When April’s Staycation Turns Into a Pick‑Up‑Line Marathon
Picture this: four friends, a bunch of SingapoRediscovers vouchers, and the dream of a chill weekend at Grand Park Orchard. Instead of lounging, they found themselves in a full‑scale human wave at the hotel lobby.
Vouchers, Dreams, & a Queue — 7 Hours, 6 Brokers of Disappearance
- They arrived at 3 pm, as told by the hotel, pledging to stagger the crowd.
- Someone called Mr. Ng hit the 3:15 mark only to see the line stretching into the back‑of‑the‑hotel restaurant.
- Only two staff were manning the counter – a couple of seasoned check‑in aficionados.
- The group waited from 3 pm to roughly 10 pm — a seven‑hour saga that erased any plans for dinner or a midnight movie.
Beyond the Clock: Who Was Waiting?
- Parents busting out because the little ones fell asleep on the way.
- Plenty of elderly folks and pregnancy‑heavy ladies taking turns.
- Even a guy who insisted on staying mysterious (Mr. Firasssu) called the queue “outrageously long.”
Grand Park’s Response: Refunds, Upgrades & a Late‑Check‑Out Option
- At ~8 pm, the general manager offered: 100 % refund, free upgrade to next stay with a 4 pm check‑out, or stay & get a 6 pm check‑out + 50 % off dining.
- Spokesperson: “We’re deeply sorry” and promised to tweak the process.
How the Singapore Tourism Board Jumped In
- 14 safe‑distancing ambassadors & enforcement officers arrived at ~7:30 pm.
- They helped staff manage the crowd and kept everyone at a 1 m safe‑distancing line.
- Police Force joined the squad to keep the peace.
What’s Next?
Grand Park is on the overhaul train: pre‑booking with staggered times and a brand‑new queue management system. They claim the check‑in smoothness is already back in place.
Stay Tuned
For updates on the pandemic vibes & how hotels are bouncing back, look out for more official briefs from the STB.
