[top photo: Mr Felix Wee and his wife, Ms Margaret Chong, will be spending Valentine's Day at Rendezvous Hotel. They feel the hotel's rate of $199++ per night was well worth it as it includes a $100 dining credit in Straits Cafe]

By Crystal Chan

RECESSION or not, there is no holding back on celebrating love.

Hotels are reporting better Valentine's Day bookings this year despite talks of belt tightening.

They have the weekend to thank for because the occasion falls on a Saturday this year.

Many are starting their promotions on 13 Feb, hoping that couples will take up rooms or spa sessions over the weekend.

Some hotels, such as Rendezvous Hotel, have seen room sales double from last year.

Rendezvous' general manager, Mr Kellvin Ong, said: 'Many couples still opt to stay from Saturday to Sunday, though we have some who are checking in on 13 Feb.'

His hotel has seen bookings for 45 room nights, double from last year.

Ms Belladonnah Lim, marketing communications director of Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel the Stamford, said: 'Since Valentine's Day this year falls on a Saturday, it opens up greater possibilities for couples to celebrate.'

The hotel's in-house spa, Willow Stream, has seen a 20 per cent increase in bookings for its Valentine's Day package, compared to the year before.

Priced at $289++ per couple, the package includes an aromatherapy massage and a mineral bath.

The 172-room Siloso Beach Resort on Sentosa has sold out all 68 rooms that it set aside for Valentine's Day weekend - a 20 per cent rise from last year.

Its executive director, Mr Kelvin Ng, said: 'Business is probably better this year as it falls on a Saturday. Singaporeans are practical and are more willing to have a getaway if they don't have to work the following day.'

Over at Royal Plaza on Scotts, 37 couples have confirmed bookings for 53 room nights as there are some who are staying from 13 to 15 Feb.

Its marketing communications director, Ms Lynn Tan, said: 'Our current sales are about the same as last year, but bookings could still go up as we still have some time to 14 Feb.'

Freebies, late check-outs

Hotels are not only pricing their romance packages lower than last year, but they are also including freebies and late check-outs.

Rendezvous is selling its Valentine's Day room package at $199++ per night, down from $228++ last year.

Guests also pay $100 less when they dine in the hotel's restaurant, Straits Cafe.

Marina Mandarin has thrown in chocolate-dipped strawberries, breakfast, a rose-petal bubble bath and a half-bottle of champagne for its package, priced at $380++ per night.

One couple who will be having a Valentine's Day weekend getaway is Mr Felix Wee, 31, and his wife, Ms Margaret Chong, 32.

They will be checking into Rendezvous Hotel on 14 Feb and checking out the nextday.

It is the first time the couple, who have been married for seven years, is having a Valentine's Day getaway.

Ms Chong, a business analyst, said: 'Previously, we used to celebrate Valentine's Day by going out for dinner. This year, we decided to do something different.

'The room rate is a big factor because we have to watch our spending now.'

Miss Jace Chong, 27, a trading analyst who will be celebrating the occasion with her boyfriend by staying at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, said she wanted a hotel away from the city.

She said: 'I've spent Valentine's Day at hotels in town and this time round, I wanted to really relax and be in a different environment.'

Value meals

Restaurants too, are banking on the nights of 13 and 14 Feb to sell their Valentine's Day dinners.

Les Amis spokesman Raymond Lim said the chain is looking at ways to enhance the value-for-money perception.

He said: 'We're offering a six-course dinner, which is one extra course from last year. We're also throwing in a glass of rose champagne - all at $250++ per person.'

The Prime Society, an upmarket steakhouse, is offering a four-course dinner at $128++ per person.

Diners have two options so that couples may order and share different dishes.

Without giving figures, Mrs Ingrid Prasatya, the restaurant owner, said: 'Business is better as it's a weekend.

'The fact that you don't have to worry about work the next day is definitely cause for letting your hair down.'

This article was first published in The New Paper on Feb 8, 2009.