The Parkroyal Collection at Marina Bay - Singapore
Bringing the great outdoors of Singapore, inside.
I’ve got a soft spot for any hotel that wears its eco-consciousness on its sleeve, and understands that it takes more than reusing bath towels to really effect change. With a calm atmosphere and a palette of serene neutrals, the Parkroyal Collection at Marina Bay lets the outdoors in, and accomplishes that with plenty of natural light and greenery with iconic views of the city.
The lobby exudes an air of freshness. There are shiny marble floors and a mirrored sculpture that reflects the light, but what the eye is drawn to is the dramatic ceiling. It’s like you’re on the set of Avatar or in a scene 1000 years in the future, only instead of the swarms of Na’vi flying around on the planet of Pandora, you have lush plants to eyeball and the sounds of real birdsong ringing through the lobby. The landscaping and internal structural elements are inspired by the traditional Chinese “feng shui” landscape painting, creating a soothing aura when gazing up at the honeycomb facade. It really is quite cool.
Situated amidst a flurry of other hotel giants (the Pan Pacific, the Mandarin Oriental and the Ritz-Carlton) and within a ten-minute taxi ride to pretty much anywhere central in the city, the Parkroyal Marina Bay’s location couldn’t be better. With the Suntec Convention Centre and the Esplanade only a short walk away too, the hotel has an idyllic location for both business and pleasure. The building is also sat right next to the City Hall MRT station, for those opting to travel by public transport.
The Room
Mother Nature’s inspiration isn’t just for show in the lobby; her presence can be felt in all of the hotel’s 583 rooms and suites, which feature driftwood walls, recycled pine headboards, a water tap, clothes hangers made from recycled paper, and even your very own glass terrarium to bring the outdoors in. My Urban City view room came with its own living room and eco-friendly design touches. What was really special was the private balcony beyond sliding doors that looked over the Marina – great for people-watching. I found the interior – in muted beige and dusky grey – very soothing, and I loved the mod eco-look of the minimal bed frame.
You know that bottled water you’re always complaining about having to pay $12 for in a hotel room, but guzzling down anyway? There will be none of that here. All of the hotel’s taps, sinks, and showers are equipped with water filters, so you can drink right from them—with glasses and bottles provided in your room for a more seamless experience. All rooms come with a Nespresso machine with new pods changed daily.
Dining
There are four restaurants and two bars at the Parkroyal Collection. Peppermint is where an international buffet breakfast is served, which includes a fabulous array of local and international favourites. Sushi Jiro, touted one of the best Japanese restaurants in town, serves up seasonal fish directly imported from Japan twice a week. Sala Bar on the upper deck is the spot for creative cocktails with sunset views. Dine on custom-aged USDA prime beef served on a sizzling 260°C plate at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, before enjoying a nightcap at the Portman’s bar in the lobby, or Skyline bar on the roof.
Peach Blossoms, the hotel’s fourth restaurant, offers an eclectic and modern take on traditional Chinese fare helmed by Head Chef Edward Chong. A truly sensational restaurant, read my full review HERE.
Facilities
The hotel boasts a plethora of facilities, most impressively a rooftop pool with spectacular views towards the Singapore skyline. The local hotel’s designers gave huge thought to its social spaces, including the inviting lobby and rooftop members area, which can both be utilised for events.
The St Gregory Spa in the basement offers a range of holistic treatments using natural restorative ingredients. The light-filled gym is equipped with weight machines, free weights and cardio equipment. Spin classes are also offered. St Gregory’s offers a fabulous array of uber-lux treatments that will leave your body soothed and glowing; including the Chinese Tui Na massage and Javanese Elemis Milk Baths. The spa staff are also extremely accommodating, where they were happy to move my appointment several times without a complaint.
And so?
If leaving behind a small carbon footprint is important to you, it’s worth staying here. Singapore’s first “Garden-in-a-Hotel” appears nondescript from the exterior, but is also a timeless architectural masterpiece and a beacon of sustainability, innovation, and so much more.
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Parkroyal Collection, Marina Bay, Singapore 039594