InterContinental Singapore Staycation

The InterContinental Singapore officially opened in 1995 and has since then been a characteristic landmark of Singapore. Decorated in Peranakan and Colonial style, this iconic property has remained an exemplary example of impeccable hospitality over the years. 

While many first time visitors to Singapore may choose to stay around Orchard Road and the Marina Bay area, seasoned travelers will know that the MRT network in Singapore is extensive and it's really easy to get around places pretty quickly. Surrounding this tastefully old-fashioned hotel is a treasure trove filled with rich cultural heritage, excellent food, affordable shopping and a side of the city that visitors don't usually associate with. It is also situated conveniently above the East West Line (Bugis MRT) and the newly opened Downtown Line. 

The IHG mobile application allowed me to export my reservation confirmation into Passbook. This in reality serves minimal purpose since they can easily look up my reservation using my name on the credit card. Whilst the official check-in and check-out times are 3pm and 12pm respectively, rooms may be available earlier (or later) if you email in advance to ask. Correspondence between the InterContinental Singapore team was professional and timely - something you would expect from a leader in hospitality. 

For this stay, I stayed in a non-smoking Club InterContinental Room with Club InterContinental Lounge access and benefits. I arrived at the main lobby area to check-in but was met with a large crowd. I then approached the concierge who showed me to the InterContinental Club for an expedited check-in. I was offered a drink while I waited for the staff to verify whether my room was ready. The friendly staff then ran through all club benefits (including but not limited to Afternoon Tea, Cocktail Hour, Breakfast) with me. As a Platinum IHG member I was also given two free drinks at the Victoria Bar downstairs, a 3pm late check-out and some dining benefits. It is worth noting that InterContinental Hotels have a separate (paid) loyalty program that complements the IHG program - InterContinental Ambassador. 

I received a handwritten welcome letter alongside a Club InterContinental letter detailing all Club benefits at check-in. Although I have received welcome letters from General Managers of other luxury hotels, none of them were actually handwritten like this one which I thought provided a really nice personal touch. 

Being almost two decades old and having a colonial theme meant that the rooms were not going to be swanky like the W Hotel. I was given a corner room in the main hotel building and was also told that it will be slightly bigger. Honestly, I was initially taken aback by the antiquated look of the room. Compared to the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport that I stayed a couple of weeks ago, this room was indeed on the other end of the spectrum when measuring the modernism of interior décor. 

However, the room was indeed very spacious. Apart from the huge reception area as shown in the photo above, the bedroom and bathroom were large as compared to other luxury properties in Singapore. The Peranakan tiles inspired carpet was classy and although the room décor was slightly dated, it was well maintained. There was also a pillow menu boasting seven different kinds of pillow, ensuring that every guest gets the best sleeping experience.

Nonetheless, I did have one minor issue with the room. Whilst the curtains managed to block out most of the light to ensure darkness for sleeping, some light still managed to seep through the sides. This may pose as an issue for light sleepers wanting to sleep in. This was also prevalent in the bathroom so I highly suggest closing the bathroom doors to minimise the light coming through in the morning. 

The bathroom was extremely roomy boasting a separate shower area and a deep bathtub that overlooked certain areas of Bugis, allowing for a glance over the Marina Bay and City Hall area. Bathroom amenities were provided by Agraria, a boutique brand from San Francisco that provides for InterContinental Hotel & Resorts worldwide. I was not a huge fan of the Lemon Verbena scent as it vaguely reminds me of detergent but some may find it uplifting to some extent. 

I had a stroll around the property briefly before heading to the Club for Afternoon Tea (2.30pm to 5pm). The lobby lounge exhibited an air of elegance and was stunning from the second level. Natural light streamed in from the glass ceiling on the sides, illuminating the entire area in a luminous amber while refined and almost opulent chandeliers hung from above, completing the entire symphony of grandeur. 

Being a huge lover of natural lighting (in the comfort of air-conditioning), I particularly liked the area outside of Man Fu Yuan - one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Singapore that serves authentic Cantonese cuisine and delicate Dim Sums. 

