[STAYCATION] PARKROYAL on Pickering @ Singapore
It took me awhile to write this entry as there are about 70+ photos to edit and resize but I finally got to it after 2+ months. I have too many photos for my own good but since it’s my interests, I have nothing to complain about. So during my company’s dinner and dance last August, I won the 4th lucky draw prize for a 2D1N complimentary stay at PARKROYAL on Pickering.
PARKROYAL on Pickering
3 Upper Pickering St,
Singapore 058289
6809 8888
The voucher was valid from the 2nd of August 2014 to the 3rd of February 2015 and it is only applicable for Saturday and Sunday check in. As I was quite busy traveling in August, October, November and December, I decided to book the room on the 24th of January. However, my maternal grandfather passed away that morning so I had to cancel the booking at 9am and make preparations for the funeral. The person assisting me on the phone was nice to allow the cancellation and thus, I made another booking on the 31st of January. I brought my sister, who was having her birthday the following day to the hotel to chill for a bit. When we were checking in, there was a glass of complimentary beverage for each of us. It was so refreshing as we were so tired coming from home and the flea at City Plaza with my cabin size luggage. The check-in was fuss free and we were ready to head into our room on the 7th floor!
7th FLOOR
It was quite a long walk from the lift to our room 701 as we had to walk across this long outdoor walkway and into another enclosed walkway. It can be quite cold at the unenclosed walkway during the night so do wear a cardigan to prevent getting a flu. The newspaper delivered the following morning was put in a tote and hung on the door knob - how convenient!
ROOM
My sister and I both love PARKROYAL Pickering more than Marina Bay Sands. We had no idea why more tourists prefer to stay at MBS though. What’s with all the hype really? PARKROYAL had more to offer! This is quite a new hotel since it was built in 2012. I found the functions of the binds very useful and I love the view from our room as well. Although it was quite noisy that evening due to the people speaking at the Speakers Corner in Hong Lim Park nearby, it did not prevent my sister and I from having our very own photoshoot at the hotel. Needless to say, the bed was extra comfortable since Jia Ling could doze off so easily in it both at night and in the morning.
RECREATION
The 5th floor had facilities such as the gym, garden, a jacuzzi and most importantly, the infinity pool! It can be quite windy and cold in the morning though so it takes awhile to adapt to the temperature of the pool. My sister (Sam), Jia Ling and I tried to keep warm at these sheltered couches by the pool. How cozy!
BREAKFAST BUFFET @ LIME
Breakfast was not included in the voucher but Jia Ling and I decided to fork out SGD$30 (inclusive of GST & service tax) each for it. The usual price is $38++ without 10% service tax & 7% GST so we got it at a cheaper rate since we told them the day before. As I grow older, I find that I cannot handle buffets anymore. 2 plates of food are more than enough for me. Hence, it will be a waste bringing me to buffets for a meal. It was a different case for Jia Ling though. One of her favourite food is bread and thus, she can eat all sorts of breads and LOTS of it at a time. We were not fond of the poached eggs that was done for us as it was not hot enough and boiled for too long as well, thus making it harder than the usual poached eggs.
DESSERTS
My sister and I did not have dinner at Lime while snapping shots of the hotel but we were amazed by the delicate artisan cakes and unique matcha fondue that we decided to sneakily head in just to take photos of it. Well, what can I say? The Sumarli sisters are partner-in-crimes ready to do anything just for food photography!
NEAREST STATION: CHINATOWN MRT (NORTH-EAST / DOWNTOWN LINE)
I can’t say that I have stayed in many hotels in Singapore since Singapore is my hometown. Neither am I a person who does staycations regularly as I prefer to use the money on traveling but I give PARKROYAL on Pickering TWO THUMBS UP for the excellent service in providing us an exquisite yet casual and comfortable stay. Since my relatives stay at MBS occasionally, I tend to compare PARKROYAL on Pickering with MBS and I would choose the former anytime!
