much anywhere on the island and food-wise, if you don't like the food at Jewel, there is a food court on B2 of T3 which is quite popular (when I was there, lots of local cuisine... now it only shows as kopitiam).

Not sure if the pricing would be viable, but it's worth a look.
That's a good idea! I've never been to the Jewel before. Is it open 24/7? What about the food court on B2 of T3? A few years ago, I did remember not everything was opened in the middle of the night.

Originally Posted by Bluehen1
Yes, Pan Pacific is a chain. It’s just a smaller Asian focused one. As I recall, they had great amenities built into their regular price and it’s attached directly to the Marina Square mall. It’s in the location I prefer. I’ve stayed right on Orchard Road, at the former Hilton, and it was okay.
Thanks!
lsquare is online now  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 9:30 am
  #37  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,344
Originally Posted by lsquare

Did something change since the start of the pandemic? I forgot if it was 2018 or 2019, but I took an early morning CX flight from SIN-HKG (~6 AM). Rather than pay for a night at the hotel, I checked out at about 4 PM, left my luggage at the hotel, went out and walked a bit, went back to the hotel at around 9 PM to pick up my suitcase, arrived at Changi a bit before midnight and was able to check my suitcase in. Then I spent most of the early morning at the Plaza Premium lounge, which was open 24/7. If what you say is true about United and early check-in, what do I do with my suitcase until check-in opens at around 7 AM



!
Pre pandemic, CX participated in the early check-in changi, so you could get your boarding pass and access airside. See snapshot from 2019.
https://web.archive.org/web/20191223...thay%20Pacific


Pre pandemic, UA didn't participate in early check-in AND didn't have mobile boarding pass. So you couldn't access airside even if you had no checked bags, until 3hr before flight

I don't think post pandemic, UA changed anything
(I was always flying ANA out of changi which had early checkin, never UA. But that's my understanad and reports from other users too, as you saw from my other link


If you can't access airside, then you are stuck landside until check-in open. Jewel yotelair (as I and the other poster mentioned) or Crowne IHG changi hotel, or just hangout somewhere in the building . Note that last time I was landside at 3am precovid, they were blowing very cold air conditioning
MSPeconomist and lsquare like this.

Last edited by paperwastage; Apr 16, 2022 at 9:40 am
paperwastage is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 9:37 am
  #38  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,798
Originally Posted by paperwastage
Pre pandemic, CX participated in the early check-in changi, so you could get your boarding pass and access airside. See snapshot from 2019.
https://web.archive.org/web/20191223...thay%20Pacific


Pre pandemic, UA didn't participate in early check-in AND didn't have mobile boarding pass. So you couldn't access airside even if you had no checked bags, until 3hr before flight

I don't think post pandemic, UA changed anything
(I was always flying ANA out of changi , never UA. But that's my understanad and reports from other users too, as you saw from my other link
Thank you! I thought all airlines had early check-in at Changi. Which link are you referring to? I guess I'll have to ask in the FT UA forum.
lsquare is online now  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 10:14 am
  #39  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,344
Originally Posted by lsquare
Thank you! I thought all airlines had early check-in at Changi. Which link are you referring to? I guess I'll have to ask in the FT UA forum.
(Precovid).
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30364973-post10.html


That web.archive link in my previous post, is from a long time ago. Now, if you look at the current website, i think only SQ offers early check-in (ANA/CX doesn't show as early check-in)

https://www.changiairport.com/en/flights/airlines.html
lsquare likes this.
paperwastage is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 10:36 am
  #40  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 19,798
Originally Posted by paperwastage
(Precovid).
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30364973-post10.html


That web.archive link in my previous post, is from a long time ago. Now, if you look at the current website, i think only SQ offers early check-in (ANA/CX doesn't show as early check-in)

https://www.changiairport.com/en/flights/airlines.html
Thanks bro! Hotel rate seems reasonable, but in guessing that's because of COVID. I might just book a stay at the Yotel for convenience. It doesn't seem like they have much of a loyalty program.

​​​​​​Are you aware of any storage lockers at Changi?

Are there night buses going to Changi if I stay around Bugis? If so, how long will that take and how much? From what you're saying, it sure sounds .... my plan won't work since there's no early check-in with UA. I guess I can't do lounge hopping as long as I fly with UA! Maybe I'll have to email UA and request that they participate in the program!
lsquare is online now  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 11:06 am
  #41  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,344
Originally Posted by lsquare
Thanks bro! Hotel rate seems reasonable, but in guessing that's because of COVID. I might just book a stay at the Yotel for convenience. It doesn't seem like they have much of a loyalty program.

​​​​​​Are you aware of any storage lockers at Changi?