Entering the main area of the InterContinental Club, it is evident that the interior décor of the Club has been heavily inspired by authentic Peranakan-style furniture. It was quiet as some executive level guests tucked themselves away in little corners on their laptops. Tea was served in beautiful teapots with real tea leaves and tea snacks included focaccias, wraps, cookies and some tradition Nyonya snacks. I liked how there was ample space between couches and tables. 

However, this was a problem when it came to Cocktail Hour (5.30pm to 7.30pm). After calling for a turndown service, I arrived at the InterContinental Club at 6.30pm, the entire area was taken up and I had to eventually share a table with a guest. That being said, it was not an unpleasant experience but you should definitely head down the Club early if you would like a table (or the comfy sofas) on your own. The beverage menu for Cocktail Hour was quite extensive as it covered a handful of popular cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and other beverages. I thought the Singapore Sling was pretty delicious and I highly recommend you begin quenching your thirst with that. Canapés such as cheese, Dim Sum, pastries, salads, fruits and other nibbles were also served alongside alcohol. 

Upon returning to my room, the turndown service has already been completed. Water and shampoo was replenished, extra bath towels were given, curtains have been drawn and slippers were placed on the side of the bed. Laundry bags were also placed on the bed for easy access should you require any laundering or pressing done. While the turndown service was completed in a timely manner, I thought the Pan Pacific Singapore did a much better job in comparison. The latter allowed for a guest to request for turndown services through the press of a button and the rooms were turned down to almost a brand new state. 

Overlooking the busy streets of Bugis, I took a long and deep soak in the tub before calling it a night.

The next morning, I chose to have breakfast at the Olive Tree restaurant instead of the InterContinental Club as I was interested in a more extensive breakfast buffet (6.30am to 10.30am). Upon reaching the restaurant at approximately 9am, there was a line waiting to enter the restaurant. I waited approximately ten minutes which was not half as bad as I thought it would be. 

Unlike other restaurants where you had to either wait in line for an omelette or to come back later to pick it up, the Olive Tree staff will send your order to your table as long as you have your table number handy. The restaurant was packed and the wait for a cooked to order item had an at least 5-7 minutes wait. Quality of food was average in my opinion and the variety was limited. The Pan Pacific Singapore still has the best breakfast that I've had in Singapore so I highly recommend them for a weekend staycation.  

I then went to check out the hotel facilities after breakfast. The hotel pool (on level four) was pretty small and the tanning areas were rather limited. That being said, it was still a rather quiet area that one could enjoy a leisurely swim. 

The hotel gym (on level three), like most hotel gyms, was dated and lacked a variety of gym machines. However, I have to say that the InterContinental Singapore gym did have a handful of threadmills available for her guests alongside some decent workout machines. Let's be honest though, who's going to use the gym when you're on a staycation? Then again, if you're here on business and don't already have a global gym membership, it's easy to burn off those Peranakan goodies from the previous day right here. 

As I made my way back to the room, I realised an uncanny resemblance of these white washed walls to a particular scene in the movie Titanic. As mentioned before, albeit having an old fashioned colonial design, the interiors were extremely well taken care of and did not show signs of age through wear and tear at all. 

As I spent some time in bed catching up on my weekly reads and some television, I realised that guests of the InterContinental Singapore were able to download an extensive range of newspaper/magazines for free via the PressReader Application. I already have a subscription to this service so it does not really apply to me but I'm sure international travelers will appreciate the flexibility of reading the newspaper from home on a tablet of your choice.

Whilst I know that some hotels and good libraries around the world do offer similar privileges, I was quite surprised that this was not mentioned at check-in or at the InterContinental Club. I really enjoy the PressReader subscription (for US$30 a month) and I think it's a really good investment but more on this another time.

I enjoyed one last glance of the grand lobby as patrons enjoyed their Sunday brunch. Although the InterContinental Singapore has lived up to its standards by ensuring a high level of service and attentiveness to details, I don't think I will be back soon. With the same price to pay, I think the Pan Pacific Singapore or the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport serve as better candidates for the perfect weekend staycation in Singapore. 

