Sleep at Changi

Q: I am flying through Singapore Airport on my way to Shanghai, but have a long stopover and would like to catch up on some sleep. I know there is a hotel just outside the airport terminal, but is there one I can stay in without having to go through immigration? Lulu James

A: There are Ambassador Transit hotels at terminals 1, 2, and 3 within the transit area. They offer different levels of comfort and service, ranging from budget rooms with shared toilets and showers rooms with en-suite bathrooms. The terminal one hotel has a swimming pool and gymnasium. For a six-hour stopover, a budget room for one person costs 41.20 Singapore dollars (about R240) and 15.30 dollars (R90) for each additional hour. Six hours in a standard room with en-suite bathroom ranges from 76.51 Singapore dollars for two (R450). Each additional hour costs 15.30 Singapore dollars (R90). It is recommended that you reserve a room 3-4 weeks in advance. For further details, check out the www.athmg.com website. Remember, that if you hold a South African passport, you will be given a free entry stamp at immigration to enter Singapore, so you could stay at a hotel outside of the airport if time permits. (3 May 2009)