From all-you-can-eat buffets to beautiful infinity pools, it’s plain to see why this is regarded as one of the best hotels in Singapore!
People who travel often for work generally don’t seem to enjoy it, but for those of us who don’t have that luxury, having a hotel room all to yourself feels like bliss. After envying my husband’s work-driven “getaways” for too long, I decided that a restful weekend for myself was just what the doctor ordered. Swimming in a luxurious king-size bed with no one there to steal the covers; no early morning baby-driven wake-up call; and the option to call room service at any time to indulge your whims? Yes, please!
So I booked myself a staycation at PARKROYAL on Pickering; the hotel has been around for a few years now, but it’s still a striking addition to the downtown skyline with its distinct waving architecture dotted with trees and cascading greenery. Sitting on the edge of Chinatown, it’s wonderfully situated amongst vibrant streets of shops and restaurants, without being too far from the hub of CBD activity. Indeed, this is where I would relax and escape!
Let’s start with the room…
PARKROYAL on Pickering has plenty of eco-features, including greenery-lined open-air walkways as you approach your room, which offer stunning 360-degree vistas. The room goes well beyond the basics – the high ceilings and big windows made it feel even roomier and more open, but there was also a sliding door (more like a wall!) which gave me the option to close off the vast bathroom for privacy. There was also a super comfy king-size bed, plus a desk and sitting area which came well-equipped with a comfy bathrobe and slippers – my uniform for the weekend!
Enjoying the privileges like a boss
If your aim is to relax and truly enjoy the property, then a room on the Club Floor is a must. The 16th floor (the very top of the building) is dedicated entirely to the the hotel’s Club guests and restricted to everyone else (hello VIP!). They even serve Champagne breakfast, high tea, and cocktail happy hour, with a buffet of tasty snacks all as part of your room booking. The quality of the food was amazing, the service was top-notch, and you really do feel special being able to access this eagle’s nest of privilege – highly recommended!
Getting physical, the posh way
Of course, I went into the pool and I used the gym – but if I’m being honest, neither of which lasted very long. The gym did have a wonderful open view of the city beyond the infinity pool, overlooking some of the striking poolside cabanas that reminded me of very chic birdcages. The fifth floor is almost entirely dedicated to an open-air garden walk, complete with a spice garden which I did attempt to explore… but I’ll admit, the call of my king size bed was too great.
Can you say spa-ahhh…?
If you’re planning to relax, a spa visit is a must! I had a lovely oil massage at the St. Gregory Spa. The spa is located just next to the pool, but once you enter, you’re enveloped by the rich wooden décor and lovely aromatic smells. It’s especially a treat that, following your massage, you don’t even need to get dressed – just throw on a bathrobe and mosey back to your room!
What else? Super Lunch Sunday, that’s what
My staycation involved a lot of delicious eating, well more than I intended! The Super Lunch Sunday is a decadent buffet affair with all kinds of food to choose from – there was fresh seafood (king crab legs!), sushi, a carvery (wagyu!), fresh pasta station, Indian, Malay, Laksa, an assortment of cheese, baked delights, fresh fruit and juices, and too many desserts to mention (so I’ll just say chocolate fountain)! And the choices go well beyond standard buffet fare – from the Lobster Eggs Benedict to the Red Velvet Nitrogen ice cream which is made right in front of you. Needless to say, over-indulgence was a foregone conclusion, but so worth it.
My staycay really felt like a vacay without any of the hassles of travel – I think I may truly be a staycation convert! How did I feel as I left PARKROYAL on Pickering? Rested, relaxed and very, very full.
PARKROYAL on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289, p. 6809 8888