However the Club room privileges do provide a nice touch of luxury and privacy for discerning guests or simply travelers who enjoy a more intimate setting. If you're a business traveler or simply a traveler who is searching for an alternative area to stay in (apart from Orchard or Marina Bay), I would definitely recommend the InterContinental Singapore for some good old fashioned luxury whilst you immerse yourself in the grandeur of the property and the rich heritage of the Bugis area. 

Book your next InterContinental stay here. 

InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966
Website | Email

Hotel Review: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport (Deluxe Room)

Coming in fifth place and voted as one of the World's Top 10 Airport Hotels by the World Airport Awards, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport sits quietly in a corner of Terminal 3. That being said, the entrance to the hotel cannot be easily missed as clear signage from the MRT Station and around the terminal points you towards the property. Once in a while, a hotel exceeds my expectations by showing me what it has to offer. My recent staycation at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport over the weekends has inspired me to take more photos than usual as I really liked what is done with the overall property design. Email communications with the hotel were also replied promptly which is always a good telltale sign of a healthy property.

The walls of the walkway allowed natural lighting to come in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that I believe will be beneficial for weary travelers. Personally, the airport is a pretty cold place (metaphorically speaking and otherwise). However, the passageway actually created this bridge of distinction between a place of hospitality and a place of transit. 

The location of this hotel is excellent for both business travelers and guests coming for staycations. There is a supermarket approximately ten minutes walk away with a range of dining options that cater for different tastes and budgets. Many of these restaurants are also open 24 hours so you can be sure to satisfy a midnight craving or a post-flight hunger pang. 

The check-in process was almost painless and since I was approximately an hour early, I had to wait a couple of minutes while they checked on the condition of the room. As an IHG Platinum member, I was upgraded to a Club Room on the executive floor with direct pool access from my room. I was also offered a 4pm late check-out (which was highly beneficial since it started pouring around 12pm), two welcome drinks at the bar, a fruit platter as well as some discounts for laundry and restaurants within the hotel. I went up to check out my room once I was told that my room was ready. However, upon reaching the entrance of my room, I realised that there was a pair of work shoes in front of the door and I pressed the doorbell to check if there was indeed someone in my room. Surprisingly, housekeeping was still in the room and so I showed myself to the Club Lounge while I waited for the room to be ready (for real this time). 

The Club Lounge was vacant when I visited and I was quickly offered a drink by the staff after selecting a seat overlooking the magnificent garden pool. The coffee was a standard caffeine infused beverage that one may expect from a coffee machine. On this note, I do not remember the last time an Executive Club Lounge actually served real coffee. My room was ready in about five minutes after sitting down, and I was told that my room was special because it was one of the few rooms with direct access to the pool. 

The room like most modern hotel rooms, came with a deep soaking tub behind a glass wall that overlooked the bedroom (and more importantly, the TV). The bathroom also came equipped with in-built speakers to make sure whatever you're watching is audible even when you're enjoying a good soak. I really enjoyed the almost-symmetry arrangement of my bedroom. The floral mural across the walls and bathroom glass actually did create a rather soothing effect to the overall atmosphere of the room. While instant coffee was provided, one thing that was lacking in the room however was a coffee machine. However, being on the executive floor meant that I could hop over the Club Lounge quickly for a caffeine fix whenever I wanted to. 

As mentioned previously, one of the full-length window panels open up to the swimming pool directly. While one may question the difficulty of taking a lift down to the pool level, having it literally at your door step is a luxury due to the ease of access.

IHG Platinum members also enjoyed complimentary internet that was accessible via my room. It is worth noting however that a more expensive and supposedly higher speed internet was available at an additional fee. Like most other IHG properties, this complimentary internet (24 hours) was available for up to 4 devices. The spacious work desk that overlooks the beautiful garden area, allows for the business traveler to catch up quickly on work before the temptation of taking a dip in the pool takes over. 

