Sunday, September 29, 2024

Luxury Singapore Itinerary: Save Money on 5-Star Stays and Attractions

Imagine experiencing the best Singapore has to offer—from the iconic Marina Bay Sands infinity pool to a thrilling day at Legoland Malaysia—all while staying in top-tier hotels and dining at exquisite restaurants. Singapore is a city where luxury meets adventure, and while these experiences can be pricey, they are certainly worth every penny.

Luxury Singapore Itinerary: Save Money on 5-Star Stays and Attractions
Luxury Singapore Itinerary: Save Money on 5-Star Stays and Attractions

Why Splurging on a Luxurious Singapore Trip is Worth It

Singapore offers unparalleled experiences, from world-class attractions to luxury accommodations that are second to none. Here’s what you get by investing in a high-end itinerary:

1. Stay at Iconic Hotels: Waking up at Marina Bay Sands and taking a dip in its stunning infinity pool is an experience you’ll never forget. Combine that with the minimalist charm of Lloyd’s Inn, a boutique hotel offering peace and tranquility in the heart of the city. You’ll get a luxurious yet intimate stay that feels like a hidden gem.


2. Unforgettable Attractions: Whether it’s a fun-filled family day at Legoland Malaysia or the mesmerizing Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay, these activities create memories that last a lifetime.


3. Gourmet Dining: Savor Singaporean favorites at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh or experience the mouthwatering satay at Satay by the Bay while enjoying the scenic view of Marina Bay.

Yes, all these come at a price, but every bit of it adds up to an unforgettable journey.


Saving Up for a Luxurious Experience: Here’s How You Can Do It

Now that you know why this trip is worth saving for, here are some tips to ensure you’re financially ready for the adventure:

1. Plan Early: Start by setting a budget and creating a savings plan months in advance. Allocate funds specifically for accommodation, meals, and activities. If you save regularly, it won’t feel like such a financial burden all at once.


2. Use Travel Booking Platforms to Get the Best Deals: One of the easiest ways to save money while planning a luxury trip is by using booking platforms like Expedia. With Expedia, you can bundle your flight and hotel to get excellent rates on luxurious stays such as Marina Bay Sands or Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.


3. Look for Discounted Tours and Attractions: Singapore has plenty of amazing attractions, but entrance fees can add up. Luckily, platforms like KKDay offer significant discounts on tickets to places like Legoland Malaysia, Gardens by the Bay, and private transport options for day trips. Pre-booking through KKDay can save you up to 30% on these experiences, allowing you to enjoy luxury on a budget.


How You Can Still Save (Without Missing Out on the Fun)

Even if your goal is to enjoy the finer things in Singapore, there are always ways to trim down your expenses. Here are a few tips to keep costs in check:

1.Consider Off-Peak Travel: Hotels and flights can be significantly cheaper if you book during off-peak seasons. This allows you to experience the same luxury for less.


2. Look for Package Deals: Keep an eye on bundled packages that combine flights, hotel stays, and even attraction passes. Platforms like Expedia often offer these deals, which can help you save more than booking everything separately.


3. Pre-Book Activities: Booking activities in advance through sites like KKDay not only ensures availability but also helps you grab discounts. For example, transport to Johor Bahru and Legoland Malaysia can be pre-arranged at a lower rate, saving both time and money.

Take Advantage of Local Dining: While splurging on high-end restaurants is part of the experience, Singapore’s street food is world-famous. You can balance your gourmet meals with affordable and delicious local options to keep costs in check.


Why a Luxurious Singapore Vacation is Within Reach

A high-end trip to Singapore doesn’t have to feel like an impossible dream. With careful planning and smart spending, you can enjoy this luxurious adventure while keeping your budget intact. Whether it’s staying at Marina Bay Sands for a night or treating yourself to a family day at Legoland Malaysia, the key is knowing where and how to find savings.


Here’s where you can really cut costs:

** Expedia’s flight + hotel bundles are perfect for luxury travelers looking to get the most out of their stay while saving on accommodations.


** KKDay offers exclusive deals on popular attractions and transport options, helping you stretch your dollar further while still enjoying Singapore’s best experiences.


