Village Hotel Changi – one of Familystaysg’s team contributor gave his personal opinion in last weekend staycation..
We have been eyeing in this one for a long while ever since our friend’s solemnization was held by their gorgeous infinity pool (religiously claimed by my wife). Therefore after a year of waiting, on her birthday I booked a surprise gift which she had been begging for ages – A 3D2N staycation.
STAY
The hotel was relatively easy to find as it was situated across the road from Changi Village Bus Terminal. Check-in process was quick and lady at the front desk was helpful with information on the Executive Club Privileges. We were given a room on Level 6 of the hotel, the same level where the executive lounge and a decent size sky garden was situated.
The Executive Club Room felt like any of the other rooms in the hotel, a bath tub with rain shower might be the only highlight of the room. I guess the Executive Club Privileges (which included exclusive access to the executive lounge and either an early check-in or late check-out) was the only noteworthy justification if you were to go for this room.
The room was spacious enough for extra baby cot (complimentary) and pram. Though their rooms doesn’t have the paint smell that new hotels have, but it was relatively tidy and well kept. Layout is more targeted for business than leisure.
Amenities were generously provided, and we love/hate the bath tub. Love – well who doesn’t fancy a nice hot bath with a window to watch tv and kids? Hate – Handlers are not conveniently equipped for support so we had to bunglingly clambered into the deep set bath tub.
Eat
There were quite a number of dining options in the vicinity of the hotel, all of which is a mere 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Saltwater Cafe – we had the complimentary breakfast, which was unimpressive. Choices were limited and quality was mediocre.
Hornbill Café – situated in the Civil Service Club (across the road from the hotel), we came here for brunch on the following morning after the disappointing breakfast the day before. Food was unpretentious and reasonably priced.
Changi Village Food Centre – the highlight of Changi Village, you may have heard many people mentioned this place before, but you will have to come and savour the food yourself to understand why. We had the following:
- Hokkien Mee
- Chicken Cutlet Hor Fun
- Sambal Sting Ray
- All washed down with a cup of Sugar Cane juice
Other than the above, there are also a couple of coffeeshops that makes the best place to have supper. Or if you are feeling adventurous, you can even try the seafood restaurant located beside the ferry terminal.
Do:
Once again, there is no lack of activities for family in this part of Singapore.
Infinity Pool – what better way to spend a staycation than to leave the worries of the world behind and lounge the day away by the pool? You can visit the hotel’s infinity pool located on Level 8 and spend the morning in a sun lounger. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the planes approaching Changi Airport.
Pulau Ubin – if nature is your kind of thing, then you would definitely want to make a trip to the island. Take the bumboat ($3/person) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal – located across the road from the hotel, once on the island you can opt to explore the island either on foot or by renting a bicycle. I would suggest going for the latter as it makes for an easier way to navigate the island without exhausting yourself or the kids too much. Don’t forget the mosquito patch!
Changi Beach Park – love the outdoor but does not want to venture out all the way to Pulau Ubin? Hop over to Changi Beach Park for a quick after-meal stroll or mid-afternoon activity with the kids. Personally we loved to take a stroll here after dinner, just enjoying the serenity from the sea. If you venture far enough – nearer to the SAF ferry terminal, you will even get to see the planes flying right overhead as they approach for landing in Changi Airport. The park also has a sand playground with swings which we are sure the kids will enjoy.
Civil Service Club @ Changi – More of an indoor person? Stay tune as we will be scooping up more insides on CSC next week. Be it going for strike in bowling or belting out your favourite tunes in karaoke, there are bound to be something that fancy you. Diaper changing rooms are located in all levels, totally grateful for that.
Overall, our experience for the 2 nights was still pleasant as we didn’t have a screaming kid who wanted to go home. Importantly when getaway staycation is concern, family bonding together away from the technologies do brings us closer and more rejuvenate after!
Cheers,
The Sims