Our family staycay at Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore can be summed up in one simple sentence: a (lux) home away from home.
When it comes to family staycays with a toddler – aparthotels are my personal top choice. Why? Because you get to enjoy the best of both worlds – a home setting with hotel facilities and service. The former is especially important for my family as we find that it really does make holidays with a baby or toddler easier. Ask any parent with young kids and they’ll tell you that any change in environment, such as that of a hotel room, can affect a baby’s sleep. This is why Dao by Dorsett ATMD Singapore’s homely rooms and in-room amenities, as well as its Custom Fit offerings make it a great choice for a family staycay.
Location
Dao by Dorsett is housed within the OUE Downtown 1 complex, located in the heart of the CBD, within walking distance to three MRT stations of different lines: Tanjong Pagar (East-West line), Downtown (Downtown line), and the new Shenton Way station (Thomson-East Coast line). You’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do with the kiddos, what with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre being just across the street, and the eco-playground at DTP Green is only a few minutes’ walk away. Plus, you’re located in a food haven with some of the best hawker fare at Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre, and a variety of chic family dining spots at Duxton Hill.
Check-in: A surprise awaits
You may think I’m exaggerating when I say that the surprise effect has yet to wear off on me. The truth is nothing quite prepared us for the warm and thoughtful welcome that awaited us in our room. Sure, we were chuffed to get a high floor for our Le Petit Society Suite staycation. But a teepee with fairy lights and a selection of toys from the hotel’s Toy Collection? C’est top!
We were hosted in a One-Bedroom Premier Suite for the weekend, equipped with baby necessities like a crib (you may request this upon booking), baby bathtub and toiletries, kid cutleries, and bib. The suite was spacious, with a fully functioning kitchen (oven, induction stove, hob, and even a dishwasher) and loads of storage areas, on top of a living room that offers enough walking space for an active toddler to do his routine walkabouts. To top it off, my boy was absolutely in love with the view which overlooks the port as he could see ships, cranes, and industrial vehicles in action.
The itinerary
Day 1: The rain never bothered us anyway
Who needs to leave the hotel room with a setup like this? Not my boy. He happily helped himself to the mini electric Vespa (super cool, by the way) and explored his new ‘house’ aka the teepee. So much so that his Chief Entertainment Officers (mummy and daddy) had time to enjoy a cuppa undisturbed.
Our precious me-time was complete with a selection of Bacha Coffee, TWG Tea, and healthy snacks from Green Common which were provided as part of the Dao+ package in our booking. This enhancement package also includes a fresh fruit basket from Avo & Co, turndown service, cocktails and canapés, an option for in-room breakfast with Prosecco, and more. Suffice to say, we were really well taken care of.
We decided to give the hotel’s restaurant, Collective, a try for dinner. I kid you not, this was where we enjoyed one of the best nasi lemak in Singapore – and this is coming from me, a Malaysian who’s staunchly proud of my country’s national dish. The rice was fragrant and flavourful, the sambal savoury and spicy, served with perfectly fried chicken and sambal prawn. I personally love the fact that I could prepare bub’s food in our suite’s kitchen, and pack it for dinner so he could eat together with us.
Day 2: Sun’s out!
Seeing that the sun was finally out, we brought our swimming gear along so we could enjoy some pool time after breakfast at Collective. Needless to say, bub was happily enjoying himself at the shallow area while daddy did his morning laps. After that, we unboxed the lovely Le Petit Society Gift Box and hit the town with our matching rainbow tees! The gift box, specially curated for the Le Petit Society Suite staycation at Dao by Dorsett, also came with the award-winning brand’s blanket, cap, and rainbow socks for the kiddo.
Our verdict
You probably already guessed it, but yes, we really enjoyed our stay at Dao by Dorsett. From the hotel’s amenities to the warm hospitality demonstrated by its staff, this hotel scores really high on our list of family-friendly stays in Singapore. With a complete set of kids’ amenities and a well-stocked Toy Collection, this hotel has got you covered from bathtime, mealtime, and even playtime!
The deets
We were hosted by Dao by Dorsett as part of its Le Petit Society Suite and Dao+ package. Here’s what you’ll get for each offer:
Le Petit Society Suite
- One night stay in the hotel’s one-bedroom or two-bedroom suite;
- Complimentary breakfast for the family;
- A set of Le Petit Society Gift Box;
- Complimentary access to Toy Collection;
- 15% savings in Le Petit Store at Downtown Gallery within a week from the booking date;
- Add-on family photography session available (additional fee of $350).
Book period: Till 30 June 2023
Dao+
- Seasonal Fruits Box by Avo & Co;
- Welcome Snacks by Green Common;
- Selection of four coffee bags from Bacha Coffee;
- Selection of four teabags from TWG Tea;
- Dao+ cocktails and canapés;
- In-room breakfast with Prosecco;
- Dao turndown service;
- Local newspaper selection;
- 30% savings on Private Transfer Services;
- Complimentary upgrade to next room category (subject to availability).
Book period: Till 31 December 2023
Have you stayed? Let us know your verdict! Stay tuned for more checking in reviews coming soon!
