7 hotels in Singapore and Johor to book for March school holidays and beyond

SINGAPORE – The week-long March school holidays are fast approaching. Instead of expensive, last-minute flight tickets, why not opt for a staycation in Singapore or a quick trip across the Causeway with your children?

Start packing for a relaxing getaway at these hotels, which are also perfect for spontaneous weekend getaways.

Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore

Your kids will feel like they have walked right into a fantasy storybook when they step into The Gnome’s Burrow. This is one of Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore’s two 66 sq m family rooms themed around gnomes.

The hotel has chosen the theme to reflect its dedication to sustainability, as these mythical creatures are viewed as guardians of the environment.

The Gnome’s Burrow is designed like a fairy-tale forest, complete with green carpet mimicking grass. It features a loft bed and a lower-level pod that serves as a cosy sleeping area and a playful hideout for your children.

Just as whimsical is The Gnome’s Treehouse, which allows your kids to imagine sleeping high in a tree canopy, tucked under a blanket resembling a giant leaf. Large plush gnomes and cushions shaped like tomatoes and mushrooms enhance the room’s woodland vibe.

Your children will be entertained in their own themed space, which includes a Nintendo Switch and board games. Meanwhile, you and your spouse can enjoy couple time in a connecting room.

The Gnome’s Land package starts at $1,488 a night for a family of four and includes buffet breakfast and two kids’ activities, such as creating a terrarium milk pudding, among other privileges. Find out more at

str.sg/Gh9f

Non-themed deluxe rooms, which measures 33 sq m and can accommodate a family of three, are also an option. These are priced from $480 a night, without breakfast.

The hotel offers a playroom that is open daily from 9am to 9pm, and is ideal for children under 10. Bring your little ones to enjoy the selection of books and play equipment.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Young animal lovers will especially enjoy the safari-inspired family suite at the Mandarin Oriental (MO), Singapore hotel.

A highlight of the suite is a wooden bunk bed styled as a treehouse. Your kids can let their imagination roam, pretending to observe animals like cheetahs, zebras and hornbills depicted on the mural from their treehouse hideaway.

This safari theme extends to the hotel’s restaurant, embu. Here, a mural with wild animals creates a cohesive atmosphere, while a buffet corner with low tables allows your children to easily serve themselves from the international food spread.

Under the Family Fun Adventure deal, kids aged four to 11 and their parents can also join a free MO Junior Chef Masterclass guided by a chef at embu every afternoon. Learn to bake treats such as red velvet cupcakes and pineapple tarts.

For weekend stays, there are free Family Fun HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions for children aged five to 11 and their parents on Sunday mornings, providing an energetic way to start the day.

Also, enjoy admissions to Kiztopia indoor playground at Marina Square mall or Singapore Flyer for up to two adults and two children.

The deal starts at $750 a night for a 34 sq m Marina Bay View room for two adults and one child aged 12 and below; and costs from $1,550 a night in a 82 sq m themed family suite for two adults and two kids. Besides the safari theme, there are also suites with decor inspired by underwater and outer space. Find out more at

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Shangri-La Singapore

You need not leave the hotel grounds of Shangri-La Singapore to entertain your children, thanks to its sprawling indoor play space and outdoor water playground.

Enjoy three hours of playtime at each of these venues with every night booked under its Fun Family Playcation package.

Starting at $439 a night in a 38 sq m deluxe room for two adults and two kids below 12 years old, the deal also includes buffet breakfast and $100 dining credits.

An afternoon picnic experience, with savoury and sweet treats served in a basket, can be added for $88.

Find out more at

str.sg/i5bZ

W Singapore – Sentosa Cove

Enjoy an idyllic escape at W Singapore, located near the Sentosa Cove marina. The hotel offers newly renovated rooms and one of Singapore’s largest free-form pools for splashing fun.

Kids below 12 years old can also enjoy free popcorn and ice cream, along with a range of activities such as soft archery, gardening and tote bag painting.

The Family Playcation package starts at $455 a night for two adults and two children in a 42 sq m deluxe room. It includes breakfast and an in-room teepee to spark imaginative play.

Find out more at

str.sg/JbHBU

D’Resort

Families with pre-schoolers will enjoy the Busload of Fun Staycation package at D’Resort.

The deal includes a one-hour pass for a child and an adult to Tayo Station indoor playground, which features a mini driving circuit inspired by characters from the South Korean animated series Tayo The Little Bus (2010 to 2024).

Book a staycation as an NTUC member and enjoy free Wild Wild Wet passes issued based on room occupancy.

Tayo Station and Wild Wild Wet are both located next door at Downtown East.

Rates for a 28 sq m Rainforest family room, which has a queen-size bed and bunk bed for two adults and two kids below 12 years old, start at $276 a night.

Alternatively, consider The Unicorn Dreamscape package, which costs from $569 a night in a 57 sq m Rainforest suite. Adorned with unicorn-themed decorations, such as cushions, plush toys and lighting, the suite accommodates two adults. One child under 12 years old can stay free of charge when sharing the existing king-size bed.

Go to

booking.dresort.com.sg

for details.

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort

Start your trip with a 90-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort is a beachfront hotel and offers a kids’ club for guests aged four to 12 from 9am to 6pm. Supervised by trained staff, children can participate in craft activities such as origami and batik painting, or enjoy outdoor fun with sandcastle building and kite flying.

This drop-off service is free for the first two hours. Thereafter, it costs RM10 (S$3.20) a child for every extra hour.

To explore the area and stay active, you and your kids can take advantage of the free use of bicycles for one hour daily.

If your stay includes a Saturday, consider joining the weekly cooking class at Prego, the resort’s Italian restaurant. It is priced at RM80 for children aged four to 12 and RM140 for adults.

Rates at the resort begin at RM850 a night in a 42 sq m Garden View room for two adults and two children. Find out more at

westindesaru.com

A round-trip ferry ticket to Desaru Coast costs $140 for one adult and one child aged 12 and below. Go to tanahmerahferryterminal.com for details.

Legoland Malaysia Resort

At Legoland Malaysia Resort, your kids can choose from five themed rooms inspired by popular Lego brick set series – Adventure, Kingdom, Pirate, Ninjago and, the latest, Friends.

Designed with families in mind, each room provides separate sleeping areas: a king-size bed for adults and a dedicated space for up to three kids below 12 years old, featuring bunk beds and a pull-out trundle.

Unlock a treasure chest in your room to snag a small pack of Lego bricks.

Complete your stay by visiting at least one of three nearby attractions: Legoland Theme Park, Water Park and Sea Life Aquarium.

During the March school holidays, rates start at $350 a night for a 38 sq m standard room for a family of five and includes buffet breakfast. A 70 sq m suite costs from RM1,887 a night.

Annual pass holders to the parks can enjoy up to 20 discounts off their hotel stay. Find out more at

legoland.com.my/hotel

If you do not drive, consider taking a coach service to Legoland Malaysia, such as those provided by WTS Travel (

str.sg/FZh8

). A round-trip ticket starts at $79 an adult and $69 a child aged three to 11, and includes admission to the Water Park.