11 Staycation Ideas for Foodies - Value for Money Buffets and Unique Dining Experiences

Singaporeans have two main passions in life — if one is travel, we're pretty sure the other is food. Since we can’t travel, staycations seem to be the next best thing. But for foodies, you can’t just settle for any accommodation in Singapore.

So from one foodie to another, here are 11 staycation ideas that you won’t be disappointed with! From all-you-can-eat buffets to an immersive story-telling experience, you know you’re in for a good vacation with these picks. Plus, UOB Cardmembers can enjoy exclusive staycation and dining offers when you book or spend with your UOB cards. More on that at the end!

 

1) Shangri-La Hotel — an around the world buffet at The Line (50% off the second diner)

Photo credit: Shangri-La Singapore

 

Despite being in the heart of town, Shangri-La Singapore’s indoor and outdoor gardens reminds guests of a tropical resort — the perfect place to unwind for an off-grid staycation.

And while we can’t travel, Shangri-la Hotel’s The Line restaurant is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for international cuisines — think fresh sashimi, Thai salads and freshly-baked naans from a tandoor oven.

*Pro-tip: Take advantage of the ongoing dinner deal every Sunday and Monday evening as the second diner enjoys 50% off for the buffet dinner.

Cost: From S$268/night
Address: 22 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258350
UOB Cardmembers:  18% off hotel bookings when you book via Expedia with promo code <UOBSG18> before 31 May 2021

 

2) Ritz-Carlton — seafood buffet at Colony

Photo credit: Ritz-Carlton Singapore

 

If you’re looking for that luxurious 5-star experience, treat yourself to a stay at the Ritz-Carlton. The hotel oversees Singapore’s Marina Bay area, and has features and amenities that will make every guest feel like a VVIP. Afterall, you’re saving on a whole flight ticket, don’t be afraid to splurge a little!

Even its restaurants are a notch above others. Touted as one of the best buffets in Singapore, The Colony at Ritz Carlton sure is a bucket list dining experience for all foodies out there. The highlight of Colony is the conservatory kitchens where diners can embark on a culinary journey through the live showmanship of the chefs. Besides that, the extravagant ice bar with oysters and a variety of seafood, sashimi, and sushi platters are also an all-time favourite.

Cost: From S$530/night
Address: Marina Bay 7, Raffles Ave, Singapore 039799
UOB Cardmembers: 15% off food bill for UOB Reserve, Visa Infinite, Privilege Banking, Empire and Lady’s Solitaire Cardmembers; 10% off food bill for all other UOB Cardmembers

 

3) Grand Hyatt — The Le Petit Chef immersive dining experience

Photo credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore

 

The best holiday is one that doesn’t remind us of home and the large and contemporary rooms of Grand Hyatt might just do the trick!

Spacious rooms aside, Grand Hyatt’s Le Petit Chef is an immersive dining experience unlike any other hotel meal. Making use of 3D projection mapping and music, you can expect to go on a whimsical dining adventure while being introduced to dishes of a 6-course menu from different origins.

Cost: From S$308/night (Menus start from $188++)
Address: 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
UOB Cardmembers: 7% off Singapore staycations on top of existing deals when you book via Agoda before 31 Dec 2021

 

4) Goodwood Park — Durian Fiesta 2021

Photo credit: Goodwood Park Hotel

 

Goodwood Park’s colonial-inspired architecture may be charming but foodies will probably have their eye on it’s highly raved durian desserts.

Calling out to all durian lovers, Goodwood Park definitely takes the cake.

Running from 8 March to 1 August 2021, Goodwood Park’s 38th run of Durian Fiesta will see unique creations such as the D24 Pandan Waffle Cake that has three pandan waffles layered with D24 durian pulp.

Cost: From S$234/night
Address: 22 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228221
UOB Cardmembers: 15% off takeaway Durian Fiesta pastries at The Deli from now till 1 Aug

 

5) Equarius Hotel — Fine-dine in an Aquarium at Ocean Restaurant

Photo credit: Resorts World Sentosa

 

If an escapade into nature’s embrace is your ideal type of staycation, Equarius Hotel is an excellent choice. It’s location makes it close to nature hikes, surrounded with views of greenery.

Make the most of your stay by pairing it up with an unforgettable dining experience at the Ocean Restaurant — Southeast Asia’s only underwater restaurant. Enjoy the finest and most exquisite cuisines while the majestic creatures of the sea like giant manta rays and sharks swim next to you.

From now till 31 December 2021, UOB Mastercard Cardholders can enjoy a 2-night stay in Equarius Hotel or Hotel Michael with daily breakfast for two and a pair of one-day tickets to Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium.

Cost: From S$635/night
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
UOB Cardmembers: 3D2N Hotel & Multi-Attractions Package from S$635++

 

6) Hotel G — Burgers in Bed

Photo credit: Hotel G Singapore

 

It’s not just the bigger hotels that have come up with attractive staycation deals for foodies. Hotel G is a trendy boutique hotel located in Bugis that has an ongoing #BURGERSINBED staycation promotion.

The staycation package includes a one-night stay in a stylish queen-bedded room, with a choice of two award-winning American burgers from 25 Degrees Burger, as well as complimentary late checkout at 2PM.

