For Olivia's big two in November, we decided that it's time we take her for a little staycay. We actually searched high and low, considered a lot, including availability, kid-friendly amenities, budget and distance. We contemplated between Shangri-la and Andaz, because the former has a huge built-in kids playground in the hotel (that's the things you look for when you have kids).
Unfortunately, it wasn't available so Andaz was the hotel to go.
We headed onto Klook and got a really good deal for Andaz Singapore. For just $280, we got a Deluxe City View Room, and that comes with:
Set Breakfast for Two Adults + One Child
SGD$100 Dining Credits
Free Mini-bar Amenities
(including beer! Sorry got to add this in)
Our residence is pretty close to Andaz, so there were several occasions that we bought little Olivia for a walk there. She absolutely love the fountains by the way. Now that we are inside Andaz, she "wow"-ed even more.
Like our previous staycay at Equarius Hotel, due to social distancing measures, all check-ins are staggered. Proper measures like contact-tracking, temperature screening, declarations, and 1-meter apart queues are set in place. Since August when staycaytions were just being allowed, it has now become a favourite activity for many, now that we can't head overseas and with the recent distribution of Singapore Rediscover vouchers. But heng ah, our queue was just around 15 minutes.
Our Room for the Night
Compared with Equarius' suite, this is way, way smaller (duh). What we like about this room, however, is its modern woody vibe and amenities. For it's size, it seems very well planned out, the entrance with wardrobes lining the sides, lounge area with a pretty good skyline view at level 36, and a toilet, with one of the best mirrors I've seen.
Seriously, which hotels would refresh your mini-bar daily? Just look at their range! Psst, Tiger beer included.
They knew it was Olivia's birthday, so it was a nice surprise when we found out that there's a chocolate-mint cake, soft toy, story book and even a handwritten card from the lovely staff!
Kiztopia
Since time was tight, we quickly left for Kiztopia at Marina Square, which was just a few minutes away. But before that, let us take a selfie. It is not difficult to see who Olivia takes over.
Kiztopia, for short, was great fun for children, but really exhausting for adults. Since we got to look out for Olivia, we had to followed her through the obstacles, up the walls, down the slides, and repeat that by a hundred times. It is not difficult to understand why so many parents are sitting there and just scrolling their phones. Also, we gotta admit that we are getting old.
Mr Stock
Despite the $100 dining credits, most of their restaurants were fully booked, so we had room service, and for the rest and a little top-up, we headed to their level 39 rooftop bar, Mr Stock. It brands itself to be a kids-friendly bar - a bar that you could bring your kids to! But why would you do that seriously. But if you happen to bring your kids there (like us), you may consider booking yourself one of the ten teepee huts.
Breakfast
Olivia did not slept well last night, waking up to 2 hours at around 3am, probably because it was a new environment. We were exhausted, especially Lady M who had to carry her. To be honest, it kinda deterred us a little to go for more staycations with Olivia. We need sleep, but I think we will just proceed with another in the near future. #parentsduties
For breakfast, they had a pretty nice spread with a great choice of mains (Western and Asian) and free flows of sides (and that includes seasonal fruits, bread basket, muesli, cheese, and fruit juices). Olivia loves the noodles so much she slurped it all even after her usual breakfast.
Endnote
It was a nice staycation for Olivia and us (except the sleep), but everything was really well-thought and planned by the hotel. Now at December, it seems like overseas travel is not opening up anytime soon, and with the recent distribution of Singapore Rediscover vouchers, more of us are heading to staycays. Andaz is a good choice.
P.S. Since then, whenever Olivia passes by Andaz, she would wave and say "bye" to the iconic honeycomb structure. How cute.