So it has been about 7 months since my last review thanks to Covid19 restrictions on travelling.

Still can’t travel, but here in Singapore, we are able to stay in a hotel for a ‘Staycation’, so my partner and I decided on the Hilton Singapore, being Hilton Honors Diamond members.

We booked well in advance, and the rates were cheap – under $200 per night for an entry level King Room, but for the 1st night, we chose the ‘Foodie Staycation’ rate which included a Wagyu Steak and Lobster dinner with 2-hour of free-flow wine for an extra $80 (for 2). Being our 15th anniversary, (we were supposed to be in the Maldives) we decided on this package.

As Hhonors Diamond members, we were offered an upgrade to an Executive Suite on the 17th floor for an additional $80 per night (instead of the usual $240 per night) so we accepted. In ‘normal’ times a complementary Suite upgrade is pretty standard for us, but for some reason this pandemic has changed everything.

For example the Lounge, pool, and gym – all bookable for between 60 – 90 min slots. Breakfast is also very different – no more buffet (or breakfast in the Lounge). Instead a choice of 3 options.

The room was large, but bland. Standard King bed, with separate living area, around 70 sqm. The hotel presented a bottle of Sparkling and a congratulatory card for our anniversary, which was a nice touch. Other than that there was not other welcome amenity for Diamond members, which I suppose again is something of the past…….

The meal at the Opus Grill on the first night was excellent, and we were attended to by an amazing team member, Peggy, who was an absolute standout. We had a huge Wagyu steak with half grilled lobster and delicious Onion bread to share (it was more than enough), and copious amounts of red, white, and sparkling to drown it all down. We didn’t need to, but ordered dessert, and then Peggy brought an additional one which she originally had recommended and we declined, but gladly wolfed that down as well.

It seems that many of the Team Members were doing dual roles. For example Kenny (another friendly, standout Team Member) served us in the Lounge on the second night and then checked us out on Day 3. I heard some of the Sales Team were also serving breakfast in the morning.

The only issue I had during my 3 day stay was the room cleaning. I asked four times on the second day for it to be refreshed, from 10am until 5pm, and each time I was told ‘certainly’.. Finally, after pleading, it was done. We were later told due to the Pandemic the hotel was restricting interactions between staff and guests, but I am not sure how that affects us when cleaning is done when we are away from the room. If I am paying $700 for a 2 night stay, I don’t feel I am asking too much to have the room made up. Anyway, first world problems, right? Well yes, but having a long hospitality career myself (but no longer), it’s a pretty basic service requirement especially with loyal members. And the bins by the elevator on our floor were not cleared once during our stay. That same bruised apple was peeking out of the bin from day 1 to 3…….

All in all it was good to get away from our Condo here in Singapore and relax for a couple of days.