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5 Affordable Hotels for Valentine’s Day

As January draws nearer to a close, this marks the beginning of a new season – the season of love!

For the less imaginative soul, February may just be yet another arduous month to get through. But for the romantics out there, February bears so much promise of new beginnings, whimsicalities, and yes, you guessed it – Valentine’s Day!

Indeed, staycations are the latest trend in town for couples. In fact, they’re so commonplace these days that every month or so you might spot a few acquaintances posting up some envy-worthy pictures of themselves lounging on lush sheets or staring out of a balcony on their staycation. Some hotels have even caught on the wave and are peddling out exclusive staycation deals for couples in a bid to draw the attention of staycation hopefuls.

The popularity of staycations in Singapore has been spreading like wildfire, and it is truly little wonder why. After all, they’re a perfect alternative to your regular boring dinner date, and they’re suitable for all couples alike! Well, why not try out something different for Valentine’s Day this year? Consider a Valentine’s Day staycation instead!

If you’re a fresh couple who’s still finding your way around your relationship, a Valentine’s Day staycation would be the perfect solution to cement your relationship and stir up new feelings of romance and intimacy. Staycations are perfectly suitable for seasoned couples as well. For seasoned couples who are undeniably well accustomed to the regular Valentine dates, a staycation would truly provide a refreshing edge of spice to your romance as well!

(Image credit: http://realhousedesign.com)

That being said, in land scarce Singapore, accommodation may prove a little too extravagant for some to afford. This is especially the case for some of our top hotels, which can easily cost up to $500 or more a night on peak days. (The more Instagram-worthy, the higher the price ha!)

Not to fear! A fantastic staycation is not merely one that requires you to spend big bucks on it. In fact, a small cosy hotel can add just the right romantic fizz to the air as well. After all, it’s not the price that matters, but the company that counts, right? Plus, wouldn’t that extra money saved come in handy for that proposal ring or wedding reception?

Here are 5 affordable hotels, where you can have a romantic staycation on Valentine’s Day without bursting your budget!

Some hotels listed below are fast running out of rooms for Valentine’s Day – so book early to avoid undue disappointment.

1. Studio M

(Image credit: http://hotel.priceline.com.sg)

(Image credit: agoda.com)

Loft hotel rooms are all the rage these days, and I say this with utmost assurance – there is truly nothing quite as romantic as spending Valentine’s Day with your loved one in a loft at Studio M!

If your partner and yourself have an exclusive eye for the simple and minimalist, then Studio M is certainly your go-to hotel for Valentine’s Day. Boasting of a unique loft concept, Studio M is indeed ideal for the lazy couple whose idea of a perfect date is simply some quality time together lounging around. No fancy frills or fuss needed – just a comfortable, clean bed, some drinks, and a lover by your side.

For an additional romantic touch, arrive at your room at least 15 minutes before your partner, and scatter some rose petals on the lush white expanse of the bed to create an instant mood of sheer romance. Pop a glass of wine (or hey, if budget romance works out especially well for you, some tangy but tasty Taiwan beer will also do the trick), and you’re all set for a great Valentine’s night out! Plus, Studio M is conveniently located a mere 10 minutes’ walk away from Clarke Quay. If you’re up for a midnight drink fest, surely you know where to go.

(Source: Agoda) Studio M’s loft rooms are priced from an affordable $195 per night (additional charges may apply). Indeed, for close to $200, you’ll be able to enjoy some cherished romantic quality time with your partner. After all, nobody ever said that romance and affordability are mutually exclusive!

2. BIG Hotel

(Image credit: bighotel.com)

Contrary to its name, BIG Hotel actually isn’t really all that big (truly, the name of the hotel in itself is quite the pun huh). Instead, it boasts of an eclectic collection of cozy small rooms, each wondrously designed with a minimalistic touch. For the Valentine’s Day couple, BIG Hotel is truly a perfect alternative to boring dinner dates. Each room in BIG Hotel is well equipped with Wi-Fi and Movies on Demand – yes, free movies!

