Singapore is blessed with hotels of every comfort hue. There are a few cheap and cheerful (if you are lucky) small hotels and a wealth of high-end spots to lay one’s travel-weary head. But as with property of any kind, it’s location, location, location that adds the word ‘memorable’ to ‘comfort’.
Park Regis Singapore is centrally located in the heart of the city and that’s just where you will want to be, and especially if your break is a short one. There is so much that is within walking distance, and that’s ‘easy’ walking distance.
Chinatown will likely be on your must-see list and it’s only 10 minutes away. There are more souvenir shops than one could shake an ornamental chop-stick at, and dozens of restaurants offering anything from dim sum on which to snack to full Szechuan banquets over which to sweat.
Park Regis has a metro station just across the road. Clarke Quay MRT serves the eponymous neighbourhood just a short walk away, with its restored warehouses which are now forming a hub of Singapore nightlife. Set on the Singapore River this is a tranquil spot for a coffee during the day, but it comes alive when the sun goes down.
That handy metro stop offers Park Regis guests fast, clean and safe transport to all Singapore attractions. It’s just a few stops to the remarkable Marina Bay Sands complex with its iconic three hotel towers. That’s right next to Gardens by the Bay with its huge metallic trees. Little India has a metro station – go here for some stunning fabrics. Orchard Road is all about tempting shops and boutiques, and the metro will take you directly into its largest shopping mall.
Yes, Park Regis is a well-placed base from which to explore the city but you will want a haven from the rigors of sight-seeing and you will find it here. The service is impeccable and friendly and that’s welcome after a jet-lagging flight that will have you longing for your room.
This is a fairly new hotel so everything is pristine and smart. Plenty of dark wood but rooms are light and airy and ours had windows on three sides. There is broadband internet access, 42″ LCD TV, cable TV with plenty of channels and Interactive TV (IPTV) and movies on demand, although it’s unlikely you will find time for much viewing. The individually controlled air-conditioning is a necessity as are the spacious shower, crisp sheets and a good night’s sleep.
Park Regis has its own restaurant and several bars but breakfast here is a treat. Hotels in Asia can be a joy for food lovers. They cater to both western and eastern tastes and so present guests with lots of early-morning grazing opportunities. There are the usual traditional goods such as mounds of bacon, sausages (these were chicken), eggs and potatoes but so much more. The omelette station was popular with both Asians and Europeans but there were also steamed buns and dumplings and congee for anyone looking for a Chinese start to the day. Japanese guests had miso soup and there was also a simmering pot of Laksa with its array of condiments for those who want a taste of Malaysia.
So you have had a substantial breakfast and roamed the city for hours and now it’s time to unwind. Park Regis has its own pool in which to cool. There is a fully equipped gym for anyone who needs a bit more exercise, and you will never be far from a snack or a drink. For those unfortunates who must work, there is a full-service Business Centre providing secretarial services. There are iMac workstations with complimentary broadband internet access. Rental of mobile phones and laptops and private meeting rooms are available.
Park Regis ticks all the boxes for this traveller. Yes, its location is unbeatable but it’s that combined with all the other elements of comfort and kindness that makes this one of my favourite hotels in the area. It’s cosy, charming, practical and good value.
Park Regis – Singapore
23 Merchant Road
Singapore 058268
Phone: + (65) 6818 8888
Fax: + (65) 6818 8868
Reservations – sing@parkregissingapore.com
Functions & Events – eventssin@parkregishotels.com
Travel review by Chrissie Walker © 2018
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