Kitchen stoves in Singapore hotels are roaring in the lead up to the Lunar New Year, which starts January 29 this year, with demand for dining-in and festive catering/takeaways said to be stronger than what was seen in 2024.

Aloft Singapore Novena told TTG Asia that F&B performance has shown “promising growth compared to 2024” and there has been a “notable increase” in reservations for dining events. In fact, group dining reservations are close to full capacity on several peak dates.

General manager Tan Kim Seng said the healthy F&B performance was due to “the combination of refined menu offerings, targeted promotions, and enhanced guest experiences”.

The hotel’s two main restaurants – Yuè@Aloft Chinese restaurant and 21 on Rajah halal-certified buffet restaurant – are welcoming the Year of the Snake with their own festive promotions.

Tan added that that as more families prioritise convenience during their reunion meal preparation, indulgent takeaways from the hotel are flying off the rack.

Hua Ting, recognised as one of the top Cantonese restaurants in Singapore, had reservations for the eve of Lunar New Year – a time when families host their big reunion gatherings – made far in advance.

Jacqueline Ho general manager of Orchard Hotel Singapore, which Hua Ting is part of, said reservations for the popular restaurant are currently trending five to 10 per cent above last year, and regular customers had swiftly secured their tables immediately after last year’s reunion dinner.

“The Orchard Cafe’s CNY buffets continue to attract returning guests, and bookings are tracking at a similar pace as last year,” said Ho, adding that festive hampers curated by the hotel have attracted more corporate buyers this year, compared to the last.

“Given that the Lunar New Year is a significant occasion, patrons are inclined to elevate their spending for this annual celebration,” she remarked.

She noted that festive F&B performance is closely watched, as “F&B earnings are a vital component of the hotel’s operations, contributing significantly to our overall revenue”.

While festive dining bookings had started off slow for Novotel and Mercure Singapore on Stevens, largely due to 2025’s Lunar New Year following close on the heels of the year-end festivities, hotel spokesperson Elsa Kimy Yue is confident that last-minute bookings will close the gap.

“Bookings have gained momentum, particularly for the eve. Food Exchange’s @‌Stevens Steamboat Buffet and Winestone’s Serpentine Prosperity Set are seeing encouraging uptake, especially for key celebration dates. We anticipate steady growth in reservations leading up to the festivities, with last-minute bookings likely to play a key role, as has been the trend in recent years. We project F&B sales to close approximately eight to 10 per cent higher than January’s average,” said Yue.

Indeed, with another week to go before the Year of the Snake slithers in, hoteliers see plenty of room for festive sales growth.

“By February 12 (the last day of the Lunar New Year), we anticipate F&B sales to close on a strong note, potentially surpassing our 2024 performance due to both increased demand and our targeted marketing efforts,” said Tan.

There are also positive business sentiments in room sales this Lunar New Year.

Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore is enjoying an increase in room occupancy, mainly due to the spike in leisure demand from international guests. It has an ongoing Spring into Savings room offer which includes a CNY welcome amenity upon arrival.

Orchard Hotel Singapore expects an average room occupancy rate of over 85 per cent during the holidays, of which 80 per cent will be overseas guests. It is actively promoting its large family rooms this festive season.

Novotel and Mercure Singapore on Stevens expects occupancy to peak both before and after the festive holidays, with 75 to 80 per cent of guests coming from overseas.

The long weekend marking the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations is a boon to Aloft Singapore Novena, as it draws more local staycationers than usual.