We all know that one important factor that makes a staycation enjoyable, beyond the convenience and comfort, is that the kids be meaningfully occupied.  After all, what is the point of packing everyone to go to a hotel, just to watch TV, take a quick dip, pack up and return home?

So, a memorable staycation needs to creatively satisfy the needs of virtually everyone in the family (including Mommy and Daddy). This is where our recent staycation at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay truly left an impression.

Otah and Friends?

The Stay, Hide and Seek with Otah and Friends Staycation package offers families a host of surprises within the room hidden by Otah, the friendly Singapore otter and his friends.  These cheeky friends have crafted a set of clues for the younger kids to go ‘treasure hinting’ for these goodies around the room.

In addition, with each room, the kids will get to collect one of the 4 limited edition Otah plushie decked in cultural costumes along with a pair of specially designed Otah and Friends cushions specially made for PARKROYAL COLLECTION hotels.

Surprise:

We were surprised that our kids, though of different ages, took to the adorable plushies and cushions so well.  In fact, they had fun with the simple treasure hunt in the room too! We suspect the delicious cookies have a lot to do with it.

They both adored lOtah so much that they brought it around with them everywhere (to the pool, to the breakfast restaurant etc.) Yes, they had to learn to share Otah too.  This staycation was off to a good start!

Sustainability:

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay has a large urban farm sitting on its level 5 just right outside its main restaurant, Peppermint where they grow its own vegetables, fruits, spices and herbs.  A true farm-to-table experience right within the hotel’s premise!

We had such an enriching time touring the urban farm.  We spotted okras, bananas, papayas, roselle, pomegranates, basil, rosemary, lemon balm, chilli etc…among others.  No need to travel to far flung, ulu spots in Singapore, the urban farm here offers quite an experience! In fact, the kids didn’t want to leave even though the sun was scorching.

Services and Facilities:

Rooms: The hotel has just undergone a major renovation and reopened in Dec 2020.  The rooms have been refreshed with a contemporary feel and come with an outdoor balcony. We are glad that the luxurious touch from the plush beddings and furnishings are still evident even in the Urban Room (cheapest category of room that we stayed in).  We noticed that the room floor is layered with wood laminates that accentuate the contemporary feel (instead of carpets). This is actually a better option for families with kids who have sensitive airways (like Buddy). True to the hotel’s sustainability goals, the rooms also come with a distilled tap where guests can help ourselves to clean, healthy, drinking water 24/7. Kudos to the hotel!

Spa: The hotel’s award-winning spa, St Gregory Spa, is worth a mention.  As a couple who enjoys massages, we know that spa experiences can be hit or miss. We are delighted to recount that our experience with St. Gregory spa is simply sublime.  The environment was soothing, relaxing while the masseuse was experienced and professional. 

In short, this is one spa worth indulging in.  You know you deserve it.  We did and loved it.

Swimming Pool: The hotel’s 25m outdoor mineral pool 25m with its mineral-water, offers not only a good swimming experience for the family, the spacious garden area offers a commanding view of Singapore’s downtown CBD area.  Perfect, for guests to catch the Singapore National Day action.

The Atrium:  The hotel’s atrium is really a beautiful sight to behold.  This is where the hotel flaunts its “Garden in a Hotel” concept. With its lush greenery adorning the atrium, it was as if we have walked into a huge urban jungle!

• Natural bird songs: We were charmed by the exotic birds around the atrium area in the morning during breakfast time.  With their songs ringing through the atrium and up towards the guest rooms, this was truly an awesome experience no hotel has given its guests.

• Light enchantment at the atrium and sensorial cocktail experience: When night falls, the atrium transforms into a surreal landscape of sight and sounds.  We basked in the soft glows of the light show combined with a sensorial cocktail experience where the mixologist concocts up their signature drinks.  Unforgettable.

Scenic Sights:

With the hotel situated right in the heart of the city’s scenic belt, it’s makes for very good reason to take a leisurely walk around places such as the Esplanade bridge, Merlion Park with the family or just with the spouse along Marina Bay, all within a stone’s throw.   

Shopping and Dining:

The hotel is conveniently situated just beside two of Singapore’s iconic shopping malls (Marina Square Shopping Mall and Suntec City). We couldn’t resist but to pop over for a short spell of ‘retail therapy’, followed by a Japanese Ramen meal at a new eatery in the mall.

Message to the GM:

Any hotel can launch staycation packages but one that can meaningfully engage both the kids and parents?  That would clearly be the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.  The well-curated Urban Farm, the award-winning St. Gregory Spa along with the gorgeous atrium sealed the deal. In addition, the lovely service we received from your staff will make us want to return in a heartbeat. A real gem of an hotel for families in an unbeatable location. Highly recommended!

https://www.panpacific.com/en/offers/otah-and-friends.html