When I think of Singapore I often think of shopping, and our latest hotel stay on the island of purchasing paradise proved a central hub from which to engage in some serious retail therapy. Park Hotel Alexandra, houses a three-storey shopping mall in the very same building. The newly opened Alexandra Central grants hotel guests direct access to a surplus of dining, retail and entertainment options. Across the road is a multi-storey outlet-shopping centre Anchorpoint, and on another corner is a huge sporting goods complex, Queensway Shopping Centre. The homeware and furniture giant Ikea is right next door, and a number of highly respected food centres are also in the same strip. And… if that’s not enough procurement pleasure, there’s a complimentary shuttle service to VivoCity and Orchard Road.
In addition to the seemingly endless opportunities to shop, we enjoyed the local humbleness of the location. Removed from the flashy downtown district, Queenstown has a friendly neighbourhood feel to it. It’s a place we sense the country’s historical and cultural heritage and get a taste of the lives of the everyday Singaporean. We couldn’t resist trying the avocado juice from Mr. Avocado (which sees a long line in busy periods for this now famous specialty) in the food centre across the road, and we hear the braised duck is worth traveling for as well. Next trip we hope to trek up to Hort Park and make use of the elevated walkways and bridges to also see Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill and Mount Faber Park.
Back in the hotel, we found it had all the comforts we needed in their 442 guestrooms and suites. Our stay was perched up high on the 19th floor in a Crystal Club Guest Room. From our window we viewed the treetops of nearby Hort Park, and marvelled at some of the inventive architecture of the surrounding community.
Decked out with earthy hues and soft lighting, the rooms exhibited warmth and a feeling of comfort. The floor to ceiling window-wall opened up the conservative 24sqm of space making the room appear larger. In addition, a glass walled bathroom could be privatised with blinds or left open, again presenting a sense of spaciousness.
All of the facilities you expect in this class of hotel were at the ready: individual air-conditioning controls; 42” full HD Smart LED TV; cable TV and in-house movies; coffee and tea making facilities; electronic safe; bathrobes; slippers; hairdryer; complimentary Wi-Fi and so on. We didn’t use many of these amenities ourselves though, as we were fortunate to be staying in a clubroom, and so spent a good part of our time in the hotel being pampered at the club.
On the same floor as our residence, the Crystal Club Lounge was a welcoming space. Three of the surrounding walls were entirely glass, which gave the place a pleasant openness and plenty of natural light. A light morning buffet, drinks throughout the day and cocktail hours in the evening were paired with warm, friendly and professional service. We noted the attention given to every guest in the lounge and observed happy contented faces. Despite Park Hotel Alexandra being a brand new property, the staff here is well trained and clearly has much experience in the hotel industry.
The seventh floor is the entertainment nucleus of the hotel with a 25 metre infinity pool dropping over the side of the building. A well-equipped gymnasium takes advantage of the water views, as do the bar, and all-day-dining restaurant.
A generous buffet spread of both local and western cuisine at The Carvery can either be taken in air-conditioned coolness, or on the al fresco patio overlooking the pool. At night we choose to cool off first with a couple of signature cocktails at Aqua Luna before heading over to the principal eatery for dinner. As you may have guessed from the name, roasted meats are at the centre of the mains and rotate (I’m told) daily. We see roast chicken, lamb and beef on our visit, and appreciate some of the hot items and a particularly scrumptious coconut pudding. Follow this link for more details.
Although the majority of our travels these days tend to be in luxury properties, we have yet to find many that have supplied a satisfying cup of coffee… that is, until now. Park Hotel Alexandra hosts The Coffee Belt in the lobby lounge, with a beaut barista and locally roasted coffee from Common Man Coffee Roasters. We test them out before departure and are pleased to say the norm has been broken. Excellent coffee! If we didn’t have to depart for the airport, we’d be sure to grab another to go.
Park Hotel Alexandra has a lot to offer in this local district: excellent service, clean comfortable rooms, a pleasant recreation and dining area, and great coffee!
Reasons to visit: a taste of the local surrounds; brand new and well priced; good coffee; easy access to shopping and business districts; attractive bar and pool area.
Park Hotel Alexandra
323 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159972
+65 6828 8888
[email protected]
www.parkhotelgroup.com