RWS - Festive Hotel

I'm aware that the image above is inappropriate for the caption as the background shot was taken at Hard Rock Hotel's swimming pool...

Nevertheless, the guests of Festive Hotel are allowed to utilize Hard Rock's facilities too!

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In the previous month, my Brother had the privilege of winning $150 RWS vouchers and we decided to spurge on a 2D1N hotel stay at Festive. For the locals, most of us do not resort to RWS hotels when it comes to a quick getaway due to the inaccessibility of Sentosa and the most importantly, the price factor. 

However, my family wanted a change from quick getaways in CBD area and Festive hotel seems relevant to our criteria, with the additional fact that I wish to visit Hard Rock's swimming pool.

Upon reaching RWS

If you're unfamiliar with the 8 hotels in RWS, please read on. 

We had a difficult time trying to find the Festive hotel (& we realized there is a short cut from the Forum/Resorts world theatre. If you find yourself walking towards the Crockfords Tower/The Galleria, Luxury Fashion, this is the incorrect path to Festive Hotel.

Instead, direct yourself towards the Casino entrance at the basement (Macdonald's and Singapore Pools - Livewire level) and turn to your right. There will be a path filled with escalators. Once you get out of the "dark" tunnel, Festive hotel is on your right.

Daddy trying to pose for the camera

It is impossible for you to miss out the "dark" pathway with LED lights on. 

P.S. This pathway is opened 24/7.

Upon check-in

Although the website states to check-in from 3:00pm, it is highly recommended to arrive at the front office desk earlier. We reached at 2:45pm with a lengthy queue. Those who arrived at 3:00pm sharp had to wait even longer than us haha. 

For your information, if you wish to redeem your RWS vouchers for the hotel stay, kindly call in to their hotline and the operator will need to book on your behalf. Do not proceed with the online booking yourself and expect them to accept your vouchers upon check-in. We have learnt our lesson as there was a miscommunication with the RWS operator previously. Hence, we had to negotiate with the Front desk officer named Angelina for some time which is totally uncalled for. As a graduate from Hospitality diploma, I expected their service to be mediocre due to the massive amount of guests which they have to handle at one go. To my surprise, Angelina surpassed my expectations and I would like to give my sincere thanks to her! She was the one who listened to our concerns with regards to the RWS vouchers attentively and offered to liaise with the reservations department. Thanks to Angelina, we were able to utilize our vouchers even though we made the reservation online.

Deluxe Family King

Pardon my daddy's backview haha. 

P.S. My daddy is still standing at the same spot, as compared to the image above

Here's the sofa bed right underneath the loft area

Another shot of the loft area (Yes they have 2 mirrors placed right beside each other

Image taken from the loft bed

Tada~ I feel like a child climbing up the stairs to the loft bed.

For those who are curious, the loft bed is specially designed for kids and not adults. If you are as short as me (approx. 155cm), this bed is suitable for you! My brother managed to sleep on this bed even though he is taller than me! As long as you're not a fussy person, squeezing an adult to this loft bed is possible.

Ice bucket, coffee and tea amenities at your convenience

Here are the toiletries which you may find it useful whilst packing your staycation bag.

- Sanitary Bag

- Vanity Kid

- Shower Cap

- Dental Kit

I really need to kick off the habit to bring my personal dental kit to hotels~ what a waste of space!

Last but not least, their Simmons "Cool Max" bed!

The awesome theme view you get while lying on their bed

As Angelina provided us with the sofa bed (subject to availability upon arrival), I feel that we shouldn't be overboard to request for MORE. Hence, this is the awful balcony view we got @ 3rd level.. Although we couldn't get the pool view, I'd rather we have an extra sofa bed to sleep on than to have a spectacular view without it.

Roamed around Hard Rock hotel's facilities and i'm so in love with their pool! However, I was aware that a malay kid got drown here recently so I decided not to swim here that next morning...

With my gorgeous Mummy :)

A grainy photo of my parents at the corridor

We explored the Forum area at night & there was nothing to see (the price of the food is more expensive here) and basically we just spent most of our time in our hotel room... What a disappointment. 

Had Cedele after swimming at Festive Hotel.

Festive hotel's swimming pool is pretty boring, their pool is extremely cold but I managed to swim my usual laps. I requested for a late check-out (usual timing is at 12pm) and they kindly accommodated to our needs without any surcharge.

