Get close to the action in the heart of Singapore’s heritage district and events hub with a stay at the newly refurbished Pan Pacific Singapore.
Pan Pacific Singapore needs little introduction. The grand old dame first opened as Pan Pacific Hotel back in 1987 as one of Singapore’s first luxury hotels in Marina Bay, a longstanding witness to the development of the area into the vibrant business, commercial and entertainment hub that it is today. Over the years it did get long in the tooth and a little worse for wear, but the hotel’s recent S$30 million refurbishment has spruced up the property to bring it into a new era.
All the pieces that made Pan Pacific Singapore great in its day are still in evidence today.
Its prime location, for example. Like its contemporaries located on the same flank of Marina Bay – the shopping stretch comprising Suntec City, Marina Square and Millenia Walk – the hotel is within stone’s throw of numerous attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade, and the Singapore Flyer, among others. It’s also particularly convenient for business travellers, within easy walking distance of Suntec Convention Centre, Sands Expo, or the various office buildings in the vicinity. As such, Pan Pacific Singapore appeals to a wide spectrum of travellers, attracting couples on their honeymoon, large families on their annual vacation, or business types needing to rush to meetings across town.
Pan Pacific Singapore offers 10 different room configurations – 11 if you count a specially converted suite targeted at families with young children – now that the majority of its 790 rooms and suites have been fully renovated. They range from the regular Deluxe Room and Deluxe Panoramic Room to the comfortable Pacific Club Room and the sprawling Pacific Club Select Studio if you’re keen on club lounge access (which we highly recommend).
Looking to indulge in space? The Premier Suite offers 79sqm of room to lounge about, while the Panoramic Suite is expansive at 121sqm. And if you’re some sort of royalty and dosh is no matter? The Pan Pacific Suite is insanely luxurious, and at 152sqm is large enough to host an extended family meeting in.
We had the opportunity to stay in the somewhat more modest Executive Marina Bay Room, one of the rooms – along with the Premier Bay Room – that offer a fabulous view of Marina Bay.
It’s comfortably modern. And the refresh means everything was spanking new. We like the contemporary design – the earthy tones of the drapes and the cream of the walls are easy on the eye.
The more spacious rooms, we hear, are the result of the hotel sacrificing balcony space for bigger interiors. Which we agree is a great idea, because how many people really lounge in their hotel balconies especially in the tropics? That’s what hotel pools are for!
Another key upgrade for the Executive Marina Bay Room is that the aspect of your king-sized bed has been orientated to take advantage of the view of the bay. This is fantastic if you’re the kind who love a good panoramic view. The problem here is that the in-room television is hung on an adjacent wall, which makes for rather awkward watching when you’re tucked snug under covers.
Between a good view of Singapore’s city scape and being able to watch your telly comfortably? We know which most people would pick.
Otherwise everything else about the in-room amenities are excellent. We particularly appreciate the reflector that helps block out most of the harsh sunlight while enjoying the view. The ledge in the shower area will also be very welcome for our Japanese friends, or those with mobility issues.
There’s also a good-sized study desk for those of us who need to get work done, although we were surprised not to find more future-proof USB-C ports to charge our devices. But I’m just nitpicking here.
As for hotel facilities, Pan Pacific Singapore offers everything and more. There’s a good-sized pool, and its gym is very well equipped, for those of us who’d like to get some exercise in during our stay. There’s St. Gregory Spa if you want to pamper yourself, too.
Pan Pacific Singapore also has excellent dining options. There’s Keyaki that’s perfect for those hankering for some Japanese fine-dining, Hai Tien Lo if you want Chinese food, while Pacific Emporium in the hotel’s lobby is a fun, open space where you can find (elevated versions of) local dishes such as chicken rice and laksa. There’s also Edge if you desire a hotel buffet experience.
And for those who love a tipple or two? Its cocktail lounge Plume is simply stunning. It’s a swanky space and their avian-themed cocktails here can compete with the best from around town.
Verdict: Pan Pacific Singapore may look pretty much the same from the outside, but the newly-refreshed luxury five-star property checks off all the boxes where it counts. From its unbeatable location and fabulous views of Singapore’s waterfront and city skyline to its updated rooms and excellent dining venues, there’s something for most travellers or staycationers here.
[Images courtesy of Pan Pacific Singapore]
Pan Pacific Singapore
Address 7 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square, Singapore 039595 (Google Maps link)
Tel (65) 6336 8111
Web www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pp-marina.html
Facebook panpacificsingapore
Instagram @panpacificsingapore
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