When it comes to airports that redefine the travel experience, Singapore Changi Airport continues to set the global standard. With 60,000 Google reviews and an extraordinary 4.7 out of 5 average rating, it’s no surprise that Changi regularly tops “world’s best airport” lists.
But it’s not just the futuristic terminals and butterfly gardens that impress – even its airport hotel, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, has become a destination in its own right, proudly wearing the title of World’s Best Airport Hotel by Skytrax for ten years in a row.
Not just any hotel
Traditionally, airport hotels are chosen for their proximity and convenience – a place to relax before an early flight or during a layover too long for a lounge, but too short for a city break. Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, however, reimagines these situations entirely.
This isn’t your typical airport hotel with a vending machine and a view of the car park, but a proper resort with 575 guestrooms and suites, gardens, palm trees, bars and restaurants. It pulls together various passions – aviation and travel, architecture and design, plane spotting, and more.
Hidden oasis
One of the main selling points is the stunning and generously sized swimming pool surrounded by mini-islands and jacuzzi corners, offering genuine tranquillity under open skies. The pool is part of a landscaped courtyard with plants and palm trees – it feels like you’re in a tropical lagoon, which is mind bending for being inside an airport.
Overhead, planes glide quietly past with a backdrop of the air traffic control tower – an elegant reminder of what you are. The courtyard is sheltered from the runway where planes take off, you see distant planes coming into land so the noise levels aren’t a problem at all. There’s something special and unique about being in paradise but still in an airport.
Crowne Jewel
It’s hard to believe that the hotel was built 17 years ago, it looks like it was completed yesterday with its contemporary design and keeps expanding. Singapore architects WOHA, who was behind the original design, added a sleek Jewel Wing in 2017 to house an extra 243 rooms. It was finished in under a month – quite an accomplishment considering the constrained site at one of the world’s busiest airports.
The Jewel, a giant geodesic dome containing a natural forest, retail, entertainment, restaurants and in the centre the World’s largest indoor waterfall. It’s the centrepiece of the airport (hence, the name) and is absolutely spectacular, especially with its evening light shows and the airport terminal trains running straight through the middle. The hotel is directly connected to the Jewel for easy access.
Runway views
For those who want to take full advantage of the tropical ambiance, pool access rooms open directly onto the hotel’s pool deck, complete with a private patio. Among the main highlights of the hotel are runway view rooms – a dream for aviation enthusiasts and just anyone who likes planes. Watching planes land and take off from the sofa in your private room, right outside your window becomes almost meditative. The glass is soundproofed so there’s no need to worry about being woken up by early morning flights.
In the newer Jewel Wing, some bathrooms offer freestanding bathtubs facing the Jewel complex – with automatic privacy blinds. Cleverly designed layouts include the option to either partition off or open up the bathroom into the main room to feel more spacious.
Guests in transit can take advantage of day-use rooms, bookable for 4, 6, or 8 hours between 8am and 8pm – ideal for a restful layover without the hassle of leaving the airport. You can sunbathe and enjoy the pool, nap for a few hours, shower, and then head to the gate, refreshed, for boarding. A fully equipped fitness centre is also available for those looking to stretch and recharge before a flight.
Airport fine dining
The hotel’s dining options rival some of Singapore’s best. Allora, the Italian restaurant, offers wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, high quality fresh ingredients, and tiramisu garnished with gold glitter.
The ham & truffle bruschetta and Allora Salad (a tuna quinoa bowl) were delightful starters. For mains, we tried pan-seared barramundi with black olives, fresh tomatoes, capers, basil, and smoked potato purée. The Diavola pizza with spicy salami was also spectacular. For dessert, we went with the Alloramisu (yes, topped with gold glitter) and Coppa Kahlua – an Italian-style parfait featuring layers of ice cream, whipped cream, liqueur, and espresso.
The cocktails were beautiful, and of course, we had to try the famous Singapore Sling, with a twist.
Exceptional breakfast
For breakfast, the hotel offers one of the best buffets we’ve had at any hotel. The spread ranges from classic Continental options, eggs any way you want, fresh fruit, and pastries, to Singaporean favourites like laksa, noodles, and dim sum. It has everything you can want and more, and everything we ate was truly exceptional. It’s one of those breakfasts you think about months after you’ve left.
Guests seeking an extra touch of exclusivity can head to the Crowne Plaza Club Lounge, which serves complimentary food throughout the day like canapés, fruit, pizza, and a variety of drinks, including cocktails and fresh coffee. It’s a quiet area to enjoy the snack or get some work done.
Flight check-in at the hotel
Location is another standout feature. The hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3, and easily accessible from Terminals 1 and 2 via Changi’s automated People Mover System. Many guests check in while others are still queuing for taxis. SilkAir and Singapore Airlines passengers can even check in for their flights in the lobby; for passengers on other airlines, bellmen will transport luggage to the terminals.
It’s so liberating exploring the incredible airport without luggage and rushing to the gate before boarding ends. Then walk straight from the terminal to your private room away from the crowds.
It’s also a resort in its own right – just 20 minutes from the city. So, why not start your holiday early by indulging at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport before you fly, or extend your trip after landing.
Discover more about Crowne Plaza Changi Airport.
Image credits: © Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
