8 new hotels in Singapore for a year-end staycation

SINGAPORE - It's the holiday season and if you're not planning any overseas trips, having a staycation might just be the way to go. But not just any staycation - spend the night at the newest hotels in town.

Recently, the swanky South Beach hotel, designed by Philippe Stark, opened for business. Highly stylised, the hotel is a feast for the eyes with its futuristic and playful atmosphere, its 654 rooms and many chic spots to hang out at.

But that's not all. AsiaOne has compiled a list of other new hotel establishments that have opened in Singapore in the recent 12-18 months.

Since it is not every day that you get to do staycations, we suggest you check out the newer hotels while the pillows are still fluffy and all the furniture, appliances and facilities that available to you are still spanking new.

So ditch the usual scramble to find the cheapest flight tickets and hotels for an overseas trip. From planning a 'girls-only' staycation to a romantic stay-in with your other half, here are 8 new hotels to check-in to for that well-deserved break to wrap up the year.

1. Adonis Hotel

This is a boutique hotel that occupies a shophouse space which used to be a traditional Hainanese bakery. It is owned by Adonis Beauty International, a beauty and wellness brand, that made its foray into the hotel business in November last year.

Although the interior of the building was refurbished and refitted with new furniture, its exterior design was kept the way it used to be, to allow the hotel to blend in with the shophouse architecture in the area.

Adonis Hotel has 19 rooms and themed suites.

If budget is a concern, we would say go for the Premier King room ($280++) which is a spacious room with high ceilings.

If you can afford to splurge a little more, the suites are a dream to stay in. The most affordable of the suite category is the Suite Photographer ($388++) where you'll have to walk up a flight of stairs to get to your room. The hotel has got interesting spaces because of its shophouse architecture.

Suite Artist ($428++) has an open-air bath on the roof top, but the room is cosy.

Whereas, the Suite Explorer ($428++) has even higher ceilings (than the Premier King), floor-to-ceiling windows that let generous amount of light in, and a pretty spacious bathroom.

However, the hotel does not have any other facilities. But with such interesting spaces to 'live' in, why not stay in and enjoy your room? Afterall, you paid good money for it.

2. Genting Hotel Jurong

Opened in April, Genting Hotel Jurong is the first major hotel development in the Jurong Lake District, which stretches from Jurong Lake Park to the Science Centre.

While the hotel may not seem faraway, this hotel could be an option for those who either live in the area or those who want to explore the western part of Singapore. Malls nearby the hotel include Jem, JCube, Westgate and IMM.

In addition, the hotel offers a 24-hour shuttle service for guests who want to go on day trips to attractions like Universal Studios and Trick Eye Museum at Resorts World Sentosa.

Genting Hotel Jurong has 557-rooms, ranging from Superior to Deluxe Suite.

Room rates start from $253++ a night.

3. Hotel Alexandra

Neighbour to Ikea and close proximity to Sentosa.

Park Hotel Alexandra recently opened its doors in November.

The hotel is located from the 7th to 19th floors of the building. The interiors of Park Hotel Alexandra's 442 rooms are themed with earthy tones of brown and green.

If you opt for the club rooms, guests will have access to the Crystal Club, on the 19th floor, which serves breakfast and evening cocktails. And not to mention. guests will be treated to unobstructed skyline views of the Southern Ridges or the city.

The 25-metre infinity pool is on the 7th floor, where two of the hotel's F&B establishments, The Carvery and Aqua Luna, are also located. With such a big pool, there's lots of waddle room for the kiddies, with supervision of course.

The hotel also offers babysitting services so parents who need some time off from minding the kids, here's your chance.

Room rates start from $136++ a night.

4. Hotel Jen Orchardgateway

Situated in Singapore's shopping belt Orchard Road is Hotel Jen Orchardgateway. The 502-room hotel opened its doors in September last year.

This hotel is a great option for those who need some retail therapy on top of their staycation.

Hotel Jen is directly above Orchard Gateway and is interconnected with three shopping centres, so you can shop till you drop and take advantage of the year-end sales that are happening now. What's more, there are no lack of F&B options in the area too.

But if that's not your thing, the hotel provides mobile massage services so you can always luxuriate within the comforts of your room.

Room rates start from $260++ a night.

