Review: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Staycation

Stunning architecture, a beautiful pool and champagne in the morning make for happy memories at the PARKROYAL Pickering. Breakfast itself, less so.

Can architecture and nature co-exist within an urban landscape? 

That’s the question WOHA set out to explore when they first drew up plans for the PARKROYAL Pickering back in December 2007. At the time, the approach most developers took towards sustainable development was to stick a few cursory solar panels on the roof, plant a small zen garden, or install water saving devices in the loos- things that may look nice for nice press releases or win you LEED certification, but ultimately generic gestures destined for architectural anonymity. 

WOHA wanted to go beyond mere tinted window dressing and put the “green” back in “green city”, conceptualizing a building that didn’t just blend into nature, but actively reintroduced it into a built-up environment. 

PARKROYAL Pickering
PARKROYAL Pickering

The results speak for themselves. The PARKROYAL Pickering boasts 15,000 square metres of greenery, double the footprint of the original site. Rainwater collected from the upper floors trickles down to irrigate greenery on the lower ones. Solar cells absorb sunlight during the day and use it to power landscape lighting at night. Vertical greenery shields the west-facing walls, minimizing the strain on air conditioning. 

The hotel’s skygardens draped with tropical flora have increased the area’s biodiversity by attracting birds and butterflies, and the rice padi like contours of the facade make for a stunning contrast with the surrounding urban jungle. The property has even made it to the silver screen, albeit in the highly-forgettable Hitman: Agent 47 (just play the game, it’s a lot more fun). 

It’s like no one respects the “do not disturb” sign anymore

Greta would be proud. 

📋 In This Review
🏨 Other Staycation Reviews
Andaz Singapore | Crowne Plaza Changi Airport | Conrad Singapore | Hilton Singapore | Hotel 81 Tristar | Hotel Soloha | InterContinental Bugis | Mandarin Orchard | Marina Bay Sands | M Social | Outpost Hotel | Raffles Hotel | The Capitol Kempinski | The Barracks Hotel | The Fullerton Hotel | W Hotel Sentosa Cove | YOTELAIR Changi Airport

Booking a PARKROYAL Pickering Staycation

Back in July 2020, Trip.com started selling staycation vouchers for various hotels across Singapore. I’ve covered these regularly on the site (the latest edition can be found here), and lurking inside are some really good deals. 

Like the one for PARKROYAL Pickering. For just S$253 nett, you could get a room with breakfast and club lounge access, plus two bus tour tickets thrown in just because. Club rooms at this property typically cost much more than that, so this was a no-brainer for me. 

🏨 Trip.com Voucher (S$253 nett)
  • 1 night in an Urban Room
  • Breakfast for 2
  • Club lounge access
  • 2 city bus tour tickets
Book By No longer available
Stay By 30 Jun 2021
Cancellation Policy Non-refundable

But PARKROYAL Pickering took its time reopening. Months went by with no news, and it got to the point where Trip.com was calling up customers asking if they wanted to stay at the Fairmont/Mandarin Oriental instead, or else get a full refund.

I too received such a call, but decided to keep the faith. And sure enough, towards the end of September we got word of the PARKROYAL Pickering’s 1 November reopening. 

If you missed out on the previous deal, Trip.com is offering a similar staycation package again, albeit slightly more expensive (and no bus tickets!). Alternatively, if you prefer to book direct in order to earn GHA local experiences, the Yay to Staycay package starts from S$263 nett. It’s hard to justify paying this, however, when for S$26 more you could get club lounge privileges. 

🏨 Trip.com Voucher (S$289 nett) 🏨 Yay to Staycay (from S$263 nett)
  • 1 night in an Urban Room
  • Breakfast for 2
  • Club lounge access
  • 1 night in Urban Room
  • Breakfast for 2
  • 11 a.m check-in OR 4 p.m check-out OR room upgrade (weekdays)
Book By While stocks last Book By 31 Dec 2020
Stay By 30 Jun 2021 Stay By 28 Feb 2021
Cancel N/A Cancel 48 hours before arrival
More Details More Details

Now, I knew that since I’d booked my stay through Trip.com, I’d be ineligible for any GHA Black elite benefits. But I still emailed the hotel my membership number anyway, because some of them go above and beyond even when they’re not obliged to. As expected, the reservations team replied that my booking would be ineligible for any status privileges or elite credits.

