Editor’s note: This author’s staycation took place several weeks before the recent Phase 2 Heightened Alert restrictions were implemented. Please refer to hotel's COVID-19 rules and regulations to avoid disappointment.
While the pandemic continues to rage on around the world, leisure travel seems to feel like a faraway dream. Being based in sunny Singapore — a tiny city-state — means we don’t really have anywhere else to go when we’re seeking a getaway. Cue: staycations.
Thanks to our SingapoRediscover Vouchers (SRV), we could somewhat satiate our desires for travel without leaving our shores. My friends and I decided to use our vouchers to treat ourselves to a 3D2N staycation at Andaz Singapore, a five-star hotel by the Hyatt Group.
Here’s how our experience went.
The hotel
Located within DUO Tower, Andaz Singapore might be a little hard to find if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. The hotel’s honeycomb-like facade is modern and futuristic, resembling something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Andaz’s lobby is situated on the 25th floor, but the check-in counter has been temporarily moved to the first floor. As part of the hotel’s response to the COVID-19 situation, all guests and visitors are required to register at the counter before going up to the rooms. Check-in times were also staggered — we got to check in to our room earlier (between 10am and 11am), although the official check-in time is after 3pm.
The check-in process was smooth, and we got to our room in a jiffy. The lift situation at Andaz is slightly confusing, as you have to take two different lifts in order to access the guest floors. The first lift lobby will take you from the hotel’s first floor (where the main entrance is) to the main lobby on level 25. After which, you’ll have to take a different set of lifts that will bring you to your designated floor. Though both lift lobbies are right next to each other, you have to take a bit of a detour — through the main hotel lobby, passing by the Sunroom, and one of the hotel’s restaurants — before guests can get from one to the other (I presume it’s part of the hotel’s safe management measures).
If there’s one thing I’d have to gripe about, it’s this. Having to transfer lifts just to get in and out of the hotel was a little bit of a hassle, which made us hesitant about going out to explore the surrounding area because we found it troublesome to transfer lifts (#firstworldproblems).
The room
We booked the standard room that came with two twin beds. There was also the option to opt for a king bed, which would be a perfect choice for couples or families with young kids. Since I was sharing the room with three other friends, having two twin beds was a better fit for us.
As we stepped into the room, the first thing that greeted us was the floor-to-ceiling windows that flaunted amazing views of the city below. The room had a very homely vibe, with different shades of brown used throughout the room. It felt welcoming and cosy, and I was glad we were able to call this our home for the next three days. The beds were also plush and soft — the perfect formula for a restful night’s sleep.
Although this was the hotel’s most basic room choice, it was large and spacious and provided ample room for a comfortable getaway. There was plenty of space for everyone to stretch their legs without getting up in each other’s bubble. Instead of a lounging sofa (pictured above), we got another chair at the round table, but I’m not complaining. We checked in on a work day, so having proper chairs to sit on while working was much appreciated.
The bathroom was a whole enclave on its own. The toilet was distinctly separated from the shower and sink area, providing some privacy. This arrangement also allows guests to use the toilet even when the shower is occupied, a plus when you’re staying with multiple people.
The shower comes with a regular shower-head as well as an overhead rain shower, which makes up for the lack of a bathtub. The bathroom mirror is fitted with a bright ring light, which really did wonders for pictures and mirror selfies — tried and tested by us.
To top it all off, the complimentary minibar was well-stocked with drinks, spirits (chargeable), a Nespresso coffee machine complete with coffee capsules, TWG tea sachets, and a snack. It even had a fancy-looking glass teapot set to boot.
Pro-tip: If you made separate bookings for consecutive nights to maximise your SRVs, do remember to re-activate your key card at the check-in counter each day so you don’t get locked out of your room (yes, that happened to us).
The amenities
Because we booked the Andaz Essential Package (room only), we didn’t have any access to most of the hotel’s facilities other than the Sunroom. The Sunroom is Andaz’s lounge that is free for all guests to use, with complimentary refreshments provided all-day.
The hotel’s outdoor infinity pool is located on the 25th floor, offering stunning views of the city's skyline. You definitely wouldn’t miss it, as you’ll pass by a sign that gives you directions to the pool on your way up to your room.
There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre for all you fitness buffs who still want to get a workout in during your staycation.
There’s no shortage of food options at Andaz. For starters, there’s Alley on 25: a multi-cuisine dining spot that’s open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. You can also dine with a view of Singapore’s skyline at 665°F, a premium steakhouse offering prime cuts of beef and sustainably-fished seafood.
If you’re looking for a place to chill out after dinner, Bar Square is a great place for sipping on some Singapore-inspired cocktails. Drinks-lovers can also head to the hotel’s rooftop bar, Mr Stork, to have an intimate drink with your staycay buddies in one of its photoworthy teepee huts.
The location
Andaz Singapore is conveniently located just a few minutes walk from Bugis (EW12/DT14) MRT Station. Exit E will bring you to DUO Galleria, which is located right under DUO Tower. With DUO Galleria right downstairs, you have many food options right at your doorstep even if you choose not to dine at the hotel. Some top picks include A Poke Theory, Nana’s Green Tea, Joe & Dough, and the famous Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant — just to name a few.
Haji Lane and Kampong Gelam are also a few minutes’ walk away, so you’ll have an abundance of things to do and see during your stay at Andaz. Go cafe-hopping, check out the vibrant street art, visit the many vintage boutiques, or be awestruck by the beautiful Sultan Mosque (currently closed for tour visits).
Coffee lovers, you’ll also be thrilled to know that %Arabica Coffee is within walking distance from the hotel.
Final verdict
Would I go back to Andaz Singapore for future stays? Yes.
Even though the lift setup here is a little inconvenient, it definitely wouldn’t be a problem for staycationers who are planning to revel in the comforts of their room throughout their stay. What’s not to love about lounging in hotel robes all day?
We didn’t get the full Andaz experience this time round, so we’ll certainly be back again to fully utilise all the amenities of this luxury hotel.