If you’re both massive fans of action, fanfare and blockbusters, and your regular date typically comprises of a movie at a cinema, you will surely find BIG Hotel a refreshing take to the overused Valentine date routine. After all, why seek out uncomfortable and scratchy plush seats at the cinema when you can cuddle and lounge in the comfort of your own private room, right?

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, why not add a dash of romance to the mix? Bring your own box of popcorn to the hotel. Or perhaps, if you feel tempted to splurge a little, I’d certainly recommend indulging in some quality caramel popcorn by Garrett’s. Get a bar of dark chocolate or two, and break it into smaller chunks and mix them in with the popcorn. This additional touch of subtly bitter chocolate mixed with your sweet caramel will certainly suffice to spice up the romantic mood! After all, chocolate is the food of love! And what better to spur on the romance, than some natural aphrodisiac in the form of cocoa?

A night at BIG Hotel will set you back from $169 onwards. (Source: HotelsCombined) A small price to pay indeed, for a night of treasured memories!

3. Wanderlust Hotel

(Image credit: wgsn.com)

(Image credit: agoda.com)

(Image credit: http://www.xcomglobal.com.sg)

One of the most popular staycation destinations in Singapore, the Wanderlust Hotel certainly speaks for itself. With its unique room designs and features, each room takes you away into an entirely different setting, and a night well spent will certainly feel like out of this world!

Choose from a range of three types of rooms – the pantone rooms, mono rooms, or whimsical lofts (as pictured respectively).

The cheapest option would be the pantone rooms, where each room is affixed with vibrant loud colours of theme. Opt for the sassy red pantone room for a touch of va-va-voom to your Valentine’s Day. While relatively small in size, the loud colours and quirky design make up for any shortfall in spaciousness. The coloured settings and dim lights will certainly set your heart a-fluttering, and your blood pumping with adrenaline!

If your partner and yourself have a taste for the minimalist and monochrome, opt for one of Wanderlust Hotel’s mono rooms instead.

Or perhaps, if you’re in it for the splurge, take the plunge and make a booking for a whimsical loft room exclusively designed and decorated to complement the unique themes of ‘Typewriter’, ‘Bling’, ‘Tree’, and ‘Space’. Indeed, Wanderlust Hotel is famed for its thematic loft rooms, and there’s no better option for a staycation for the adventurous young couple!

Prices begin from $179 for pantone rooms, and $215 for their mono rooms. Whimsical loft rooms are sold out for Valentine’s Day, but costs from $277 for each night on regular off-peak days (Source: HotelsCombined).

4. Lloyd’s Inn

(Image credit: tripadvisor.com)

(Image credit: designboom.com)

Despite being relatively new to the hotel scene in Singapore, Lloyd’s Inn has gained quite the cult following for itself as a staycation destination. A look at the breath taking photos of the boutique hotel will certainly leave you with a knowing edge as to why this hotel has gained such a reputation for itself indeed.

Lloyd’s Inn features an array of minimalistic rooms that are sleek and clean in design. For the quiet couple who seeks little grandeur and magnificence, the simplistic design of Lloyd’s Inn will certainly draw you in. Why spend your Valentine’s Day in the throes of the town crowd, when you can have an amazing night’s stay at a tranquil hotel located in a peaceful precinct of Orchard itself?

Despite being located in Orchard, Lloyd’s Inn offers an aesthetic reminiscent of villas and summer resort, and provides a great option for a quick getaway from the hectic city life in Singapore. In fact, with its inviting displays of nature, it certainly is difficult to guess that this out-of-the-world hotel is located in the very bosom of Singapore’s town, isn’t it?

Indeed, Lloyd’s Inn is perfect for a Valentine’s Day staycation. Lounge in the relaxing expanse of the white-themed room that the hotel has to offer, and if you seek a breath of fresh air, you can take a brisk stroll in the surprisingly quiet district, hand clasped in hand, feet paced in a soothing rhythm, while making casual lilting chat about everything and anything under the sun.

Prices at Lloyd’s Inn begin from $158 for each night (Source: HotelsCombined). Act fast though; rooms are running out fast! (Fully booked on 14 Feb – as at 27/1/15)

5. Adonis Hotel

(Image credit: booking.com)

(Image credit: sg.hotels.com)

Restored and refurnished in one of Singapore’s original shop houses, Adonis Hotel provides an original twist to your usual hotel stay. It features an elegant design that is reminiscent of an eclectic fusion between its old school shop house days, and modern sophistication and class.

