Hotel Review: Pan Pacific Singapore (Pacific Harbour Studio)
If you are looking for a luxury hotel around the Marina Bay area in Singapore, you should definitely consider the Pan Pacific Singapore. While I have been to many different hotels in Singapore, the Pacific Club here is one of the best hotel lounges around in this city. Even though I have stayed at least 10 times in this property in the last year or so, it still remains to be one of my staycation destinations. The property is also a participating property of the DISCOVERY Loyalty Programme as part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). In my opinion, the Harbour Studio (3 categories up from the lead-in room category) is one of the most underrated rooms in the area - I love the space and the view!
I spent the Christmas Eve of 2015 at the Pan Pacific Singapore (the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore in 2014 and the Hilton Singapore in 2013) as part of my personal tradition. Since I wanted to take full advantage of my expiring Black status with the DISCOVERY Loyalty status then, I deliberately booked the Pacific Club room and enjoyed a two category upgrade (as per Black benefits) into the Pacific Harbour Studio (one that I have been dying to check out!) for Christmas Eve.
The reason why I wanted to check out the Pacific Harbour Studio is pretty straightforward - it is an upgraded version of the Harbour Studio that I have grown to love. Sure, the Skyline Suite is nice but I prefer a view of the famous Marina Bay any day. More importantly though, the Pacific Harbour Studio is not just a Harbour Studio with Pacific Club access (contrary to conventions) but the Pacific Harbour Studio (which coincidentally comes with access to the beautiful Pacific Club) comes with a killer bathroom and a bathtub - check out how big the tub is!
Seriously, the bathtub is enough for four grown adults to be in - I'm not encouraging this of course! Just merely stating the facts. What is more interesting however is that the 'walls' that separate the bathroom from the dressing area and living area are actually sliding doors which you can open fully to create a much greater sense of space. Seriously, I have never been to a room quite like that in Singapore!
The Walk-in wardrobe (which can be completely closed off) in the Pacific Harbour Studio sits comfortably between the entrance to the studio unit and the bathroom. There is ample space for hanging clothes so if you are thinking about staying here long-term (lucky you!), this room type is definitely one to consider. The wall behind the small dustbin can also be opened as it contains the iron and the ironing board.
The Pacific Harbour Studio also comes with a small living area that separates the beautiful bathroom from the bedroom. While you may partition the living area from the bathroom, there is only a false divider between the bedroom and this space which you can't close off completely. The living area comes with a decent work desk, a huge sofa and a TV for you to laze your afternoons away. If you prefer to watch your own programs (especially with Netflix now) or listen to your music, you may also connect to the Smart TV and speakers via a range of connectivity options.
You will find a Nespresso Machine in the Pacific Harbour Studio - one of those small touches that I truly appreciate - so there is no need to go up to the Pacific Club whenever you need a coffee. The coffee capsules are also replenished during evening turndown and in the morning when you call for housekeeping so feel free to trade your sleep for coffee. The Pan Pacific Singapore utilises one of those minibars that has weight sensors - anything that is taken out of the fridge for a few seconds will be charged to your room. Do note that this also applies to items that you place on top of the drinks. As far as I know, say slot number one is supposed to be 200g and you place a 100g chocolate on top of it, the total weight becomes 300g and this will show on your bill when you check out. With that being said, I have never really had any issues getting them to waive off the invalid room charges upon checking out - the Pacific Club staff are amazing!
The bedroom which is located towards the end of the Pacific Harbour Studio, comes with another TV and a view to boot - seriously, this has got to be one of the best views around if you like the Marina Bay area. Sure the Marina Bay Sands is nice but what is the point when you are staying in the building itself and can't admire the structure for afar? There is also a chair by the window if you enjoy reading under some natural daylight.
Just in case you are still not convinced about the view from the Pacific Harbour Studio, this is it - just off the top of my head, I can name quite a number of famous landmarks in Singapore - the Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, the Fullerton Hotel and the Merlion. If for some reason you wish to close the curtains or day shades, there is a remote control that is located by the window where you will be able to control them (separately) automatically - pretty neat!
As a Black DISCOVERY Loyalty member (as well as a Pacific Club guest), I was given a bunch of welcome amenities which include a fruit platter, a box of chocolates, a jar of cookies and two bottles of Evian drinking water - I wonder if those cookies can be purchased because boy were they good!
I cannot recommend the Pacific Club at the Pan Pacific Singapore enough - seriously if you are thinking about staying in, opt for a room or suite with club access since the quality of food and drinks you get here is pretty great. Here's what you get as a Pacific Club Guest:
- Champagne breakfast at Pacific Club or buffet breakfast at Edge, from 6:00am to 10:30am
- Afternoon tea from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
- Evening cocktails and canapés from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
- 24-hour club service
- Late check-out until 2:00pm
- Arrival and departure limousine service for guests staying at Pacific Skyline Suites, Harbour Suites or at the Presidential Suite
- Use of Pacific Club private dining rooms for up to two hours with prior reservation
- 50% savings on secretarial services at the Pacific Centre
- A choice of pillows from our Pillow Menu
- Pressing and laundry of up to two pieces of clothing per night of stay (non-cumulative)
- Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages from the in-room mini bar
The food here is consistently good and since I have been here on multiple occasions (yes, out of my own expense), the club manager Rafael actually recognises me - kudos to excellent memory! Even though evening cocktails run from 6PM to 8PM, it is a good idea to head up slightly earlier (say 545PM) in order to get the better seats - you wouldn't want to miss the table that faces the Marina Bay Sands during the evening laser show.
The Pan Pacific Singapore remains to be one of my personal favourite hotels for a staycation in Singapore. As mentioned earlier before, as a Black Member of the DISCOVERY Loyalty Program, I am given a 9AM early check-in and 6PM late check-out where available - this benefit alone extends my staycation from 22 hours to 33 hours. That double upgrade that happens every time I stay is also something that attracts me thoroughly.
Pan Pacific Singapore
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595
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Swissôtel The Stamford offers stunning views of Marina Bay and a prime City Hall location, making it an excellent choice for international visitors. While the L65 Lounge serves substantial evening food, the limited alcohol selection might not suit all guests, but the hotel is still a great option for those wanting to experience Singapore’s iconic sights.