A staycation at newly-refurbished PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road makes for a comfortable, convenient way to explore Singapore’s cultural district of Little India.

Staycations are a great way to explore one’s own city, especially for districts we don’t normally get a chance to visit.

For some of us – including me – that’s Little India. This cultural and commercial district is a veritable lifeline connecting Singapore to South Asia, its various streets lined with shops stocking all manner of goods from the Indian subcontinent. Its many restaurants offer a taste of the different regional cuisines of India, making the area a second home for many local and expatriate Indians.

So when the opportunity came up to check out PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, we couldn’t say no. The hotel is, after all, located right smack in the heart of Little India, a mere stone’s throw away from iconic Mustafa Centre and surrounded by some of the best Indian eateries in town.

PARKROYAL on Kitchener - facade
PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is flanked by Serangoon Road, Kitchener Road and Verdun Road, right in the heart of Little India.

Even better, PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road – part of Pan Pacific Hotels Group – was just recently renovated. The hotel reopened in September last year to welcome foreign and local guests alike, after a massive S$21 million overhaul to its public areas, dining outlets, meeting rooms, and guest rooms.

We stayed in the Deluxe King room, one of the seven room types currently available. As expected from a newly spruced-up property, the 28 square-metre room was clean and comfortable. The interiors may be updated, but remain sensible and understated rather than stylish or modern.

In-room amenities too are basic but practical. There’s the much-needed USB charging points and wireless WiFi, along with a pleasingly comfortable king-sized bed. The rain shower, too, was welcome, especially when returning to the room after a hot and humid day. We love the in-room filtered drinking water tap, which provides much needed fresh drinking water while cutting down on our carbon footprint.

PARKROYAL on Kitchener - Deluxe King Room
The Deluxe King Room is spacious and comes with a dedicated study desk for those who need to get some work done.

Then there are the hotel facilities such as the well-equipped 24-hour gym and outdoor swimming pool that, I have to admit, we would have loved to but didn’t have to opportunity to use them.

PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road offers two F&B options. There’s an outlet of famous Chinese restaurant Si Chuan Dou Hua – which specialises in fiery Sichuan Chinese cuisine – as well as Spice Brasserie. The all-day dining restaurant acts as the hotel’s breakfast venue, but it is also incredibly popular for its themed buffets showcasing street foods from different Asian cultures. During our stay we attended one such buffet, and feasted on crab cooked in all the many different ways much beloved by Singaporeans.

But if dining within the hotel is not your style, be prepared for a world of good eats in the area anyway. Particularly if you love Indian food! Options are near endless; our favourites include Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (better known as MTR Singapore) that makes for a great breakfast or lunch option, as well as Banana Leaf Apolo for the quintessential, err, hands-on banana leaf dining experience.

Spice Brasserie
The themed buffets at Spice Brasserie are exceedingly popular with locals.

Choices abound too, if you prefer other cuisines. Michelin-starred Putien on Kitchener Road – with its award-winning Heng Hwa cuisine – is barely a 5-minute walk away, and right across the road from them is Beach Road Scissor-Cut Curry Rice for a traditional local dining experience.

Still feeling peckish? Drop in at Don Don Donki over at City Square Mall, where you can pick up all manner of Japanese snacks to munch on while you laze in your room.

If anything, the only problem we have with a staycation in Little India? Too many dining options, too few meals to go around.

Verdict: PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road is a very good staycation option for those looking to explore Little India. Amenities are adequate and practical, which also makes it eminently suitable for corporate stays.

You can check out room rates here.


PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road

Address 181 Kitchener Rd, PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, Singapore 208533 (Google Maps link)
Tel (65) 6428 3000
Web www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-kitchener.html
Facebook parkroyalkitchener
Instagram @parkroyalkitchener

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