Top 2020 “WFH – Work From Hotel” Options in Singapore To Check Out (Updated)

With a high population density and shrinking house sizes, personal space in Singapore is already a luxury at the best of times. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this problem by forcing many of us to turn our homes into secondary offices, and this trend looks likely to stay even after the pandemic is over.

Is this necessarily viable for everyone though?

A multitude of potential issues abound, especially the lack of space (particularly if multiple members of the family require to share a work area), and having to deal with distractions caused by other family members such as children.

There is no doubt that alternatives to working from home are needed. Co-working spaces have been established for quite some time now and can be considered the conventional option at this point.

However, we have started to see a new trend of WFH - as in, “Work From Hotel”. Travel restrictions implemented due to the pandemic have rendered tourism nearly non-existent. Drastically reduced occupancy rates have sent hotels spiralling into crises, with many of them forced to cut jobs in order to keep afloat. As such, hotels are also starting to get in the game with day rooms and packages.

It is fitting then, that hotels are now looking for another way to stay viable during the pandemic by offering people a solution to deal with problems also caused by the pandemic.

“Work from hotel” makes sense; hotels may offer varying levels of luxury and comfort, but all hotel rooms at least provide privacy as well as peace and quiet, which are imperative for a conducive work environment. Add a comfy bed for napping, and facilities like gyms and swimming pools to make use of during refreshing breaks, and this starts looking like a very attractive proposition indeed!

“Work from hotel” day packages do cost a pretty penny, however. We’ve put together a list of what we consider to be the best deals out there.


lyf Funan

Photo Credit: lyf Funan

Managed by lodging specialists, The Ascott, lyf Funan is strictly speaking more a serviced accommodation than a hotel. Its rooms are going to feel more homely instead of premium. But that is perhaps precisely why its Singapore Workspace Package is such a value option. Prices start at a respectable S$70++ for an admittedly (slightly) claustrophobic 18 sqm en-suite studio room. This will be at your disposal from 9am – 7pm. Larger apartments are also available for people working together in groups.

It does not exude luxury, but with high-speed WiFi as well as tea, coffee and snacks, it has all you need to put in a good shift at work. Some might prefer being in a chic looking room that is more reminiscent of home anyway.


Marriott Tang Plaza

Photo Credit: Marriott Tang Plaza

One of the first hotels to offer a “work from hotel” arrangement back in July, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel’s “Work in Style. Stay Connected.” day package is the next step up, at S$120++ for one person. This puts a room at your disposal for 12 hours, from 7am to 7pm. WiFi and in-room coffee and tea making facilities are a given. Other perks include complimentary parking, as well as 30% off F&B (in-room dining included). The swimming pool and gym are available on an appointment basis.


InterContinental Singapore

Photo Credit: Intercontinental Singapore

At S$150++, InterContinental Singapore’s Work From Hotel package offers slightly more bells and whistles. Usage of the room is from 7am to 7pm, and it is expected to be the entry-level Heritage Room, although a potentially better option might be allocated due to availability. WiFi is complimentary as expected. In-room coffee and tea making facilities are slightly fancier, with Nespresso machines (5 pods per day) and TWG tea sachets available. In addition, a bento lunch is provided, including fruit and a Healthy Juice.

Pets can be brought along, at a supplement of S$75++, and the hotel will throw in a S$50 dining credit. An option for a second occupant at a supplement of S$25++ is also available.

A souped-up Executive package for the use of a Heritage Suite can also be selected. This will cost S$200++ instead.

Unfortunately, the swimming pool and gym are currently closed to all guests, which might make the InterContinental a slightly less attractive option.


Fairmont Singapore

Photo Credit: Fairmont Singapore

The Fairmont Singapore’s Ultimate Daycation package feels like a good catch. The day use of a Fairmont room from 8am to 7pm is for 2 adults and 2 children, instead of 1 person. Access to outdoor swimming pools, fitness centre and spa facilities which include Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and hot/cold plunge pools are included. This means that out of all the options listed here, Fairmont Singapore is the only one which allows for a whole family to enjoy its package. An opportunity for children to have fun making use of the hotel’s facilities while the adults work is certainly worthy of consideration.

Like the InterContinental, Fairmont offers Nespresso coffee pods and TWG tea sachets in its rooms, in addition to the complimentary WiFi. A comparatively generous S$75 dining credit, which can be used for in-room dining, is included as well. At S$145++ this certainly looks to be a deal worth taking

A potential drawback is that this package is only available from Mondays to Thursdays; one will have to look for another spot during the weekends.


Andaz Singapore

Photo Credit: Booking.com

Dubbed the “Andaz Great Workation”, this package by Andaz Singapore allows for an 8-hour use of a room, on weekdays, between 7am and 7pm. A S$30 dining credit which can be used for in-room dining is included, together with complimentary WiFi, in-room coffee and tea, as well as local calls. Maximum occupancy is strictly 1 adult per room. This is a no-frills package, set at S$177 nett. It requires the purchase of a voucher during this current flash sale period which must then be redeemed by 31st March 2021.


