After a long and exhausting round-the-world journey, I found myself with a lengthy layover in Singapore. Instead of heading into the city, I opted to stay at Changi Airport for convenience. Surprisingly, for such a major international hub, the Changi airport hotel options are quite limited. Ultimately, it came down to two choices: the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, an IHG Hotel, and the Yotel Hotel Singapore.
I chose Yotel Singapore Changi hotel for its lower price, but as I soon discovered, the savings were not as substantial as I had hoped. In this Yotel Singapore review, I will share a detailed look into my experience and why I think the Crowne Plaza Hotel Singapore might have been a better choice.
BOOK HERE: Search for the lowest rates at the YotelAir Chagi HotelAbout Yotel Hotels
Yotel Hotels operates three distinct brands of budget friendly hotels, each catering to different traveler needs.
1. Yotel
Yotel focuses on city center locations, offering compact, smartly designed rooms ideal for short stays. These hotels are perfect for urban travelers looking for convenience and efficiency in major cities.
2. YotelPad
YotelPad is designed for longer stays, offering apartment-style accommodations with kitchen facilities and living areas. These pads are perfect for business travelers and families needing a home away from home.
3. YotelAir
YotelAir specializes in airport locations, providing travelers with a comfortable resting place during layovers or before early flights. These hotels feature ultra-modern cabins that maximize space and comfort.
YotelAir Locations:
- London Gatwick Airport
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Istanbul Airport
Each Yotel brand offers a unique experience tailored to different types of travelers, ensuring there’s a suitable option whether you’re in the city, at the airport, or on an extended stay.
I had previously stayed at YotelAir in Istanbul and had a good experience, so I decided to try their Changi Airport location for my layover. The brand promises convenience, efficiency, and value, which seemed perfect for my needs.
Getting to the Yotel Hotel Changi Airport Singapore
The Yotel Singapore Changi Airport hotel is located on Level 4 of Jewel, the massive shopping and entertainment complex connected to Changi Airport. The Jewel features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it a destination in itself. The hotel is directly connected to Terminal 1, and there are plenty of signs guiding you to the Yotel Hotel Singapore.
Arriving from Terminal 3, I found it to be a bit of a trek via the sky bridge. Exhausted from my journey and burdened with luggage, I passed the Crowne Plaza at Terminal 3’s doorstep and began to regret my decision. The humid 30°C weather didn’t help, and I started to question my choice of accommodation.
It’s important to note that Jewel and Yotel Singapore Changi are on the airport’s landside, meaning you must clear customs to access them. This is an important consideration for anyone with connecting flights. That said, like everything else at Changi Airport, clearing customs is efficient and easy.
Yotel Singapore Review
My Yotel Singapore review began after an enjoyable business-class flight with Singapore Airlines A380. After clearing customs, I proceeded to check into a very hot and humid YotelAir lobby. Like the rest of the Jewel, the Yotel lobby is open-air and muggy. Check-in at Yotelair Changi was straightforward and efficient. After handing over my passport and completing the payment, I received my key and was directed to an elevator to go up one floor. This elevator was an incredibly hot and uncomfortable experience, so I recommend taking the stairs instead.
Yotel Singapore Rooms
Yotel Singapore rooms, or “cabins” as they are affectionately called, are designed to be compact yet functional. Based on my previous experience in Istanbul, I expected the rooms to be small, but the cabins at Yotel Singapore Changi were even more compact. Essentially windowless capsules, the cabins include a bathroom, bed, and some storage.
Despite their size, these cabins have everything you need for a quick and comfortable stay. The bed doubles as a couch and is adjustable to lie flat, providing some flexibility in a limited space. There is a small table concealing a safe, shelves for storage, USB and standard power outlets, and complimentary bottles of water. The washroom is equipped with soaps, shampoo, and a toothbrush and toothpaste if needed.
However, the separation between the bathroom and the rest of the cabin is neither soundproof nor private, which might be an issue if you’re sharing the room. The compactness and lack of natural light can feel a bit claustrophobic, but for a short stay, it’s manageable.
Yotel Hotel Singapore Amenities
The Yotel Hotel Singapore Changi has several value-added features that make it a convenient choice for travelers:
- 24-hour gym: The gym is small but well-equipped, allowing you to get a workout in at any time.
- 24-hour complimentary tea, coffee, and bottled water: Available in the common area, these refreshments are a nice touch for weary travelers.
- Snack vending machines: These are available for those midnight cravings or quick snacks.