That’s why I was surprised to receive another email from the front office a week before arrival, informing me that I’d been accorded the following GHA Black benefits:

  • 6 p.m check-out
  • 2-tier upgrade to Signature Room

I certainly wasn’t about to argue with that! They also requested my arrival time, and had no issues granting a 10 a.m check-in (technically, GHA Black gets 9 a.m, but I wasn’t about to push my luck). 

PARKROYAL Pickering: Arrival and Check-in

The PARKROYAL Pickering is located in the heart of the CBD, roughly in between the Chinatown and Clarke Quay MRT stations. You can also access it from Raffles Place, although it’s roughly a 10 minute walk- not ideal when you’ve got luggage in tow. 

PARKROYAL Pickering entrance
PARKROYAL Pickering entrance

Complimentary parking is available to hotel guests, with a limit of two tickets per day (tickets are single use, so you can’t go in and out too often). 

PARKROYAL Pickering drop off
PARKROYAL Pickering drop off

I arrived at the hotel just after 10 a.m on a Tuesday morning. The hotel staff offered to sanitize my bag, a first for me but greatly appreciated (those luggage wheels get really gnarly). 

PARKROYAL Pickering entrance
PARKROYAL Pickering entrance

The lobby showcases the hotel’s approach to green architecture. Wooden extrusions above the check-in desk evoke comparisons with layers of old growth bark, indoor green walls purify the air, and running water features flow like streams along the walkways. The carpets resemble mossy growth, and a row of Balinese-inspired rattan chairs invite guests to sit and admire the gardens outside.

PARKROYAL Pickering lobby
PARKROYAL Pickering lobby
PARKROYAL Pickering lobby
PARKROYAL Pickering lobby
PARKROYAL Pickering lobby
PARKROYAL Pickering lobby

My stay came just two days after the PARKROYAL Pickering reopened for staycation guests, and although it was all quiet when I first arrived, the place filled up shortly after. 

PARKROYAL Pickering lobby
PARKROYAL Pickering lobby

Trip.com had already forwarded all my details to the hotel, and all that was left to do was provide a credit card for the deposit. A welcome drink was served, and although it was an alarming Grimace-hued purple, it actually tasted rather pleasant. 

PARKROYAL Pickering welcome drink
PARKROYAL Pickering welcome drink

The front desk confirmed my check-out time for the following day (6 p.m), as well as my club lounge benefits. Despite this, my keycard couldn’t access the lounge floor at first; I had to go back to get it reprogrammed. 

It only dawned on me after check out that I never asked about my two city bus tour tickets. I didn’t seriously expect to get them, but if you’re staying on a Trip.com booking, do ask about it- I’d be curious to know what they say. 

PARKROYAL Pickering: Signature Room

PARKROYAL Pickering corridor
PARKROYAL Pickering corridor

The PARKROYAL Pickering has 367 rooms and suites, spread across the 6th to 15th floors of the building. Rooms are divided into the following categories:

Room Size
Urban Room 28-32 sqm
Lifestyle Room 28-32 sqm
Signature Room 37 sqm
Urban Junior Suite 48 sqm
Signature Suite 73 sqm
COLLECTION Suite 166 sqm
Room 1020
Room 1020

I’d been assigned to 1020, a Signature Room on the 10th floor of the hotel. Signature Rooms are the largest category short of a suite, and occupy the corners of each floor, affording slightly more space and better views. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room

The room had a soothing earthly aesthetic, proving that you can have an all-wood décor and still look modern (pay attention, MBS). Outside the bathroom windows you can spot foliage, and the minimalist wood panels create the vibe of a Japanese onsen. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room

The overhanging sky gardens shade the rooms from the brunt of the mid-day sun, a feature intended to reduce the energy used for cooling. At the same time, windows are not tinted in order to minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day. It does mean you should lower the blinds if you intend to waltz around au naturel.

PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room
PARKROYAL Pickering Signature Room

Due to a miscommunication during booking, the hotel had set up the room for three people, with the sofa bed already deployed. 

Sofa bed
Sofa bed

Housekeeping came to rectify this shortly afterwards. The blanket for the sofa bed looks paper thin, by the way, so you may want to request extra covers if this is called into service.

