When Your Staycation Turns into a Queue Marathon
While some travelers are already soaking up the sun on their next getaway, a handful of Singaporeans found themselves stuck in a long line instead of a long weekend.
Furama City Centre’s “Check‑In Queue” Goes Viral
A TikTok clip of a snake‑shaped line outside the check‑in desk of Furama City Centre blew up last Sunday (Dec 19). The video has racked up more than 113 000 views and 180 comments, and was tagged by its creator, @cipakcipak, with a warning: “expect a minimum of two hours if you’re planning a staycation here.”
The line didn’t stop at the front desk – it continued down the escalator too. Patrons with their arms folded took turns at the counter, all looking for the same “check‑in” button.
From Queue to Bedroom Chaos
Even after braving the wait, the stay didn’t get better. @cipakcipak described his room as a “not‑so‑clean” mess: the blankets and sheets were haphazard, and leftovers from previous guests were chilling in the fridge.
According to the hotel, the four‑hour delay wasn’t “some random thing.” In a statement to the press, a spokesperson from Furama City Centre said:
“Being the festive peak season, we’re facing the same challenges many newly opened hotels do. Guest safety is our top priority, and we’re continuously refining procedures to make stays smoother for everyone.”
The Bigger Picture: Holiday Staycation Delays in Singapore
Back in December 2020, the surge in holiday‑season staycations caused similar long check‑in waits at big names like Pan Pacific Singapore, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, and Riverview Hotel. Lobbies turned into waiting rooms as guests bunched up for hours just to get inside.
Quick Takeaway
- Expect hours of waiting in check‑in lines.
- Room readiness may lag behind.
- Hotels claim they’re tightening safety and turnaround processes.
So next time you book a staycation, you might want to bring a good book, a snack, and a very patient attitude. Happy (or at least tolerable) holidays!
