WHAT’S IT LIKE? Singapore is currently experiencing a brace of hotel openings, which isn’t going to end just yet, and this property, belonging to the chain with its roots in Hongkong, is part of the city’s new wave of accommodation. Glass is liberally used in the intimate lobby and adjoining café-bar.
WHERE IS IT? On a choice site between the leisure precincts of Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay and along Clemenceau Avenue, but comfortably away from the festive activity and sounds of the road. There’s enough exclusivity and calm to relish returning to the property. Nearest MRT station is Clarke Quay.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 336 guestrooms and suites with a choice of views, Singapore River or the outline of the city.
ROOM FACILITIES My Executive Suite on the 10th floor was actually quite compact, but what made it seem more spacious were the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and the bedroom, which flooded both areas with welcoming natural light. There was a preponderance of dark wood, which I go for, but I wished a carpet with a less wild print had been chosen. I felt dizzy at times looking at it. Internet service is complimentary and connecting posed no problems.
F&B With Clarke Quay’s array of offerings, the hotel wisely opted for one outlet, but a showpiece one at that – Brizo Restaurant and Bar. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, the chef, who boasts good hotel industry experience, aims not only to feed but impress fussy palates. Specialties of the house include Red Curry King Prawn with Thai Eggplant, Beef Burger and on weekends, a seafood buffet.
BUSINESS FACILITIES Club Floor guests have the run of the cosy lounge that features again, floor-to-ceiling windows, running along one side looking out over Clarke Quay and the Singapore River. I had the whole place to myself one Saturday morning during an early breakfast. What a luxury it was, waiting for the city to awaken while imagining this was my exclusive aerie.
Here, a boardroom is free for one hour for Executive Floor guests. On the second floor, three meeting venues are available, able to take in 30 people in two of them, and the other, 50 people, all theatre style.
LEISURE FACILITIES On the second floor, a large swimming pool with its own bar is the stage of a host of future weekend activities. Spa Park Asia will offer therapies conducted in outdoor pavilions (with discrete sheltering, of course) and the gym is always ready for fitness buffs.
VERDICT I found the staff to be very tuned in and cheerful. The doorman and porters always made small talk with me while I waited for a cab or when I came in from a night out on the town. A location in the midst of one of Singapore’s liveliest precincts makes it a highly desirable address.
PRICE Internet stays in mid-November start from US$136 nightly.
CONTACT 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983, tel 65 6593 8888, www.parkhotelsgroup.com
Margie T Logarta
