With the National Day Parade rehearsals ongoing, what better way to watch the proceedings without the crowds in the comfort of a staycation at Grand Copthorne Waterfront suite?
Before we had kids, the idea of a staycation felt like a misnomer. Staying in a hotel within our own city just meant we were out the whole day—shopping, café hopping, finding excuses not to be in the room. The hotel was just a bed for the night, nothing more. And for that reason, we quietly sentenced staycations to irrelevance.
But parenthood changes your lens.
So when the opportunity came up for us to experience a staycation again—this time as a family of four—I was curious to see how it would play out. Would it feel meaningful? Restful? Worthwhile?
UE SQUARE’S COSMIC SPACE EXPEDITION: Have An Out-Of-This-World Adventure!
CARNIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CHEER: Celebrate and Win at Plantation Plaza and Northshore Plaza!
SNOW MUCH TO CELEBRATE: Christmas Fun at The Centrepoint
Turns out, our stay at Grand Copthorne Waterfront delivered all of that… and more.
Family Review of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Staycation
A Warm Welcome, 29 Floors Up
The experience started even before we got to our room. At check-in, we were whisked straight up to the Executive Lounge on Level 29 for a welcome drink. The Boays, ever ready, made a beeline for the cookie jars and proudly helped themselves to what can only be described as a cookie tasting flight.
From the lounge, we took in sweeping views of the Singapore skyline—from Marina Bay Sands on one end to the leafy neighbourhoods of Tiong Bahru on the other end.
In the evening, the lounge also served as our front row seats to the fireworks finale of the NDP rehearsal from that very spot. The Boays watched in quiet awe, commenting that “this view has all the fireworks, but none of the scary noise”—and yes, more cookies helped too.
The Room That Was More Than Just a Room
We were generously upgraded to the Family Suite, and honestly, it felt more like an apartment than a hotel room.
Located on the 6th floor, the suite came with two ensuite bedrooms, a spacious living and dining area, a kitchenette, washer and dryer, and a massive open-air balcony. The kind of space that makes you momentarily fantasise about moving in permanently.
As part of the “Glamping Under the Stars” experience, a little tent was set up in the living room, complete with plush toys, blankets, a story projector torchlight, board games, and a rotating night light that scattered stars across the ceiling.
The Boays wasted no time playing giant snakes and ladders (which of course ended in the classic “he cheated!” squabble), but the suite was spacious enough for them to cool off before launching into their next round of giggles.
The bathtub was another highlight. Ever since their bath bomb memory in Japan, the Boays equate hotel tubs with playtime. No bath bombs this round, but the joy of splashing around in warm water remains timeless.
And having separate sleeping and living spaces? Game-changer. When the Boays went to bed, my wife tucked into her K-drama with a slice of chocolate cake, while I quietly caught up on reel editing. A rare pocket of quiet in the thick of family life.
Facilities for All (Just Not the Waterslides Kind)
If you’re expecting a kids’ club and epic splash parks, Grand Copthorne Waterfront isn’t that sort of stay. But what it does offer is a clean, adult-friendly set of amenities that still caters to families who enjoy a slower, simpler rhythm.
There’s a 24-hour gym (which I appreciated), a compact pool and jacuzzi area that the Boays were thrilled to jump into, and Padel courts for those looking to sweat it out.
My wife, who had never done yoga before, decided to give the Saturday 3.30 pm in-house yoga session a go. She came back refreshed, and has since started looking for beginner yoga classes—unexpected wins from a staycation we didn’t see coming.
The pool area may not be huge, but it’s shaded from the harsh afternoon sun and breezy enough to feel like a proper retreat. Watching the boys soak in the water while we sat back with no agenda—just being in the moment—was more rejuvenating than any jam-packed itinerary.
From Al Fresco Dinners to Sunday Brunch Bliss
When it comes to food, Grand Copthorne Waterfront doesn’t hold back. We had dinner at Riverside Terrace, dining al fresco by the water. The boys, after working up an appetite from their pool session, tucked happily into chicken rice while we enjoyed our grilled platters. There was even a live band playing indoors, adding to the relaxed, upbeat vibe.
Breakfast was at Food Capital, the main buffet restaurant. It was already buzzing at 9am (pro tip: go earlier), and true to its name, the spread didn’t disappoint. We’ve visited the hotel before for its buffet, so expectations were high—and yes, the laksa still hits the spot.
But the standout experience? The Epicure Sunday Brunch. Eighteen live stations, from freshly shucked oysters and seafood on ice, to Josper-grilled wagyu and octopus. There are two price tiers (with or without alcohol), which is thoughtful for different groups. For us, the real treat was the kids’ corner—a dedicated space with a mini basketball hoop, building blocks, colouring activities, a popcorn and candy floss machine, and even a screen playing cartoons.
Children under 5 dine free. And for the first time in what felt like forever, the Boays were happily entertained while we enjoyed our meal. Together. Quietly. Just the two of us.
A Stay Defined by Service
What made the experience feel complete was the warm, proactive service throughout. Every staff member greeted us with a smile and made us feel genuinely welcomed. Special mention goes to Selina and Naga, who checked in with us throughout our stay and made sure we had everything we needed. It’s these small, thoughtful gestures that stay with you long after checkout.
Beyond the Hotel Walls
While we mostly stayed within the hotel (why leave when it’s that comfortable?), we did take a short walk to Great World City for lunch and grabbed some essentials. With Havelock MRT just 2 minutes away, getting around is incredibly convenient. One afternoon, I even took a rideshare bicycle with the Boays and cycled along the Robertson Quay riverside. It reminded me of how rich our city is when we take time to explore it at our own pace.
If you’re up for a longer stretch, Tiong Bahru’s cafes and charm are just a few stops away—a perfect neighbourhood for slow walks and coffee runs.
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A Reset, Right at Home
This staycation wasn’t about big thrills or over-the-top themes. It was about space. Space to slow down, to savour unhurried mornings, to watch fireworks from a quiet lounge, and to soak in the joy of our boys being exactly who they are.
It came at just the right moment—right after the P1 registration results and in the lead-up to National Day. A quiet pause amidst the noise, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
We left feeling rested, recharged, and just a little more connected as a family.
And maybe, just maybe, we’re ready to reconsider our verdict on staycations after all.
To find out more, visit the Grand Corpthorne Waterfront Hotel website