Start saving today, and before you know it, you’ll be sipping cocktails by the infinity pool, enjoying the stunning skyline views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world!


Sunday, September 22, 2024

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport -- Best Hotel at Terminal 3

ABBEY: We often drive past the Crowne Plaza Hotel on our way to the airport or Jewel, and I've always been curious about what it's like to stay there. So, when my sibling came to visit, we took the opportunity to check it out. 


Our check-in experience was smooth, even with a bit of a queue. As soon as we entered our room, we were welcomed by a cozy office space, followed by a comfortable bed. The room also featured a large TV with plenty of channels to keep us entertained and a small dining area for a quick meal.


One of the standout features of the room was the bathroom. It includes a shower, toilet, and a bathtub with a unique view overlooking the airport terminal, allowing you to watch the air traffic. While the view was fantastic, we did find that the Jewel wing, where our room was located, felt a bit too far from the lobby, pool, and restaurant. It gave off a slightly isolated vibe, which might not be for everyone. 


Overall, it was a memorable stay, especially with that captivating bathroom view, but the distance from some amenities is something to consider if you're planning a visit.



Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: The Best Hotel for Comfort and Convenience Near Terminal 3
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: The Best Hotel for Comfort and Convenience Near Terminal 3

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: The Best Hotel for Comfort and Convenience Near Terminal 3
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: The Best Hotel for Comfort and Convenience Near Terminal 3


WILL: After a full day exploring Singapore’s iconic spots—Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Fullerton’s Mile Zero, and the Esplanade—we were ready for a break. But instead of heading straight to Jewel Changi, we made a quick pit stop. Abbey, being the expert planner, booked us a room at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. It’s literally right next to Terminal 3—just an escalator ride away!


Now, let’s talk about the stay itself. The biggest perk? The location. If you’re traveling through Changi, this hotel couldn’t be easier to access. Whether you’re catching an early flight or have a long layover, the convenience of being so close to the airport is unbeatable.


The room layout was thoughtfully designed, making the most of the available space. There’s a functional office desk, which nicely separates the bed area from the rest of the room, offering a bit of privacy and structure. The bed, though, was the real highlight for us—extremely cozy and supportive, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a long day of walking.


The bathtub! It’s perfect for a relaxing soak—although, heads up, the window might not give you all the privacy you expect. Their amenities have this super calming vibe, and I couldn’t help but feel like the hotel was encouraging us to de-stress before our next flight.


Kudos to Crowne Plaza Changi Airport—this is definitely a top choice for anyone in transit or just looking for a quick staycation. Oh, and did I mention they offer hourly rates? Super convenient, right?


Per night: SGD345.24 / night



***

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

(W) https://changiairport.crowneplaza.com/

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Marina Bay Sands Premier Services: Is This Your Dream Hotel in Singapore?

ABBEY: Booking a room at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) through their app wasn't as smooth as I’d hoped. I ran into some issues securing rooms for my preferred dates, so I decided to reach out to their customer service. That’s when Natasha stepped in. With my membership ID in hand, she not only helped me lock in two rooms but also managed to secure some discounts for me—talk about a win!


Fast forward to three days before our stay, I received an email from the MBS Premium Service Team. They asked me to fill out the guest details and offered a personalized check-in service. I initially thought this was just part of their standard process, but it turned out to be much more.


Upon our arrival at the hotel, we were greeted by long check-in queues. That’s when I remembered the Premium Service Team. A quick call later, and David—our knight in a blue suit—arrived to save the day. Not only did we get a special lane, but we also got an in-room check-in. How cool is that?


When we finally made it to our room, we were welcomed with a fruit basket, and everything seemed perfect. Well, almost everything. My niece suddenly burst into tears, and we were all puzzled—turns out, there was no fruit basket in the other room! But the Premium Service Team swooped in once again, delivering some delicious fruits and turning her frown upside down.


We were celebrating my niece’s birthday, so the staycation was extra special. After dinner, we returned to find a surprise gift waiting on her bed. Guess who left it? Yep, the incredible Premium Service Team. They truly went above and beyond throughout our stay.