One of the benefits of club rooms is the cocktail hour where drinks and canapes are served. The cocktail hour for Crowne Plaza Changi Airport ran from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, offering a range of alcoholic beverages and evening snacks. Apart from the delicious Shiraz that I was offered, I particularly liked the sweets that were served. A club room is always a good decision if you intend to have a drink of two at the hotel. 

I was unable to resist the temptation for a swim after the cocktail hour (although swimming after drinking is questionable). However, it is worth knowing that the pool isn't heated. While some may call the cold refreshing, it was not pleasant to me initially. Once you're warmed up however, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings, the control tower and the regular flight take-offs from the pool. Times like these, you'd wish you have a pool access room. 

Bathroom amenities were from The White Company. The invigorating scent from these products was the perfect complement to an after-swim rinse down. 

Light sleepers need to note that the sounds from airplanes taking off are not completely blocked off as the rooms are not sound-proof. That being said, as a relatively light sleeper myself, the noise did not affect me much as I didn't have trouble sleeping. In fact, I thought the beds were amazing to sleep in. Additionally, the rooms are designed to allow for natural lighting to come into the bathroom and the entrance. To ensure that you have near complete darkness, it is highly recommended that you draw the blinds for the bathroom and at the entrance of the door. 

I chose to have breakfast at Azur on level two instead of the Club Lounge as I fancied a little more variety over privacy. Featuring two open concept kitchens, the restaurant offered a mix of Western and Eastern cuisines for her guests. IHG Rewards Club members have a reserved seating area which is positioned strategically in front of the omelette station. 

After breakfast, I took a leisurely stroll back to the room as there was no need to rush. The 4pm late checkout for Platinum IHG Members is definitely a much appreciated luxury. I enjoyed a lazy afternoon by the pool (after the rain has subsided) and watched as the planes went by. After returning to the room after my swim, I requested for some additional bath amenities to be sent up. However, these were never sent up and I just requested it from a housekeeping staff who was around the corridor approximately twenty minutes later. This is actually the first property that I have encountered to fail in delivering additional amenities. 

After checking out, I went to the Lobby Lounge to redeem my 'Welcome Drink' (which was evidently my departure drink). I really liked how the natural light illuminates the entire area while boasting a garden view. A quiet weekend at this amazing property topped off with a glass of Merlot. There's really not much more I can ask for... except maybe for that heated pool dream to come true. 

Book your next Crowne Plaza visit here.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
75 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819664
Website | Email

Conrad Bali - A Strategy

Profit maximising businesses are often interested in one thing. They are often concerned with the optimum level at which the business operates. In many instances, they want to know what is the best price to sell a product or service in order to maximise revenue. As such, they sometimes hire consultancy firms to help them with pricing and strategy (amongst many other things), hoping that it will help them drive profit. In economics, this is known as the efficient frontier. In day-to-day life, I call this is a simple cost benefit analysis. More simply put, what are you willing to pay for an extra unit of enjoyment. 

I recently made a reservation for a weekend at the Conrad Bali. The initial motivation was simple - I needed a vacation and the Conrad Bali seemed like a property that I will enjoy. As a Hilton Gold member, I earn 25% bonus on my base points earning (US$1 = 10 Points). Additionally, since I selected Points and Points as my preferred method for point accumulation, I also get a 50% bonus on base points, resulting in a total of 75% bonus on base earnings when combined with the Gold benefit. 

I looked around the Conrad Bali website and realised that they were having a special 10th Year Anniversary promotion rate which comes with a range of benefits. This rate is valid for bookings made by 31 March 2014 for stays through 31 December 2014. More details can be found via the website. 

The promotion included daily buffet breakfast for two, return airport transfer (US$22 each way usually), 60-minutes body massage for two at the Jiwa Spa, 15% discount on F&B and as a Gold HHonors member, I also received a complimentary upgrade to the next room category as well as 10,000 bonus points.  

