People want to step out of their homes, most having been cooped up for at least eight months, since Covid-19 hit Singapore.
Because they cannot go freely overseas yet, staycation has become the in thing. Many are staying at hotels over weekends.
However, they are mindful of health and safety measures, especially worried if the hotel is adopting protective measures.
To reassure Singapore residents, One Farrer Hotel, the iconic beacon in the Farrer Park district, recently embarked on a S$2 million refurbishment exercise. The idea was to provide optimal hygiene standards for customers.
The process included the launch of Mint Hotel, the creation of Pillow Lab and a redesign of most of the guestrooms and facilities.
It incorporated inputs from medical experts and the latest technology.
When guests enjoy a 3D2N Mint Hotel staycation, they also get a guided tour around the neighbourhood.
Mr Gilbert Madhavan, General Manager, One Farrer Hotel, said: “We conceptualised the refurbishment of One Farrer Hotel with the onset of Covid-19, taking into consideration all the concerns guests may have. To reassure them, we’ve implemented the highest possible standard of hygiene and cleanliness in all aspects of our service, from the traditional contactless entry points and sanitiser stations to launching the Mint Hotel and ensuring our pillows are clean.”
Mint Hotel Debuts
It is a new room category that features cutting-edge materials and intelligent design principles. Following the advice of medical professionals from Farrer Park Hospital, all 176 rooms in the Mint Hotel category come with anti-viral wall coverings, moveable furniture and anti-microbial blind fabrics which allow the guest rooms to be sanitised more thoroughly.
Furthermore, carpets have been removed from guestrooms and common areas and replaced with customised gapless vinyl flooring. This does not trap dirt and can be easily cleaned and disinfected.
To evoke openness, earthen tones now adorn the walls and mood-lighting fixtures have been installed.
Walk Around Farrer Park
The 3Days/2Nights staycation at Mint Hotel costs S$599 nett. It comes with “A Walk in the Farrer Park”, a guided tour created by travel partner Tour East that will take guests around Jalan Besar and Tekka Market.
On the first day, guests will get to uncover the secrets of Jalan Besar. The two-hour tour will delve into World War II and sports history and they will be introduced to popular cafes that have sprung up in the area. On the second day, they will be taken to Tekka Market, followed by an Educational Farm Tour. It will end with a Culinary Masterclass and lunch at Escape restaurant.
Stroll down Serangoon Road
Little India’s main street is home to Indian heritage, customs and traditions. Guests will be taken to selected locations and to Singapore’s largest wet market and get tips on how to pick the freshest produce. The fresh produce can be taken back to the hotel, where a chef will conduct a masterclass at Escape.
Sleep Well with Pillow Lab Technology
In the Covid-19 scenario, mental health is just as important as physical health, and one way to ensure positive vibes is to get good sleep. Hotel guests typically spend 6-10 hours a day resting on pillows, making them one of the highest touchpoints during their stay.
To enhance guests’ quality of sleep and improve hygiene levels, One Farrer Hotel has set up the Pillow Lab.
On check-in, guests in selected room categories can pick pillows of their choice, depending on firmness and their sleeping posture. They can then enjoy their time in the room knowing that their pillows have undergone deep disinfection.
The Pillow Lab, scheduled to launch in early 2021, uses an industry-leading Ultraviolet-C (UVC) Chamber to remove all pathogens, natural microbiota, molds and yeasts. Guests can also buy these pillows at the Pillow Lab at level 18 or the hotel lobby.
Latest Technology in Health and Safety
One Farrer Hotel has also put other health and safety measures in place, including contactless entry points and sanitiser stations throughout the premises, sterilisation of key cards and in-room amenities with specialised UVC chests, sterilisation of guestrooms and bathrooms with UVC lamps, safe-distancing demarcations for events and common areas and staggered check-in and check-out times.
Private Dining at Nest
While redefining its dining concept for the age of safe distancing, the hotel has also launched the Nest to meet the increasing demand for private dining.
The Nest offers discerning diners bespoke menus by the hotel’s award-winning culinary team as well as a retinue of world-renowned guest chefs while immersing themselves in lush ambience and panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.
Dedicated Laundry Room
The One Farrer Hotel management also understands that even when travel does resume, there will be remarkable changes. To prepare for this, the hotel has implemented various features to ensure the stay will be more comfortable.
For example, essential business travel may result in longer stay for corporate travelers. To provide added convenience and hygiene for long-stay guests, the hotel has opened a dedicated laundry room for its Loft Apartments.
For enquiries and bookings, please contact [email protected] or call +65 6363 0101.