If your partner and yourself are culture freaks, then Adonis Hotel will certainly make a perfect stay for you! Located along Purvis Street, you can both take a leisurely stroll along the street while admiring some of Singapore’s unique colonial days architecture that have been painstakingly restored and maintained. There is truly something about a stay in a quaint little boutique hotel amidst such historical buildings and sites that appeals to the romantic bone in everyone indeed!

Plus, a brief 10-minutes walk will take you to the Mint Museum of Toys, where your partner and yourself can re-examine your childhood amidst the toys of old!

Settle for a quiet romantic dinner after your explorations at one of the dinner joints or independent restaurants located along or near Purvis Street. Bring a bottle of red wine along if you so wish to, to complete the delightful mood of honeyed romance. After all, wine goes best with something sweet, and what sweeter a side dish than your very own brand of love?

Adonis Hotel has rooms available from $205.97! (Source: HotelsCombined). If your partner and yourself are big on indie explorations and refinding Singapore, a stay at Adonis Hotel is certainly perfect for your Valentine’s Day!

* Updated on 27/1/15 to reflect availability of rooms, prices to include GST and service charge and links

How Much “Ang Bao” Money Shall You Give This Chinese New Year?

The festivity of the Chinese New Year is about a month away. Abundant food, family reunions, and little red packets called “Ang Bao” will grace Singapore once again.

These red packets are usually given during social gatherings such as weddings or the holidays. Its color embodies “good luck” that is supposed to ward off the evil spirits.

Married couples usually give these red packets to single people (e.g. children or work colleagues). Its history is rooted from the Chinese belief that you achieve the “adult status” once you get hitched. So, the newfound status comes with the privilege to distribute “Ang Baos” to those who still remain single or are younger.

Image Credits: Paul via Flickr

Since Singapore is a mixture of different cultures, we as a nation have created practices centering “Ang Bao” gifting. It is not uncommon to have marriages between two different races, leading to traditional practices being modified or ignored. But aside from the Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Filipinos and South Koreans have similar customs.

A simple survey on TheAsianParent Facebook Page showed that readers usually give out S$2- S$80 to children in 2014. Furthermore, “S$4” was avoided due to its similarity to the word “death” in many dialects.

Ultimately, PerfectWeddings.sg showed that economy and income status affects the money given. During good economy, it was common to receive “Ang Baos” with a minimum of S$6 each for children but economic recession urged its reduction to S$2 each. Since, economic downturn affects the whole country, there was no judgment in the amount you give.

To help you find the right amount to give…here is a concise “Chinese New Year Ang Bao Market Rate 2014” chart by PerfectWeddings.sg :

As you can see, a red packet containing a minimum of S$2-S$20 is common to give for children, while it ranges to about S$8- S$88 for parents. Your in laws will not take it against you if you give them S$88 in the New Year. Lastly, you may give the same amount of money to your friends or colleagues’ children as you did with your own children.

4 Money Saving Websites That Work

One of Singapore’s favorite pastime is shopping. Since Chinese New Year is coming up, you may wonder where is the best place to get some cheap deals online.

Wonder no more! There are numerous websites that offer deals and discounts, but some of them are hard to navigate. Be aware of the websites that require subscription because you will receive tempting deals regularly. The good news is that…you can always unsubscribe and still use the site perfectly.

Also, some pop-ups that say “check discount code here before you shop” may not always be as rewarding as it seems. With that in mind, here are 4 Money Saving Websites That Work.

1. GROUPON.SG

Topping our list is the ever-so-famous Groupon. Groupon makes women go gaga over their outrageously discounted luxury goods, bags, watches, beauty products, lifestyle services, and getaway deals. You can conveniently pay through for Debit/ Credit Card, Paypal or American Express.

Image Credits: Groupon via Flickr

2. HOMEEXCHANGE.COM

Save up to 58% on your travel expenses though Home Exchange. It is a popular website where people rent out their own home and find a place to stay while they travel. You will get to choose from about 60,000 members in over 150 countries around the world. With this system, you will get a local feel and get to be toured to places that you will have never visited if you travelled by tour packages.

