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YOTELAIR Changi Airport review for travellers to Singapore

Singapore’s Changi Airport is world-famous and practically a destination in itself, especially in 2019 with the opening of the Jewel extension, a fancy shopping mall with an impressive indoor waterfall and landscaping. One of the places I was keen to check out was the new YotelAir Changi Airport, the second Yotel hotel in Singapore after the one that I first reviewed along Orchard Road. Here’s a review of the new YotelAir in Changi Airport and what travellers can expect from it.

YotelAir Jewel Entrance
Welcome to YotelAir Changi.

Location: in Jewel

YotelAir Changi is located on the 4th floor of Jewel Changi Airport. It is located on landside (i.e. before immigration) and closest to Terminal 1, though you can walk over to Jewel via link bridges from Terminals 2 and 3, or take a shuttle bus from Terminal 4.

Changi Airport Jewel Rain Vortex
The Rain Vortex and Forest Valley is the centrepiece of Jewel Changi Airport

Since the hotel is located right within the airport, staying at YotelAir is most convenient for passengers who have a long transit in Changi Airport and don’t want to bother leaving the airport at all. 

For visitors looking to explore Singapore, Changi Airport is located in the far eastern end of Singapore and about 20-30 minutes away from the touristy downtown area by taxi and about an hour via the MRT station located between T2 and T3. Do note that for taxis, there is an additional airport surcharge of $3-$5 for trips originating from Changi Airport. Considering how small Singapore is, it really isn’t that far from tourist attractions, but it’s not the most convenient/central option if you plan to spend a few days in Singapore.


YotelAir Room review

There are 130 rooms in YotelAir Changi spread across two levels. I stayed in Room 167, a Premium Queen Cabin for 2pax. The listed room size is 10sqm, and it really is quite snug. I spent most of my time on the queen bed as it takes up most of the room space.

The bed has buttons that let it transform into a sofa of sorts so you can comfortably watch shows on the wall-mounted TV at the foot of the bed. Some people say the reclining feature reminds them of hospital beds, I think it’s a pretty good idea as it does make sitting up in bed more comfortable.

YotelAir Jewel Queen Room Bed
Standing just outside the door to take this shot. You can see the TV in the reflection along with the purple mood lighting (you can turn it off don’t worry)

There is a fold out table and a foldable stool stashed by the bedside so you can do some work, and some shelves with plug and USB outlets, and that’s all the furniture there is in the room. No cupboards – make do with the shelves or hang your stuff up on the hooks behind the door. There is some space underneath the bed to kick your shoes or stash some bags, but that’s really about it.

YotelAir Jewel Queen Room Table Stool
Two complimentary bottles of water and a phone on the shelf. The metal box under the table is a circuit box I think – I thought it was a safe at first. The stool is surprisingly comfortable, and you can kinda lean on the side of the bed frame as a backrest

The bathroom is what really surprised me – it takes up about 1/3 of the entire room area, and is quite spacious in comparison to the rest of the room. If you’re tired from a long flight, it’s great being able to wash up in something larger than a boxy cubicle. 

YotelAir Jewel Queen Room Toilet Shelf
Hairdryer included along with amenities
YotelAir Jewel Queen Room Toilet Shower
A better look at the shower. There is a rain shower and a normal shower. The floor in front of the toilet bowl does get kinda wet because there is no other door though

The YotelAir room is definitely snug, and because there are no windows whatsoever, it’s easy to completely lose track of time in here and some might feel a bit claustrophobic. My verdict is that while it’s not the type of hotel room I would want to lounge around all day in, it’s perfectly serviceable for sleeping and resting in.

YotelAir Jewel Queen Room Toilet Selfie
Selfie from inside the toilet. There is a glass partition and sliding door for the toilet, as well as curtains for some privacy

YotelAir Facilities

Self Service Check-In

Yotel promotes self-service check-in, and there are 3 iPad counters in the lobby for you to do so, from scanning your credit card and ID to creating your own key. There are a manned reception desk and staff stationed nearby who can help you if you need. They will come over to verify your self-check in efforts anyway.

YotelAir Jewel Lobby Self Check In
Checking In

Lobby and Lounge

The Lobby and Lounge areas are open to the public, but you need keycard access to access the rooms in the back, as well as that of the Gym. YotelAir also offers the use of shower facilities and that also requires keycard access.

YotelAir Jewel Lobby
Vending machine with food, water and last minute amenities for sale.

There is a little balcony area that my friends and I hung out in after we were done exploring Jewel. The room was definitely too small for us to chill out in comfortably, so we ended up sitting around this lounge area instead. You can see and hear the light show in the center of the Jewel that takes place every hour at night from here, but if you want an unblocked view, it’s better to walk closer to the fountain instead.

YotelAir Jewel Lounge View
These chairs are comfy and the view is less blocked by the lift shaft. To the right is a staircase that leads to another lobby area with more chairs for chilling out in.

Gym

Those who need a workout can head to their little gym. I’m no gym bunny, and while the gym isn’t very large, it looks well equipped enough for those who need to break a little sweat.

YotelAir Jewel Gym 1
Exercise machines in the gym
YotelAir Jewel Gym 2
Dumbbells and more space. This place actually has windows and natural lighting overlooking the monorail tracks.

Cost

For overnight stays, the press release announced prices for the Premium Queen Cabins would start from S$140++ per night, though a quick check on the website shows an opening rate of S$102 (non refundable, no breakfast) and S$135 (free breakfast, free cancellation 48 hours before check in)

If you are looking at short term stays for a layover, the Day Let rates are for a minimum 4-hour block at S$80++, and every 2 hours after that is charged at S$25++. At this point you can’t pre-book this via the website, so I guess you have to either contact them directly or just turn up at the hotel and make your booking there and then.


Other hotels nearby

The other hotel located at the airport is Crowne Plaza Changi Airport over at Terminal 3. I have stayed there before and it has a very different vibe from YotelAir which is a lot simpler and more functional. If you are looking for more luxurious rooms with great vacation vibes and are willing to pay more, Crowne Plaza would probably be more suitable as it has more typical hotel rooms, an impressive view of the airport runway and a lovely pool.

If you want to leave the airport premises, another interesting option also in the Changi district is the Village Hotel Changi. It’s not as conveniently located, but it definitely doesn’t feel like the rest of Singapore, a great option if you want to check out some lesser-known spots like Pulau Ubin and Changi Boardwalk, or eat local at Changi Village. Great rooftop pool with a view of the coast as well.


Have you been to Jewel Changi Airport or stayed at YotelAir Changi? Share your thoughts in the comments below.