Hotel Review: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

Introduction

The PARKROYAL Collection Pickering is stunning to behold, both from the outside and from the inside, and can effortlessly transport you from the grey concrete jungles of Singapore to the verdant, tropical serenity of the hotel’s luxuriant gardens.

The hotel comprises 367 rooms, positioning it among the larger properties in the city. Situated directly opposite Hong Lim Park, it is conveniently accessible from both Chinatown and Clarke Quay MRT stations. Marketed as a “hotel in a garden,” PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is distinguished by its abundant vertical greenery, creating one of Singapore’s most striking façades. The building’s architectural merit will appeal to design enthusiasts, and its photogenic exterior makes it visually rewarding from virtually any angle.

Location

Nestled on the edge of Singapore’s Chinatown and the Civic District, PARKROYAL Collection Pickering sits at 3 Upper Pickering Street, a short walk from Chinatown MRT and within easy reach of Raffles Place and the Downtown Core. The hotel’s dramatic, garden-stepped façade overlooks the historic Pickering Street and is a brief stroll from the pedestrian-friendly streets of Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, where heritage shophouses host a mix of traditional eateries and contemporary bars. Large-scale landmarks such as the iconic Marina Bay skyline, the Singapore River, and the Asian Civilisations Museum are all accessible within a 10–20 minute walk or a quick taxi ride.

Dining and nightlife options cluster close by, from classic hawker fare at Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Food Street to upscale dining at nearby hotels and trendy cocktail bars along Club Street and Ann Siang Hill. The hotel’s proximity to the CBD means convenient access to riverside restaurants at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, while Orchard Road’s shopping and international restaurants are a short drive away, making the location ideal for both leisure exploration and business travel.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore

Deluxe Room

Since my early-morning arrival in Singapore, the lobby—consistent with my previous stays in this bustling city—was quiet. I was promptly escorted to the Orchid Club, where I enjoyed a proper cup of tea while my room key was prepared. Although I arrived late (12:34 a.m.), the front-desk service was attentive and efficient; a short elevator ride brought me directly to my room.

I stayed in an Orchid Club Deluxe Room (Room 730), a 32 sqm space thoughtfully appointed for both work and rest. These rooms are typically located on the upper levels, offering generous natural light in both the bedroom and bathroom. A floor-to-ceiling window affords a bird’s-eye view of Chinatown and Hong Lim Park—a pleasing juxtaposition of greenery and urban development. Note that the windows are not tinted, so with the blinds fully open the room becomes highly transparent; if privacy or a bathtub is a priority, request these specifics at booking, as not all rooms include a tub.

WiFi is complimentary here in the hotel for all staying guests and there is a beautiful work desk located right next to the window where you can really focus on getting things done. If meetings are more of a mandatory type, there is also a dedicated Business Centre located on level two of the hotel and it even provides administrative services like photocopying and printing. Bed is comfortable and not too firm - next to the bed lies all the controls that one would utilize - this is where you will be able to change the temperature of the room, turn off the lights as well and other logistical switches.

Bathroom | Deluxe Room

Regarding the bathroom, the water pressure in the bathroom is actually quite strong and I had no qualms with the provided amenities. The brand Appelles was developed with the intention of creating an exceptional skin and hair care offer, featuring a combination of the finest essential oils with botanical extracts to deliver outstanding results. There is a bit of a minor setback - the toilet room’s light is somewhat confusing to turn on, as it often doesn’t turn on until you turn off the master switch, and turn it back on. It’s a odd issue as I found myself having to use the bidet with no light.

The hotel was awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, which embraced sustainability as its core pillars of this property. Here, you won’t find disposable plastic water bottles here in the guest room and suites - instead, you will find water filter built into the sink - the tap in Singapore is potable and you can always request for more water to be sent up if required. 


