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Bold idea sees hotel offer thousands in cash back if it rains

<p>In a move that's making waves in the travel industry, a posh hotel in the heart of Singapore has rolled out a revolutionary offer: rain insurance. Yes, you heard it right – rain insurance!</p> <p>InterContinental Singapore, a sanctuary for jet-setters seeking respite from both the humidity and the occasional tropical deluge, has unleashed a game-changer for travellers. Dubbed the "Rain Resist Bliss Package", this offer promises to keep your spirits high even when the rain gods decide to throw a dampener on your plans.</p> <p>Picture this: you've booked your suite at this 5-star haven, eagerly anticipating your Singapore escapade. But lo and behold, the forecast takes a turn for the soggy, threatening to rain on your parade – quite literally. Fear not, dear traveller, for with the Rain Resist Bliss Package, you can breathe easy knowing that if your plans get drenched, your wallet won't.</p> <p>Now, you might be wondering, how does this rain insurance work? Well, it's as simple as Singapore Sling on a sunny day. If the heavens decide to open up and rain on your parade for a cumulative 120 minutes within any four-hour block of daylight hours (that's 8am to 7pm for those not on island time), you're entitled to a refund equivalent to your single-night room rate. The package is available exclusively for suite room bookings starting from $SGD850 per night – so that’s around $965 rain-soaked dollars back in your pocket, no questions asked. No need to jump through hoops or perform a rain dance – just sit back, relax, and let the rain do its thing.</p> <p>And fret not about having to keep an eye on the sky – the clever folks at InterContinental Singapore have got you covered. They're tapping into the data from the National Environmental Agency Weather Station to automatically trigger those rain refunds. It's like having your own personal meteorologist ensuring that your plans stay as dry as your martini.</p> <p>But hey, if the rain does decide to crash your party, fear not! The hotel has an array of dining options to keep your tastebuds entertained while you wait for the clouds to part. And let's not forget, Singapore isn't just about sunshine and rainbows – there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you occupied, from feasting at Lau Pa Sat for an authentic hawker experience to retail therapy at Takashimaya.</p> <p>And here's a silver lining to those rain clouds: fewer tourists! That's right, while others might be scrambling for cover, you could be enjoying shorter lines, less crowded attractions, and even snagging better deals on accommodations. Plus, let's not overlook the fact that the rain brings a welcome respite from the tropical heat, making outdoor adventures all the more enjoyable once the showers subside.</p> <p>So, pack your umbrella and leave your worries behind. With InterContinental Singapore's Rain Resist Bliss Package, you can embrace the unpredictable and turn even the rainiest of days into a memorable adventure. After all, as they say, when life gives you lemons, make Singapore Slings and dance in the rain!</p> <p><em>Images: InterContinental Singapore / Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Hotel where Michael Hutchence died sells for 300 percent profit

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Intercontinental Hotel Double Bay, the spot where Princess Diana stayed in 1996 and INXS frontman Michael Hutchence was found deceased in 1997 has been sold for $180m to an apartment developer.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sources told the </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wentworth Courier</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> the deal was brokered by the Agency’s Steven Chen.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The buyer, Melbourne apartment developer Fridcorp, later released a statement confirming the purchase of the refurbished 140-room hotel, refurbished by Bates Smart, and land in a joint venture with Piety Group from vendor Shanghai Group, who had paid $140m four years ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 3670-square-metre luxury hotel originally opened as a Ritz Carlton Hotel in 1991 and was the hotel of choice in the 90s for famous guests, including Princess Diana, Madonna, Bill Clinton, and Elton John.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The circa $180m price tag is triple the $60m that the site sold for only eight years ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is understood the deal was done on Friday, May 7.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3PG1gNlTij/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3PG1gNlTij/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by InterContinental Double Bay (@intercontinentaldoublebay)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several other prominent Sydney-based apartment developers are known to have been interested in the hotel and given its record price, sources say it “Absolutely must be a development site”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a statement sent to </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Courier</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Fridcorp confirmed the sale and noted that in 2011, Woollahra Council granted a permit to demolish the existing hotel and take advantage of the gorgeous harbour views by adding an eight-storey residential building and retail offering. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prior to this, the hotel was rebranded as the Sir Stamford Double Bay in 2001 and operated until 2009, then underwent a complete facelift and became the Intercontinental Sydney Double Bay in 2014.</span></p>

Real Estate