A Stay at the World’s Best Airport Hotel: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Looking at international arrival numbers rising each year according to all data sources (the latest was reported by World Bank), I can’t think of any reason why hospitality investors would not build more hotels at international airports. Travellers, especially those on business trips, are getting busier and consequently more mobile, hence they fly at a different pace and frequency compared to others. I can go on and on exposing numbers, facts and whatnot, but, let’s not go there.

Tapping into that very factual reason, Crowne Plaza introduced their Changi Airport location in mid 2008 and has successfully won acclaimed awards ever since. Skytrax, a global airline and airport ratings consultancy, conferred Crowne Plaza the titles of Asia’s and World’s Best Airport Hotel in 2015. Expectations were high, but my petered-out body after a three-day work trip and evening mid-haul flight would be pleased with a mere good night sleep, and my room gave me more than that.

The whole check-in process was among the most efficient I have ever come across. Note that I arrived almost at midnight and there were three other incoming guests arriving at the same time as I did. Being an airport hotel in an airport as strategic as Changi brings another ‘fun’ challenge for the hotel; tired guests coming in on practically any given hour of the day. But I can safely say that, again, the reception agent understood me so well that night and in no time I breezed to my room.

I did not go straight to bed as much as I wanted to, simply because I was so attracted to my room’s view. While you’re reading this, think about the last time you stayed in a hotel. What was the view from the room? Skyscapers, shophouse, the street, or the beach? I know that beach view is hard to beat, but, you can find those views everywhere.

However this view from my room may be among the few out there in the world. I got to see planes flying in and out every 10 minutes — jumbo jets and cargo planes taxiing and boarding from the gates. That was my kind of million dollar view. Some of you might ask, how about the noise then, staying in a room next to airport terminal? Let me tell you, I slept like a baby without any disruption and woke up just fine.

As a branding enthusiast, I was amazed by how consistent Crowne Plaza was in visualizing their brand expression. After coming across some desk toppers such as their letterheads and in-room dining menu, I began exploring the room and tried putting all Crowne Plaza-branded stuff and, voila, they are indeed consistent. The way the brand expresses itself somewhat appeals me to the point that I feel like I am taken care of as a partner.

The hotel uses London-based The White Company’s products for bathroom toiletries. That was my first time trying out the brand and there is something about the fragrance that is very soothing and just goes well with me. It has that country-home feel when you sit down on the floating swing. Now I know what a combo of jasmine, rose and neroli (flower-based essential oil) can do to me.

I was so looking forward to breakfast. Upon walking to Azur, I expected the restaurant would be crowded at 7.30 am. You know, the businessmen and those morning flights would make a rushed kind of morning, no? I was proven wrong again as apparently you can never guess when the restaurant will be full being an airport hotel.

On to the food, one would surely appreciate the variety of dishes available here. The siew mai (pork dumplings) and youtiao (Chinese cruller) were among my favorites as they were served warm and tasty. As I went out of my table to see the live stations, I couldn’t help myself from not ordering their Minced Beef Noodle. Prior to my stay at the hotel, I was on a working trip to Taiwan and even though it was a three-day trip, I missed my sambal. I miss that tangy feeling on my palate. This noodle, and the chilli paste on the side, was my delicious saviour!

One of the ways to stay fit during frequent flights is, obviously, by staying active and hitting the gym. You will appreciate the fitness club, which is located at the same level of the Club Lounge and the outdoor pool. It features an ample number of treadmills, weights and pull down lat, just enough to make you sweat. If you’re more into swimming or sun-bathing, take advantage of the good-sized pool, with views of the hotel building, airport terminal and the iconic control tower.

While the room was also an enjoyable space for me to sit down and work from my computer, bearing in mind I have the ‘view’, I opted for a seat inside the Club Lounge. It is indeed spacious and definitely has the travellers’ needs in mind.

The newspapers, nibbles and coffee stations all make up for a good hour or two to work, meet my guests, meet other guests and get things done. The lounge also provides private meeting rooms, boardroom set-ups, and once again, the airport view from its ceiling-to-floor glass windows.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is located at Terminal 3. If you have never been to the airport, you will not encounter any problem trying to reach the hotel as the three terminals are connected using Skytrains. If you reach Terminal 1 or 2 past midnight, a shuttle bus takes over as the trains only operate until 2.30 am. When you reach Terminal 3, look out for direction signs and you will find the hotel easily.

The hotel is currently building an additional 243 additional rooms on the plot of land adjacent to the current building. When completed, this will bring the total rooms to 563 when the new building opens in 2016. I will be on the lookout for that.

What I found special about the rooms and the hotel in general is the fact that I slept really well and the room has everything I literally needed. The hearty breakfast also won my heart and the club lounge was such a nice place to work at. Next time I’m staying at an airport hotel, my expectations will be higher and it’s all because of this particular stay. Would I stay here again on my next transit? Definitely.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport 
75 Airport Boulevard #01
Singapore 819664

For more information, visit their website.