A huge thank you to Festive hotel for being so accommodating! 

3rd Anniversary: Melt the world cafe

Although this post is extremely backdated (about 4 months ago), I still find a need to post it as this is one of the milestones that we achieved together.

Looking slim before feasting

Got ushered to our reserved table

As we got together during F1 period, this explains the huge TV above. We celebrated our 3rd Anniversary on 20 Sept 2014 and coincidentally it falls on the 2nd day of F1. Oh man how I miss those times working at the pit building (but i'm never going to work for F1 again)

Hahaha my skorts camouflages with their Napkin!

Before we reach our table, this dessert station was situated near the entrance and I was in awe of their selection even before trying their hot dishes hahaha! I'm a dessert-comes-first person because I won't get sick from those sweet cravings!

P.S. there is a waffle station right beside the chocolate fondue but I shall talk about their desserts later.

I'm not efficient in words so I shall let my pictures suffice the wonderful experience I had with Mandarin Oriental.

 Bread selection

 Cold dish area such as...

 Salad station

Fresh salmon and sushi

& the most popular station of all...

SEE THIS? THIS IS MY FAVOURITE STATION OF ALL: Seafood!

Nth number of CRABS

 Nth number of crab pincer & oyster? mussels? I can't differentiate these 2

More pincers and mini lobsters

I can't refrain myself from gorging the lobsters, crab pincers and snow crab legs!!! I feel so miserable for those who are allergic to seafood. You. could. have. been. one. of. us. to. indulge. in. this. goodness. heaven.

HAHAHA I just want to share my excitement when my mouth is filled with fresh crab/lobster meat!

This is their local food station like Laksa and something else which I couldn't recall.

(simply shows that I didn't bother about this station HAHA)

 Indian cuisine

 Here comes the hot dish selection

 More

The chilli lobster attracted my attention only. 

Speaking about the hot selection, I only tried the above (chilli lobster) HAHA because the rest doesn't seem appealing though. The spread looked mediocre.

Clam Chowder

The cafe has an outdoor grill as well! P.S. this is only applicable on weekends if i'm not wrong!

 Greedy JY grabbing food for his princess ^^

"High-end" hot dogs (left) HAHA and pork chop

I had more outdoor grills compared to the indoor hot selection. Yes, they have more than the 2 items shown above just that I'm too engrossed with my food. They serve satay, chicken and more!

 Dessert selection!

 Cheese selection with fruits behind

 Macarons but not my favourite dessert

Introducing my all-time sweet tooth cravings...

Waffle with Ice cream!

Oh my gee. Bring me back to Melt the world cafe please! THEIR FRESHLY GRILLED WAFFLE IS THE BEST WAFFLE I'VE EVER EATEN. Not exaggerating here but it's definitely better than Gelare's waffle. 

It's so fluffy yet crispy on the outside, leaving that inner soft moisture. I have no idea of how they manage to get this perfectly grilled waffle but I'll never forget that taste. What's really awesome about their waffle selection is that you have tons of toppings and sauce! Look at the amount of nutella and white chips I've topped onto my waffle. 

The best part? This good stuff is free-flow. SHIOK

I think I had around... 1.5 waffle which equates to 6 quarter of it. It is definitely worth the calories! 

I thought only Carousel goes the extra mile to provide an exquisite dessert item for their guests. I was terribly wrong. At Melt the world cafe, their service staff went around asking for any special occasion for the joyous buffet dinner whilst offering coffee/tea when guests were enjoying the dessert.

Making a wish feat my fossil watch from my Bro (I rarely bring my watch out)

Happy anniversary my prince. 

Sorry for not being the slim and sexy princess whom all guys wish for

Can you please show your dissatisfaction with my body size so that I will have the motivation to watch what I eat? I'm always eating good food with you, you fed me so well! ;)

I spotted the perfect view for F1 racing. HAHA IN THEIR TOILET. No barriers and I could see the cars zooooooom.

Anyway, this dinner cost us $88++/pax on a Saturday night with BBQ selection. They have the card promotion so we got entitled to 10% off. The subtotal was about $96nett/pax. Hmmm I felt that it was a tad bit expensive in terms of food wise but if you love to seek new experience or pay for exemplary service, this cafe is the right choice for you!

