A staycation in an airport hotel might sound strange, but our staycation at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport was a superbly fun experience for the whole family. Who says Changi isn’t for holidays?
Changi Airport is typically known as a transit point for travellers, and perhaps “weekend mall experiences” and some interesting attractions. But staying overnight in a spacious, comfortable poolside suite was probably one of the best opportunities we had!
Arriving at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
As Westies, driving to Changi Airport usually meant we were going to catch a flight or pick a visitor up. Hence, heading to Crowne Plaza Changi Airport seemed like an out-of-the-ordinary long drive not to take a trip out of the country but a family staycation in Changi.
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We often see the hotel’s façade with symmetrical petals prominently standing next to Jewel Changi as well as the iconic control tower. The floral cage contains the different blocks of the hotel and the opening next to the swimming pool enables guests to see the surrounding buildings plus soak in the tropical sun.
Architecture buffs would know that Crowne Plaza Changi Airport was designed by award-winning architectural firm WOHA. The design encapsulates elements of both city and resort hotel.
There are a few ways to enter the hotel – from the entrances at both levels one and two as well as the main lobby. It is conveniently located next to the link bridge to Jewel Changi Airport which meant quick connectivity to the attractions and restaurants there.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Rooms, Suites & Amenities
It is no surprise that the hotel has won many accolades, namely World’s Best Airport Hotel by Skytrax for ten years. The intricate exterior and the delicately furnished interiors welcomed our family of four to a soothing and comfortable refuge.
The hotel has 575 rooms with direct access to all airport terminals, Jewel Changi Airport and Changi Airport Connector. It was evidently a busy hotel, with a lobby busy with guests waiting to check in or leave the hotel.
After a hectic week, we promptly entered our poolside suite, a spacious 72 sqm room with a king-sized bed, a sofa bed, kitchenette, living room, bedroom, one ensuite bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and one toilet.
This meant our family of four could have separate sleeping areas, two screens and two toilets to use. I was clearly overjoyed as no one had to fight over screens or loo time.
One big draw was also the pool access right outside our room. My sons could take a plunge whenever they wanted to. Of course, parental supervision is necessary especially for the younger ones.
The swimming pool, located at Level Three, had luscious foliage all around with gorgeous views of Jewel Changi Airport. The tropical heat made it feel almost like a beachside holiday without the sea as palm trees swayed above us.
Besides swim time from day to night, there is also a 40-inch Smart TV perfect for family movie night! The living and dining area was spacious to host a celebration, board games sessions and more. It was also ideal for long-staying guests as there was a washer and well-equipped kitchenette.
The suite had a neutral palette with ocean shades with plenty of curved furnishings. This also meant that the room was suitable for active little ones navigating the space. We loved the contemporary and inviting space which was our home away from home for the day.
Food Options at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, Jewel & Terminal 3
Should anyone be hungry, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is surrounded by food options. Its restaurant Allora Ristorante and Bar is an authentic Italian restaurant, bar, and alfresco dining spot. For breakfast, it offers a sumptuous spread of Asian, local, Mediterranean, Indian, Western cuisines.
It even had a Nutella dispenser! Obviously this was a win at the breakfast table. Besides the usual fare like porridge, noodles, egg station, the spread included bombolini (Italian donuts), focaccia, fresh tropical fruits, an assortment of cheese and more.
For guests who prefer to wander about for food, there is a 24-hour food court and other eateries at Terminal 3 as well as countless food options at Jewel Changi Airport.
Activities at Changi Airport
One option is to chill out at the suite and pool all day. But Changi Airport offers too many irresistible playgrounds and activities. Jewel Changi Airport has Canopy Park to explore as well as Changi Experience Studio for some edu-tainment. It also has Kiztopia Club located in Toys R Us for more indoor fun.
My tween and teen sons chose more physically stimulating activities – Climb@T3 and as well as Slide @ T3!
Climb@T3 is perfect for expending energy up the walls. It is located at B3 of Terminal 3, just a short walk from Crowne Plaza Changi Airport and also right next to the Slide @ T3. There are both high wall and bouldering options. A 120 minute session is guaranteed to knock the children out for a quality sleep.
If going down the world’s tallest slide is up your alley, head to The Slide @ T3 for the 12 metre high slide. Simply redeem the pass with 10 turns at the Customer Service counter at B2 and anyone above 1.3m can head down the longest slide at Level One.
Since Adventures with The Little Prince was happening at Changi Airport, we took the opportunity to play Starry Minigolf. The 7-hole course was a fun way to bond over putting through various obstacles.
A Perfect Family Staycation at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
We spent most of our 23 hours traversing the pool, bathtub and airport play areas. A holiday does not entail heading overseas. A memorable family holiday could just be lazing by the pool, admiring the Changi skyline and appreciating what Changi Airport has to offer as a destination.
To book your family getaway at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, opt for the Family Getaway package which includes passes to Climb@T3 and Kiztopia Club! It also includes free parking for 36 hours at Changi Airport carpark 3B for those who drive.
If you enjoyed this story, we think that you will also enjoy reading about Kiztopia at Jewel Changi Airport or more about the dining experience at Allora Ristorante and Bar.