5. Hotel Yan

Nestled between two heritage enclaves, Kampong Glam and Little India, is Hotel Yan.

Foodies will love the fact that Hotel Yan is along Jalan Besar, which makes it within close proximity of modern cafes and eateries alongside traditional hardware shops.

The Hotel Yan is themed with wood and iron elements, which reflects the surrounding area's warehouse and industrial district.

Upon stepping into the lobby, guests will be greeted with tables and chairs that are strategically placed side-by-side in front of the concierge. The presence of open spaces is a key feature of the hotel, which seeks to spark conversations with like-minded people. Who knows? You might meet a new travel buddy during your stay there.

The 69 rooms of Hotel Yan range from the modest standard double to the more luxurious suite. Those looking in-between may wish to consider opting for the Deluxe Double room with a Balcony View.

Room rates start from $110++ a night.

6. Hotel Vagabond

Hotel Vagabond is a luxury boutique hotel that is one of the newest of its kind here. It opened in September this year.

While the word "Vagabond" is defined as a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home, Hotel Vagabond is a haven for art lovers.

The hotel has 42 rooms and suites that are decorated with paintings and curated photographs. There is even a curated selection of in-house films in each room, perfect for a year-end movie marathon-cum-staycation with your friends.

Hotel Vagabond's main draw is "The Salon", which is a modern interpretation of old Parisian salons. Guests can come together for a meal and a drink, while appreciating good music and art pieces.

Room rates start from $198++ a night.

7. The South Beach

The South Beach at Beach Road is part of Singapore's largest mixed development, which includes offices, residences, retail space and a private club. It opened in April this year.

The hotel has rooms and suites such as "Showcase Me", "Showcase You", and "Showcase Us".

"Showcase Her" is a great option for female guests who are thinking of having a year-end 'girls only' staycation. These designer rooms are equipped with specially tailored amenities that are provided by female butlers.

Other facilities include two Sky Gardens with infinity pools, and a fitness centre on the 18th floor that overlooks the city.

Room rates start from $450++ a night.

8. One Farrer Hotel & Spa

Located next to Farrer Park MRT station, One Farrer Hotel & Spa is the perfect alternative for guests who have experienced staying in a luxury spa resort on Sentosa Island.

One Farrer Hotel & Spa comprises 243 rooms in three hotels that are under the same roof: The Urban Hotel, Loft Apartments and Skyline Hotel & Sky Villas.

The main attraction of One Farrer Hotel & Spa is its spa facilities. Guests can end 2015 on a relaxing note by soaking themselves in the pool and enjoy facial and body treatments against a backdrop of palm trees.

Room rates start from $250++ a night.

FRESH LOOK, EXCITING OFFERINGS

Two other hotels have been given a brand new lease of life after major face-lifts and management changes:

Hotel Jen Tanglin

Hotel Jen Tanglin, previously known as the Traders Hotel, underwent a year-long revamp and opened in December this year.

The hotel provides free shuttle bus services to Orchard Road and the Central Business District, bringing major attractions and nightlife spots like the Singapore Flyer, Gardens By The Bay and Clarke Quay closer to guests.

Hotel Jen Tanglin now boasts 546 newly refurbished rooms and a new restaurant. Starting at $280++ a night, the Club Rooms come with 24-hour access to the Club Lounge. Located on the 17th floor of the hotel, you will have the privilege of extending weekdays breakfasts and weekend brunches. Who says only the early bird will get the worm?

Room rates start from $200++ a night.

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa is a luxury five-star hotel that promises spectacular views of the South China Sea from the top of a cliff above Tanjong Beach.

Officially opened in October, it was previously known as the Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, until it was taken over by Royal Group Holdings. The revamp started in December last year while the resort was still in operation. The five-star resort now boasts a new design, and refurbished rooms and restaurants.

Room rates start from $463++ a night.

The Club

The Club, which opened this October, is a luxury boutique hotel that is managed by Harry's International, a well-established bar in the dining scene here.

Located on Ann Siang Road, the hotel is within close proximity to Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, which are collectively known as "Hipster Heaven" due to their abundance of trendy cafes and bars - perfect for cafe hopping in the day.

While most of its 20 rooms and suites have similar amenities, the suites have balconies that overlooks Ann Siang Hill.

Room rates start from $280++ a night.

sjching@sph.com.sg