Staycation 2015

We didn't had much travel this year. It was mainly to Malaysia which we covered the Legoland in March, Genting Highland in July and Malacca in November. The same number of causeway trips equal to the same number of staycation we had this year.

We did a staycation during SG50 Jubilee celebration at Carlton. I was hoping by stroke of luck we got to experience fireworks display at near distance. But it turned out to be a disappointment. On National Day itself, the lobby formed a snake queue, all waiting to check in. The hotel car park was full.

The husband had to drop us off first with all our luggages and the porter took it away. While queuing half way, the big boy complained his diaper was full and he wanted to change which of course, I didn't have any spare and I had to leave the queue. After a while, I relented and stepped out of the queue to remove his overflown diaper and he had to compromise by wearing back his slightly soiled pants.

Once we re-joined the snake queue, I discovered another 10 more people had joined in. Not so long later, the younger boy decided to poo right in the middle of the hall. I could almost died on the spot. The husband was running back to the hotel and I decided to hold on. Thankfully, he made it back in time to take over my spot while I cleaned up younger boy.

When we were done, he was at the counter checking-in. That was almost an hour since we joined the snake queue. The premier rooms with city view were all taken. We were given a pool view and was told that we had access to their executive club at level 19. So that should gave us some view on the National Day Parade.

suntanning at bay window

Our premier room at level 12

featuring a glass panel from the bath tube,
looking into the room

Toilet had sound system so you won't miss the action on TV

The boys took their afternoon nap and the husband went out to get our dinner. There was no way we were going to miss our NDP telecast. Throughout the NDP telecast, we were busy shuttling through and fro from our room and the executive club.

the executive club was packed to the brim

commemorating our visit to CarltonExecutive Club

best view that we could get

We ended up watching the firework display in our room because everyone just rushed to the balcony at the club and we felt it was rather unsafe with all the pushing and squeezing.


The counter staff had arranged for our late check-out the next day so the boys managed to enjoy some pool time.

posing posing...

That kind of summed up our 1st staycation in 2015 with Carlton.


The next staycation was booked with SG50 promotion and it was definitely worth the deal. For less than SGD300, we got ourselves an executive suite at Meritus Mandarin Orchard in October. Unfortunately, the haze was pretty bad at that time so it dampened our stay. However, the huge executive suite made it up and this round, I brought their bricks along so they could play in the room while we catch up with movies.

2 suites and 1 President suites at this level

roomy living area

doorway to our suite with a powder room on the left

King size bed bedroom

Attached bathroom with shower cubicle,
bath tub and lavatory on the other  side

We brought the boys up to the executive club at level 35 at night. The atmosphere was too business class that we felt uncomfortable. Breakfast was spent at the executive club and I brought the boys back to the suite after they were done. The whole place was so quiet that even if you whisper, it would have sounded you are shouting.

With the haze, we only had a quick dip in the pool which was situated near to the lobby. We had to drape ourselves with bathing robes and cut across the lobby to access the lifts. That was kind of awkward too. Overall, the experience of staying in a suite was pleasant with personal attention given.

Complimentary Chocolate Pralines

Next up would be our Hard Rock staycation at year end. We stayed at Hard Rock when Jonathan was 13 month and Festive Hotel to celebrate Matthew's 1st birthday. We are going back again this round with a 3D2N staycation. More adventures to come...