THE HOTEL
This 16-storey hotel is part of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, which has five properties in Singapore. It’s located very close to Clarke Quay and even closer to China Town, where you will also find the China Town MRT (underground) station less than a five-minute walk awayand with only one change to reach Changi Airport in around 50 minutes.
THE CHECK-IN
The week prior to arrival I received communications for a simple pre-arrival verification online but decided I’d prefer to complete the process in person upon arrival. The airport taxi pulled into the front of the hotel, an architectural showstopper with a feeling of space, calmness and nature.
The concierge team were quick to open the taxi door and welcome me into the immaculate reception area, passing the concierge desk on one side and a body of water with bubbling water on the other, before entering the hotel. There I was met by the wonderful Shirley and offered a welcome drink, a tasty lemon juice.
Shirley and I went through the check-in process with ease and I was allocated room 1124 on the 11th floor, an Urban Deluxe King. I was provided with two room key cards, one for the slot inside the room door to activate the lights, air conditioning etc.
You also needed to scan a key card in the lift to gain room floor access. The reception area also had relaxing zones of comfortable seating and an extended office desk with power and usb points for those guests wanting to charge devices whilst browsing the internet using the complimentary super-fast Wi-Fi.
THE ROOM
Entering my Urban Deluxe King room beat expectations with the feeling of space, relaxation and warmth. The window, with button-operated blinds, had a lovely view over the city.
The room was decorated in neutral earthy tones with fixtures in light-coloured wood. These included a desk, open shelving and two cupboards. Cupboard one offered ample hanging space, the safe, iron, ironing board, laundry bags and associated lists, and an umbrella for negotiating the tropical storms, which certainly made an appearance during my four-night stay.
The other cupboard contained a well-stocked mini-bar, which came with a warning notto remove anything for a period or else the room would be automatically charged for the item. There was also complimentary tea and coffee.
The bathroom, with a walk-in shower, opened to the main room, but you could close it off using cleverly-designed sliding wooden doors. The toilet was separate. The bed was big, super comfortable and made with lovely white linen and a duvet.
Complimentary toiletries such as toothpaste, shaving cream etc were available in individual environmentally-friendly packaging and were replenished each day. The shower soaps, shampoos, conditioners, lotions etc. were provided by the Australian brand Appelles with flavours such as sweet orange geranium. There was a turn-down service every night and a complimentary tray of regional fruits left on the desk.
Guests who choose to book a COLLECTION room on the 16th floor also get access to a lounge located on that floor where you can soak up stunning the 360-degree city view while enjoying treats and refreshments. The lounge also offers breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
THE FACILITIES
A comprehensive breakfast was served 07:00-10:30 every morning in the integrated restaurant ‘Lime’ on the first floor. I’ve never seen such a huge variety of food options, including traditional full English, eggs cooked anyway you’d prefer by a chef, cereals, yoghurts, sushi, cold meats, salads, Chinese doughnut sticks, DIY noodle station, Yellow Dai, Yakitori and Congee Chicken, Nasi Lemak, Chai Gor, and more.
Lime is open for lunch and then again for dinner offering both a buffet and A La Carte menu. Booking always advised. At the time of my stay there was also ‘festive-themed feasts to ignite your holiday spirit’. Lime promotes an admirable ‘Farm to Fork’ incentive and has its very own spore garden growing different varieties of mushroom in plain view of dining guests.
Also on the first floor is the bar offering a wide range of drinks while on the fifth floor is the St. Gregory Spa offering a wide variety on enticing treatments for body wellness, skin vitality, Asian and Oriental therapies, and anything from a Jet Lag Relief to a Indonesian Balinese massage in a tranquil environment.
Also, on this floor you’ll find the infinity pool, a fully-equipped gym, ladies and gents changing facilities each with their own steam room, and finally the garden walk. Complimentary blue towels were provided on arrival and there was a limited poolside drinks menu to quench my thirst.
THE VERDICT
A wonderful, eco-friendly hotel surrounded by lush greenery where you can relax and unwind after a day exploring the city. The staff were attentive and the guest experience excellent. I arrived early on check-in day but was still able to gain access to my room, which was very welcome after a long flight. For those looking to explore Singapore it’s perfectly located with several main attractions just a walk away.
BOOK IT
Lead in BAR starts from approximately SGD 600 per room per night including service charge and government taxes and the Pan Pacific DISCOVERY rates (member’s rate, free to sign up) are typically up to 10% off