Sofa
Sofa

On the coffee table was a fruit platter and a small box of chocolates for the GHA welcome amenity. 

Welcome amenity
Welcome amenity
Welcome amenity
Welcome amenity

The king-sized bed was extremely comfortable, although the pillows had a slightly odd smell that you may notice if you’re a side sleeper. 

Signature room king bed
Signature room king bed

Neither bedside table has USB charging, but you’ll find a universal power port on each side, as well as a master light switch. This doesn’t control the light at the work desk, so some getting up may still be in order. 

Bedside charging
Bedside charging
Bedside charging
Bedside charging

Also on the bedside table were three glass bottles of water. You won’t find plastic ones here, at least not in the room. 

Water bottles
Water bottles

The work desk had a comfortable Sayl chair by Herman Miller (retailing at US$545, fancy), which held up well for prolonged periods of sitting. 

Work desk
Work desk

At the work desk were a pair of universal power outlets, a single (non-functional) USB charging port, HDMI/VGA input, and surprisingly, an RCA connector. I thought these had been all but phased out by now. 

Work desk charging
Work desk charging

Wi-Fi speeds clocked in at 24.1 Mbps down/ 22.6 Mbps up, which makes the PARKROYAL Pickering one of the faster hotels for internet access. 

  🔽 Download 🔼 Upload
Mandarin Orchard 273 Mbps 294 Mbps
M Social Singapore
46 Mbps 49.Mbps
YOTELAir Changi 29 Mbps 49 Mbps
W Sentosa Cove 34 Mbps 34 Mbps
The Fullerton Hotel 23 Mbps 24 Mbps
PARKROYAL Pickering 24 Mbps 23 Mbps
InterContinental Bugis 15 Mbps 15 Mbps
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel 16 Mbps 13 Mbps
Hilton Singapore 13 Mbps 14 Mbps
Marina Bay Sands 11 Mbps 11 Mbps
Andaz Singapore 8.0 Mbps 9.5 Mbps
The Barracks Hotel 7.3 Mbps 7.7 Mbps
Hotel 81 Tristar 7.0 Mbps 6.8 Mbps
Raffles Hotel 6.9 Mbps 6.8 Mbps
Hotel Soloha 4.7 Mbps 5.1 Mbps
Internet speeds based on Speedtest.net scores

Each guest is provided with a Pan Pacific Cares hygiene kit, consisting of a disposable mask, some antiseptic wipes and a bottle of hand sanitizer. 

Hygiene kit
Hygiene kit

The mini-bar was emptied out, ostensibly due to COVID-19 restrictions. That said, I’ve been to other hotels where it remains fully stocked, so it’s really a matter of their interpretation of the rules. In any case, you’re arguably better off now, because the PARKROYAL Pickering’s mini-bar has that annoying technology which automatically bills you for an item if you so much as breathe on it. An empty fridge gives you space to store your own stuff. 

Mini-bar
Mini-bar

A Nespresso machine with four capsules and some TWG teabags were also available.

Nespresso machine
Nespresso machine
TWG tea
TWG tea

The TV in the room supported screen mirroring for your Android device, but I wasn’t able to get it working. Come to think of it, I haven’t been able to do this at any hotel I’ve visited so far. Oh, for the day when every TV simply has a built-in Netflix app…

Signature Room TV
Signature Room TV
Signature Room TV
Signature Room TV

The bathroom is relatively compact. Don’t expect to find his and hers sinks in this room; there’s barely enough space for one person to brush his teeth at a time. 

PARKROYAL Signature Room bathroom
PARKROYAL Signature Room bathroom

The toilet area is a bit of a tight squeeze when the door is closed, and unfortunately lacks a bidet hose. It’s a curious thing, given the hotel’s eco-focused credentials. Wouldn’t it be more ecologically friendly to wash with water instead of using toilet paper? 

PARKROYAL Signature Room toilet
PARKROYAL Signature Room toilet

While the toilet is cramped, the shower area thankfully is not. The space is large enough for two bench seats, with both a hansgrohe hand shower and rain shower. If you were hoping for a bathtub, only selected Lifestyle rooms offer this- be sure to check with the hotel when booking. 