Whereas for myself, I'm somebody who'd rather pay for food than service. This implies that I won't visit this hotel cafe again but I'm glad that I had this awesome experience for just 1 night.

Where shall we head to for our 4th anniversary? :)

Christmas Staycation: The Quincy Hotel

Honestly, I didn't know this boutique hotel existed before I chanced upon an article circulating on Facebook, regarding some top affordable/best hotels in Singapore. Had an impromptu decision with JY and we have no regrets - a staycation on Christmas Day.

Let me explain briefly on my purchased rate with the Quincy team. I chose the Holiday Savers Plus (HSP) which is technically the cheapest package compared to the rest. (If you are planning to stay on Friday to Sunday, there'll be a rate type titled "Qool Weekend Promotion" & I strongly recommend this package, more details here)

Description of HSP

Rate per night on a PH: SGD273++

Subtotal: SGD321.32 (Hotels have 1.177% prevailing taxes, not just 1.17% FYI)

Check-in Time: after 2pm*

Check-out Time: before 4pm*

Additional benefits: Free arrival transfer, Free 2 hour Changi Airport Lounge access for 1, Free City tour 

*You can choose EITHER early Check-in @ 10am or late Check-out @ 4pm

Getting there

Based on Google map, the system will instruct you to walk up the slope between Paragon and Lucky Plaza. There's another alternative route which I personally feel that this is way better than the system suggested - choose the slope between Goodwood Park Hotel and Far East Plaza. Enter the car park area (you'll definitely walk pass the car gantry) and walk all the way to the other end. Quincy Hotel is situated right across the road. The only problem is that the gate might be closed and you're at the dead end. Fret not, just enter the Yolk Hotel on your right and walk through the hotel. You'll exit from another door and find yourself at the Hotel's taxi stand. Can you visualize counting your footsteps excitedly while crossing the road to your desired destination? :D

-Directions from courtesy of the Quincy Front Desk officer

Cozy Front Desk counter with Quincy's friendly staff! Their service is top-notch although they are just a boutique hotel. I felt that I'm staying in a 4-star hotel leh lol

Lobby Restaurant right next to the Front Desk

(They serve all-day light refreshments by Dean & DeLuca and Modesto's for ALL guests, even if you feel insignificant by booking their smaller room)

 Complimentary Ice-cream for your convenience. Free-flow, no tokens required!

iMac stations for guests without internet access

Lift Lobby 

 Gym decked with technogym treadmills, which have multi-media touchscreens, the Kinesis weight-resistance training system. 

You'll find their shower facilities, sauna and steam room right beside their Gym. All these facilities provided by the boutique hotel. My money is well-spent!

My most favourite wellness centre facilities- SWIMMING POOL @ TOP LEVEL.

I kept on pestering JY to have a dip with me in their glass-enclosed cantilevered pool. This isn't an infinity pool as mentioned on their official website! 

Get it? So far I haven't tried any self-proclaimed infinity pools in Singapore that could beat Marina Bay Sands' well-known infinity pool.

Honestly speaking, the view of the city from there isn't that spectacular as what they claimed. :( Just condominiums and buildings in the vicinity. 

 This is the spot where the Saturday night movie by the pool will be screened, under Qool weekend promotion

Not forgetting the huge towels available and selection of coffee + tea provided by the Hotel!

Studio Room (26 sqm)

Personalized touch from Quincy team - Well done! :)

I'm loving their bathroom amenities! 

This is the smaller room that they offer and it comes with a bathtub! Shiok or what. And their bathroom has an open concept style.

Hmm... now you get it.

P.S. I'm positioned at the water closet

P.P.S. You need to draw the blinds or else your guests WILL be able to see through while you do your business

Hi 

Molton Brown toiletries 

See all those items behind the Molton Brown bottles?

-Comb

-Shaving Kit

-2 sets of Toothbrush kit

-Sanitary Bag

-Cotton buds & Cotton pads

I'm listing the items here as I thought boutique hotels don't provide toothbrush kit & I brought my own kit along... dang what a waste of space :( Oh did I mention there's a digital weighing scale in their bathroom? REALLY DON'T SOUND LIKE A TYPICAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL HOR?

With the closed bathroom door.

