Staycation at Changi Village Hotel

29th - 31st of December 2012.

Taking a break from all the Korea and Japan posts…I want to share with you about my recent stay at the Changi Village Hotel. It all begun with a National Day Birthday Card Competition organized by Yeo’s that I won 3 months ago. The prize was a complimentary two nights stay at the Far East Group’s Changi Village Hotel Deluxe Room with buffet breakfast included.

I always wanted to stay there partly because of the sentimental value Changi possessed and the quaint atmosphere of Changi where there is still plenty of green. The hotel, designed by local architecture firm, DP Architects is a low rise hotel facing the Selat Johor with views of Johor, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.

Checking in was swift and the receptionist was well-informed and they took the initiative to double confirm if I want a non-smoking room, twin or double room (compare that with Fraser Place Central Seoul). It was near 2013 and rooms were pretty packed with staycation tourists and many couples doing their solemnization or wedding banquets here….not to forget the transit tourists from Changi Airport. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle service to Changi International Airport every hour.

The room was very neat and comfortable. However we had problems with the shower and the toilet door and after giving my feedback to the front desk on the second day I was promptly offered a change of rooms to a twin room with a working shower. There is a rain shower and a handheld shower in the bathroom.

The pantry, stocked with a variety of Lipton teas and coffee lacked plates or cutlery for fruits or snacks. Something that could be addressed I think. The other flaw is the lack of a welcome kit that introduces the hotel facilities such as their gym or pool’s operating hours or services like shuttle bus. They do have a comprehensive in-room dining menu that sounded pretty good.

Breakfast was served at the Saltwater Café downstairs. Despite the temporary closure of Changi Food Center, Changi Village Hotel still faces stiff competition from the eateries around it which offers affordable prices and pretty good food. The breakfast for the 2 days however, weren’t impressive enough to hold a candle to its surrounding eateries.

The variety of food is rather limited and most of them were average.

The only distinct feature Saltwater Café has for breakfast is the live omelette station which is a hit or miss affair depending on who prepares your omelette.

Some of the more memorable items are the Stir-fried Noodles, Teochew Rice and Chee Kueh. The fruits are very juicy and sweet too.

I also had a cup of Cappuccino (6.00++ SGD) at Vau Wine and Bar. Normal coffee. The cakes don’t look fresh. I saw them since the first day.

Changi Village Hotel
1 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508502
+65 6379 7111