PARKROYAL Signature Room shower
PARKROYAL Signature Room shower
PARKROYAL Signature Room shower
PARKROYAL Signature Room shower

Large though the shower may be, the shower head is rather paltry. It measures a mere 10 cm across, recessed in a huge cutout teasing what might have been. 

PARKROYAL Signature Room shower
PARKROYAL Signature Room shower

Bathroom amenities are from the Metis Ultra Hydration line, an Australian skincare brand. 

Metis bathroom amenities
Metis bathroom amenities
Metis bathroom amenities
Metis bathroom amenities

You’ll also find individually wrapped toothbrushes, shaving kits, shower caps and vanity kits in the amenities basket. It’s interesting that they’ve separated the toothpaste from the toothbrush; I can’t think of a scenario where you’d need one but not the other, and it does create that much more packaging waste. 

Bathroom amenities
Bathroom amenities

The beds and toilet passed the black light test, with nary a stain to be found. 

PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test

However, there were a few stains on the carpentry near the entrance and at the mini-bar. 

PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test
PARKROYAL Pickering black light test

Most of the room was in generally good condition, although the blackout shades in the toilet had small holes in them. 

Holes in bathroom shades
Holes in bathroom shades

On the whole, I thought the Signature Room was pleasant enough. The aesthetics are pleasing, the bed is comfortable, and it’s conducive for work. It would be nice if they could retroactively add USB charging capability on the bedside via a hub of some sort, and a bidet hose wouldn’t go amiss either. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge

PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge

The COLLECTION Club Lounge is located on the 16th floor and open daily from 7 a.m to 10.30 p.m. 

Access is available to guests in COLLECTION rooms; GHA Black does not grant access in and of itself. Based on past reports, this hotel does not upgrade guests into COLLECTION category rooms, so that’s something to think about if you were hoping to use the GHA Black’s two-tier upgrade to wrangle your way in. 

Officially, the club lounge only admits guests below 12 years of age between 11 a.m and 5 p.m. However, I did spy a couple with a baby during the evening cocktails, so it’s unclear how strictly this rule is enforced. 

The following meal presentations are served in the lounge:

  • Champagne Breakfast: 7 a.m to 10.30 a.m (till 11 a.m on Sat/Sun)
  • Afternoon tea: 2 p.m to 4 p.m
  • Evening cocktails: 6 p.m to 8 p.m

All-day light refreshments are also available. 

The lounge is spacious, with high ceilings that allow natural light to pour in during the day. Bookcases carve up the space into four distinct sections, and if you’re lucky, you might get one all to yourself. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge

During the evening, you’ll enjoy some commanding views of the neighbourhood through the full length windows. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge view
PARKROYAL Pickering Club Lounge view

Afternoon tea is served daily from 2-4 p.m, with the following tea and coffee choices. 

The food is based on a rotating menu that changes daily. On the day I was there, the following items were offered:

Guests can request seconds or thirds of whatever item they wish. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food- the truffle croque monsieur and kataifi prawns were the highlights. 

Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea

Evening cocktails are served from 6-8 p.m daily, with the following drink choices:

Although champagne is served during breakfast, you’ll have to settle for prosecco during the evenings. On the plus side, the club lounge has a full service bar, and the bartender can whip up a variety of drinks. In fact, the PARKROYAL Pickering offers the widest selection of cocktails I’ve seen in a club lounge so far. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Club lounge bar
PARKROYAL Pickering Club lounge bar
Margarita & whiskey sour
Margarita & whiskey sour
Lychee martini & mojito
Lychee martini & mojito

All the drinks were great, with the exception of the mojito. The first one that came was too sweet; the second had virtually no sugar. I mixed the two together, and ended up in a good place.

The evening canapes section consists of a fixed menu, as well as a rotating one. Standard options served daily include salad, cheese and crackers, fruits and a bread basket. 

The daily selection is where things get more interesting. Tuesday’s selection offered the following:

Just like tea, guests can request extra portions of whatever they like. I tried a little bit of everything, and found the Peking duck to be particularly good. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the milo praline cake is a must-try. 

Evening canapes
Evening canapes

But special mention should also be made for the Thai beef salad and tempura prawns with salted egg sauce. If you’re brave enough, eat the prawns with the accompanying chili padi for an extra kick (what do you mean it’s just for decoration?).

