Is this really an airport? The thought continues to echo through my mind despite knowing the answer. Looking out over the maze of island garden beds that turn the huge pool into a complex architectural wonder – and a kids’ aquatic playground – it’s hard to believe it to be true.
To one side rise the towering levels of rooms, laced with intricate details, vertical gardens and visual flourishes that reflect off the water’s surface like a modern engineering tapestry. But to the other, a massive wall of glass. Beyond? Yep, there’s no doubt about it – I can clearly see the airport tower. The runway is right there.
The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel isn’t just a luxury Singapore accommodation experience conveniently placed near the terminal. It’s in the terminal. It’s in the airport. When I came through customs, family in tow and seeking a functional, friendly stay to break up our long haul to Europe, I hit the hotel entrance long before I set foot in the country proper.
It is, in a word, incredible.
No wonder they call it the best airport hotel in the world.
No Compromise
I’ve stayed in plenty of airport hotels over the years; you don’t expect much. In truth, the main goal is to ensure you don’t have to walk or shuttle far to get there; and you hope roaring engines won’t keep you awake. When you stumble, eyes bleeding with fatigue, out of a plane, all you really want is a clean space with a bed, a shower and, if you’re lucky, some breakfast.
A means to an end. Function first and form… well, why bother with that?
The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel, by comparison, could comfortably sit on Singapore’s prestigious Orchard Road. Or Sentosa. Or Marina Bay. This is a stay that can host extravagant weddings and events. Where the outside world disappears as soon as you step into the opulent, air-conditioned lobby.
A hotel where detail matters. In the twisting hallways an apparent prejudice against straight lines ensures there’s always something to look at. Some art, some girder-work, a quirk of lighting that drip-feeds atmosphere. Throughout, the industrial infrastructure that surrounds the hotel is banished with flora – as if this most-urban of countries is instead a jungle paradise.
It’s a beautiful hotel; one designed to stimulate the senses and make you wonder, “hey, why am I just transiting here?” An airport hotel that could actually be better than your end destination. Who would have thought?
Great Food and Club Lounge
On the ground floor, you’ll find the Allora Ristorante & Bar. It’s excellent. In the morning, it’s a fantastic buffet breakfast experience that not only delivers on quality, but on variety. Perhaps acknowledging Changi Airport’s position as a connection point between northern and southern hemisphere cultures, it offers a broad variety of cuisines with Western, Asian and Middle Eastern staples.
From pastries that’ll make the young and the young at heart bulge at the eyes (and, later, gut), to cold meats, cheeses, eggs to order, freely available coffee machines, dumplings, spring rolls, rices, noodles, fresh juices… the works. You won’t be left wanting and even if you’re just passing time in the airport, it’s worth a nudge.
At dinner it transforms into an Italian restaurant, all woodfire pizzas and pastas. We went all out on both and enjoyed the experience. I also appreciated the unique cocktail menu, which pairs drinks with locations in Italy, allowing you to taste the delights of specific regions.
Up on floor 2, you’ll also find the IHG Club Lounge. This quiet and inviting space makes the most of a relatively small footprint through intricate design and high-end finishes, from the curved stone tabletops to weighty, expensive cutlery. The staff make the experience thoroughly enjoyable, bubbling with conversation and a desire to serve, ensuring you’re well attended.
For both breakfast and the afternoon happy hour experience, the food and alcohol are not only delicious, but more varied than you’d expect. You could very easily walk away in the evening fed well enough to excuse dinner. Even if I were to review it just as an “airport lounge,” I’d be impressed, let alone as a bonus to those with the correct loyalty or room requirements.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has Huge Rooms
Let’s kick the elephant straight out of the room; I can count the times I heard a plane on one hand during my stay at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. The first time one rumbled nearby, it actually caught me off guard – so unusual was the proof that I was indeed in an airport. I only recall hearing an engine while in my room once – around 11pm; as if it was getting taxied to a nearby hangar perhaps. It was too random to have been an actual route.
Being a family of five, we stayed in two interconnecting rooms that opened directly out onto that wonderful pool. It’s a standout position to be sure, but the design of the King Standard Room can be found throughout the hotel, varying in view (some give you a vantage over the runway), proximity to Jewel and pool access.
Much like the public spaces, it’s a bastion of thoughtful design, luxury finishes and unexpected space. A world away from the dark shoeboxes I’m used to in airport hotels.
I was caught off guard by the high ceilings, bright décor and floor-to-ceiling glass, making the space feel quite luxurious. The rooms are smartly designed, with long bench spaces perfectly suited to those with plenty of baggage. A comfortable lounge-like booth in which to sit and work. Plus, a soft, comfortable bed to rest your head.
I particularly liked the bathroom layout, which is cut at the corner in such a way that it can be closed off for privacy, or opened to make the room feel more spacious. The finishes are lovely within, too; it’s a beautiful room.
The Suite
Meanwhile, the larger Suite to which our King Standard Room was connected offered a huge living space. It’s big enough to rival an apartment! You walk into an enormous lounge room with not just a large TV and a comfy couch, but a full-size dining table and even an open-plan kitchen. There are even laundry facilities. This space then shifts into a separate bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom.
You could stay here for some time comfortably.
Luxury in an Airport
The word on the street was right! Now that I’ve experienced it myself, I can confirm the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel is a gem. The effort and elegance of the engineering and gardens outshone my expectations. As did the great food and facilities, and the scale and provisions of the room.
But more than anything, it’s how it makes the airport disappear – like it’s not even there. An oasis away from the crowds and sounds and chaos; one adorned in luxury. So good.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Chris Stead stayed as a guest of IHG and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel.