Even at checkout, their exceptional service continued. They helped us store our luggage, freeing us up to explore from Gardens by the Bay to Suntec City without any worries. They even handled the logistics to our next destination, making our journey completely hassle-free.


It was an extraordinary experience, and we felt genuinely cared for every step of the way. A huge shoutout to the amazing Premium Service Team, especially Nesh, Natasha, David, Yeng, Bayani, and Selan. Your dedication made our stay unforgettable!



Marina Bay Sands Premier Services: Is This Your Dream Hotel in Singapore?
Marina Bay Sands Premier Services: Is This Your Dream Hotel in Singapore?

Marina Bay Sands Premier Services: Is This Your Dream Hotel in Singapore?
Marina Bay Sands Premier Services: Is This Your Dream Hotel in Singapore?


WILL: When we talk about hotels in Singapore, why does Marina Bay Sands (MBS) always come up as the go-to option? If you ask us, we wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re like us and crave a peaceful, calming staycation, MBS is not your ideal choice. Have you ever seen the lobby? It’s like a marketplace, loud and chaotic. The check-in and check-out process is a nightmare—long queues and disorganized chaos.


But, let’s be honest—who can resist the iconic infinity pool? That’s what draws most people in. If swimming at the top of Singapore is on your bucket list, it’s hard to say no.


Abbey’s brother-in-law requested an MBS stay as a treat. Abbey saved for a 2-night stay, but we could only squeeze in one night due to our schedules. After avoiding MBS for so long, we finally gave in. So, what’s new?


Thanks to Abbey’s Sands Lifestyle membership, we got a taste of Marina Bay Sands Premier Services—and that’s what turned things around for us:

  1. No Queue Check-In: David, our personal butler, escorted us straight to the room, bypassing the usual lobby chaos.
  2. Welcome Perks: We were greeted with a fruit platter, and David went the extra mile to surprise our niece Nika with balloons and a teddy bear for her birthday.
  3. Easy Requests: No need to call the lobby; just send a quick WhatsApp message for anything you need.

The room? As you'd expect—clean, spacious, with a comfy bed. Their luxury toiletries are from Salvatore Ferragamo, leaning a bit masculine in scent, and TWG tea, as usual, makes an appearance. The balcony view overlooking Gardens by the Bay? Absolutely stunning.


With these perks and that sprawling room, we might just return to MBS. The Premier Services made everything so much more convenient.


Is MBS really worth the splurge? What do you think? SGD1,767.56 for two rooms in a night :) 



*** 

Marina Bay Sands Singapore 

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/




Saturday, September 14, 2024

Legoland Malaysia Hotel's Kingdom Themed Suite Review

ABBEY: Our first visit to Legoland was memorable, but due to budget constraints, we only managed to explore the theme and water parks. However, 2024 brought a new experience as we finally got the chance to stay at the Legoland Hotel, and not just any room—we booked the Kingdom Themed Suite.


To our delight, even though check-in was officially at 4 PM, we were able to settle into our suite as early as 9 AM. From the moment we stepped into the disco elevator, which plays "Everything is Awesome," we knew we were in for a treat. The fun continued as we walked through the 2-car lane hallway leading to our room, where I couldn't help but feel like royalty in a castle.


Our suite was massive, with a spacious living room that seamlessly connected to the dining area. It boasted a master bedroom, two bunk beds, and two bathrooms, offering plenty of space for everyone. The view of the theme park from our window was simply breathtaking.


One of the highlights was watching my nephew solve the combination to the vault in our room, which unlocked a special Lego prize. After a full day of fun at the theme park, we enjoyed a relaxing dinner together and capped off the night with a movie. The entire stay was nothing short of fantastic-it truly was awesome!


Legoland Malaysia Hotel's Kingdom Themed Suite Review
Legoland Malaysia Hotel's Kingdom Themed Suite Review

Legoland Malaysia Hotel's Kingdom Themed Suite Review
Legoland Malaysia Hotel's Kingdom Themed Suite Review

WILL: Are you a LEGO fan? My brothers and cousins loved LEGO, but my sister and I weren’t that interested. Nowadays, even more kids—including girls—are building with LEGO. Is LEGO just a trend, or has it become the most fun toy for everyone? You decide!


