SINGAPORE: Rates at hotel rooms overlooking Marina Bay during the National Day Parade (NDP) have gone up by at least 20 per cent.

The big draw this year is the aerial view of the parade, which for the first time will be held at the waterfront.

Prime viewing from a hotel room in the area, such as at The Oriental, is currently priced at around S$800.

Early-birds, who managed to book a room months in advance, paid approximately S$650 per night.

One family in Singapore has gone all out to book not just one, but two rooms, to enjoy the NDP with their family and friends.

Julian Chong, a housewife, said: "Well, we have always been watching it on TV. And then we thought this year since it's not going to be at the National Stadium, we could book a room and watch it together with some friends...

"It would be something special and it's the first time out of the National Stadium, so we thought ok, we would spend the money and try to capture the atmosphere at the hotel."

Electrical engineer Vincent Ting said: "This is the first time you can see the whole parade, bird's eye view, together with the fireworks, so we think it's money well spent."

Budget aside, the family has also considered which hotel will offer them the best view on the day.

"I initially booked another hotel a little further away before we found out the exact location of the floating platform... that was... at the end of last year. But when we saw them constructing the floating platform, we thought ok, we would choose Oriental as it's much nearer, so we switched hotels," said Jilian.

The entire stretch of Raffles Avenue will be closed during the National Day Parade Preview and the National Day Parade.

Hotels are asking their guests to use alternative roads on the other side of Marina Centre and walk across the carparks within Marina Square to reach the hotels for check-in. - CNA/yy