PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore

Chloe Hambidge
Jul 28
6 min read

Updated: Sep 24

Written & Experienced by Chloe Hambidge

This Luxury Stay in Marina Bay is a True Walk in the Park.

The symmetrical beauty of the central Atrium.

From stepping into Singapore’s grand airport, it was clear I was about to be let into a corner of the world a step ahead from what I’d left at home. Brimming with innovation, a skyline bursting with light, and an understated wealth. This city is oozing with elegance matched by their luxury hotel offerings.

Mirroring my feelings of awe from earlier in the day, stumbling into PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay is mini metropolis of plant life and Singaporean sunlight amidst a mega-metropolis of skyscrapers. Creating a much-desired reprieve.

A snippet of the high and mighty skyline of Singapore.

With a front-seat location hugging Marina Bay, this hotel is designed to act as a soothing oasis, standing proud in the beating heart of Singapore. Relaxation is a second nature here, as they hold the crown as Southeast Asia’s largest indoor sky-lit atrium. Containing over 2,400 species of plants and flora- all blossoming within the hotel’s walls.

On Arrival

A treat for the senses as soon as I walked through their sleek glass doors, luxury is elevated at this gem (which more resembles an emerald). Welcomed by flourishing fauna, the gentle tickle of bird song and a clean open space, I was provided with the perfect refuge to simply close my eyes and transport. A rejuvenating breath after a long travel day hopping across the pond from the UK to this glowing city.

A few of the public spaces for guests to relax, the lit-up stairs walk you through the fauna straight to reception.

Despite the peaceful bird song in my ears peripheral, I had in fact not walked into a fairytale forest, but into the lobby. Here, I was met with a smile and a straightforward check in (there is no messing about in this city). In the blink of an eye my bags were whisked away, key card planted in hand, and I was free to truly explore the cocoon of this haven.

My adventures taking me straight to my long-awaited room with a view…

A Sanctuary in the City

My stay here was short and sweet before embarking on a cruise around Asia with Oceania Cruises. Whether your travels are geared for business or pleasure, this forward-thinking hideaway holds facilities for work and play. Light and airy, green and clean, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay felt like a freshly bloomed flower, open and awaiting me after a long day of exploring the magnificent Lion City.

This hotel has prime location along the elusive Raffles Boulevard, a gateway to the wonders of the Marina Bay Area. I got a sneak peek of the treasures that awaited me from the hotel’s pool area and was transfixed by the city’s futuristic skyline- before even leaving the confines of this haven.

A sanctuary disguised amongst an urban jungle, my room was fresh and brimming with amenities equipped to soothe the discerning traveller after a long flight. Beds are plush and big enough to sleep a family of five and the bathroom is adorned in marble with a lush waterfall shower and bath facilities.

I was celebrating a birthday on this trip and the service was a gift within itself as my party and I were welcomed with a gift box of chocolates on arrival as well as a feast of fruit and cake in our decorated room- all in lavish Park Royal fashion.

Rooms offer sweeping city views which are awe-inspiring no matter the time of day, from the hustle and bustle of the morning rush to the technicolour lights by evening. These simplistic suites are spacious and equipped with everything you could need, holding a candle to comfort and convenience.

I loved these thoughtful touches, from having a care hamper and a bath nestled in the exquisite bathroom (self-care evening incoming) to an expansive balcony, which I find to be rare in a city hotel.

It felt as though the city was at my fingertips, and I didn’t even have to leave the cosy confines of my sumptuous bathrobe.

The Breakfast Club

I tend to detest the idea of jetlag, as most do, when I kickstart my holiday. Although on this occasion, I welcomed it as more of a blessing.

Weary-eyed and lacking sleep, I still had enough sense to check when breakfast started. I was in the buffet as soon as the doors opened at 6am, which truly is unheard of. Despite this rarity, I gained full consciousness once met with the culinary delights before me.

Spanning the globe in just a single sitting, ‘Peppermint’ is the hotel’s open kitchen dining concept available morning, noon and night. This truly is the place to be if you crave freshly cooked dishes and flavours packing a punch.

I could’ve spent all morning roaming the world-wide selections, ticking off different delicacies as I went- from miso soup to cleanse the palate to the egg counter where the chef puts together any egg-based creation you could desire. Whether a full English or a continental French (or both), this breakfast buffet has it all.

Some of the fresh dishes the chefs create.

Upon arrival back home, I learnt that a heavy majority of the restaurants produce are sustainable and locally sourced. ‘Peppermint’ should be an honourable mention to lead this movement of ‘Farm-to-table’ dining, as every dish reflected this freshness, nodding to the preservation of their surroundings in the process.

A foodie through and through, this breakfast reinvented the breakfast buffet for me.

Location, Location, Location

Despite my fleeting visit through the city, whose reputation exceeds itself; I was thankful for the location PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay held.

Gateway to the main attractions of the city, a scenic 15- minute stroll over the Helix Bridge left me in the heart of all the action. Simply follow the silhouette of the Marina Bay Sands, standing tall like a beacon symbolizing you proximity to Singapore’s lavish waterfront, where I was rewarded with iconic city vistas.

Soon designer shops emerged from the water like boutique islands, a cityscape unfolded alive with fluorescent relief, and light shows adorning every corner.

A playground of glitz & glamour as the waterfront unfolds.

We spent the evening soaking up the grandness of the city, which is very much the urban dream, a metropolis of modernized marvel with some of the kindest people I have ever met.

Despite an air thick and tropical, Singapore is a refreshing intersection of appealing juxtapositions, signalling colonial heritage to the right and stepping into the future on the left. Much like the hotel itself, my stay at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay was a collage of what makes this corner of Asia so sought-after.

The Morale of the Story

Through every trip I embark on I aim to leave a bookmark in time. A place to go to uncover the true worth of every stay, because I know; every hotel has a story at the epicentre of their journey.

A conservatory of luxury, taking respite in Singapore’s first ‘Garden-in-a-hotel’ is an experience holding as much beauty at your feet as there is above your head.

A champion in sustainability and everything green (literally), I adored being encompassed by more than 60 varieties of flora; as though amidst of a canopy of Mother Natures Beauty.

This hotel uses its sky-lit atrium to shine a light on the importance of preserving our planet, and therefore everything we hold dear. These precious moments can be cherished throughout the hotel, from a drink in the shell of the sophisticated bar, a rejuvenating massage in the spa or a joyous meal in one of their restaurants. There is so much to preserve and so much to live for.

I believe PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay encapsulates the full circle process of sustainability. Promoting these conservation habits with eco-friendly practices, through a holistic approach which encompasses energy, water and waste. All whilst paying homage to the heartfelt moments we want to keep in the process, paving the way for environmental necessity as well as the human nature to live and make memories.