Located in the ethnic district of Little India in Singapore is the PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road. It is also only a short walk from Farrer Park subway station, and a short drive from the Marina Bay area.
Upon arrival, I was informed that I would be upgraded to a larger corner room, and that access to the Executive Lounge was included in the rate.
As a property itself, the building has been around for some time. However, the interiors definitely underwent a facelift to keep up with the times. The corner room I was assigned to was fairly spacious, with a distinct seating area away from the sleeping quarters.
I appreciated the soft lighting all around, and the well positioned air conditioning vent that cooled the room down quickly always.
The television was actually mounted on the wall opposite the single-seat sofa, but could be swivelled as required to be viewed from the bed.
The wardrobe was semi-enclosed for easy access to your belongings. Bathrobes and slippers were also provided for guests.
An ironing board was also provided just in case you need to look your smartest.
Right next to the television was a work desk, with a very sleek wall-mounted reading lamp that could be tilted as required for your reading comfort. Also, some tea bags together and mugs and a kettle were available for use.
Beneath the desk was the minibar fridge that could be stocked up upon request, or it could very well be used to chill your own beverages.
Here’s the view of the surroundings from my room. With low-rise buildings surrounding the property, you can get a fairly unobstructed view of the surrounding neighbourhood.
The bathroom was a bit of a squeeze, but at least some effort was made to optimise the space within.
The shower door wasn’t the conventional hinged type, but instead was fitted as a sliding glass door to conserve space.
The backlit bathroom vanity also gave it a more sleek and elegant look.
After I was settled in, I proceed to the Executive Lounge for some welcome drinks. The Executive Lounge is accessed by your key card if you’ve been granted access to it, although a member of staff will verify your room number on your first entry of your stay.
Floor-to-ceiling windows line the entire length of the lounge on one side, allowing lots of natural lighting to permeate the space.
Upon entering the lounge, you’ll pass the buffet area which will be set up for breakfast in the mornings, tea in the afternoon, and during evening cocktails.
Seating wise, feel free to pick from the sofas lining the side wall, or the lovely long wood dining table at the centre.
Or else, pick the high table with bar stools facing the outdoor swimming pool if you like.
Afternoon tea consisted of some light savoury and sweet items, while the evening cocktails were more substantial.
The fitness centre is located on the same floor as the Executive Lounge. While the cardio equipment were a little old, the cable machines and free weights were definitely added to the inventory when the property underwent their refurbishment.
The outdoor swimming pool was fairly large and inviting under the afternoon sun.
Even if you don’t feel like going for a dip, the deck chairs and cabanas offer comfortable poolside seating for you to work on your tan or read a book.
I was offered the option of having my breakfast either at Spice Brasserie or at the Executive Lounge. While the former had a larger selection of food, it was simply too crowded so I decided to head to the Executive Lounge instead.
As the only guest at the Executive Lounge, it offered a more enjoyable breakfast setting for me.
The PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is definitely keeping up with the times with its refurbishment. In particular, their Executive Lounge is truly inviting with its poolside atmosphere. More importantly, the staff were warm and friendly throughout my stay, making an effort to ensure that my stay was an enjoyable one. Location wise, this may not be the first choice among visitors to Singapore, but it is a great option for those who wish to spend a few days in bustling Little India.