Evening canapes
Evening canapes
Evening canapes
Evening canapes

As good as the food was, I just wish I had a chance to sample Thursday’s (signature Pickering lobster laksa), Friday’s (Tai Wah Pork Noodles) or Saturday’s (Heng Kee Curry Chicken Bee Hoon Mee) options. PARKROYAL Pickering partners with stalls at the Hong Lim Hawker Centre to bring local dishes to the lounge, and I’m keen to see the results. Is it literally someone running over to dabao the food, or do they actually bring the hawkers in to cook? The enquiring mind wants to know. 

I’ve only reviewed a handful of club lounge experiences during Phase 2 (Hilton, Mandarin Orchard, Fullerton, InterContinental), but I’d say that this is the best of the lot so far in terms of ambiance, drinks and food (breakfast aside). 

One final comment about the lounge: they seem to have a problem with small flies. I noticed a couple during tea, but thought nothing of it until they came back again during cocktails and breakfast. I checked around with a few friends who had stayed before circuit breaker, and they told me it was a problem even in the past. These buggers have a way of landing in your food, so be warned. 

PARKROYAL Pickering: Facilities

Pool Gym Spa
Yes: 6 a.m to 8 p.m
Yes: 6 a.m to 8 p.m Yes: 10 a.m to 8 p.m
Kids’ Club Business Centre Others
No Yes N/A

The PARKROYAL Pickering’s pool, gym, spa and gardens are located on level 5, dubbed the “wellness floor”. 

Swimming Pool

PARKROYAL Pickering pool reception
PARKROYAL Pickering pool reception
🏊‍♂️ PARKROYAL Pickering Singapore Pool Timings
0600-0800 1400-1600
0800-1000 1600-1800
1000-1200 1800-2000
1200-1400  

The picturesque infinity pool at the PARKROYAL Pickering will certainly be one of the more Instagrammable moments of your stay. It’s open daily from 6 a.m to 8 p.m, and guests are entitled to a 2-hour slot per day. A maximum of 20 guests can be in the pool area at any one time, with 8 in the main pool and 4 in the jacuzzi. 

Pool slots can be booked in advance of arrival; simply email the reservations team for assistance.

⏰ 4-6 p.m is the most popular timing according to the staff, so plan accordingly.

The pool is dotted with lounge chairs and colorful yurt-like cabanas that resemble birdcages. 

PARKROYAL Pickering pool
PARKROYAL Pickering pool
PARKROYAL Pickering pool
PARKROYAL Pickering pool
PARKROYAL Pickering pool
PARKROYAL Pickering pool

These afford some additional privacy for those who want to have a meal out of the public eye, or if you have kids who need a quick nap. 

PARKROYAL Pickering cabana
PARKROYAL Pickering cabana

On the far end of the pool is a separate jacuzzi area, separated from the main pool by a walkway. 

PARKROYAL Pickering jacuzzi
PARKROYAL Pickering jacuzzi

The pool is shaded by the overhang above it, which is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, there’s little fear of sunburn. On the other, the water is freezing cold most of the day. It’d have been a lovely touch if they heated the water, actually. 

Then again, most people don’t actually come here to swim. During peak periods, expect to jostle with the selfie crowd. Try to avoid sighing audibly and asking everyone to just be in the moment.

Gym

PARKROYAL Pickering gym
PARKROYAL Pickering gym
🏋️ PARKROYAL Pickering  Gym Timings
0600-0800 1400-1600
0800-1000 1600-1800
1000-1200 1800-2000
1200-1400  

The PARKROYAL Pickering’s gym is next to the swimming pool on the 5th floor, and is open from 6 a.m to 8 p.m daily. Like the pool, every guest is entitled to a 2-hour slot per day. A maximum of six people can use the gym at any time. 

It’s a fairly small gym, but you’ll find all the essentials here- weights, cardio and strength training equipment, some of which have built-in entertainment systems. 

PARKROYAL Pickering gym
PARKROYAL Pickering gym
PARKROYAL Pickering gym
PARKROYAL Pickering gym
PARKROYAL Pickering gym
PARKROYAL Pickering gym

The gym also has bottled water in (gasp) plastic bottles. To be fair, you can’t exactly use glass bottles here, and I think COVID-19 has put an end to communal water dispensers for a while. 

