Sleeping isn’t something you want to wait on after 20+ hours of infrequent, barely restful naps even in the most “comfort”-ing of economy seats. That’s why the Ambassador Transit Hotel exits.
Hotel Name: Ambassador Transit Hotel Terminal 1 Location: Singapore, Singapore Room Type: Budget
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The Room: When you walk in expecting nothing, it’s easier to say “this isn’t so bad”. When you walk in loopy from almost zero sleep for more than 24 hours, a cardboard box and a blanket will do. The latter accurately describes the state I was in after check-in to the Ambassador Transit Hotel at Singapore Changi.
After a very restful few hours of sleep I woke up in a very clean, but small space. The bed provides middle-of-the-road in comfort. Just a bit harder than your sleep number or comforest adjustable bed at home, but not the ultra-firm concrete feeling slabs found in some hotels this side of the international dateline.
There’s a small desk that gives you just enough space to mindlessly plug a few numbers into spreadsheets if that’s your thing. Wi-fi is missing though. Only a few weak signals were found in the lobby. Your best bet for connectivity is the 24 hour Starbucks at the bottom of the escalator after leaving the hotel’s 3rd floor reception. Entertainment comes in the form of a rather tiny television. In most cases, you’ll just want it as background noise to fall asleep to anyway, right?
Service: I’d like to say the front desk staff was welcoming and were all smiles, but I was too tired to remember. Something happened with passports and credit cards but that’s all I remember.
Overall: It’s hard to qualify this as an “upgrade” of any kind, but it’s better than nodding off while upright in a busy gate area before your next flight. It’s also a far less expensive option if you’re looking for restful sleep and don’t want to pay a full night at an airport hotel when you just need a few hours. The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly and though this tiny budget room doesn’t have absolutely everything you need, it’s a few steps to an all night Starbucks and everything else Changi Airport has to offer.
Rating (Room-only): 2 hops of 5
How we got it: Booking early at Ambassador Transit Hotels website. Request the location you want at booking and they will accommodate you at the hotel in your preferred terminal.
Modhop Host & Founder Jake Redman brings years of global exploration and travel tips to the podcast and our videos at Modhop. Jake is also a Producer and Host for SiriusXM.
Review of: Reviewed by: Jake RedmanRating:4On January 7, 2013Last modified:January 7, 2013Summary:More DetailsAirline: American Airlines First Class Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 Row: 6 Seat: B Class: First {{orbitz2}} 4editor ratingMore Details
“Service: Blurry. Something happened with passports and credit cards but that’s all I remember from my front desk experience.”
I’m sure you know what you meant, but this section is actually troubling without further explanation. Did you get ripped off? What “something” happened?
Hi Colleen. Thanks. I was trying to imply (unsuccessfully) that I was too tired from my long flight to remember my check-in experience. Changed the text a little so it doesn’t sound like I was roofied by the front desk agent. ;c)
I’ve stayed here a couple of times. Just like any hotel they require proof of identification (the passport) and a security deposit (the credit card). They also sometimes ask for the details of your next flight (either a boarding pass, or the itinerary that you’ll want to show to the transfer desk in the morning).
I believe they have two types of rooms:
1. A Deluxe Room with a bed, tv, desk and bathroom/shower.
2. A Budget Room with only a bed and a desk. The bathroom/shower facilities are located in the Gym next door.
Jake,
What a relief after a long run from the states. I stayed here a few times and seems to be some of the best money I an spend during a long journey.
Tyki
colleen on January 10, 2013
“Service: Blurry. Something happened with passports and credit cards but that’s all I remember from my front desk experience.”
I’m sure you know what you meant, but this section is actually troubling without further explanation. Did you get ripped off? What “something” happened?
Thanks for clarification.
Jake Redman on January 10, 2013
Hi Colleen. Thanks. I was trying to imply (unsuccessfully) that I was too tired from my long flight to remember my check-in experience. Changed the text a little so it doesn’t sound like I was roofied by the front desk agent. ;c)
Peter on January 10, 2013
I’ve stayed here a couple of times. Just like any hotel they require proof of identification (the passport) and a security deposit (the credit card). They also sometimes ask for the details of your next flight (either a boarding pass, or the itinerary that you’ll want to show to the transfer desk in the morning).
I believe they have two types of rooms:
1. A Deluxe Room with a bed, tv, desk and bathroom/shower.
2. A Budget Room with only a bed and a desk. The bathroom/shower facilities are located in the Gym next door.
Tykifla on October 14, 2013
Jake,
What a relief after a long run from the states. I stayed here a few times and seems to be some of the best money I an spend during a long journey.
Tyki
modhop on October 22, 2013
Indeed! Plus there’s always something open. Love that there’s an all-night Starbucks right there.