Since I wanted the Deluxe Ocean King room, I booked the Deluxe Resort King room (one tier below the room I wanted) for the complimentary upgrade. Whilst most Hilton properties do provide a one-tier minimum level of upgrade for Gold HHonors members, this upgrade was always subjected to availability. Since I really wanted the Deluxe Ocean King room, I decided to go for the aforementioned anniversary promotion as the upgrade is guaranteed in this rate. As a rule of thumb, it is also worth calculating what the upcharge of the next room type is, in order to find the optimum room category that you should book given your willingness and capability to pay. To illustrate my point, consider the following example: 

The room rates for the Conrad Bali are as follow (excluding tax and service tax): 

1. Deluxe Garden King (US$185) 
2. Deluxe Resort King (US$205)
3. Deluxe Ocean King (US$245)

If I were to select Option 1 and got upgraded to Option 2, I would effectively benefit from a US$20 upgrade (in terms of monetary value). However, if I were to select Option 2 and got upgraded to Option 3, I would have gotten a US$40 upgrade instead. Of course having said that, calculations like that should only serve as a guide in your decision making process. It is fair to assume that the rooms get better with higher prices (although this may not be the case for all properties) and thus, sometimes spending a little more can get you a lot more benefits.  

In conjunction with the Conrad Bali promotion for 10,000 bonus points, there are also two concurrent promotions that are valid with this stay. As the first Conrad/Waldorf Astoria property that I am staying this year, I will gain 2,000 bonus points. Additionally, I also gain 2,000 bonus points for each night in a Conrad/Waldorf Astoria property. Since I am staying for two nights, I will be getting 4,000 bonus points from this targeted promotion. Every US$ spent on the property will also give me a net 17.5 points (10 points from normal earnings, 5 points from the selected point accumulation method and 2.5 points as a Gold HHonors member bonus). Since the total stay is approximately US$500, I will gain roughly 8,750 points from the stay. Additionally, since breakfast is included in my rate, I have opted for the 1,000 bonus points as a My Way bonus for Hilton Gold members. In total, this stay will earn me the following number of points:

Base: 5,000
50% Bonus: 2,500
Gold VIP 25%: 1,250
My Way Bonus: 1,000
Brand 1st Stay Bonus: 2,000
2k Points Offer: 4,000 (two nights)
Anniversary: 10,000
TOTAL: 25,750 Points

Valued at $0.005 per point, these points are worth approximately US$129. To put things into perspective, some properties in countries that I am intending to go have a reward night at only 10,000 points. This means that I have effectively earned myself 2 free stays at a hotel of my choice. It is however important to note that the number of points required for each property may vary greatly. For example, the Conrad Koh Samui (Category 7) requires 95,000 points a night whilst some Category 1 hotels require only 5,000 points for a free night. 

In Singapore where we do not have any branded hotel credit card, it is extremely difficult to earn points/status across most hotel chains. With regards to earning Hilton HHonors points with credit card spend, Citibank gives you 2 Hilton HHonors points for 5 Citi$. Since non-promotional spending gains you only 1 Citi$ per SGD 1 spend, you are effectively getting only 0.4 Hilton HHonors points per SGD 1. The credit cards in Singapore pale in comparison when comparing to the Hilton HHonors Surpass Card (AMEX) in the US that earns you 12 base points with each dollar spent on Hilton property. 

I charged my Conrad Bali bill to my UOB PRVI Miles Platinum (AMEX) card instead. Although I can not redeem my UNI$ for Hilton HHonors points, I have gotten 812 UNI$ since I was billed in a foreign currency (6.25x multiplier), which is equivalent to approximately 1,600 miles. Additionally, because this transaction was travel related and more than SGD 500, I will be given a free limousine ride (either Mercedes or Chrysler) to the Airport for my Bali trip.  

Is this the optimal solution to booking my trip? The answer is no. Everyone of us places different levels of importance on different things. While some of us may value points over cash backs, there are many people out there who are interested in reducing the total amount of expenditure. It is therefore important for you to know what matters to you first, and then find the optimal way of doing things.  

Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium

Whilst I enjoyed the town and city area of Singapore, I was craving for some place different. As such, I went to the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium for a staycation this weekend. I checked into the hotel at 1pm and the front office already had my details on file. Although I had initially booked for a superior room, I was awarded a two level upgrade to an Executive Room on level 26 (with access to the Executive Lounge on top the floor - level 27) with my Platinum Elite status with IHG Rewards Club. The duty manager at the counter introduced himself and handled the check-in personally which was a nice touch. I was also given two free welcome drinks at the Lobby Lounge that I could redeem for wine, beer or other drinks. On top of that, free breakfast was also awarded to me as the hotel was running some lucky draw promotion for the time being. I was then given a name card containing a direct line to the duty manager in case I needed anything at all during my stay. 5/5 stars for the duty team and the level of service they have provided to their Platinum Elite members. 

It is worth noting that IHG has the most number of properties worldwide and therefore, if you're looking for only one hotel loyalty programme that you can benefit the most from, it is definitely a strong contender. Amongst other perks that participating hotels may extend to Platinum Elite members, we also benefit from free internet, complimentary room upgrades, 50% bonus earning on base points, priority check-in and late check-outs. 

Although the dated decor continues to affect the hotel holistically for many, I found it to be charming in its own way. While the room was not immense, it was extremely clean and it had everything I needed. I was greeted with complimentary drinks and a fruit basket when I entered the room. There was also a Pillow Menu detailing over 6 types of pillows that I could choose from to make my stay more enjoyable. 

The bathroom whilst not having a separate bath and shower area was clean and the chrome was sparkling. The toiletries were an in-house brand but they smelt really good. Toothbrush and other basic toiletries seem to be made of a more sustainable material and were definitely of greater quality even compared to most of the more expensive hotels in the area. One thing you will most definitely notice when you stay in this hotel is the view from above. 

I really enjoyed how the atrium looks from the top. The symmetry that accentuates the very structure of this architecture proves to be both pleasing to the eye as well as intriguing in some ways. 

The Executive Lounge at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium as mentioned earlier, is located on Level 27 and is only accessible with a valid key card. I accessed the Executive Lounge at approximately 5pm only to find it completely empty with only a handful of staff around. They were preparing for the cocktail hour from 6pm but were quick to take my drink orders. Although the lounge was not luxurious, it exuded a rustic and cozy sort of charm. I've heard from seasoned travelers that the very same lounge offers a great view of the fireworks on National Day at the Marina Bay area. Following a quick caffeine fix, I decided to take a walk around Robertson Quay before returning to my room. 

I returned just in time for the cocktail hour and there was a basic range of drinks to choose from on top of the usual offerings - red, white, sparkling and beers. The food options were limited and rather lackluster so I would recommend giving the cocktail hour a miss unless you're really too lazy to go out of the hotel. I was greeted with an amazing view -  the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel near the popular night club Zouk as well as the Great World City - from my room when I got back.

In the morning, I chose to have my breakfast at the Melting Pot Cafe instead of the Executive Lounge since I favour variety for my meals. The food was decent for a four star hotel - nothing too fancy with mostly predictable offerings. There was an omelette station for all you egg lovers out there but if you're here to visit Singapore, take my tip - skip breakfast in the hotel and take a walk along Robertson Quay instead. 

All things considered, the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium proves to be a fantastic property that offers you both great service and value. I will definitely be back soon to enjoy what this charming property and its surroundings have to offer.

Book your next Holiday Inn stay here. 

Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
317 Outram Road, Singapore 169075
Website | Email

PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur

I had to go to Kuala Lumpur to attend a friend's wedding in January and I chose the PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur for two nights worth of accommodation. After touching down at 9am, I booked for a prepaid taxi at the ALM Cabs counter located in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) arrival hall. It costed me 75 Malaysian Ringgit to get to the hotel and I was there in just under 45 minutes. 

