It’s been a difficult time for anyone in the travel and hospitality industry, with staycations in Singapore the only way some of the hotels have been able to make money. Others have become SHN hotels for incoming travellers but judging by future trends (and hopes) that will soon be over.
As a result, there have been quite a few themed staycations popping up for us to choose from. Naturally, wellness-themed breaks have been very popular right now, but what has also worked, especially during the school holidays, is staycations themed for kids. And that’s exactly what we tested out at Fairmont Singapore’s CoComelon staycation.
A staycation in the city might not feel like much of a break from the busy-ness of Singapore, but when you have young kids in tow, it could be the perfect option just by virtue of all the amenities you can access from the mall (supermarket, restaurants etc.).
The staycation itself is pretty extensive. The package includes a room or suite with CoComelon extras, free parking, complimentary breakfast as well as a $100 dining voucher for Clove, the all-day dining restaurant that had been transformed into a CoC omelon experience.
Checking in
This process was largely seamless, everything was handled quickly and efficiently in the lobby. Of course it’s important to remember to declare your vaccination status and that of your fellow guests ahead of time (and only vaccinated persons are allowed to stay in the hotel).
Room and amenities
We had a standard room – which made sleeping with a toddler…interesting – but it was definitely a fun experience for her. Decorated with CoComelon balloons and paper figures, a special gift is also included which is basically a set of the characters to take home. There were also printed pictures for colouring and a set of colouring pencils.
The room is modern and fresh with everything you could need. We were on a high floor which gave us a lovely view of Marina Bay Sands and the hotel’s pool below, which I have to say my toddler might have enjoyed more than the Cocomelon colouring set.
We had dinner in Raffles City and took the opportunity to explore some of the surrounding areas, letting our toddler have a special late night up. This was very enjoyable and with so much available in the mall, it meant we did not lack for night-time snacks or milk.
Breakfast at Prego's
Breakfast, which was included in the rate, was at Prego’s and included classic faves like pancakes and eggs and bacon. We sat at the window which gave everyone a good view of…the rain. So much for plans to hit the pool before lunch.
Since there was to be no swimming, we instead went for a walk and explored the hotel, letting our little one roam around a little bit. We visited the pool and would have enjoyed it had the weather not been bad. Mummy would have loved to get away for a treatment at the Willow Stream Spa located next to the pool but maybe not with a toddler in tow.
Lunch at CoComelon at Clove
Part of the appeal of the Cocomelon staycation was the transformation of Clove into a Cocomelon paradise. All the booths had been transformed into buses, while the floor, walls and ceilings were decorated with characters and icons from the popular show.
A section of the restaurant had been transformed into a play area that little ones will enjoy while waiting for their meals This included foam blocks and tables and chairs to sit at and play with. There was also a cut-out of the Cocomelon family for photo opportunities.
Naturally the food catered to the “fans” as well. TomTom Favourite Burger came with fries and a salad from the hotel’s aquaponics farm while delicious drinks and desserts like the CoCo-Cado smoothie and Wheels on the Bus Oreo milkshakes were big hits. Not the healthiest of menus with a toddler in tow but there was definitely lots for her to see, take in and enjoy.
Check out and review
The check-out process was smooth and simple, and we did it before heading to Clove for lunch. There is a fast-track option which we opted for, dropping our room keys off on our way out, which went seamlessly.
Overall, it was a good experience and a fun stay, though children slightly older than two would probably appreciate it more, be more familiar with the songs and characters and enjoy the transformation of Clove more than our young one.
While she enjoyed the experience of just being out of the house and staying in a new place, the CoComelon aspect of it might have been a little bit lost on her. Nevertheless, we’re still getting great mileage out of the toys from our stay so I’d say it was definitely worth it.
The CoComelon Family Staycations runs until May 15, 2022, rates start at $375++ per night for a Fairmont Room and includes $100 dining credit, breakfast for two adults and up to two children, complimentary parking with unlimited re-entries during your stay and access to the hotel facilities. Click here for more information.
This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.