Who says work-from-home weekends have to be, well… at home? I decided to shake things up with a quick getaway at Swissotel The Stamford Singapore. Situated in the heart of the city, this iconic hotel promised not just convenience, but a chance to mix productivity with a touch of weekend indulgence. And honestly, there’s something thrilling about turning a hotel room into your office—even if only for a couple of days.
Still towering proudly — Swissotel The Stamford, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels.
I’ve stayed here a few times before whenever I had to organise conferences at Raffles City Convention Centre, and each experience left me with a good impression. Impeccable service, consistently comfortable rooms, and that unbeatable location—it’s one of those hotels you just know will deliver. This time, though, I was back not for work events, but for myself.
The Location: Central and Connected
One of Swissotel The Stamford’s biggest draws is its location. Perched right above City Hall MRT and seamlessly linked to Raffles City Shopping Centre, it’s as central as central gets. National Gallery, Esplanade, Fort Canning Park, and National Museum are all just a short stroll away.
But honestly? You don’t even need to step outside if you don’t feel like it. Between the shopping mall’s dining options and the hotel’s own restaurants, you could easily spend an entire weekend cocooned here. For a staycation where convenience is key, this is hard to beat.
Self check-in counters
First Impressions: Lobby Vibes & Art
The lobby feels lively yet composed—a steady flow of guests, both leisure and business, moving through an elegant space that doesn’t feel intimidating. What I particularly enjoyed was stumbling across the little art section in the lobby.
One piece that caught my eye was an optical illusion artwork. From the left, you’d see Charlie Chaplin, but walk around to the right and the figure morphs into Albert Einstein. It’s quirky, fun, and such a thoughtful touch—proof that even in a polished business hotel, creativity finds its way in.
Check-In Woes
Check-in, however, wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. The self-check-in counters were left unmanned, and with no signages or directions, I had no idea they were even an option. Naturally, I joined the line at the main front desk, only to find myself stuck waiting for quite a while as several groups of guests were ahead.
Apparently there’s a check-in desk for Accor guests… whoops, didn’t know! 😂
To make things more confusing, I later realised there was actually a dedicated counter for Accor members—but again, no signs, no directions. It all felt a little disorganised, and I couldn’t help but feel the time spent queueing could’ve been avoided with clearer guidance.
Room Tour: Premier Marina Bay
I booked the Premier Marina Bay room with a balcony overlooking Marina Bay. The room itself struck the right balance between modern comfort and understated elegance.
Sleep Quality
The king-sized bed was plush and inviting—perfect for sinking into after hours of typing away.
Because one pillow doesn’t fit all… choose your perfect match.
I had a genuinely good night’s sleep here; the mattress struck that sweet spot between firm and soft, and the air-conditioning kept the room at just the right temperature for a restful night.
Work Space
A spacious work desk paired with a comfy couch made it easy to slip into remote-working mode without feeling out of place on a staycation.
Bathroom
The bathroom was sleek and well-stocked with essentials, though the rain shower was underwhelming in terms of water pressure. The handheld option worked better, though it still wasn’t the strongest.
Mini Bar & Eco-Friendly Touches
The mini bar area was neatly arranged with a fridge, Nespresso machine with coffee pods, TWG tea bags, kettle, and proper drinkware. There were no single-use plastic water bottles. Instead, the room came with a tumbler you could refill using the filtered water tap at the bathroom basin. More eco-friendly.
Storage & Amenities
Storage-wise, there was ample space to stow away suitcases and bags, plus plenty of hanging space for clothes. Bathrobes, an ironing board, and an iron were also provided.
Handy Extras
Another detail I appreciated was the umbrella placed near the door. It’s one of those things you don’t think you’ll need until the skies open up, and having one ready to grab was a handy, thoughtful inclusion.
Balcony Views
And then, of course, the balcony. From my floor, I didn’t get the full panoramic sweep of Marina Bay’s skyline, but the view was still a treat.
City sights and daylight delights from my balcony.
City glow from above, the perfect night-time view.
The Padang stretched out before me, a lush green expanse framed by historic buildings. If you’re planning a staycation during National Day or New Year’s Eve, this would be a fantastic spot to catch the fireworks without having to jostle with the crowds.
Facilities & Food Options
Sadly, the weather didn’t cooperate that weekend, so I gave the pool a miss. But that’s the beauty of Swissotel’s location—it’s directly connected to Raffles City, which means food and retail therapy are just an elevator ride away.
Whenever I got tired from staring at my laptop, I’d head down for a change of pace. From casual coffee breaks to quick bites, the options were endless. For anyone who needs frequent snack breaks (guilty!), this setup is a dream.
Wrapping Up: A Simple Weekend Reset
My staycation at Swissotel The Stamford wasn’t about luxury indulgence—it was about simplicity, comfort, and a refreshing change of environment. Between the central location and a cosy room with a balcony view, it was exactly the reset I needed.
Sometimes, the best getaways don’t require hopping on a plane. All it takes is a short elevator ride to your room, a new city view to wake up to, and the reminder that even familiar places can offer a fresh perspective.