Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen has instituted a “pay what you want” policy for their current promotion. Ibis is positioned in the heart of Singapore, close to local transportation, shopping, and tourist attractions. It is a new hotel with a modern decor to go along with an Asian Tapas restaurant called TASTE. Rates usually begin from 162.43 SGD ($108.55 or 83.93 Euros) after taxes. They’ve set up a special website for the promotion. Read more on Stuff.
Singapore © Gennaro Salamone
Ibis SIngapore has developed a smart tact for gaining publicity in a struggling market. Hotels have taken a major hit over the course of the last few months. This gimmick will help Ibis to gain headlines, web traffic, and countless travelers to register to their site.
Singapore itself has a lot to offer the traveler. It’s one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in Southeast Asia. The tourists who are lucky enough to score an inexpensive room at the pricey hotel would be smart to visit the Botanical Gardens, wander around Little India, marvel at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, and dive with sharks at the Underwater World. It’s also important to savor the local cuisine including Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crayfish, and Drunken Prawns. Little India has their blend of Indian and local tastes too.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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Steph
That’s an interesting concept. I bet they’re going to get quite a few people who stay there for a few dollars, but I agree that the publicity will be so great that they’ll make up for it in advertising.
Thanks for sharing this.
Yen
This just might be worth the hop over to Singapore. Looks like a very good place from the link. The restaurant also.
Trey - Swollen Thumb Entertainment
I’ve got to give it to them for having the guts to try something new. I’m not sure that I would have greenlit this promotion if I was in charge. I’m curious to see how this works for them.
Sire
I’ve been to Singapore and it is one of the safest and cleanest cities that I have ever been to. Once you get used to the humidity it’s really a great stay. On thing that really sticks in my mind was a sign in a public loo that said there was a fine for not flushing the toilet. To this day I sort of wonder how they would know who’s it was. DNA sample perhaps. It still amazes me that out of the whole wonderful experience of being in Singapore, that’s the one thing that sticks in my mind.
wendy-escapefrom new york
It isn’t too often you see innovative marketing. The trick is to find the cheap flight to go along with this…
Ryan | Lifegawker
This is a great idea on the part of Ibis. I am sure that this promotion will be followed up by some serious in hotel amenity promotions, such as that awesome sounding tapas restaurant TASTE. This sounds like a great deal and wish I could take advantage of it.
Gennaro
@Trey
It’s definately taking a chance. Though an empty room doesn’t generate much income either. I’m interested in knowing their occupancy rate lately.
@Sire
That’s funny. I love the no durian signs throughout the city. Much needed though as that fruit makes a mess and has a strong odor.
@Wendy
That’s true. It’s a bit fo a flight from the West.
@Ryan
I tend to agree with you. Strikes me as a smart move with tourism struggling.
Gennaro
@Steph
They’ll definately get a few that go real low on the price. Though, apparently, some were offering to pay $20-30 below their rate
@Yen
It pretty close for you. Go for it.
Sire
I remember those as well, but only just as it didn’t have the same ‘wow’ factor as the flush or else sign. I wish I had taken a photo as it would have made a great post. 🙁
Gennaro
@Sire
Wish I had a photo fo that too. There must be one of the Internet.
fly girl
I think this is a smart tactic. It gets tourists to consider a property and destination that they might not have thought about otherwise. I wonder how they’ll keep people from trying to get away with paying $5 or something though? Hotel rates do affect my destination choice and if I could find a great fare, you’d see me in Singapore by the weekend!
Gennaro
@fly girl
Apparently, they’re okay with $5 a night. Though I’m guessing they’ll get a bit more. It would impact the hotel selected too.
aash.koh
Hey that’s a very interesting viewpoint of Singapore. Which hotel did you stay at when you were there. Maybe we should meetup sometime when we’re both together in singapore. Small country but I simply love it.
Gennaro
@aash.koh
Thanks. Stayed at a couple of places. None worth giving a plug. Agreed it’s nice country. Much to do despite its small size.
Giovanna Garcia
I have never been to Singapore. I was born in Hong Kong, and I have heard a lot wonderful things about Singapore, and some day I will visit there 🙂 Thanks for the concept and idea 🙂
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Make Money Online Tips
Wooooow, this is surely awesome. Pay as you wish, seems like a marketing gimmick or stunt, but who cares?
Gennaro
@Giovanna Garcia
It’s definately worth visiting.
@Make Money
I don’t mind it as a gimmick as long as it’s legitimate.