Hotel PARKROYAL’s new avatar

After a complete makeover that ups the ante for other hotels, the historic hotel exudes loads of charm and edginess

The 52-year old crescent-shaped hotel, is not a beach hotel nor is it in the heart of the ritzy, and hugely expensive, brand-name shopping belt. It is much more than that. The vibrantly renovated PARKROYAL is located at the edge of the centrally located business district, and has an ambience that many other hotels can only dream of.

Add to this a locality that exudes the edgy cultural buzz of 1960s Singapore, and you have a hotel that cannot escape the sharp taste of discerning foodies and travellers. The hotel is located in one of Singapore’s most culturally rich districts – Kampong Glam.

Once an enclave of the Arab and Bugis (seafaring gypsy community of Indonesia), and other Muslim traders, Kampong Glam is a rich heritage and cultural precinct and is one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters in the city. It is now a hip neighbourhood with quaint and funky restaurants and bars jostling against each other along Haji Lane and little boutiques and shops overflowing with beautiful fabrics of the old Orient along Arab Street, as well as other charming cultural landmarks such as the beautiful Sultan Mosque.

The hotel which first opened its doors more than 51 years ago, combines understated high comfort with old-world hospitality in its 346 refreshed rooms, all of which are elegantly furnished with warm, soothing tones, conducive for work and relaxation.

On the Club floors, artwork by local artists adorns the corridor walls, with pieces also displayed in the PARKROYAL Club Deluxe and PARKROYAL Club Premier Rooms. The 42sqm PARKROYAL Club Premier rooms each comprises a spacious balcony to unwind in after a long day.

The sympathetically renovated lobby is the focal point of the recent relaunch. Evoking a unique kampong spirit and sense of community, the space exhibits natural textures and hues of woven materials, granite tiles and brushed gold accents combined to create a strikingly modern yet inviting environment that encourages relaxation and interaction. Organic patterns and botanical motifs inspired by well-loved ferns and flowers adorn screens and doors, while a lush selection of palms and tropical plants dot the spacious social lobby, creating a sense of . The space has been remodelled so that it now serves multiple  functions – working as the concierge, check-in area and a working space – appealing to business and leisure travellers alike.

Mr. Kung Teong Wah, General Manager said hopeful its fascinating location will be a great draw. “Following a tasteful refresh, PARKROYAL on Beach Road is ready to welcome travellers from around the world to discover the property and its vibrant surroundings,” he said. “We hope that all our guests, whether here for business or pleasure, will connect with their inner explorer during their time with us.”

Room and Suite guests are entitled to PARKROYAL Club privileges which includes complimentary breakfasts and evening cocktails at the PARKROYAL Club Lounge on top of the cozy and functional rooms.

Well suited for hosting corporate events and weddings alike, the hotel boasts seven stylish meeting and events spaces, including two high-ceilinged, pillarless ballrooms. The Sky Ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling glass panels create a unique ambience as natural light fills the space, whilst the Grand Ballroom, with its beautiful chandeliers, is the perfect backdrop for exquisite celebrations. A dedicated Service Manager is included in all events and meeting bookings to ensure a seamless experience every time.

PARKROYAL on Beach Road’s eclectic mix of F&B offerings include Ginger. Helmed by Executive Chef Vincent Aw, the all-day halal-certified kitchen celebrates the beauty and heritage of Singapore, as well as the rich flavours of her culinary heritage.

Designed by Singapore-based Australian designer, Emma Maxwell, Ginger was recently crowned winner in the Alfresco & Biophilic (Asia) category at Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. The stunning interiors are a reminder of Singapore’s rich flora and fauna; the ginger flower, Simpoh Lak, and Freycinetia Javanica, are artfully woven into the wallpaper and soft furnishings of the restaurant.

Ginger offers an à la carte menu, fuss-free set lunch, as well as buffets for both lunch and dinner. The dinner buffet is a smorgasbord of the best culinary delights. From the plumpest oysters and prawns, to the freshest Japanese tuna, to decadently delicious Wagyu steaks, to an array of local favourites followed by more than a dozen desserts, Ginger is an absolute gourmand’s heaven.

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant – Singapore’s pioneering Sichuan restaurant is the place to go for exquisite Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant is connected to Tian Fu Tea Room, which carries a selection of over 30 types of premium Chinese teas and is the ideal prelude or end note to a meal at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant.

The 1920s inspired cocktail bar, Club 5, is named in honour of the magic hour – 5pm, when we leave the workday behind and enter the world of indulgence and relaxation. The walls pose bold, abstract wallpapers complemented by plush upholstery paired with tungsten lamps achieving this ambience of an intimate lounge.

Club 5 introduces an interesting variety of concoctions with a modern interpretation of classic heritage fare, drawing inspiration from the rich flavours and spices of the Southeast Asian region.

Level 4 houses the hotel’s wellness floor, where there is something at every corner for the mind, body, and soul. The award-winning spa, St. Gregory, delivers the finest treatments from facials to traditional healing therapies with the goal of promoting good health and beauty.

Right next to St. Gregory is the hotel’s state-of-the-art gymnasium and fitness studios with a range of fitness classes such as Zumba workouts, Hatha yoga lessons and HIIT sessions. Boasting a panoramic view that features the iconic Singapore Flyer, the property’s selection of refreshing options from the Poolside Café and Bar.

To celebrate its fresh new look and feel, PARKROYAL on Beach Road has specially curated a Stay and Save promotion which gives guests the chance to explore the hotel’s enhanced offerings at a 20% savings*. Pan Pacific DISCOVERY members enjoy an additional 10% savings on this offer.

*Discount is on Best Available Rate for bookings until 30th December 2022.

Shobha

Shobha Tsering Bhalla

Shobha Tsering Bhalla is the Editor-in-Chief at India Se.