My family’s recent city break to Singapore was a convivial cocktail of exploring attractions, hopping in buses, getting lost in the huge botanical garden under the heavy rains, photographing Peranakan-inspired buildings, taking in panoramic views and stopping for plenty of local food along the way. It’s safe to say we made the most of our weekend in Singapore, and I left feeling like I had fully experienced the city. But after the miles of walking, map navigating, cafe and food center-hopping each day, one of the best things about the trip was coming back to our heavenly hotel, PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road.
Getting there
After an easy 2-hour flight from Jakarta, we touched down in Changi Airport. Getting a taxi at this airport is always a no-sweat part of the arrival experience. The drive from the airport to PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road only took 25 minutes which was pleasantly convenient.
The location
Although the hotel is not in the CBD area or other popular streets, the location of the PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road could not be more central. It’s located right on Little India; Singapore’s famous ethnic district. Almost adjacent to the Mustafa Centre and surrounded by Indian-inspired shophouses, it’s one of Singapore’s most iconic locations. The 24-hour Centre and Serangoon Road allow you to smell, sense, taste and experience the charming buzz of this hotel’s location and those of Singapore.
Checking-in
While it was clear that the hotel was running busy at the time of our check-in, the spacious lobby presents itself as a comfortable sanctuary from the hot weather outside. We were then escorted to the Orchid Club on the 19th floor. The view from the Club is surely welcoming as we got to see Singapore from a good height. If you are staying at the hotel on business, do take advantage from the Club rooms as they come with prioritized check-in, breakfast, cocktail hours and, what we enjoyed the most, some serene downtime at the lounge with our books on and freshly brewed coffee on the side.
The room
Our welcome was made more special with the tropical fruit platter. Singapore is blessed with these all-year long and it was good to have some bites right after we entered the spacious room.
We stayed in the Family Room Triple on the 17th floor. PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road may be one of the few hotels in Singapore that offers these many types of rooms. Our room was in an almost trapezium shape and featured a very spacious living area with chaise lounge and a writing desk. The room was incredibly bright, with 4 long windows overlooking to another side of the neighborhood. The bathroom was interestingly located at the far left side of the room. I loved how private it felt though I was staying with my family in the same room.
There were fluffy robes, slippers, toiletries, a beautiful rain shower and the Wi-Fi was great, but we were not too sure about the television stand in between the windows. The room size is indeed generous and was the highlight throughout our stay.
The dining experience
On the first morning of our Singapore trip we had breakfast in PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road’s restaurant, Spice Brasseries which is the all-day dining venue cooking up local and international cuisine in a convenient setting.
The service within the restaurant was faultless and the waiters really took their time to serve us despite the busy breakfast crowd. Most of all, I particularly enjoyed the laksa and roti canai. I had them every morning during our stay and felt like I could not have enough. The broth was enriched by the hours-long prawn and the dash of shrimp paste sambal topped it all on a high note for everyone on the table. The roti canai was a delightful finger food as we adventurously tried it with the lamb curry, another occasion with sugar. We also enjoyed the porridge and the continental fare of the breakfast, that comes with good coffee.
An urban oasis
Full tummy called for morning stroll and we found this urban oasis on the 6th floor. Here we found a modern wellness complex complete with spa treatment rooms. It also comes with a large gym and outdoor pool for adults and children.
The verdict
The PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is everything I could ever hope for from family-oriented stay; the room cannot be more spacious, the service is characterful and efficient. Although it’s not located right smack city centre, the hotel is part of Singapore’s ethnic conclave of Little India with its strong culture elements and is a hotel equally as charming as the city it’s in. Therefore, it’s perfect for city break, business purpose and family getaway.
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road Singapore
181 Kitchener Road
208533 Singapore
For more information or reservation, visit the hotel’s website.