PARKROYAL Pickering gym bottled water
PARKROYAL Pickering gym bottled water

Spa

St Gregory's Spa
St Gregory Spa

I didn’t visit the PARKROYAL Pickering’s St Gregory Spa, but in-house guests will enjoy a 20% discount on spa treatments with a minimum spend of S$160. 30 minute massages start at S$90++, while 60 minute massages start at S$160++. 

PARKROYAL Pickering: Breakfast

Served at Cost Style
Club Lounge or Lime S$38++ (Adult)
A la carte buffet
Hours Sparkling Wine? Discounts?
0700-1030 (Mon-Sat)
0700-1100 (Sun)
Yes (lounge) None

Breakfast at the PARKROYAL Pickering is a game of two halves. The drinks are good. You get freshly-squeezed apple, carrot or orange juice. The tea is by TWG, the coffee is, in the words of The Milelioness (renowned coffee snob) “acceptable”. Oh, and there’s champagne. 

Yes, champagne. Not prosecco, not cava, not some random Australian brut, but honest-to-God  Piper-Heidsieck champagne, the same pour that Cathay Pacific serves in Business Class. It may not be the fanciest champagne out there (retailing as low as S$55), but it’s still perfectly drinkable.

PARKROYAL Pickering breakfast champagne
PARKROYAL Pickering breakfast champagne

Staff are generous with the pours, and proactively come around offering top ups. I can only wonder why they don’t serve this in the evenings during happy hour. 

But it’s the food where PARKROYAL Pickering stumbles, serving up a limited selection of low quality offerings. It’s a jarring contrast to the opulence suggested by the term “champagne breakfast”, and it’s really nothing to get excited about. 

Here’s the menu available to club lounge guests:

Interestingly enough, the selection of food available to club lounge guests is smaller than that served in Lime Restaurant downstairs. That might be understandable back in the days of buffets, simply because of the space restrictions inherent in a club lounge setting. However, when everything is served a la carte style, it makes little sense for lounge guests to get the short end of the stick. 

Additional breakfast items available at Lime but not the club lounge include:

  • Pancakes, French Toast or Waffles
  • Wanton Noodles and Shrimp Wanton Soup
  • Poached Chicken Breast with Scrambled Eggs
  • Smoked Salmon with Avocado and Poached Egg

There’s also a chef’s special which rotates daily- on the day I was there, it was Eggs Benedict. 

It’s because of this discrepancy that the ideal strategy may be to have part A of breakfast at Lime (order the items you can’t get in the lounge), then head up to the lounge for part B (the ‘b’ stands for boozy). 

But I suspect that whether you dine at Lime or in the club lounge (which gets its food from Lime anyway), you’re going to be underwhelmed by the quality. 

Lime is more than capable of doing good local food- I was really impressed by the prawn noodles I had at lunch (see dining). And yet, the rice congee served at breakfast was plain and tasteless, without a hint of seasoning. Dim sum came to the table dried out, with a sticky wrapper that clung stubbornly to the plate. Fried rice and carrot cake were completely bland, and the former lacked any protein. 

Rice congee
Rice congee
Dim sum
Dim sum
Fried rice and carrot cake
Fried rice and carrot cake

Western items were no better. The classic American breakfast was mediocre, with soggy bacon, cheap sausage (believe me, you’ll know when you taste it), and undercooked tomato.

American breakfast
American breakfast

I asked our server if items from Lime could be brought up to the club lounge. She checked with her manager and got approval, but sadly it didn’t make much of a difference. The pancakes were dense, with an overwhelming taste of shortening/margarine (I deeply suspected premade pancake mix). The maple syrup, wild berries compote and cinnamon powder that were supposed to come with it were missing. 

Pancakes
Pancakes

As sad as it sounds, my favorite item at breakfast was the wholegrain toast, served with Lescure butter (one of the better brands out there). I ended up ordering two servings, and sat there eating toast and drinking champagne, like Lucille Bluth

Whole wheat toast
Wholegrain toast

It was sometime after my third glass of champagne that it dawned on me: this breakfast was living and dying on the booze. Without it, it’d be competing with Marina Bay Sands and Hilton for the title of “most disappointing hotel breakfast”. 

