Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations

ABBEY: Celebrating my birthday with a staycation at Swissotel The Stamford Singapore was the perfect treat! Timing worked out wonderfully as we were able to redeem our hotel stay and enjoy a relaxing celebration in style.

From the moment we arrived, everything felt effortless. Check-in was quick and seamless—within minutes, we had our room key and were on our way to what would be a memorable stay.

Our room was absolutely massive and thoughtfully designed for both comfort and convenience. It featured a luxurious bathtub, a spacious living room with a plush sofa, and a large wooden table that easily doubled as a workstation. The best part? Two private balconies offering breathtaking views of Suntec City and Marina Bay—an absolute feast for the eyes!

Since this was a staycation, we fully embraced the art of relaxation. The enormous bed, with its soft, fluffy pillows and crisp, clean white linens, was pure indulgence. To top it all off, the hotel went above and beyond by leaving a personalized birthday greeting on the bed, accompanied by a decadent chocolate cake. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the day extra special.

With rainy and cloudy weather setting the tone, we spent most of the time lounging in the room, enjoying the cozy atmosphere. And to make things even better, our request for a late checkout was kindly granted, giving us a little more time to soak in the experience.

A huge thank you to Swissotel The Stamford for making my birthday so unforgettable!

Swissôtel The Stamford - Best Hotel in Singapore for Celebrations 

WILL: Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore’s tallest hotel, is not only famous for its breathtaking skyline views and annual vertical marathon but also for its exceptional hospitality. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, this hotel goes above and beyond with thoughtful extras that make your stay unforgettable.

As part of Abbey’s Accor Plus membership, we enjoyed a complimentary stay and decided to make the most of it by upgrading to the Signature Suite for his birthday. Here’s a detailed review of our experience.

Why Swissôtel is Great for Celebrations

Thoughtful Birthday Surprises:

• We were greeted with a room decked out in celebration mode, rose petals, a birthday banner, and creative towel art.
• Just when we thought the surprises were over, a medium-sized birthday cake was delivered during our stay. These extra touches made Abbey's birthday feel truly special.

Luxurious Signature Suite: With a King-sized bed, two private balconies, and stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the suite was perfect for a celebratory stay.

Spacious Workspace for Business Travelers: The large office desk in the suite caters perfectly to guests who mix work with leisure.

Comfortable Bed & Premium Linens: The bedding was plush and inviting, though the TV placement in the room could be improved for better viewing comfort.

Balconies with Stunning Views:The unobstructed view of Marina Bay Sands was breathtaking. However, the balconies lacked furniture, which could have enhanced the experience of soaking in the scenery

Convenient Location:Nestled within Raffles City, the hotel provides easy access to both luxury and mid-range dining options, perfect for celebratory meals.

Well-Equipped Gym & Sauna:For fitness enthusiasts, the gym offers modern equipment, and the sauna is a relaxing bonus (though I regret not having enough time to try it).

For Improvement - 

Awkward TV Layout: While the bed was comfortable, the TV placement made viewing awkward. You have to turn to your side to watch, which isn't ideal for relaxation. Additionally, connecting our own devices to the TV was not possible.

Balcony Design: The balcony offers an incredible view of Marina Bay Sands, but it lacks functionality. Without tables or chairs, it felt like a missed opportunity to fully enjoy the outdoor space.

Shower Tub Design:The suite features a combined shower and bathtub, which I find impractical. Using it as a shower or a tub alone didn’t feel as comfortable or intuitive as separate installations.

Swissôtel The Stamford is a top choice for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones, thanks to its personalized service and generous freebies like cakes and room decorations. These thoughtful gestures make it an ideal spot to mark special occasions.

While it’s a fantastic option for celebratory stays, the hotel is also highly suitable for business travelers, given its central location, spacious workspace, and excellent amenities.

Would we return? For celebrations, yes—for the thoughtful extras alone. For business, definitely.

***

Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore

(W) https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-stamford/

Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas Tips for Your Singapore Cruise

ABBEY: Cruising is always a thrill for us, and this time, we set sail on Anthem of the Seas, our third Royal Caribbean ship after experiencing Mariner of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas. This journey was filled with surprises, memorable moments, and plenty of delightful discoveries.