Are there night buses going to Changi if I stay around Bugis? If so, how long will that take and how much? From what you're saying, it sure sounds .... my plan won't work since there's no early check-in with UA. I guess I can't do lounge hopping as long as I fly with UA! Maybe I'll have to email UA and request that they participate in the program!
There are storage lockers at chabgi , but hours aren't good now, you'll want to use the t3 one not jewel (7am-11pm vs 10am-10pm)
https://www.changiairport.com/en/air...e-storage.html

There are some night buses roaming(nightowl/niterider) , but probably best if you take a taxi (should be under 25-30sgd). The niterider7 that you want to take is discontinued(goes from bugis to changi)


With COVID, many things have changed unfortunately. The Mustafa hypermarket that i mentioned before isn't 24/7 anymore either
lsquare likes this.
paperwastage is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 2:08 pm
  #42  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,889
Originally Posted by lsquare
Oh, sorry, I meant which hotels do you recommend or have stayed in the Bugis area. I will most likely email many of them to ask about a day rate.


Generally I don't stay within the core area. I have a few friends and relatives I can stay with when I visit there... The last time I stayed at a hotel there, it was at the Conrad (maybe a decade ago) so it wouldn't be of much help.


Originally Posted by lsquare
That's a good idea! I've never been to the Jewel before. Is it open 24/7? What about the food court on B2 of T3? A few years ago, I did remember not everything was opened in the middle of the night.
It doesn't say Jewel is closed at night (It was 24/7 before) but most food options close between 9 and 11 (except for hotpot which closes at 3am). The food court is likely to close sooner. But if you're heading back from wherever you decide to go during the day, it shouldn't be hard to get some takeaway before heading back (assuming you stay at the airport). Cutlery (and re-heating) might be an issue depending on what you get. Unfortunately I don't think Singapore had gotten to the self-heating "ekiben" stage yet.

Originally Posted by lsquare
Are there night buses going to Changi if I stay around Bugis? If so, how long will that take and how much? From what you're saying, it sure sounds .... my plan won't work since there's no early check-in with UA. I guess I can't do lounge hopping as long as I fly with UA! Maybe I'll have to email UA and request that they participate in the program!
That'd actually be another benefit of staying at the airport... if you can't check in early, you just leave your stuff in the room.

Originally Posted by paperwastage
With COVID, many things have changed unfortunately. The Mustafa hypermarket that i mentioned before isn't 24/7 anymore either
I can't speak for others, but I never really found any bargains at Mustafa that were THAT amazing. In most cases, I could find comparable or cheaper at home (and not have to lug or deal with customs). It was a great selling point though about being open 24/7.
lsquare likes this.
StuckInYYZ is offline  
Old Apr 16, 2022, 4:15 pm
  #43  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,344
Originally Posted by StuckInYYZ
I can't speak for others, but I never really found any bargains at Mustafa that were THAT amazing. In most cases, I could find comparable or cheaper at home (and not have to lug or deal with customs). It was a great selling point though about being open 24/7.
yeah, hours & large selection of anything under 1 roof was the selling point before


If i were OP, i'd probably think of two options

Option 1)
probably do dorsett (28 hour flexible chinatown mentioned before) or pan pacific (25hour flexible Marina Bay)
both subject to room availability though
https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels...-vacation.html


hopefully you get lucky, then can nap upon arrival (plus the online proctored covid test).
then explore singapore 12pm-midnight (or more), go back to hotel

then get to airport early morning

Option 2)
Book two yotelair reservations.
https://www.dayuse.com/hotels/singap...hangi-sg-clean
https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yote...ay-for-the-day

8am-2pm SGD$89 (you can probably reach out directly to yotelair, get a better rate, and see if they'll store luggage between stays, or offer a customized rate across your entire time)
then leave luggage at yotel OR the changi luggage storage

explore singapore
then come back yotelair changi ~1am or later, regular overnight stay SGD$120 (or choose your own hotel)
lsquare likes this.
paperwastage is offline  
Old Apr 19, 2022, 8:27 am
  #44  
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,328
Originally Posted by lsquare
Thank you! I thought all airlines had early check-in at Changi. Which link are you referring to? I guess I'll have to ask in the FT UA forum.
PMNW and DL never had early check in at SIN. Even with bOLCI and no bag to check, you needed to go to their counter after it opened (about two to three hours before scheduled departure time) before you were able to go airside, although there was a separate and faster line for those with OLCI and IIRC the deadline was a bit later too.
lsquare likes this.
MSPeconomist is offline  
Old Apr 20, 2022, 11:03 am
  #45  
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,723
Originally Posted by lsquare
That's a fantastic idea, and you just reminded me that I have an Aspire! I don't recall getting any notifications that I have an FNC. How do I check? To be clear, I got the Aspire last summer, and I don't know if the FNC is issued after AF renewal or not.
Sorry, had missed this.

Ah, if you log onto your HHonors account, you should see it under rewards summary, or something like that; because of the pandemic, they lifted thew weekend restriction and may be used during any day of the week. I doubt they'll receive another extension, and it's probably prudent to use them when the opportunity presents itself. If I recall, it should be a month post renewal?
lsquare likes this.
Visconti is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.