Want to know a secret? Going to Legoland on a weekday is a smart idea. Why? Because fewer people means shorter lines and more time to explore! 

Abbey booked the Kingdom Suite, which was HUGE! It had two bunk beds for kids, a king-size bed for the grown-ups, two bathrooms (one made just for kids with a bathtub), and even a dining and living room. The best part? The view of the Legoland Park from our room! 


The bed? Super comfy! There was even a "rolling amenities" cart that knocked on doors asking if we needed more water or extra supplies. That was so cool! The breakfast was yummy, with food like nasi lemak, noodles, and pancakes. But Thor and Annika were a bit sad there were no chicken nuggets—what’s up with that?


Even though Thor and Annika had so much fun, after one night, we started to wonder: Would staying longer be as exciting? Sometimes one night is just enough!


Here’s something to think about: staying at Legoland Hotel costs RM2,420 per night for four adults and two kids. That’s a lot of money! So, before you ask your parents to book, think about whether you’d enjoy just one night or if you want something longer and more lasting.



So, is Legoland Malaysia worth it for you? Would you have tons of fun, or is the price too high for just one night of adventure? Get your parents thinking—and maybe you’ll be on your way to Legoland soon!



***

Legoland Malaysia 

(W) https://www.legoland.com.my/



Saturday, September 7, 2024

Cubao's Hidden Cheap Hotel -- Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

ABBEY: For our staycation before heading to Bulacan, we chose to spend a night at Ibis Styles Araneta City in Cubao. From the moment we entered the hotel, we were welcomed by a giant glove sculpture in the lobby, which added a playful touch to our arrival. Check-in was a breeze—just a couple of minutes, and we were on our way to our room.


The room was immaculate, exuding a cozy ambiance that made us feel instantly relaxed and ready to unwind. The fragrant toiletries added a touch of luxury, and I took full advantage of the hot shower, letting the warm water wash away the day’s fatigue.


One of the perks of staying at Ibis Styles is its direct connection to the nearby malls. We couldn't resist exploring, so we strolled through the shops and grabbed some snacks at Manam. The place was bustling, so for dinner, we opted for a KFC takeaway, bringing our meal back to the comfort of our room.


As we settled in, we tried to catch a bit of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, but the cozy bed quickly lulled us to sleep. Before we knew it, morning had arrived, and it was time to pack up and check out.When it comes to transportation, there's no need to worry—plenty of options are available right outside the hotel, making travel a breeze.


Cubao's Hidden Cheap Hotel -- Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City
A Modern Hotel in the Heart of Quezon City: Our Ibis Styles Experience


WILL: Cubao, Quezon City, often known for its bustling streets, love hotels, and the infamous pickpocket, isn't the first place you'd expect to find an upscale hotel. Yet, the Accor Group has strategically placed Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City right to Gateway Mall, a move that left me both surprised and impressed.


Initially, I wondered who this Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City would cater to. However, during our stay, we observed a diverse crowd—business travelers, seminar attendees, and international guests. It’s clear that Ibis Styles has tapped into a niche market here, providing a fresh and modern option for those visiting the area on business.

Check-In/Check-Out Experience: As an All Accor Plus member, Abbey and I experienced the perks of priority service. The check-in and check-out process was seamless, reflecting the efficiency that the Accor Group is known for.


Room Experience: The room was charming, with a layout that reminded me of our stay in Danang. However, I noticed one peculiar omission—there was no proper desk, a surprising detail for a hotel branded as business-friendly. Despite this, the room hit all the right marks in terms of cleanliness, making our stay comfortable.

Location and Amenities: One of the major perks of Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is its location. Being adjacent to Gateway Mall, we had easy access to a variety of dining options, which made exploring the area a delight.


Final Verdict: Will we return? Absolutely! Despite some minor drawbacks, Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City offers a unique and convenient option for those visiting Cubao. It’s a refreshing addition to the area, and we look forward to our next stay. 

Per Night: Php3,206.50


***

Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

(W) https://all.accor.com/

(A) General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City 0810 Philippines