3. DEAL.COM.SG

Similar to Groupon, Deal.Com.Sg by Ensogo lets you select from a wide variety of food or buffet packages, cheap hotel accommodations, travel packages, and amusement deals (e.g. Universal Studios Singapore). Also, you can conveniently pay through for Debit/ Credit Card, Paypal or American Express.

To ensure customer satisfaction and superior shopping experience, Ensogo handpick their offerings by working with highly reputable merchants and brands.

4. FACEBOOK.COM OR TWITTER.COM

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter offer doors to access special deals by letting you follow the companies you wish to buy from. For instance, to get special deals on air fare and gadgets, follow Amazon.com or Virgin America on Twitter.

Follow Money Digest on Facebook to get cheap deals on various companies all over Singapore. Best of all? These methods are free.

Image Credits: Garrett Heath via Flickr

How to Save Money at Concerts

It’s a fresh year, and you know what this means – an entirely new season of concert line ups!

With the latest acts such as Ed Sheeran and Charli XCX hitting Singapore’s shores in the upcoming few months, the concert buzz is certainly spreading fast on our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Naturally, there is good reason for such palpable excitement. In cosy little Singapore, it’s not everyday that you see big-name international artistes gracing our lands (in fact, it’s still a common misconception that Singapore is a part of China – read: we are most certainly not!!)

Perhaps it is for this very reason that not many international performers actually do stop by Singapore for a quick vocal display, and coupled with the dire lack of space in our lovely little red dot, that leads us to the tiresome problem of exorbitant concert tickets. In fact, a single Category E ticket can cost as much as $88! While the anticipation may be understandable, a night out at a concert in Singapore can easily set you back a hundred or two if you are not careful with your finances. This certainly does not bode well, especially if you do not have the spare cash to spend, or if you’ve been strung on a tight budget.

Of course, the most financially savvy method would be to not attend a concert at all.

But hey, if you’re a huge fan of that particular artiste or band, the temptation to get down to see their performance live can certainly be a difficult one to resist indeed! If you have sufficient loose change lying around – I say, go for it, or you might regret having missed out on a chance to see your favourite band performing live three years down the road (lord knows how many regrets I have held back in my concert-attending indecisions).

That being said, being willing to set down a hundred bucks or two to attend a concert should definitely not equate to letting your financial senses go for the night. In fact, when the concert adrenaline sets in, it will only be too easy for you to make the wrong financial choices and spend beyond your means!

As such, here’s how to save money for the typical concert goer! After all, nobody ever said that you can’t have your concert euphoria, and yet save yourself from spending unnecessarily at the same time. Read on for tips to save money at concerts!

1. Buy your tickets early!

(Image credit: http://www.bookingconnection.com)

Concert shows are usually announced well before the actual show dates themselves. As such, there are usually 3 to 4 months for you to purchase your tickets before the concert actually begins.

For shows that are smaller in scale – in which the organisers expect good attendance at best, but not necessarily a sell-out arena, there are typically early bird promotions in which you can get your concert tickets at $10-$20 off their usual prices!

These early bird promotions usually apply only for the first 2 weeks window, after the ticket sales first open. Or perhaps, the promotion may only be limited to the first 100 seats or so – it really boils down to the organiser’s discretion, but it’s a good chance for you to save some money if you’re an avid fan of that particular performer.

As such, if you happen to get wind of an upcoming performance, note down the date at which the box office opens, and purchase your concert tickets as soon as possible to take advantage of any early bird ticket deals! Plus, buying your tickets early would also mean getting access to better seats. Unless, of course, you’re getting tickets for a moshpit – no helping you there, let’s just hope that you’re really adept at squeezing under people’s arms – but on the brighter side, you still get to save an easy 10 bucks!

2. If you can’t get your tickets early, then buy them reaaaaally late

(Image credit: http://blog.ticketbud.com)

If you’re a hardcore fan who happened to miss the early bird promotion, but you have a dire wish to attend the concert, then you might wish to ignore this bullet point, and go ahead to purchase your tickets at full price!

