Our PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering hotel review takes you on an in-depth tour of Singapore’s stunning ‘hotel in a garden’.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, with its landscaped terraces, infinity pool and birdcage cabanas is an Instagrammer’s dream come true.
This iconic 367-room hotel burst onto Singapore’s hotel scene back in 2013 with its groundbreaking, environmentally responsible design. The tall undulating terraces with lofty sky gardens and cascading vertical greenery changed the face of the CBD.
But it is more than just aesthetics that sets this hotel apart. The open-sided terraces, extensive landscaping, solar panels, high-performance glass and rain sensors all combine to make this one of the world’s leading green city hotels.
But how has the hotel held up after over 11 years in business? I’m checking in for two nights to check it out for myself.
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Take a closer look at the hotel on my Instagram reel.
Note: I was a guest of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering for the purpose of writing this review. All opinions, however, are honest and my own. This article contains affiliate links. If you make a booking using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Reasons to love the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
- It is visually stunning at every turn.
- You will feel super relaxed during your stay.
- It has a fantastic location between Chinatown and the Singapore River.
- It has a very cool rooftop pool area with stunning views.
- It has an excellent breakfast buffet.
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Hotel Location
If you are here to explore Singapore, you will love this hotel’s location. It is handily located between Chinatown and Clarke Quay.
It’s a five-minute walk down to the Singapore River, and a mere 15-minute stroll to Marina Bay. Both Chinatown and Clark Quay MRT stations can be reached on foot in less than five minutes, making exploring Singapore by public transport a breeze.
You’ll also find plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
Rooms at the ParkRoyal Pickering
The open air corridor, lined with plants draws me towards my room – number 1512, a Collection Club Lifestyle King.
The first thing I notice as I enter is that, despite being on the 15th floor, I still have a wall of frangipani trees outside my window, framing the view. The floor-to-ceiling window and a strategically placed mirror on the opposite wall reflects the light and trees into the room, meaning I am surrounded by greenery.
The colour palette is one of stone grey and forest green, with natural wood featured throughout.
I immediately feel more relaxed.
Take a look at my room tour on TikTok.
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There’s a good-sized desk with plenty of universal power points and USB and USB-C charging points. There’s also good storage and shelving next to the desk, meaning I could happily set up office here for a few days if I wish.
A small seating area has the sofa positioned to make use of the natural light from the window and is the perfect spot to relax with a view.
The bed is super comfy. I don’t generally sleep well in hotels, but here I sleep like a baby. It is so comfy in the bed with the cloud-like pillows and fluffy duvet, that when jetlag pulls me out of my dreams at 4am, I easily drift back off to sleep.
My only complaint about the room is that there is no light over the bag storage area, meaning I can’t see properly when rummaging through my suitcase. I end up carrying my suitcase onto the bed whenever I’m searching for clothes.
But really, I’m nitpicking here. It’s only because everything else is so well thought out.
The spacious bathroom is partitioned using a sliding wall, giving an extra feeling of space when open, but allowing you to close it off for privacy.
It features a standalone bath alongside the window (made from recycled composite granite) and a lovely rain shower. Both the shower and toilet have glass doors and, with other room windows facing mine, I do need to remember to lower the electric blinds before I strip off!
I am smitten with the Appelles Apothecary & Lab amenities, which give off spa-like vibes. In fact, I love the Davidson Plum body wash so much, I search it up online and order a bottle for home.
There’s a filter tap for filling up my water bottle. (Singapore tap water is perfectly safe to drink, but I do applaud hotels that offer a filter tap as a reminder to people to skip plastic water bottles. In fact, PARKROYAL claim to conserve 230,000 plastic bottles per year with this feature).
I’m also impressed by all the small details, such as two toothbrushes of different colours, perfect for couples.
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Hotel Facilities
I’m tempted to just stay in my bathrobe and chillax on the bed, but I’m keen to check out the wellness floor on level 5.
Here, I really appreciate the scale of the hotel’s vertical gardens. With 15,000 square metres of palm trees, flowering plants, leafy shrubs and overhanging creepers, the gardens constitute more than 200% of the total land area.
Immersed in this tropical oasis is the stunning infinity pool that boasts views over the city.
There are plenty of sun loungers to chill out on, but the coveted seats are those within the cabanas, inspired by Chinese songbird cages that add a splash of colour to the natural surroundings. Instagrammers rejoice!
I neglected to pack my gym gear, or I could have enjoyed a workout in the fully equipped gym located next to the swimming pool. Instead, I bag myself a sun lounger and order up a Tiger Beer, which is delivered swiftly and with a smile.
Unfortunately, I don’t have time to book a spa treatment at the St Gregory Spa, but the Revitalising Bamboo Massage does sound very tempting.
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Food & Drink
The hotel restaurant, Lime, offers an open-kitchen concept, with both a la carte and buffet options, and a wide range of local favourites and international cuisine.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s an impressive spread, no matter what time of day you come.
I head here for breakfast on my first morning and am completely spoilt for choice. There’s a huge selection of food on offer and I am sad that my kids aren’t with me when I spot the pancake machine and the donuts on offer!
Instead, I opt for a plate loaded with fruit and pastries and an expertly made omelette at the egg station.
As I pass by later, I notice that Lime is also a very popular spot with locals for the buffet lunch on offer.
Nearby, I discover Lime Bar, an inviting spot within the lobby, featuring a cool terraced ceiling reminiscent of the outdoor landscaping. Here they serve up ‘eco-friendly’ cocktails, designed with zero waste in mind.
As my room is a COLLECTION Club room, I also have access to the COLLECTION Club Lounge, so I head here for breakfast on my second morning.
There’s a smaller buffet, but still with a good range of local and international choices, including an egg station. And there’s even sparkling wine if you choose!
The setting is much more tranquil here, with fantastic views over the Singapore River and Civic District.
I also return here in the evening, where I indulge in complimentary cocktails from 6pm – 8pm, although unfortunately I don’t have time to stop by for the afternoon tea, served from 3pm – 5pm daily.
It’s a very serene space and would be a great place to work during the day, with complimentary (non-alcoholic) refreshments on offer throughout the day.
However, there are only ever a handful of other people in here whenever I visit, so come here for the views and complimentary drinks, but not for the atmosphere.
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The Verdict
I have seen plenty of photos on social media of the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering over the years, but this was my first time to stay here – and it has swiftly risen to the top as one of my favourite hotels in Singapore.
Despite its 11 years in operation, there is zero sign of wear and tear throughout the property. The garden-inspired design features are incredible, and I can’t stop myself from gazing upwards in awe as I wander around the hotel.
My guestroom is large, the bed is super comfy and the swimming pool area is sensational. But mostly, I love the feeling of tranquillity that the cascading greenery uncovers in me as I return to the hotel after a hectic day of sightseeing.
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