Cost: From S$120/night
Address: 200 Middle Rd, Singapore 188980
UOB Cardmembers: 15% off Best Available Rates when you book via thetravelinsider.co

 

7) Hilton Singapore — Steak-cation at Opus

Photo credit: Hilton Singapore

 

Meat-lovers, this steak-cation is for you. From $265++ per night at the Hilton Singapore, enjoy a stay in a Deluxe Room and a premium steak dinner (inclusive of 2-hour free-flow wine!) for two at Opus Bar and Grill. A staycation at Hilton is definitely a taste of the opulent lifestyle, we’d say

Cost: From S$265/night
Address: 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883

 

8) Royal Plaza on Scotts — Halal-certified buffet with Alaskan Crab Legs at Carousel

Photo credit: Royal Plaza on Scotts

 

Revenge shopping? Sign me up. Located right in the heart of Orchard Road, a staycation at Royal Plaza on Scotts is perfect for the shopaholics. Not the shopping kind? The dining options at Royal Plaza on Scott are also very attractive. Revenge dining? YAS.

Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts has been voted AsiaOne People’s Choice for the Best Buffet Restaurant in Singapore for seven consecutive years, and there’s no doubt that diners will only be served the best dishes.

Amongst the spread of lavish seafood, one of the highlights is the Alaskan Crab Legs. Other surprising finds include the Amaebi Carousel’s wide array of delectable cuisines, prepared in 100% Halal-certified kitchens.

Cost: From S$180/night
Address: 25 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228220
UOB Cardmembers: 20% off total food bill at Carousel, Royal Plaza on Scotts

 

9) Hotel Miramar — Sashimi buffet at IKOI

Photo credit: Hotel Miramar Singapore 

 

Staycations can be a relaxing getaway or a chance to rediscover your home country through the eyes of a traveller. One good option is Hotel Miramar, located in Robertson Quay just by the Singapore River. It’s close to Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and even Chinatown, making exploration of Singapore very feasible on foot.

We cannot have a list of hotels with great dining options without including IKOI at Hotel Miramar. IKOI is known by local foodies to serve some of the best sashimi in Singapore. The extensive selection of fresh Japanese cuisine is every sashimi lover's dream come true. And oh did we mention? IKOI is buffet style, so sashimi is as unlimited! 

Cost: From S$132/night
Address: 401 Havelock Rd, Singapore 169631
UOB Cardmembers: 18% off hotel bookings when you book via Expedia with promo code <UOB18> before 31 May 2021

 

10) Mandarin Orchard — 1-for-1 lunch buffet at Triple Three Restaurant

Photo credit: Mandarin Orchard Singapore

 

Shopping is all around for staycationers at Mandarin Orchard. Located right above Mandarin Gallery, food and retail options are all within a stroll away. But at Mandarin Orchard, there’s really no way you’ll still be hungry with all the in-house dining options available.

Mandarin Orchard’s Triple Three restaurant is a must-go for Japanese cuisine lovers. The ice bars are constantly replenished with fresh oysters, sashimi, and Alaskan King Crab legs, and they even have a live teppanyaki hot plate cooking counter. The open kitchen concept also allows diners to watch on as the chefs prepare the buffet items.

*Pro-tip: Look out for weekday exclusive items at Triple Three. There’ll be free flow foie gras on Mondays, free flow beer on Tuesdays, Kagoshima Wagyu beef on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and free flow lobster mentaiyaki on Fridays. 

Cost: From S$298/night
Address: 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867

 

11) Mandarin Oriental — All-day premium dining at Melt Cafe

Photo credit: Mandarin Oriental Singapore

 

With scenic skyline views, spacious suites with marbled granite bathrooms, and an outdoor pool with the most gorgeous backdrop overseeing MBS, Mandarin Oriental Singapore remains one of Singapore’s most beloved luxurious hotels.

Amenities aside, Mandarin Oriental’s Melt Cafe is also a popular dining spot. Known for its all-day dining with the best North Indian cuisine in town, Melt Cafe is well-loved by not only fans of Indian cuisine but also diners who are hungry for premium dining experiences. The wide variety of buffet items at Melt includes cold seafood, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and even sports an outdoor BBQ section. We’d recommend pairing this opulent buffet experience with a staycation at Mandarin Oriental so as to recover from the food coma that’s bound to come. 

Cost: From S$470/night
Address: 5 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039797
UOB Cardmembers: 7% off Singapore staycations on top of existing deals when you book via Agoda before 31 Dec 2021

 

12) The Warehouse Hotel Singapore — Delightful Singaporean dishes with a modern twist

Photo credit: The Warehouse Hotel Singapore

 

Newly opened in 2017, The Warehouse Hotel Singapore is a charming, industrial chic themed accommodation built in a refurbished 19th century warehouse. For locals looking to experience a unique staycation that isn't a typical luxury hotel in Downtown Singapore, The Warehouse Hotel provides an industrial chic vibe that’s surely a head-turner on its own.

The dining choices at The Warehouse Hotel is also one that’s atypical from the usual international buffet spreads that hotels provide. Their flagship restaurant, Po serves up Singaporean signatures with a slight modern touch such as the Fresh Flower Crab Popiah Platter, Wagyu Beef Cheek Rendang, and their take on the well-loved hokkien mee – Carabinero Prawns & Konbu Mee. 

Cost: From S$351/night
Address: 320 Havelock Road, Robertson Quay, 169628
UOB Cardmembers: 15% off Best Available Rate when you book via thetravelinsider.co 

Photo credit: The Warehouse Hotel

 

With overseas travel still not in sight, the best getaway you can treat yourself to is a foodie’s staycation! From meals in bed and unbeatable buffet spreads, these staycations will satisfy even the most hard-to-please.

And it’s good news for all travel-deprived Singaporeans because UOB Cards is giving exclusive discounts when you book with its partner hotels. Enjoy up to 20% off your foodie’s staycation when you book with any UOB Cards.