A family staycation at Park Hotel
Staycation. We feel relaxed just saying it. We all need a getaway from time to time and sometimes a weekend in The Lion City is all the time we can afford. So, recently we road-tested a home away from home to catch a break. Read on for our take on a stay at the Park Hotel, Clarke Quay. But if you want it summed up in a phrase, we’d call it: chillaxed on a shoestring (relatively).
The check-in
Rocking up in our family wagon stashed with kids, suitcases, scooters, swimmers and snacks, we were a little frazzled and looking forward to someone helping with the results of our ill-preparation. Unfortunately, while the concierge staff would help to unload the car, they were unable to park it, so we were redirected to the car park. Not hard to deal with by any means but slightly annoying with 2 young kids in tow since there is no direct lift access from car park to hotel lobby. On the plus side, we were provided with parking vouchers – gold in the Robertson Quay area.
The room
Or the rooms we should say. Upon check in we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we had lucked out and received 2 interconnecting rooms to accomodate our brood. Thanks goodness, because space was at a premium even with the additional boudoir. What the rooms lacked in space though, they made up for in style. We weren’t expecting plush – as this was marketed as a family staycation – but the aesthetic was similar to what you’d expect of big name hotels. OK, there were no in-house movie selections and boutique products in the bathroom but we weren’t expecting these things either. The fluffy robes, generous fruit platter and rain shower were a decadent bonus. Just note that if you are booking family rooms rather than single suites, views will overlook the River Valley area, not the river.
The dinner
A poolside barbeque was a great move. It had us in holiday mood straight away and set the seen for the stay. It made us staycation-novices realise what point one in the tactical guide to short getaways must be: time is short – relax fast. While cheaper nosh could be had at any number of joints along the riverfront, we were thrilled to be ensconced in our own little oasis for the time being. We devoured a great spread of salads, sauces, sizzling meat and seafood and returned to our rooms suitably stuffed. Oh, and the kids loved it too. The wait staff doted on them and even remembered them the next morning down at the pool.
The pool
Aaah, this was bliss. It’s not a big pond but it’s a nice setting and suited us perfectly. We took up residence on a couple of shaded loungers, or at least our bags did, and we spent a long time playing games in the water. Its been a while since we’ve been able to widen the gap between us and the kids by more than a few metres and do a few laps on our own, but we managed this small pleasure here while the kids paddles safely. Simple as it may be, that right there was one of the highlights of the stay (not counting those fluffy robes).
The breakfast
Don’t go expecting a luxe dining room with free flow bubbles. When you consider that breakfast is included in a rather economical (by Singapore standards) room rate, the bustling and cheerful rather than relaxed and sumptuous vibe, was definitely ok. And the kids thought they’d scored the jackpot: Coco-Pops on tap (literally, there is a tap on the container) – what’s not to love!
The deal
There is cheaper accommodation available in Singapore , make no mistake. But if you’re after a family staycation that is not going to cost the same as a short trip to Bali or Phuket, we thought this was pretty good. The location is superb if you have young kids who want to scooter or older kids that you can leave alone while you and hubby skive off for a nice dinner. The Park Hotel are offering Family Staycation deals from $220++ per Superior room, including full buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, complimentary kids meals when accompanied by a paying adult, complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe room on weekends, free wi-fi access and parking vouchers.
Park Hotel, Clarke Quay 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983, p. 6593 8888