Grand Park City Hall
"Go back to the moment you arrived. What was your first impression? Why did this hotel catch your attention? A massive bronze gate greets guests at the main entrance—an apt hark back to the old world in one of the most historic parts of Singapore. The heritage theme continues inside the front lobby, where a lattice panel screens off a seating area sandwiched between cool marble floors and softly lit cornices. Make no mistake though: This isn't a hotel for fuddy-duddies. The lobby furniture is sleek, modern and in muted, tasteful tones, and the 'living' artwork (hammered out of iron so it rusts and changes with age) resembles a Google map of the area. A Green Mark award, indicating that the hotel is committed to environmental sustainability, takes pride of place on one of the walls. Is there a backstory here? Singapore-based Park Hotel Group, owned by Hong Kong billionaire Law Kar Po, runs this hotel, which sits under the group's top-tier Grand Park brand. While the main building was constructed in the 1990s, a major restoration, that was completed in 2018, has expanded the hotel's site to include two century-old shophouses. The couturier Guo Pei, who designed Rihanna's 'omelette' gown for the 2015 Met Ball, stayed here when she visited Singapore. Tell us about your room. What was it like? If you had your pick of rooms, would you choose another? My Premier Room—done up in monochromatic tones—was fairly spacious for a category that is second from the bottom. There was a seating area with enough room to open a large suitcase in, and the glass-walled bathroom (with pull-down shades for the shy) came complete with a large tub and rain shower. Given a choice though, I would plump for the Oasis Junior Suite, which has a private terrace, outdoor hot tub and in-shower steam bath, plus direct access to the swimming pool. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi – and is the quality good? The Wi-Fi is free and fast. How is the food? Does the restaurant do anything particularly well? The hotel's only restaurant, Tablescape, is quiet and a tad subdued, but it does very decent modern European food, designed by a chef who's worked at Michelin-starred restaurants. The best way to start a meal here is with the soft, lush and creamy 62℃ Egg garnished with 24-month parmigiano reggiano and curls of Umbrian black truffle. But leave room for when the bread and dessert trolleys come around—the former alone features 14 different types of breads. Anything stick out about the service? Service is enthusiastic, if not the most polished. What's really interesting: the hotel is pioneering a facial recognition system for check-ins, which means you can download its app and pre-load your passport details before you arrive, then check in on the app and get an electronic key to your room once you're on the premises without having to queue. (There's still a good ol' check-in desk though for the less tech-savvy.) Who are your fellow hotel guests? No weirdos or eccentrics here—this is a safe, sophisticated spot for sensible travelers. They're out for a bit of adventure (like the whole facial recognition check in), but won't venture far enough from creature comforts to go off the rails. What else is in the neighborhood? Is it an area you'd want to hang out in? It's heaven for history buffs. Everything from the National Gallery to the oldest fire station and church are little more than a block from the lobby—no other hotel is as close to these landmarks. Nightlife and dining hotspot Clarke Quay is also nearby, as are the Raffles City mall and City Hall train station. Is there anything you'd change? The interiors of the hotel are a bit dark. Brighter lighting or more windows would really help lighten things up. Anything we missed? The Family Suites come with a fun-looking bed, personalized play kits and child-sized bathrooms for the kids. And there's a rooftop gym encased in sliding doors that users can choose to leave open for an outdoor experience. Plus, complimentary parking for guests! Bottom line: Worth it? Considering how expensive Singapore hotels are, this is a very reasonably priced option that's bang in the city center and within walking distance of many tourist attractions. Even better: the rooms are spanking new." - Audrey Phoon