On the contrary, if you are in no way desperate to attend the show (perhaps merely keen, but not over eager), then maybe you might want to take a chance, and buy your concert tickets only a day or two before the performance itself. Now, this is certainly not a foolproof method – in fact, it’s entirely subject to your luck. But if you’re truly lucky, you may be able to manage to secure a good ticket at a significantly lower price!

See, there are many people who often purchase concert tickets on a whim, only to realise much later that the show coincides with another important event; say, the driving test that they have been awaiting for half a year! In such cases, they will probably attempt to sell off their tickets before the show itself to try to salvage some money, and not let the ticket go entirely to waste.

If you know a friend who is trying to sell off a pair of tickets for a performance by a band you like at a lower price, you can most certainly consider buying them! In fact, you are on very close terms with said friends, you may even muster an attempt to shamelessly bargain for further discounts (note: you might incur some short-term wrath, but what are friends for, right?)

Alternatively, you can try your luck on platforms such as Ebay or Carousell where last minute sellers might be desperately trying to peddle off tickets which they will not use. As a word of advice, always request for a meetup to receive the tickets in person. If the tickets are being sent through mail, it would be direly unpleasant if they were to go missing due to mishandling, or if you’ve just become the fresh victim of an online scam. Uh-oh.

3. Eat a full meal before the show

(Image credit: http://www.sarawakfocus.com)

During performances, it can be easy to succumb to the urge to get a large box of crunchy popcorn, or a refreshing swig of ice cold beer. While this may be entirely appealing in concept, it is only after the spontaneity and concert hype has worn off that you’ll realise you’ve been completely ripped off.

Concert venues often retail snacks and drinks, but at astoundingly high prices that are way beyond their worth. In fact, such snack fronts often sell simple popcorn boxes for as much as $8, or a basic can of soft drinks for an exorbitant $3 or more!

Instead, have a good, filling meal before the concert itself. Being sufficiently sated would help to dispel any urges to further indulge in any finger food or gassy drinks – all of which could add up to unnecessary costs.

4. Bring your own lightsticks

(Image credit: http://gadgets-more.com)

Lightsticks are a hot favourite at concerts.

Personally, I see no reason why – just switch on the torchlight in your phone and wave it about as a faux light stick, and you’ll achieve the same effect. Then again, if lightsticks are totally straight up your alley, don’t let me stop you!

But here’s how you can avoid getting ripped off at concert venues.

You can buy your own lightsticks prior to the start of the concert for a better deal. In fact, for just $2, you can purchase a pack of two large lightsticks that can last up to several hours on end. Why buy lightsticks for $10 each at concert venues, when you can easily get them for one-fifth of the price at Daiso!

If you’re a solo concert goer, you can even offer up the spare lightstick in the pack to a random stranger and make a fast friend or two at the concert!

5. Buy your concert merchandise only after the concert

(Image credit: flickr.com)

Admittedly, concert merchandise can be part of the hype – there’s just something oddly appealing about owning an exclusive concert band tee that lends you some fan credit.

However, concert merchandise sold at concerts held in Singapore can be terrifyingly expensive. In fact, a simple tshirt can cost as much as $60! Not to mention, other apparels such as hoodies, or parkas, may be sold, and these apparels may cost even more to as much as $100. If you’re out to save money, perhaps buying concert merchandise wouldn’t be your best bet to building up a loaded bank account.

That being said, if you’ve been hankering to own a piece of band merch for ages, here’s how you can get them at a lower price – buy your concert merch only after the concert!

If the merchandise does not sell well, it is likely that stockists will be desperate to clear stock while everyone is well on their way home. As such, you might find that some band merch booths may have slashed the prices down slightly, and you’ll be able to get a piece of the merch pie at a good deal.

Else, you can opt for surfing through second hand platforms like Carousell or Ebay to purchase merchandise that some fans may have bought on a whim, but no longer seem to need. In fact, you may even attempt to haggle the price down slightly to secure yourself a fantastic buy!

