Heading to Singapore with the family? Carolynne Dear reviews three of the city’s best new serviced apartments
As Hong Kong loosens up on quarantine, many of the city’s residents are excitedly looking forward to an overseas trip for the first time in years.
In times gone by, hopping on a flight to Southeast Asia was the easiest thing in the world. However, three years of restrictions mean many airlines are yet to return to the territory and others are struggling to scale-up operations. Which has resulted in even the shortest of trips now requiring a layover.
If you’re looking for a direct flight, Singapore is one of the more straightforward destinations to reach. And when you’ve got small kids in tow, a serviced apartment with in-room kitchen and laundry facilities is a great and practical holiday stay option.
We've rounded up some of the most comfortable options currently available in the Little Red Dot.
Dao by Dorsett
Relax by the pool at Dao by Dorsett.
Dao by Dorsett is the hospitality group’s brand new aparthotel concept and the Singapore property is the group’s first location in Asia.
Dao by Dorsett has been rebranded from Oakwood Premier hotel and is centrally located in the OUE building in the downtown area of the city.
The 268 fully serviced apartments can be custom-fit for a stay, including requesting an in-room playtime set-up for children, or ordering tailored fresh produce boxes to cook in-room. All guest experiences have been carefully curated with local partners and designed to showcase the best of Singapore.
Innovative concepts include guests being able to adopt a houseplant for the duration of their stay from the Dao Plant Library. The library is presented by Singapore group The Botanist & Her Thieves who can provide care tips and information to green-fingered and not-so-green-fingered guests.
A plant-based menu for the in-house restaurant, Collective, has been developed with Green Common and there is also a partnership with Singapore’s Brass Lion Distillery. A sky bar will be opening on the outdoor deck at the end of the year.
Further facilities include complimentary parking, wifi, an outdoor swimming pool and terrace and wellness centre access.
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard
Stretch out after a hard day's sightseeing at Pan Pacific.
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard offers one- and two-bedroom serviced suites and penthouses with luxe finishes including Bose home theatre, king beds with pillow menu and well-equipped kitchenettes.
Earthy tones incorporating rattan and bamboo create a calm and natural feel and the property also has sky gardens located across four different floors with grand views of Somerset Road.
The residents’ lounge, known as The Living Room, offers a TV lounge, Xbox with Kinect, pool table and a pair of OSIM massage chairs. There’s also all-day tea and coffee facilities.
Take advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre and a 20m ionised-water swimming pool with children’s area and jacuzzi. Hydro-fitness equipment includes a submerged bike and treadmill and there’s also a hydro-therapeutic spa.
The shopping malls of Paragon, Takashimaya and ION Orchard are walking distance, as well as a plethora of dining options on Orchard Road. Somerset MRT is a two-minute stroll.
8 on Claymore Serviced Residences
8 on Claymore has undergone refurbishment this year.
Hospitality group Accor has recently taken over 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences in Singapore’s ritzy Orchard Road shopping district.
The 85-room property reopened late last year and has undergone a soft refurbishment of rooms and public areas this year. All rooms have spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchenettes and in-room laundry facilities. There’s also free parking available if required.
Accommodation ranges from studios to two- and three-bedroom apartments. Guests are able to access the Club Lounge for breakfast, to relax or to enjoy the outdoor pool and 24-hour gym.
The property is a five-minute walk from Orchard MRT and is also strolling distance from the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
8 on Claymore Serviced Residences joins 28 other Accor properties in the city, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Swissotel, Novotel, Mercure and ibis brands.
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