We spend a night at the luxurious five-star accommodation on Upper Pickering Street to bring you this hotel review.

Architecture that resembles the Grand Canyon ridges

Standing by the traffic light at the junction of South Bridge Road and Upper Pickering Street, I found myself transfixed by the sight of a stunning building across the road. Its exterior – somewhat resembling the Grand Canyon ridges – is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in Singapore.

This magnificent structure is PARKROYAL on Pickering, one of the many luxury accommodations under the PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts chain. I spent a wonderful night at this hotel, and this is my review for those who have been considering a staycation here.

Plant-covered trellises along the corridor

Hotel in the Garden

Sounds odd, but I remember feeling like I’d been spirited away from Singapore. As I walked from the lift lobby to my room on the sixth floor, it felt like I’d just been transported to somewhere otherworldly, immaculate and evergreen.

The stylised garden setting – or “hotel-in-the-garden” concept – takes full credit for this conceived notion. The corridor leading to my room was lined with frangipani trees and a pebbled water feature on one side, and plant-covered trellises on the other.

Bathroom lighting option for the vain person in all of us

Technology at my fingertips

Upon reaching my King Superior Room, I tapped my card and was pleasantly surprised when the door pushed itself back to let me in. There’s also a “Door” button that makes your exits just as effortless.

A more thorough inspection of the room revealed light-controlling buttons that were marked with different symbols to indicate their various functions. Those who love taking bathroom selfies will appreciate the “Vanity” light.

USB socket to charge your iPhone

As I had left my phone adaptor at home, what I appreciated the most was the USB socket that’s fixed to the panelled wall near the work desk. I just had to plug in the USB cable and my iPhone was on its way to reviving itself.

Champion of the environment

Even though the hotel comes with state-of-the-art technology to provide a genuine five-star experience for its guests, it also cares for the environment. A complex system has been put in place to help conserve water and energy.

Recycling bin provided for hotel guests to do their part for the environment

I shall spare you the details of the intricacies of this system, but I’d like you to know that a recycling bin is provided in every room, so do your part for the environment and dispose your rubbish responsibly.

The view

To be completely honest, the view from my room wasn’t the most inspiring. The sight of HDB blocks served as a reminder that I was indeed in Singapore. However, the row of beautiful frangipani trees outside my window did make the vista more picturesque.

King Superior Room

With that being said, you may want to consider requesting for a room that faces the Speakers’ Corner within Hong Lim Park. Even if it means paying a bit more, the awe-inspiring view will be worth it.

Infinity pool, birdcage-shaped cabanas, gym and spa

Regardless of which room you’re staying in, this view can actually be enjoyed from the fifth floor. There, you will find a delightful collection of hotel facilities like the gym, spa treatment room and infinity pool.

View from the infinity pool on the fifth floor

I took a swim in the evening, during which the Esplanade can be seen sparkling like diamonds in the distance. You can also find large birdcage-shaped cabanas where guests can be seen lounging with their iPads in hand.

Dine at Lime

Nothing hits the spot after a good swim in the refreshing turquoise waters than a good meal. Lime, the gorgeous in-house restaurant on the first floor, offers a menu that caters to both local and foreign taste buds.

LIME, the open-concept restaurant at PARKROYAL

Thank to its open concept, you can take a leisurely walk down the aisle and get the chef assigned to a food station to prepare a piping hot meal right before your eyes. Otherwise, you can just order from the à la carte menu before getting dessert. Key lime pie, anyone?

For those with specific dietary requirements, do note that this isn’t a Halal-certified restaurant and meat is served, although there are vegetarian options. It’s good to note that the hotel is near Clarke Quay and Chinatown where there are plenty of other food options to choose from.

Key Lime Pie from Lime

Verdict

Would I return to PARKROYAL on Pickering? I would. Staying at this five-star hotel is a pretty sweet deal. Its close proximity to the waterfront promenade of Clarke Quay and vibrant streets of Chinatown means that you’ll never run out of food or entertainment options.

Balinese-inspired rattan armchairs at the lobby

There’s also an exclusive Orchid Club Lounge on the 16th floor offering a panoramic view of Singapore from the Rooftop Terrace. Me, personally? I just wanted to sit on one of the Balinese-inspired rattan chairs at the lobby and indulge in the art of doing nothing – il bel far niente!

Feature image by PARKROYAL on Pickering

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