It is hard not to notice the greenery adorn the building’s exterior that brings the ‘hotel in the garden’ theme to life. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore celebrates icons of architecture and environmental sustainability. Not that often you get to see a property with unique architecture that incorporates elements of nature such as tropical trees and gorgeous sky gardens. A short walk from Clarke Quay, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is located opposite Hong Lim Park at a junction between the CBD and Chinatown. The location is excellent for exploring heritage precincts like Chinatown and the Civic District.
Designed by renowned architect WOHA, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering pioneered a hotel-in-a-garden concept with over 15,000 square metres of lush greenery, blending visually compelling vertical gardens. The tactile undulating building design is inspired by the rice-paddy fields of Bali. The property has 367 well-furnished rooms over 10 categories.
Lobby
I arrived at the lobby at 3 pm to check-in and found a line of guests queuing. Most hotels would experience a surge in staycation bookings during the weekends and school holidays. Do expect additional waiting times to check-in. I am fortunate that I got my room key within 30 minutes.
The hotel lobby uses natural materials and textures throughout the design of the hotel. Layers of wood in curvilinear forms the 2 reception desks. The structures seem to emerge organically from the bands of wood that cover the walls and ceiling. The freeform green textured carpet underneath the reception desk; reminiscent of moss that injects colour and aesthetic appearance.
To get to the lift lobby, you walk along the indoor water feature and a bridge-like treatment of the adjacent flooring. The property is split into three blocks. This allows for maximum light, views and garden connections in the rooms. Two-thirds of the hotel corridors are naturally ventilated, resulting in less reliance on air-conditioning.
Urban Junior Suite
Inspired by nature and a light-filled concept, the Urban Junior Suite offers views of Hong Lim Park through floor-to-ceiling windows. The high ceilings make the 48 sqm suite bright and airy. You can also get work done with a well-equipped work desk.
The fridge and Nespresso machine were located inside the closet next to the desk. The hotel also provided a ‘Pan Pacific Cares kit’, which contains disposable masks, Zappy antiseptic wipes and a travel-size hand sanitiser.
The sliding door creates a partition between the bedroom and living room area. The sofa can be transformed into a day bed to accommodate an additional guest.
The bedroom has a side view of the landscaped gardens. The palate of calm greens and natural wood provides optimal relaxation and comfort. Even the headboards accentuate the earthy concept.
The wardrobe is flushed to the wall as part of the room partition. Usage of single-use plastics has been ceased across the hotel. Drinking water is filtered and bottled in reusable bottles in-house.
The double vessel basins and bathtub are made from recycled composite stones and granite.
The bathtub placed next to the window overlooks the landscaped gardens and a partial view of the city. It is a good idea to draw the blinds down while taking a relaxing soak.
The sliding door separates the toilet and bath area. The entrance door next to the toilet is a quick access to the living room.
Elemis bath amenities are exclusively for those staying in the suite category. Elemis is the number 1 luxury UK skin care brand. A real treat for any hotel patron!
Infinity Pool and Cabanas
The 5th floor of the hotel is a dedicated wellness floor that features St Gregory spa, fitness centre, infinity pool and garden walk. The much-lauded infinity pool was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster movie ‘Hitman, Agent 47’. If you swim towards the edge of the pool, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and Hong Lim Park. With Safe Management Measures in place, the facilities are operating with reduced capacity. Reservation is required and access is limited to 1.5 hours per room per day.
One of the most distinctive features is its colourful human-sized bird cages perched on the edge of cantilevered platforms overlooking the city.
In a Nutshell
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is a tropical paradise in the midst of the city. Being the first hotel in Singapore featuring a garden concept, It makes you feel at ease and well-connected to nature which offers a unique experience compared to other hotels. Guest services could be improved. The “One Connect” guest service number is almost non-existent! I tried calling One Connect numerous times but unable to get through. Overall, I would love to be back again with the caveat that the stay has to be during the off-peak period.
Pros
- Close to Chinatown MRT Station
- Green hotel with nature-inspired room
- Photo-worthy infinity pool
Cons
- The reception is too overwhelmed to handle large volume of guests
- Inconsistency and slow service delivery
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore
3 Upper Pickering St, Singapore 058289
+65 6809 8888
Email: enquiry.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com
Check In: 3:00 PM | Check Out: 12:00 PM
This property is eligible for redemption of SingapoRediscovers vouchers!
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