I have chosen the Orchid Club King room for this trip. Upon reaching the hotel at approximately 10am, I proceeded directly to the check-in counter who then guided me towards the Orchid Club located on level six for check-in. Firstly, this is one of the few properties where Club guests check-in separately (and therefore do not need to queue). Secondly, I was not expecting my room to be ready and I just wanted to leave my bags at the hotel before heading out. To my surprise however, they had the room ready and the staff were more than happy to extend the club benefits for an early check-in. My Platinum status with GHA did not get me much this trip - possibly only a late check-out of 2pm. 

My room was located on the fifth floor (one level under the Orchid Club). It is worth noting that all club rooms are located in a separate wing/building from the other rooms. There is also a dedicated lift that services levels one to six for the Orchid Club rooms. The room was spacious and it had a separate working desk/seating area. There wasn't a pillow menu for the room and the pillows were too soft for my liking. There was also no coffee machine and only basic teabags/instant coffee/bottled water were provided. 

The bathroom was clean and spacious (although the bathtub was slightly smaller than what I am used to). It has a separate rain shower (which came with a seating area inside) and bath area. The toiletries were from the St. Gregory Spa and weren't too fancy. There was practically no view from any Orchid Club Rooms since the highest floor is only five levels up (but the Suites are located in the main building). 

Buffet breakfast was served from 630am to 1030am in Chatz Brasserie, located on the Lower Ground level. There was a wide selection of continental breakfast items as well as Asian flavours (which tasted really good). Personally, I think the best part of the hotel is possibly the location. It is located just across Sungei Wang and next to Lot 10 which meant that you can get pretty decent food at really good prices (approximately 10 Malaysian Ringgit). Also, you could essentially walk to the Pavilion and the Suria KLCC building in about five to fifteen minutes respectively.

Overall, a pretty good property but I probably will not pay for the Orchid Club rooms again since they were not as impressive as I thought they would be. I would rather spend the same amount of money in Grand Hyatt or the Mandarin Oriental the next time. 

PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 
Website | Email

Pan Pacific Orchard

Nestled away one of the busiest areas of Singapore - Orchard Road, the Pan Pacific Orchard is hidden to offer both convenience and the quiet that may be desired. With the completion of renovations in 2012, the refurbished property with only 206 rooms provide the level of intimacy and privacy that many other luxury hotel chains fail to provide. 

I've recently stayed at the Pan Pacific Orchard in an Executive Room, after being upgraded from a Premium Room (one of the benefits of having Platinum status in the Global Hotel Alliance Discovery Programme. I was also given a late checkout until 3pm as a Platinum member (instead of 12pm). Consequently,  if you are a member of a major airline partner, you may also earn miles on each qualifying stay. As a Krisflyer member, I earn 500 miles per stay (which makes short stays more lucrative).

The check-in process was swift as I am a returning guest. Upon presentation of my credit card (and NRIC/Passport for first time visitors), I received confirmation that my room was ready and was informed of the breakfast timing (0600hrs to 1030hrs). Newspaper and wakeup call preferences were then confirmed before I was being directed towards my room. 

Pan Pacific Orchard - Executive Room

The most important things to me for a staycation (in order of importance) include:

1. Deep Bathtub
2. Comfortable Bed
3. View
4. Toiletries
5. Breakfast (where applicable)

The Executive Room boasts a deep bathtub, a comfy king-sized bed and a range of toiletries from Elemis. Unfortunately though, similar to my previous visit, the view was nothing to be excited about. I had a view of the swimming pool downstairs but the general view was blocked by the architecture of the hotel building with constructions happening outside the hotel area. 

Pan Pacific Orchard - Executive Room (Bathroom) 

Breakfast at 10 on Claymore was not extensive and whilst it did contain a variety of items as listed below, there were only about 3-4 items for each major category.

Breakfast Food Category:

• Cereal
• Western
• Asian
• Omelette/Pancake Station
• Fruit Juice
• Coffee and Tea (by Gryphon Tea Company)
• Cheese
• Fruit section

Pan Pacific Orchard
10 Claymore Road, Singapore 229540
Website | Email