- Complimentary light breakfast: This includes pastries and coffee, though it’s quite basic compared to what you might find at a full-service hotel.
The Jewel
The best feature of Yotelair Changi Airport is its location within Jewel. The proximity to various restaurants, cafés, shops, and activities is a major plus. The stunning indoor waterfall and lush greenery make Jewel a pleasant place to spend time, whether waiting for a flight or just exploring. I was connecting to Taipei with EVA Air and found this spot to be a relaxing layover activity.
YotelAir Changi Review – Extras and Issues
Although the Yotel Changi Airport is a budget hotel, there are some additional costs. For instance, check-out is at 11 a.m., and extending your stay by an hour costs twelve Singapore dollars. I found this particularly inconvenient when I needed to store my bags, as I had to use the service on the first floor of Jewel, costing me 22 Singapore dollars for two bags for two hours. In hindsight, I could have kept the room for a bit longer.
Several issues affected my stay:
- Room condition: The room showed signs of wear and tear, which was disappointing for a relatively new hotel. The high usage likely contributes to this, but it detracts from the overall experience.
- Faint smell of smoke: Despite being a non-smoking room, there was a faint smell of smoke, which was unpleasant.
- Limited breakfast: The complimentary breakfast consisted of tiny pastries and coffee. You’re better off exploring the dining options in Jewel or heading to the employee canteen for a traditional Singapore breakfast, which includes toast, eggs, and coffee for under three dollars.
- Worn-out bed: The memory foam bed was worn out, with noticeable craters, making for an uncomfortable sleep.
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport an IHG Hotel – A Better Choice?
When booking, Yotel Singapore cost me 235 Singapore dollars. In comparison, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, an IHG Hotel, was 267+ tax (or, oddly, 268 with breakfast), totaling 305 Singapore dollars with tax. In retrospect, I wish I had booked the Crowne Plaza instead. For the additional cost, I would have gotten a much larger room, a comfortable bed, and a proper breakfast. The extra costs at Yotel for late check-out and baggage storage mitigated any initial savings.
BOOK HERE: Search for the lowest rates at the Crowne Plaza Changi HotelWhich Changi Airport Hotel is for You?
If you’re looking for convenience and budget accommodation, Yotel Singapore Changi might be for you. It’s a practical option for short stays, especially if you want to explore Jewel during your layover. However, if you prefer comfort, more space, and better amenities, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, an IHG Hotel, is likely the better choice. After my experience, I would choose Crowne Plaza for future layovers at Changi Airport.
Hopefully this Yotel Singapore review provides you with a comprehensive look at both the Yotel Singapore Changi and Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, helping make an informed decision for your layover a little easier.
Next up, my review of the the new Singapore Airlines Changi Airport SilverKris Lounge.
BOOK HERE: Search for the lowest rates at the YotelAir Chagi HotelYotel Singapore Changi FAQs
What amenities do Yotel rooms typically include?
Yotel rooms are compact yet fully equipped, featuring an adjustable bed, a small table with a safe, storage shelves, USB and standard power outlets, and complimentary water bottles. Bathrooms include soaps, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
How do YotelPad accommodations differ from standard Yotel rooms?
YotelPad accommodations are designed for longer stays and include kitchen facilities and living areas, providing a more spacious and home-like environment compared to the compact rooms in standard Yotel hotels.
What makes YotelAir suitable for airport stays?
YotelAir locations are strategically placed within major airports, offering ultra-modern cabins designed for comfort and efficiency. They provide a convenient place to rest during layovers or before early flights, with amenities tailored for short stays.
Are there dining options available at YotelAir?
YotelAir locations often have 24-hour tea, coffee, and bottled water available, along with snack vending machines. Some locations might offer a light breakfast, but for more substantial meals, it’s best to explore dining options within the airport.
What is the check-in and check-out process like at YotelAir?
Check-in at YotelAir is straightforward. After presenting your passport and completing payment, you receive a key to your cabin. Check-out is typically at 11 a.m., and late check-out may incur additional charges.
How does Yotel compare to other airport hotels like the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport?
Yotel is generally more budget-friendly and offers compact, efficient rooms, ideal for short stays. In contrast, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport offers larger, more luxurious rooms and additional amenities, making it suitable for travelers seeking more comfort and convenience.
Can I store my luggage at YotelAir Singapore?
No, you can not store your luggage at the YotelAir location in Singapore. There is a 24 hour luggage storage company on the first floor of the Jewel that you can use for a fee.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Yotel Singapore review?
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