Notice how space efficient they are, the uncomplicated wardrobe hiding behind the door

Quick glance of the wardrobe: Laundry bag with 1 socket, Hairdryer, Luggage stand, Umbrella and Iron 

 I was wondering how do I even iron my clothes without the ironing board... and here goes!

I spotted this label beside the TV console and to my excitement, there was an ironing board hidden behind the console! They are really space-efficient man.

Rotting at our best~

(I took this shot at night after drinking, there are more canned drinks initially)

Complimentary In-room mini bar that is replenished daily! If you stay for 2 nights, the housekeeper will top up drinks for ya! This is the best part if you're organizing a party in the room! You can store up frozen food i.e. Ice cream here too~

 There's TV docking system! You can make use of the USB port to charge your phone too.

iPod docking system! Are you an Android user? No worries, there's an audio cable for your music playlist to be blasted with amazing bass system

Hot beverages with snacks

Got addicted to Lays while watching HBO on bed!

Room card + TV Remote + Lumpy

Thick carpet in bold red with the quincy logo!

The window couch that is awesome for afternoon view & perhaps some mandatory shots by the window sill!

This picture totally don't suffice how awesome the light settings were, I know this looks creepy but it gives off the romantic feel lor!

Control the lights and drawing of the curtains while rotting on the bed!

 With the main lights on

Without.

ROMANTIC RIGHT. Even as we are phone-surfing quietly beside each other, I can still feel the coziness!

 Mirrors everywhere

Mum & Dad came over for a short while to dip in the pool with us! Awesome but the pool was freaking cold. Shivering and jumping around all the time haha I won't forget that once in a lifetime experience in Singapore with my 2 favourite guys in the world.

Didn't manage to take photos as the night view was pretty awful. Awful as in there wasn't any natural lighting for good quality photos! :(

 Hehehe posted this message from JY after my comfy bath!

 Went for a stroll at 12am plus haha

Free breakfast for all guests :)

Food variety wise, it wasn't fantastic as the selections were pretty limited. I was expecting more since they engaged Dean & DeLuca and Modesto's refreshments. Before my staycation with Quincy, I noticed that cakes are available (I saw the rainbow cake) and unfortunately, throughout my 2 days I couldn't spot any selection of cakes, not even one.

(credits: here)

D&D at Orchard Central

This is an Atas brand with promising food but it wasn't the case for Quincy Hotel's refreshments. I was very disappointed with the all-day refreshments from D&D and Modesto's.

These 3 pictures were taken during lunch time. The selection is really poor isn't it? Furthermore I tried the blueberry muffin and it tasted mediocre. I feel that those old-school egg muffin are way better than this.

Fortunately, Quincy has their in-house menu specially prepared by their chefs. 

We had BLT and Grilled ham & cheese sandwich served with salad and fries. This would suffice the variety that they had apart from the refreshments. 

Enjoying his breakfast

After our breakfast, complimentary city tour (Funvee Hop on Hop off bus) and lunch to end off our Day 2 itinerary, resting on their king size bed whilst waiting for the check-out time is simply awesome. I hate to race with time in order to beat the check-out late penalty. Thanks to the HSP package, we chose the late check-out option and I had the privilege to take an hour nap before packing my bag at my own pace (Y)

That kind of ends my staycation review with Quincy Hotel. I'm generally satisfied with everything that they provide especially their available facilities for all hotel guests. Exceptional service from the Quincy team is fabulous, no other rooms for improvement. I love the fact that they don't give special benefits to those who book their bigger rooms (although they only have 2 different room types). I felt extremely home and the fairness of having complimentary all-day dining for all guests are really a plus point. This is definitely the right staycation for couples due to their Qool weekend packages. Though I have never opt for this package, I believe screening a movie beside the swimming pool with snacks and beverages are no doubt the kind-of-Saturday-night you can have with your partner. There are also art jamming sessions on Saturday evening but I shan't go into details as I've never tried that.

However, the downside would be the Dean & DeLuca and Modesto's refreshments and the location of the hotel. We had to take a cab home after checking out due to the pouring rain. There is no sheltered road to Orchard area and there was a massive jam around Lucky plaza and Cineleisure Orchard area. It is undeniably the worst case for somebody who doesn't drive like me; transportation wise is really a hassle when the weather isn't showing any mercy.