The PARKROYAL on Pickering St, a PARKROYAL Collection hotel that received the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award is a beauty and in some sense, a marvel in hotel architecture. Participating in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) programme, members can enjoy a range of benefits and privileges depending on membership tier.

I made a reservation for an Orchid Club Deluxe room for my birthday and was told that I was upgraded for being a Platinum member under the GHA program. However, I realised that no upgrades in terms of room tiers were made - I probably enjoyed a room on a higher floor as a result of this "upgrade".

Exclusive Orchid Club Lounge Privileges

Complimentary welcome drink
All-day refreshments
Champagne breakfast
Afternoon tea
Evening cocktails (6.00pm – 8.00pm). Club guests are allowed to invite one guest up at no additional charge.
Exclusive access to outdoor rooftop terraces

Business and Housekeeping Services

Complimentary in-room wired and wireless Internet access
Priority check-in and check-out
Complimentary local calls
Housekeeping services (twice daily)
Two pieces of laundry per day, accumulative during your stay
Suit pressing (two pieces upon arrival)
Shoe shine service available from 7.30am to 10.00pm
Complimentary non-alcoholic executive bar
20% savings on all Business Centre services

Dining and Leisure

20% savings at Lime, the open-kitchen restaurant located at Level 1 (applicable for a la carte menu only)

As seen from the privileges above, club level guests should enjoy (i) priority check-in/check-out and a (ii) complimentary welcome drink. I did not receive both for this stay. While the architecture and design of the property have impressed me, the level of service did not. There were no clear signs or staff around to ensure that guests that were on Club level or those with GHA membership were served first. I was also not offered a welcome drink at the property despite it being listed as one of the privileges. It is worthwhile to note that it is common practice in other properties for Club level guests to check in at the executive lounge instead.

The room was spacious and it included a extensive range of amenities. My room had a partial view of Clarke Quay which was nice. I also particularly liked the fact that the room enjoyed a lot of natural lighting. There were two automatic blinds that you could control for the bedroom - one for privacy (but still allowed light to come in) and one for sleeping. The room also comes with a Nespresso machine and ground coffee for those who prefer a French Press. There were also a wide range of ports (e.g. HDMI) that allowed you to display your videos on the TV or play music through the TV speakers.

The sliding doors to the bathroom can be hidden to create a studio-like space (as shown in the photo above). Elemis shower amenities were provided and the bathtub had a backrest which allowed for a comfortable soak while enjoying a good read. Similar to the bedroom, the bathroom also came with two automatic blinds that were controlled separately.

Unlike other properties that strictly enforce the no-children policy in club lounges (e.g. InterContinental), the PARKROYAL on Pickering takes a more casual approach regarding this. There were even kids in the lounge during the evening cocktail hours. Food in the club lounge was mediocre compared to other properties with similar price point in Singapore. There were very limited food offerings but the staff in the club lounge were largely attentive and enthusiastic.

There were a number of issues that I have encountered during this stay. Firstly, I was told at check-in that a late checkout would be possible but I received contrasting news the next morning. I was told that I had to check-out by 12pm despite being in a Club room and having Platinum status. Secondly, housekeeping entered my room (while I was in the Club lounge) despite having the Do Not Disturb sign on. She also removed the key card from my room which I later had to replace on my own in the lobby.

I would say that the property is beautiful on its own and the area surrounding the swimming pool is quite amazing. However, more needs to be done by the management to ensure a higher level of service standard. Whilst the PARKROYAL brand is largely dated in most Asian markets, this property has definitely deviated from the norm by the augmentation of exterior beauty.

PARKROYAL on Pickering
3 Upper Pickering St, 058289
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