‘Joke’ sparks hotel’s wild $965 move

A hotel has offered a wild package to guests that will see them get a refund if it rains.

A hotel in Singapore is revolutionising the travel industry after it launched a first-of-its-kind rain insurance package for its customers.

The popular stopover destination, which attracts 1.2 million Australian visitors every year, is not only known for its humidity but also its tropical downpour.

And as such InterContinental Singapore, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, has come up with the novel new package to promise guests a guaranteed good time, no matter the weather.

Guests who book the Rain Resist Bliss Package will receive a refund to the value of their single-night room rate, if plans are disrupted by rain.

The package is available exclusively for suite room bookings starting from $SGD850 per night — that’s around $965 Aussie dollars.

InterContinental Singapore guests will get a Travellers get $SGD850 – $A965) refund if it rains.

“I was chatting with a group of friends about what’s next in luxury travel and one of them jokingly commented that being able to guarantee good weather would be the next level of ultimate luxury travel,” Andreas Kraemer, general manager, told news.com.au.

“That sparked the idea for the rain insurance package.

“While we may not be able to control the weather, we can still help guests be in control of their plans when they stay with this package.”

@izwandelex Previous audio muted so need to do another voiceover #intercontinental #exploresg #sgstaycation ♬ In Love With You - BLVKSHP

How does it work?

Mr Kraemer said rainfall data captured by the National Environmental Agency Weather Station is used to automatically trigger the eligibility of vouchers.

“Guests are not required to provide notification of loss. Claims are triggered when rain duration exceeds 120 cumulative minutes within any four-hour block of time during daylight hours (8am to 7pm).

Guests who book the Rain Resist Bliss Package will receive a refund to the value of their single-night room rate which starts from $SGD850, if plans are disrupted by rain.

Inside the luxury 5-star hotel.

“For example, if it rains continuously between 4pm to 5.30pm and again between 6pm to 6.30pm, a voucher will be triggered.”

He said coverage starts from 3pm on the day of check-in until 12pm on the day of check-out.

“The Rain Resist Bliss Package offers one more way for us to guarantee that guests enjoy a wonderful visit, As always, that’s our main focus,” he added.

If it is raining, the hotel has a variety of dining options but Mr Kraemer said he still encourages guests to explore Singapore as there are many indoor activities to check out including Lau Pa Sat dining for a local hawker experience and shopping at Takashimaya.

“A good thing about the rainy season is that it often experiences fewer tourists compared to peak travel times,” Mr Kraemer said.

“This means travellers may encounter shorter lines, less crowded attractions and potentially better deals on accommodations.

“The rain also tends to bring a bit of relief from the tropical heat, making the weather more comfortable for outdoor activities after showers stop.

“Just be prepared with an umbrella and you might find the rainy season adds a distinctive and enjoyable aspect to your Singapore experience.”