Breakfast | Lime

I went back to the lounge in the evening to enjoy the food and cocktails. The next morning, I took a stab at the breakfast spread. The breakfast had champagne if you would like to indulge. I went for an omelette and enjoyed a few other items from the buffet. I also want to point out the quality of coffee in the lounge and in the rooms was great. Very smooth and strong, just the way I like it.

LIME at PARKROYAL Collection Pickering serves a well-executed breakfast buffet that balances local flavors with international staples. The usual spread includes a live egg station, a selection of freshly baked pastries and breads, dim sum and congee for a comforting Singaporean touch, and hot Western options such as sausages, bacon, and pancakes. Fresh tropical fruits, made-to-order juices, yogurt, and a variety of cereals round out the lighter offerings. Coffee and a range of teas are reliably good, with attentive service ensuring plates and hot items are replenished promptly. The dining room’s contemporary greenery and warm lighting complement the food, making the morning experience both relaxed and refined.

The Lime restaurant offered a massive selection of asian/western choice (they are known for their massive buffet selection) and can get busy around 7:30-8:30am. There is also their buffet dinner, where they offer a wide variety of choices from local favorites to International cuisine. It was an excellent chance to sample a variety of Singaporean dishes, such as Kueh Pie Tee, Singapore Rojak, and Singapore Bak Kut Tehat at the buffet stations. Chefs were available to prepare the dishes and provide explanations about the recipes and ingredients.

Infinity Pool & Poolside Cabanas

The iconic moment for this hotel has to be its instagrammable swimming pool on the Wellness floor, which features the fitness center and a never-seen-before 300m walking/running route for guests (this is a first for me!) I was able to enjoy the time of the pool after breakfast and lounged a bit, enjoying the stunning view and the architecture of the place. Guests can enjoy the semi-private pods that sits above the water, as these seating pods resemble bird cages that are set amidst lush greenery and they look beautiful from the inside as well as outside. Clearly beautiful in design, they blend incredibly well with the design elements of this amazing hotel.

As mentioned, there is the fitness center as well as the spa. Sharing the fifth floor with the outdoor infinity pool is a wellness space that incorporates a jacuzzi as well as a decently-sized gym where you will be able to check out some top of the line fitness equipments. The St. Gregory Spa can also be found here if you are looking for a relaxing afternoon in the hotel. Furthermore, there’s quite a sizable and well-equipped gym, with various equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and multiple machines (that I don’t know the uses for) available. The treadmills are modern too, the kind where you can connect your phone and watch videos/play music of your choice. It also has a wide selection of free weights and is definitely one of the most impressive hotel gyms I’ve visited thus far. Lastly, it overlooks the swimming pool so one gets a nice view while working out.

As the “World’s Leading Green City Hotel,” the hotel’s gardens are a must-visit. The 300m garden walkway is impressive. Not only with their beautiful planting but also with the remarkable infrastructure that supports these plants.

Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at PARKROYAL Collection Pickering. The Japanese-inspired Deluxe Room, finished in warm timber, is both beautiful and thoughtfully appointed; its design promotes a genuine sense of calm. Amenities are excellent, and the outdoor pool alone justifies the nightly rate. Architecture enthusiasts will find the hotel especially compelling — every floor offers striking, photogenic perspectives that make the property feel almost dreamlike. The hotel’s location is another strong asset, with Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay Sands all within easy reach, which is highly convenient for leisure and business travellers alike.

PARKROYAL Collection Pickering delivers on design, comfort and location. It is an outstanding choice for guests who appreciate considered architecture and a tranquil, well-equipped urban retreat.


Curated for Class Final Score | 40/50

This amazing garden of a hotel clearly takes aim at adding a unique experience to those traveling to Singapore, showcasing the vast gardens and pools, along with its prime location for visitors. Between this and the Pan Pacific Orchard Singapore, this is a very hard choice to pick as a reviewer, but an amazing selection for travelers looking to visit Singapore.

Ambiance: 8/10

Room: 8/10

Food & Beverage: 8/10

Service: 7.5/10

Does it Feel Special: 8.5/10

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