Other Dining Options

Restaurant Status as of 3 Nov 2020
Lime Open

Surprisingly, the only restaurant at the PARKROYAL Pickering is Lime. In-house guests receive 30% off the bill, as do GHA Discovery members (regardless of whether they’re staying at the hotel). 

As a reminder, there’s an ongoing AMEX Offer for dining at the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. Registered cardholders who spend at least S$100 will receive a S$50 statement credit. This can be stacked with the 30% discount for even bigger savings.

Lime

Lime Restaurant
Lime Restaurant

Lime is located in the lobby, and open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s plenty of seating, and I had no issues getting a table without a reservation during weekday lunch. 

Lime Restaurant
Lime Restaurant
Lime Restaurant
Lime Restaurant

I visited twice during my stay. The first time, I had the Lobster Risotto with Blue Swimmer Crab Meat (S$30++). It comes with half a lobster, grilled and covered in cheese. The risotto was nicely cooked, with al dente rice, and additional prawns and scallops lurking within. 

Lobster Risotto
Lobster Risotto

On the second day I had the prawn noodles (S$25++). I personally hold that Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodles at Pek Kio market does the best prawn noodles in Singapore, but this was more than respectable. There were two large king prawns (fresh, not frozen), fatty Kurobuta pork, and a delicious broth with depth. Delicious, and I’d come back again to have this. 

Prawn noodles
Prawn Noodles

Lime also offers at two-course set lunch from Monday to Saturday at S$25++, and an a la carte buffet ranging from S$68-78++ depending on day. 

PARKROYAL Pickering Service

Service in the club lounge was generally good, although it sometimes took a couple of reminders to get items served. The staff made an effort to chat with guests when they could, which is always a nice touch. 

Since I was only staying for one night, I was pleasantly surprised to return to my room after breakfast and find my room had been made up. 

Room touch ups
Room touch ups

The bed was made, my messy wires on the bedside had been neatly coiled up, and the wet swimming trunks in the bathroom were neatly hung up. 

Room touch ups
Room touch ups

Even the welcome drink I brought up from reception the previous day and hadn’t gotten around to throwing had been thoughtfully covered with a coaster. 

Room touch ups
Room touch ups

The main gripe I’d have is that the front desk isn’t particularly meticulous about billing. At check-out, I specifically asked whether the 30% off on F&B had been reflected properly. They told me it had, but when I checked the bill at home I realised they’d only done it for one day. 

I called up the hotel and was told that someone would call me back the following day, but no one ever did. I ended up having to call a second time and explain the whole thing over again to a different associate, who processed the S$8.80 refund to my card.

This was more painful than it had to be.

Conclusion

Visually speaking, the PARKROYAL Pickering is a stunner. Those exploring the grounds will be rewarded with little finds, from the spice garden and 300 metre garden walk on the 5th floor, to a viewing platform outside the 16th floor club lounge. It’s definitely a staycation spot for those who love greenery. 

Spice garden
Spice garden
Viewing platform
Viewing platform

Evening cocktails in the lounge are great, which is why it’s all the more shocking that breakfast falls so far short of the standard expected. Champagne is always welcome, but it counts for little if the food is this bad- you’d be much happier grabbing a bite at Hong Lim food centre opposite. 

That aside, it’s certainly worth a staycation at the current prices. 

Overall ranking of Phase 2 staycations
  1. Capitol Kempinski
  2. Raffles Hotel
  3. InterContinental Bugis
  4. Fullerton Hotel
  5. Andaz Singapore*
  6. PARKROYAL Pickering
  7. W Sentosa
  8. Mandarin Orchard
  9. Hotel Soloha
  10. Hilton Singapore
  11. Marina Bay Sands
  12. YOTELAIR Changi

*Andaz Singapore ranking is as per my 1 October 2020 visit; the experience has notably declined since then. 

🏨 In Summary

Stunning architecture, a beautiful pool and champagne in the morning make for happy memories at the PARKROYAL Pickering. Breakfast itself, less so.

Do say: I learned about nature here

Don’t say: I learned about the birds and the bees here

Aaron Wong
Aaron Wong
Aaron founded The Milelion to help people travel better for less and impress chiobu. He was 50% successful.

