5 Luxury Hotels in Singapore That Are Incredibly Cheap Right Now for Hotel Employees (and Maybe Their Friends!)

International travel is at a standstill for most people and non-essential travel is not encouraged at this point in time. Singapore residents as well as long-term pass pass holders with recent travel history to affected areas will be issued with a mandatory 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) upon return. While employee and staff rates are not new in the hotel industry, most of these rates are typically blacked out during need periods but due to the recent development in the Covid-19 situation, most hotels (including luxury properties) now have these aforementioned rates wide open (so long you are an eligible employee or associate of a particular hotel chain).

Now it is definitely worth noting the difference between an employee/associate rate, as well as a friends and family rate - the former rate (which is typically a lot cheaper) can only be accessed by eligible employees of an organisation (and they usually need to be the ones occupying the room) while the latter rate is exactly what it sounds like - you need to know someone working in the hotel to access these rates. Do note that the terms and conditions for these opaque rates may differ from property to property so be sure to check so you do not knowingly violate any of the conditions (as that might get your friend into trouble as well!). In any case, here are the top 5 luxury hotel 'deals' in Singapore that are almost too good to be true:

Photo Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore from S$188++ (or S$350++)

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is one of the highest-rated luxury hotels in Singapore and it comes with a price tag to match that reputation. While room rates typically start from S$500++ a night here, the Explore Rate (available to associates of Marriott for personal travel only) for a room night here starts from just S$188++ which is a steal! The friends and family rate for The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore also starts from S$350++ which is a decent price for this property but do keep in mind that this property in particular does not participate in the Marriott Bonvoy so you will not be clocking nights and points here.

Read Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (Club Deluxe Marina Room)

Photo Credit: The St. Regis Singapore

2. The St. Regis Singapore from S$184++ (or S$285++)

If you have been dreaming about a staycation at The St. Regis Singapore, now might be just the time to do it. As mentioned earlier, the Explore Rate (for Marriott associates' personal travel only) starts at just S$184++ a night and the Explore Friends Rate (for friends of Marriott associates) start from just S$285++. Now the good news is these rates are elite-qualifying so you will continue to earn nights and points (as well as enjoy your status benefits, if any) on all eligible stays.

Read Review: The St. Regis Singapore (Caroline Astor Suite)

Photo Credit: Andaz Singapore

3. Andaz Singapore from S$220 Nett

Firstly, you will need to be a Singapore resident in order to access this rate but hey, the Andaz Singapore is going at just S$220 Nett (inclusive of breakfast for two!) regardless of whether it is a weekday or weekend. Like all Andaz properties around the world, you will get to enjoy complimentary in-room minibar (excluding spirits) which is replenished daily during your stay. If you wish to opt for a larger room (and I highly recommend that you do), you can book the Andaz Studio Suite King for S$360 Nett a night! Unfortunately, these discounted rates will not earn you any World of Hyatt Points and they will not count towards obtaining and retaining your elite status with the program. This local resident offer is valid so long you follow the instructions on this flyer.

Read Review: Andaz Singapore (Andaz Residence Suite King)

Photo Credit: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

4. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore from S$168++

The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore is easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Singapore and the suites are truly amazing. A night at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore may not be as affordable as one might think (even though it is still really reasonable for such a beautiful product) but if you do know some one working in Pan Pacific Hotels Group or UOL, you may ask them to refer you for a weekend staycation from only S$168++ a night here. This exclusive rate also comes with a special 50% savings on food and beverages at hotel-operated dining outlets so it can actually save you plenty of money if you were planning to dine there anyway. Exclusive friends and family rates apply across all Pan Pacific Hotels Group properties in Singapore and some of them start from just S$108++.

Read Review: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore (COLLECTION Club Junior Suite)

Photo Credit: Marina Bay Sands

5. Marina Bay Sands from S$225++

Staying at Marina Bay Sands should be on everyone's bucket list and while the friends and family rate here is not new, it is typically quite hard to book unless you are planning months ahead. There is an associate-only rate which is significantly cheaper but friends and family can also enjoy a preferential rate from just S$225++ per night. If you have been eyeing this property and would like to swim in the renowned rooftop infinity pool, this might just be your chance to do so.

Most hotels in Singapore are offering some kind of staycation deal as most, if not all properties are struggling with occupancy rates. If you are interested to see all the staycation packages, check out this page on Singapore Hotel Association for a quick summary. Alternatively, if you have The Platinum Card from American Express, do consider booking one of the exclusive FHR offers in Singapore which comes with your third or fourth night free (these stays are also elite-qualifying so you continue to earn your points and nights with hotel loyalty programs).