A stay at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore can offer a unique perspective of the Lion City at the confluence of its education and science hubs.
Even if you’re an avid fan of staycations, chances are you may not have heard of Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore. The Ascott Limited-owned hotel property is relatively new, having only opened at the start of this year. It’s also located at Rochester Park, far away from the usual tourist hotspots such as Singapore’s premium Orchard Road shopping stretch, or the country’s historic and civic districts built around the Singapore River.
But that’s exactly its charm. Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore is set deep in the Singapore heartlands. On one side is the sleepy neighbourhood of Ghim Moh, where you can find a mix of traditional sundry shops and local coffee shops frequented by its residents. It’s also flanked by Holland Village, Ghim Moh’s far more happening counterpart and a boisterous dining and nightlife stretch with many eateries and bars serving an upscale suburban crowd who live in its environs.
On the other side sits Singapore’s key educational and technology hubs. There’s Fusionopolis and Biopolis, for example, the country’s research and life sciences complexes, interspersed by educational institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic, United World College, and the Singapore Institute of Technology.
And then there’s the Rail Corridor cutting through them all.
Which makes Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore a rather interesting proposition for a staycation if you’re a local who don’t frequent the area. But it also offers a convenient stay for those who need easy access to those hubs – a visiting research fellow or a business traveller, for example, or a parent needing some accommodations while looking to place a child in one of the nearby educational colleges.
The hotel itself occupies four floors of the office tower of Rochester Commons, offering 135 rooms that cater to both long and short stays. We had the opportunity to stay in the Deluxe Room, one of the three room types available. This is Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore’s standard offering, a 21-26sqm room with an option for a king-sized bed or Hollywood twin beds. There’s also a roughly similar-sized Deluxe Garden room, which gives you direct access to the hotel’s outdoor garden.
For longer stays you’ll want to consider the Premier room, which is just a smidgeon larger at 24-27sqm and comes equipped with a small kitchenette offering amenities such as an induction cooker and microwave oven for making light meals, a refrigerator, as well as a washing machine and dryer for your laundry needs.
But the comfortable Deluxe Room more than suffices for a couple on a weekend staycation. The interiors are contemporary and comes with clever little design touches so the room doesn’t feel cramped. There’s a space-saving clothes closet that comes with a (almost full-length) mirror that swings to a desired angle, for example. The bedside table too is equipped with wireless charging for you to conveniently charge your mobile device without the need of a cable.
If you’ve ever been to Ascott’s flagship Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, you’ll recognise Citadines’ classic Japanese-inspired design aesthetic applied here as well, particularly on the corridors leading up to your rooms. We love the cheery hotel lobby – which is bathed in natural sunlight during the day due to the floor-to-ceiling windows – with plenty of comfortable seating for those looking for a nook for a spot of work or a meal.
As for facilities, there’s a modest swimming pool for short laps as well as a cosy 24-hour gym. Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore also offers a ‘Refresh & Recharge’ lounge, which provides a little sanctuary and waiting area for guests to rest and relax should they arrive prior to their check-in time, or are expecting a late departure. More hotels should offer this!
Unfortunately the hotel’s F&B tenant has not officially started operations during our visit, but dining options are boundless at nearby Star Vista. Some of our favourite F&B concepts are all there – Beauty in The Pot for some hotpot action, Ippudo and Imakatsu for Japanese eats, and Zaffron Kitchen for Indian, for example. There’s also Les Bouchons Rochester within a stone’s throw, if you’re looking for some French bistro favourites.
Another thing. Earlier we mentioned the Rail Corridor located in the vicinity. Also known as Green Corridor, Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore makes for a great weekend staycation option for those who intend to explore that recreational nature stretch, as well as Kent Ridge Park and Singapore Botanic Gardens if you hanker for greenery. The hotel has curated various trials for guests – including those for running or cycling if you’re looking to explore those spots – as part of its signature activ∞ lifestyle initiatives that you can find in your in-room TV programming.
So if you’re looking to explore a different side of Singapore, Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore opens up opportunities in this part of the heartlands.
Verdict: Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore makes for a viable staycation option for those who prefer to be closer to nature, or foreign visitors who require convenient access to the nearby science and education institutions. The lobby and rooms are comfortable and modern, with lovely little design touches that you’ll appreciate.
[Images courtesy of The Ascott Limited, unless otherwise stated]
Citadines Connect Rochester
Address 88 Market Street, Level 9, Singapore 048948 (Google Maps link)
Tel (65) 6958 4188
Web www.discoverasr.com/en/citadines-connect/singapore/citadines-connect-rochester-singapore
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Instagram @discoverasrsingapore
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