As disclosed in my previous post a few days ago, I would have a business meeting on a big deal with international companies in Singapore. I reckoned that this is the time to try to write as many reviews as possible about places, hotels, countries, restaurants, etc that I have visited or wil visit in the future. Perhaps this could be one of my New Year's hopes in 2016.
To attend the meeting last Friday, I took an early morning flight from Soekarno - Hatta airport. It was raining cats and dogs and it had not stopped raining since the previous night. Luckily I could arrive at the airport just about the time.
Landed before lunch time in Changi International Airport, I was so grateful that the weather was so much nicer than the one in Jakarta. A bright sunshiny day with no rain with perfect humidity was a just cause to a better breathing.
Since we had a few hours to kill prior to the meeting, we took this chance to check in at our lovely hotel, Orchard Parade in Tanglin Road. Here is my review.
(taken from the hotel's website)
GETTING THERE
After an easy 1 hour something flight from Jakarta, we took a taxi straight from Changi Airport to Orchard Parade hotel. The drive only took us around half an hour to get to our hotel. Perhaps, one of the very convinient rides for business travellers like us.
THE LOCATION
Orchard Parade hotel's location cannot be more central than this. It is located within Singapore's famous shopping belt, Orchard. It was also such a short ride from the hotel to our meeting venue located on Asia Square street. Not far from the hotel is Jamie's Italian restaurant. For you who do not like to walk far away from the hotel to get a tipple or two and some Italian dish than this is a good option to spend the evening away.
The hotel's location comes with some perks. For sure it so easy to reach the MRT station and bus stop as they are all within walking distance. It is a haven for the shopaholics too. You can do your shopping galore all day long, thanks to the hotel's proximity to major shopping centers such as ION Orchard, Wisma Atria and Ngee-Ahn City.
If you don't feel like shopping, head off to the nearby Lido Cineplex. Or experience a myriad of dining options, from a modest chinese kiosk to upscale fine dining restaurants. The hotel offers some retails too. From wine shops to cigar and many others, you have plenty of options to spend that extra cash.
CHECKING IN
Entering inside the Orchard Parade hotel, we were amazed by the spacious and swanky feeling of the hotel's lobby. As we were walking towards the reception, front desk staff were smiling and greeted hello. Checking in was quick and the staff provided us with access to the hotel's wifi as soon as they handed us our access keys. But, no greetings by name was delivered eventhough reservation has been located and no welcome drinks were provided either. Somehow, I did not feel a genuine welcome in this hotel. But, never mind. At least the wi-fi is free of charge and super fast!!
(taken from the hotel's website)
THE ROOM
My room is a standard twin bed overlooking the bustling Tanglin road seen from the 7th floor. I did not realise that they gave me a twin bed instead of a double bed. My bad for this though. I did not tell them that I was sleeping alone. The room was also a little bit hidden away from the hallway so I often got lost when I was about to get inside my room. It needs a getting-used-to habbit apparently.
The room itself was so spacious. It has a pretty OK telly showing various international channels to choose from. However, the interior is rather old and uninviting. Not my cup of tea, for sure. Same goes for their bathroom. Although it was cosy and equipped with a bathtub, shower, toilleteries, towels and hair-dryer, it still looked rather dull.
Aminities in the room: no welcome amenity to begin with. How about tea & coffee? Checked. Snacks, mineral water and soda drinks? Checked checked.
One score point for this hotel is their wardrobe. It is big and spacious. It can cater large luggages and bags perfectly fine. Enough amount of hangers, comfy bathrobe and slippers were provided.
Now, let's talk about the lightning of the room and sockets for charging devices.
There is no central lightning above the bed. But, they have one standing lamp and several bed lamps just next to each bed and on the working desk. It is fair to say that their lightning is dim, unless you turn on all the available lamps. Oh, if you really want that you have to turn on the lights one by one.
As to the power sockets, I had no problem at all. All power sockets were provided in appropriate and easy to reach places. By the bed, on the working desk area and in the bathroom.
BREAKFAST EXPERIENCE
I did not have the time to try a range of their restaurants so the only place I can comment right now is the breakfast venue. Aesthetics wise the interior looked boring, but the food was not bad. In fact, it was quite a lovely breakfast. Breakfast is served in a buffet with plenty or cuisines to choose from. From Chinese cuisines to Western favourites are all served in three long tables. One dish that strike my attention the most was the sliced sweet sauce pork. It was deliciously lush. And you can have a slice of pizza too if you want in the morning. Voilaaaaa...
FACILITIES
The hotel has a gym area and an outdoor swimming pool. Too bad I did not have the time to try any of them. But, they look pretty much similar to the pictures shown in their website.
SERVICE QUALITY
The hotel has a prompt response. This can be evidenced by their prompt response when I had a problem with the telly. They quickly assisted me by sending the technician to handle the case. Same way when my wifi suddenly stopped. He was quick and could explain to me why such thing and another thing broke down.
CONCLUSION
Great location, prompt response, good food, are all they can offer. Do not expect a warm welcome and friendly hospitality from this hotel. Nothing personal, it is just not their thing. Their price is pretty affordable compared to other hotels in the area and if you are into the razzle dazzle of a modern metropolitan city than this hotel is recommended for you. You can soak up the atmosphere of the city, eat at fancy restaurants, shop all day long, go partying till the night is old and still wake up in the middle of modern big city. As for me, I had a pleasant stay all in all. But, I think I would rather stay somewhere a wee bit off the beaten path but still has a friendly hospitality, great service and facilities.
For more info about Orchard Parade hotel, click the following link:
Orchard Parade Hotel
1 Tanglin Road, S247905
Singapore
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