6. Better yet, don’t buy any concert merchandise!

(Image credit: wikimedia.org)

Alternatively, you may search up any local fanclubs a month or two before the concert. If you’re in luck, the fanclub may have came up with some self-designed band merch for wear at the concert. While such merchandise may not be authentic, you’ll still have something tangible to commemorate your concert experience with.

Plus, such novelty items that have been conjured up by fanclubs usually sell for much less – around the $10-$15 range, as most fanclubs are not out to profit.

In fact, some of the ‘merchandise’ designed by local fanclubs may be more artistic in design than the actual band tees you’ll find at the concert venue itself – truly a great way to pay less, for more!

New malls in Singapore

With all the new developments sprouting up all over Singapore, it can be hard to keep track of all the new shopping malls that are opening up all across Singapore. It looks like more is soon to follow, especially in heartlander estates as Singapore seeks to inject some life into formerly sleepy neighbourhood towns.

With that in mind, here are some of the newest shopping malls that opened in Singapore! Check out which are near you and which are worth your time (or not).

Kallang Wave Mall

(Image credit: mylilbookworm.blogspot.com)

1 Stadium Place
Singapore 397628

This new mall, which opened in the later half of 2014 is definitely worth your visit if you are in the area! As the shopping/retail/dining wing of the Singapore Sports Hub, Kallang Wave Mall has a definite focus on sports. It boasts a gigantic indoors rockclimbing wall that is sure to be fun for the whole family, as well as many sporting shops such New Balance and Runner’s Edge. There is also a FairPrice Xtra which apart from selling the usual things, also has a focus on organic and healthfoods, and is quite a large hypermart overall. For the fashion conscious, you will definitely enjoy well known shops such as Cotton On, Forever 21, Uniqlo, and H&M. The best thing is that you won’t see the same crowds you normally see at such stores at Kallang Wave Mall! In addition to many food options, the Kallang Wave Mall also has Daiso and Harvey Norman if you should need to pick up any miscellaneous goods or electronics.

Big Box

1 Venture Avenue
Singapore 608521

Big Box is another new mall that has gotten a good deal of press for its unique warehouse concept. Opened in December 2014, this megastore contains a hypermarket, a home improvement section, a fashion section and an outdoor and sporting goods section, all on just the first floor. The second floor boasts a large furniture section, consumer electroics and IT, geriatric products and more. The entire megastore has much more to offer besides just this. For example, there are still dining options for shoppers. Big Box also has a drive-through option for those who do not have much time to shop – simply order your goods online and pick them up from the drive-through. If you ever want to experience a more normal retail experience, simply head over to the nearby JEM and JCube, which are in the vicinity as well.

One KM

11 Tanjong Katong Road
OneKM Shopping Mall
Singapore 437157

Located on the site of the former Lion City Hotel, One KM is yet another place where Uniqlo is an anchor tenant, opened in November 2014. For the fashion conscious, you can also find Espirit and other clothing shops at One KM. However, One KM Mall’s real strength lies in food. One KM has a few interesting choices for retail such as: Fika Swedish Cafe, Beauty in the Pot (a hotpot restaurant specializing in collagen soups), Baikohken Japanese restaurant, Milk & Honey Yogurt, Tenderfresh Classic and others. One KM also has a Cold Storage for your grocery needs.

Seletar Mall

33 Sengkang West Avenue
Singapore 797653

Seletar Mall, one of the new heartland malls that opened last year in November, is a good destination for anyone who lives in the area. It has a little bit of everything, from a Shaw cineplex, groceries, shopping, a BHG department store, and services such as clinics, hair and beauty, optical shops and a money changer and POSB bank.

HillV2

4 Hillview Rise
Singapore 667979

HillV2, in the prime neighbourhood of upper Bukit Timah, opened in October of 2014. It caters to a slightly more upmarket crowd, with many gourmet food offerings. Hillview Market Place caters to your supermarket needs, while the gourmet grocer Dean & DeLuca and for the wine lovers, Wine Connection Bistro is also available. Other gastronomical delights in HillV2 include Black Angus Steakhouse, Cold Stone Creamery, and iO Italian Osteria amongst others. A Spa is also on location if you should wish to indulge in traditional Javanese Massage.

How many of these 5 new shopping malls that have opened only in the last few months have you visited? Share your experience with us!

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