Located smack in the middle of Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, Park Hotel‘s Clarke Quay branch is a treat within the heart of the Lion City. Another building inspired by Singapore’s colonial past, its simple yet beautiful layout is pleasing to the eyes. Walking into the lobby, I could see that the interior continues their clean and simple layout, and check-in came with bright smiles from friendly staff. On first glance, it looked like this was going to be a pleasant stay from start to finish.
As a staff member brings me into my Crystal Club room, he mentions that it’s the best room the hotel has to offer and I could see why. The corner room I was staying in had an amazing view of Clarke Quay, the CBD and Marina Bay Sands in the distance. It’s a view that could be enjoyed throughout my stay, even from the shower.
The bathroom was equipped with wall and rain showers and a range of toiletries from Appelles Apothecary from NSW, Australia. The queen sized bed came with two types of pillows, no fuss for those who prefer soft over hard pillows or otherwise! A ‘Handy’ smartphone came complimentary with the room which allows free calls to a number of countries, Australia being one of them, and you can bring it around as it comes with data and a personalised city guide. They don’t call Singapore an International city for nothing.
The hotel comes equipped with a 24-hour gym and possibly the most picturesque poolside I’ve seen. The Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill seemed to be a nice place to enjoy a weekend BBQ (which I believe they do have), couches placed by the pool along with power sockets seemed perfect for just lounging while catching up on work. While there wasn’t much sun during my stay (tropical rains for the win), the poolside looked like a perfect place to get that Asian holiday tan.
As a Crystal Club guest, I could enjoy evening cocktails and a small breakfast spread at the Lounge with almost the same amazing view of the CBD. Downstairs, the hotel’s resto, Porta, is where guests can enjoy their breakfast. Their buffet spread had slightly more variants compared to the Crystal Club Lounge – with bacon, hashbrowns, sausages, waffles, dumplings and watching a chef make your eggs just the way you like them. They even had a Simonelli coffee machine, which made great cups of coffee with a touch of a button. Its outdoor seating was a refreshing change compared to the cold air-conditioned indoors (which felt even colder thanks to said rainy weather).
I had the opportunity to enjoy a lunch at Porta, which serves mostly modern European cuisine, and I would definitely go back. For starters, I was served a burratina cheese and pesto salad served with tomatoes and nori – the creaminess of which I still crave to this day. It was pastas galore for my mains, their ‘ravioles du royans’ along with two chef specialty pastas were a joy to eat. I was so full after that lunch, I was glad to bring back the leftovers to enjoy as supper throughout the rest of my stay. I highly recommend trying the food here, even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel!
Proving that they’d thought of just about everything, the hotel has bicycles available to rent, which I suggest using for a nice ride up and down the Quays. Since they’re located between the two Quays, one has ample number of food places with a lot of restos and cafes around to choose from. To get around the Lion City, Fort Canning MRT station is less than a 10 minute walk away from the hotel connecting you to the blue line and bus stations are plentiful – there’s even a bus that would take you straight onto Sentosa Island.
All in all, the Park City Clarke Quay offers the international traveller everything they could ask for in a hotel and more: comfort, great food, easy ways to communicate with loved ones at home – and views to die for.
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
Address: 1 Unity St, Singapore 237983.
Fancy a stay here? Book through their website or booking.com
The writer stayed three nights as a guest of the hotel. Photos provided by the hotel.
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