More Premium Options

More luxurious hotels such as Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Marina Bay Sands also offer their own “Work from Hotel” packages. We do wonder, however, as to whether it is worthwhile to spend an exorbitant amount of money essentially just to get a day’s work done, albeit in a more fancy, comfortable setting. Ultimately, we recognise that this is down to the subjective opinion of the consumer, and our opinion is far from definitive.


What About Some Non-Room Options?

Perhaps you require a larger workspace that can hold more people. Or maybe you prefer to work on a tighter budget instead of having a bed. Here are some other options worthy of consideration.


Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Photo Credit: Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

This hotel’s Work From Hotel package doesn’t include the use of a conventional hotel room; instead what you get is a meeting room which can accommodate up to five people from 7am to 7pm. This includes use of the LCD projector, screen, whiteboard and writing materials, in addition to the complimentary WiFi, parking and refreshments. Bento boxes are available at S$9 nett each.

This package costs S$150 nett, which is an absolute steal for a group of people working together (and who don’t need to nap in the day).


Furama Riverfront

Photo Credit: TodayOnline

Another interesting standout option. Furama Riverfront’s Work From Hotel passes do not grant you the use of a guest room. However, the hotel has converted many of its common areas into co-working spaces, including the popular Waterfall Lounge as well as the hotel’s spacious lobby. This allows the price to be set significantly cheaper at S$15 a day, or S$250 a month.

Despite the low price, Furama doesn’t skim on the perks. WiFi, parking and refreshments are complimentary. Access to meeting spaces and use of presentation equipment will be provided, subject to availability, and the first hour is free. Mail and printing services are also complimentary. Daily pass users can enjoy 10% off F&B, as well as S$10 dining credit. Monthly pass users get 20% off F&B and $200 dining credit. What’s more, while areas such as the Waterfall Lounge have operating hours, you are free to find another spot in the other common areas as the hotel is open 24/7.

Children are also welcome, with various play areas and Waka Waka, a huge safari-themed indoor playground for children from 9 months to 12 years old, in the hotel. As if the perks weren’t enough, the Work From Hotel pass also gives 2 hours of free play at Waka Waka for 1 child.

Simply listing the perks of this package has been lengthy enough to warrant no further commentary. If you do not require the privacy of a room (nor a bed to nap in), this is as good as it gets, and for an incredible price.

*Updated (28/09/20): Due to overwhelming popularity, Furama Riverfront has since updated their rates (boo!). Day passes now cost S$28 and monthly passes are priced at S$450. That's a hefty increase, so some of the perks have been raised too, such as dining credits now being set at S$15 and S$250 respectively.


Changi Lounge at Jewel

Photo Credit: Changi Airport

This is easily the cheapest option and, once again, one with less privacy. However, many of us are familiar with just how quiet and tranquil Changi Airport is, especially now that air travel is heavily restricted. Thus the lounge at Jewel could well be a viable and very affordable option.

Lounge access is priced at S$12 for 2 hours, and an additional S$4 for each subsequent hour. This includes complimentary WiFi and refreshments. The use of a meeting room (up to 4 pax) will incur separate charges of S$60 for the 1st hour, and S$20 for each extension per hour. 4hrs free parking is also available when you purchase a 4-hour lounge access or a meeting room booking. 


Golden Village Gold Class

Photo Credit: Golden Village

Golden Village Gold Class has just launched its work from lounge concept for those who would like to indulge in a little power nap amid work. Only available at GV Suntec City, you can get access to the Gold Class Lounge at S$15. The lounge serves as a co-working space from 12pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday only, with wi-fi, a complimentary cup of tea or coffee, free-flow drinking water, and an extra perk - a box of popcorn.

In addition, you get a discount voucher that allows you to purchase a movie ticket at S$6 instead of the usual S$9.50 on weekdays, or S$9.50 instead of S$13.50 on weekends.

To add on a quick power nap, you can get access to the abovementioned perks plus a nap on a Gold Class plush recliner between 12pm-1.30pm or 2pm-3.30pm at S$20.

All prices stated are valid for 12th to 31st October 2020, and passes are available for walk-in purchases at Golden Village Suntec City Gold Class only. Please note that seats are limited and subject to availability. Pan Pacific’s Atrium Lounge

Photo Credit: Pan Pacific Hotels Group The Living Room at Atrium, located in the Pan Pacific Hotel, exudes the right mix of business and cosiness. On weekdays, from 8.30am to 6pm, this lounge is available as a workspace for $38 a day. The usual complimentary WiFi, parking for one, and all-day coffee and tea are to be expected. There is also a $15 dining credit (with a minimum spend of $30) at Pacific Marketplace, and additional savings of 20% for dine-in at the Atrium itself or the Pacific Marketplace. For that additional touch of class, service associates are on-site to provide assistance with printing (black and white only) and courier services. This is a solid option, if a little more pricey than it first appears; service charges and GST applies.

Read also: How Covid-19 Will Affect Coworking Spaces in Singapore When Circuit Breaker Ends

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