We initially booked an interior stateroom, but thanks to a helpful suggestion from our agent, we upgraded to a balcony room for the same price. What a fantastic decision! Nothing beats the view of the endless ocean right from the comfort of your own space.

We arrived for check-in at 12 noon, thinking we were early birds—but it seems many fellow passengers had the same idea.

Lunch at Windjammer was our first stop, and while finding a table took some effort, we managed to secure one at the aft. The buffet selection was as tempting as ever, featuring pasta, roasted beef, burgers, and hotdogs. It was the perfect start to our culinary journey onboard.

After lunch, we headed to our stateroom, which was ready for us. Our room attendant, Joy, greeted us, though her demeanor was less enthusiastic than we might have hoped. Thankfully, our own excitement wasn’t dampened, and we were ready to make the most of the cruise ahead.

The live shows onboard were a highlight of our trip. We scored excellent seats for Spectra’s Cabaret and the electrifying We Will Rock You. The performances were top-notch, keeping us thoroughly entertained throughout.

For just $104 per person, we indulged in specialty dining at Jamie’s Italian and Wonderland. The package also included a Sip Tour, where we toured the galley to witness food preparation firsthand while enjoying free-flowing sparkling wine and brunch. It was an experience that satisfied both our curiosity and our taste buds.

For lighter meals, Sorrento’s and Café 270 became our go-to spots. Their cheese and pepperoni pizza slices, paninis, and burritos were quick, delicious options that kept us fueled for all the activities on board.

We kicked off our mornings with workouts—either at the gym or on the outdoor track with panoramic views. Afternoons were spent unwinding at the Solarium, where we alternated between the cold and hot pools, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

This cruise wasn’t just about the ship; it was about the shared experience with our siblings. From exploring the ship to savoring meals together, every moment was special.

Our time on Anthem of the Seas was nothing short of amazing. Whether it was the luxurious dining, thrilling entertainment, or simply the joy of being at sea, this cruise left us with memories to treasure forever.

Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas Tips for Your Singapore Cruise

WILL: Is Anthem of the Seas just another Royal Caribbean cruise for me and Abbey? Well, yes and no. Yes, it’s a different ship, but no, it’s part of the Quantum Class fleet—much like Quantum of the Seas, but without Laser Tag. However, this trip was entirely unique for us because we cruised with my siblings! Yay!

Instead of a detailed review, here are essential tips and reminders for your next cruise on Anthem of the Seas. Let’s go!!! 

10 Must-Know Tips for Your Anthem of the Seas Cruise

1.Pack Essentials
Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and room slippers. These aren’t complimentary and are only available for purchase onboard—priced in USD!

2.Wait to Book Specialty Restaurants
Skip pre-booking specialty restaurants online. Once onboard, you’ll likely spot amazing deals. For example, we scored a package for Wonderland and Jamie’s Italian for just USD 105, down from USD 99 per restaurant. Bonus? A Sip Tour with unlimited champagne—cheers to that!

3.Reserve Shows Before Boarding
Plan ahead by booking your favorite shows three days before boarding. Yes, you can do this online beforehand! Don’t wait until you’re on the ship—popular shows fill up fast.

4.Coordinate Dinner with Show Schedules
Plan your dining schedule around showtimes so you don’t miss a second of the entertainment.

5.Follow Dress Codes for Activities
Love bumper cars? Wear closed-toe shoes. Slippers, Crocs, and sandals are not allowed, and they’re strict about it.

6.Seize the Sunshine for Rock Climbing
If it’s sunny and rock climbing is open, go for it! Rain can disrupt this activity, and you might regret missing out—like I did.

7.Avoid Booking Aft Cabins
Sensitive to motion? Avoid booking an aft cabin, even on higher floors. The waves are much more noticeable there.

8.Dining Tips

• Bagel Lover: Start your day with fresh bagels at The Café @ Two70.
• Calm and Cozy: Opt for Solaris for a serene dining experience.
• Skip the Chaos: Avoid the Windjammer if crowds aren’t your thing. The main dining room is a wonderful alternative

9.Explore Seaplex
Seaplex is a haven for your inner child. Activities include bumper cars, basketball, football, and badminton. On the second floor, you’ll find table tennis and even Xbox gaming stations.

