Hello everyone.
It has been a while since I touched this space. I want to share my staycation experience at Pan Pacific Service Suites Beach Road with you. Both my friends and I stayed there from 12 to 14 January 2022. We wanted more holiday, even though December had just passed. Plus, who can say no to a fun experience at a serviced apartment hotel?
Checking In
Based on the reviews we saw on Google and Agoda, the check-in process was relatively slow. Officially, the check-in time was at 3 pm. I felt that it was true. We had to wait a long time in the lobby, and some of the staff were unsure what to do with the documentation. There was only two concierge staff, and I could feel that they were stressed.
We only managed to check-in at 5 pm – but that was because we requested a bathtub. A previous guest was staying in the room we were to stay in. The concierge offered us access to the pool and gym while waiting, but we were already hungry. We left our luggage and went for a late lunch around the area. The concierge claimed that she tried to call us on my mobile around 4 pm when we came back. But I did not receive any notifications whatsoever… but it’s okay.
We stayed in room 1008 (10th floor). We had a sliced view of the Singapore Flyer and the constructions along Nicoll Highway. Despite the construction works, we did not hear much of it – which was awesome!
Quality of Stay
We stayed in a One Bedroom Deluxe Suite with King Bed and had our request for a bathtub fulfilled. Only the Deluxe rooms (which were the cheapest) had bathtubs. However, not all of the Deluxe rooms had bathtubs —request for it, subject to availability.
The rooms were dated – a bit of the laminate on the walls was peeled, and the carpeted floorings along corridors were dirty. Some of the wall edges in the room were chipped. We weren’t very picky, but there has to be a refresh of the carpets.
What we loved was the kitchenette. That was the primary purpose of our stay! We had most of our meals here. Cooking with friends was a fun activity, especially when the current Safe Management Measures didn’t allow BBQ in public parks yet.
The kitchenette facilities and utensils were just enough for us. However, we noticed that one of the two induction stoves didn’t work. We never figured out whether it was faulty or deactivated due to a safety feature.
One highlight of our stay was the infinity pool. Located on the top floor next to the 24-hour gym, the pool faces the sunrise. So imagine me – pulling my friends up in the wee hours of the morning to go for a sunrise swim! Bonus points – we were the only ones on the top floor (gym and pool!).
Vicinity
I would recommend a stay here if you are a foodie like me. Located just a street away from the famed Arab Street, tons of food options are available. Note that the hours are shortened due to COVID-19, and none of the stalls are open 24 hours. The only open shops are 7-11… which is also right in the middle of the Arab Street area.
Food/Beverages to Try (in no particular order):
- The Dim Sum Place
- The Ramen Stall
- Zam Zam or Victory
- fika
- Bhai Sarbat
Would I stay here again?
For sure. I would book the same room type to enjoy the bathtub experience and cooking with family or friends. Or go with a significant other. The sunrise swim was a romantic experience.
I didn’t mind that the room type was on a ‘lower’ floor. Level 10 was high enough to see the surroundings. Even though our stay was during the weekdays, there were lots of people checking in. I cannot imagine what the service would be like during the weekends.
So yes, (cheaper) weekday stays!