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Raymond Wee

With the new ParkRoyal Collection positioning it seemed that all the rooms have been renamed with the most notable being the club rooms and suites’ prefix from “Orchid Club” to “Collection” and the same for the lounge too. I stayed over in an “Orchid Club Premier Room” late last year and thanks to GHA Black, got a 1-step upgrade (the 2-step upgrade room was sold out at that time) to what is now the “Collection Junior Suite” and like your assessment, I found the hardware and architecture to be stunning. But I guess I was spoilt by my experiences at… Read more »

Raymond Wee

For me , at least pre-COVID, it’s the best and by far. It’s practically a full buffet for breakfast (with champagne no less), afternoon tea and dinner, and they have juices that are squeezed upon order which is quite rare in my opinion. I had a booking with them which had to be postponed again (from Good Friday to Deepavali to next year) but I do hope to visit them again.

JW19

Curious if it beats the Ritz, that’s has the full works as well

Raymond Wee

Oh yes, they were amazing too! I am not sure about it now because I had not visited it in recent times. It did not come to mind cos “sexy” as the bathroom was, I am find the decor a bit dated for my liking these days. If I am to compare my experiences between the 2, Pan Pacific offered a mind boggling array of food with something for everyone while Ritz invest in a more limited but higher quality dishes. And Ritz’s club lounge was an all day champagne kind of place…. But I don’t care for alcohol and… Read more »

Amos

If there was just one reason to stay at this hotel, it would be to hit Hong Lim Food Centre in the morning for my Outram CKT fix, and the many other wonderful things available there. Hahahaha!

Amos

Yes it is! But come to my age, buffets just don’t go down the same way they used to, so I would just hit the source right behind the hotel for that.

ZYX

Can we see report of Sofitel City Centre and the lounge offerings? Many thanks ahead!

hha3838

I stayed at Sofitel City Centre (CC) in January this year, with Exec Lounge benefits. Breakfast at the restaurant Racines was excellent both days. Very stylish chic design for the suite with Hermes toiletries but the aircon was set to Arctic mode (refused to budge any lower) and most disappointingly, room wifi connection was one of the worst ever! Club Millesime lounge is rather small and nothing to shout about- the overall ambiance and design set-up (not sure if it’s been revamped since) is more like a cafe, conducive for a quick bite and short chat. I prefer the more… Read more »

ZYX

Thanks for the info!

wowza

Don’t mean to be pedantic but the correct name is Parkroyal on Pickering. Just as Parkroyal on Beach Road.

Ian

Don’t mean to point out the irony but the irony is very strong in “Don’t mean to be pedantic” followed by an outright display of pedancy.

Bob Tham

uhh… if you don’t mean to be pedantic, then… don’t?

Curious

What about the bus tour? How was it?

Ray

Yah, was wondering abt this too as i have the trip.com ‘s package booked as well

Andrew

No bathtub!! Lol.

ttxj

Hi! The link to email reservation team does not work, are you able to share the email in the comments? Thanks!

Ttxj

According to their website, it seems like they have reduced the menu for lounge breakfast and evening cocktails pretty significantly.

Lam T

Just spent 4 nights here. The weekday is fantastic as Aaron mentioned, but it’s extremely crowded over the weekend. Getting into the Club Lounge is like a mission impossible. Even you managed to get a seat, I have to wait for 30 minutes to get my cultery and first drink.

Gabriel

Just got back from there today! The minibar was empty when we arrived, as you mentioned, but if you’re staying at a COLLECTION room you can give room service a call to replenish it with non-alcoholic drinks (once a day).

Low

My signature suite room is good but the lounge food is not appetising. Breakfast is even worse, not hot at all. I thk the nearby Toast Box can serve better breakfast.

D K

I would definitely give this hotel a wide berth despite what anyone says. Had a recent staycation in March – 100% better off just staying at home. Refer to TripAdvisor reviews – long check in queue with some waiting till 8-9pm for rooms, swimming pool closed or fully booked, only 1 restaurant opened and also fully booked, mediocre breakfast, rooms with badly stained sinks and bathtubs, “unsafe” walkways for young children (only short metal poles separating your room and the ground floor”). The list goes on … and you get an apology that they will try harder next time 🙂

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