10.Bring Your Own Wine
Did you know you can bring a bottle of wine onboard? Take it to dinner or lunch, and the staff will happily open it for you. It’s a classy way to elevate your dining experience without spending extra.

One of the biggest highlights of Anthem of the Seas is the Broadway-style entertainment. With four unique shows during one cruise, you’re guaranteed unforgettable performances. The We Will Rock You is absolutely worth it! 

Anthem of the Seas truly lives up to Royal Caribbean’s promise of elevated experiences.

Don’t forget to bookmark this blog for your next sailing!

***

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas - Singapore Departure 

(W) https://www.royalcaribbean.com

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Marina Bay Sands Review: High-Tech Luxury Staycation in Singapore

ABBEY: If there’s one iconic experience that calls out to tourists and Singapore residents alike, it’s the opportunity to swim in the world-famous infinity pool atop Marina Bay Sands Hotel. As part of our pre-cruise adventure, we treated ourselves to a night in the Sands Premier Room in Tower 1—and what an experience it was!

Our check-in coincided with a sudden downpour, temporarily delaying our much-anticipated pool visit. While waiting for the rain to subside, we decided to indulge at one of the hotel’s dining spots; Black Tap. A generously-sized burger and fries, paired with the decadent Crazyshake Brooklyn Blackout, turned the delay into a delightful mini-feast.

Once the skies cleared, we slipped into our swimwear and headed straight to the infinity pool. The panoramic view was absolutely breathtaking. From the glistening Marina Bay to the towering skyscrapers of the Central Business District and the endless sea beyond, it’s a sight that stays with you. We didn’t stop there—we also made time to relax in the hot tub, soaking in the luxurious atmosphere.

The Sands Premier Room was nothing short of extraordinary. Every detail showed sophistication, from the leather accents—yes, even the remote control and notepad covers!—to the thoughtful amenities. To our surprise, bath bombs were already waiting for us by the bathtub—no special requests needed.

Speaking of requests, the hotel went above and beyond to accommodate our sensitive skin concerns, providing alternative toiletries. It’s these small, considerate touches that truly set their service apart.

The bed was a dream; plush linens and perfectly balanced pillows. And the cherry on top? A beautifully presented birthday cake, adding a personal touch to our celebration.

From the stunning infinity pool to the impeccable service, our stay at Marina Bay Sands was unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of luxury, this hotel delivers on every front. We left refreshed, pampered, and with memories to last a lifetime.

Marina Bay Sands Review High-Tech Luxury Staycation in Singapore

WILL: Back in July, Abbey and I booked a room at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Tower 3 for SGD883.78. It was such a great deal! Fast forward to November, we tried to book the same rate but it was already gone, even after calling MBS to check. With no choice and time running out, we booked the available room—and it was completely worth it.

This is probably the best hotel room I’ve stayed in so far:
-- Bright and Well-Lit: The room was perfectly lit, which is very important to me. Good lighting doesn’t just hide imperfections in the room but also creates a breathable and open space that feels fresh and inviting.

-- Soft and Clean Linens: The bed smelled fresh, the quilt had the perfect weight, and everything felt clean and cozy.

-- Toiletries: Since I had allergies last time from the Ferragamo toiletries, we asked for alternatives—and MBS delivered Jo Malone’s. The bath salts placed beside the tub were such a nice touch.

--Teapot Bonus: I love tea, and I was so happy to see a teapot ready to use. It’s rare to find hotels that think of tea lovers like me.

The room had motion-sensor lights on the floors, the balcony’s glass door, and even the toilet area. While it’s impressive and modern, it might not suit you if you want a simple, unplugged staycation.

The MBS Infinity Pool facing Singapore’s CBD and it’s jacuzzi overlooking Gardens by the Bay, was the highlight of our stay. The jacuzzi was equally relaxing. We spent so much time here that we missed the gym again. Maybe next time!

Connecting our laptop to the TV or streaming shows was so easy. The room had cables ready and supported AirPlay, which was very convenient.

Marina Bay Sands is definitely worth the splurge. From the luxurious room to the stunning pool, everything felt special. If you’re looking for a beautiful stay with thoughtful details and a fresh, breathable space, MBS is worth every dollar.

Would you stay here? Newly renovated room cost SGD 1,071.91.

*** 

Marina Bay Sands Singapore 

(W) https://www.marinabaysands.com/

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Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.