08-08-2014, 09:51 PM
09-08-2014, 04:49 PM
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/premium/...y-20140809
PUBLISHED AUGUST 09, 2014
UOL seeks land with 'strong growth story'
Group continues to be selective in land choice; Q2 hit by sharp drop in fair-value gains
BYKALPANA RASHIWALA
kalpana@sph.com.sg @KalpanaBT
The group's Thomson Three condo, which is also in RCR, has to date achieved sales of 92 per cent of the project's 445 units, with UOL maintaining its average price at around $1,330 psf - PHOTO: UOL GROUP
application/pdf iconUOL Group
Singapore
UOL Group is still keen on selectively replenishing its Singapore residential landbank even though it expects the market to remain subdued for a while.
The group yesterday posted a 51 per cent year-on-year drop in second-quarter net earnings due to sharply lower fair value gains from investment properties.
When contacted, UOL president (property) Liam Wee Sin told BT that the group will continue to selectively buy Singapore residential development land in locations that have good connectivity and which have strong growth story. "As you would have noticed, most of our recent site acquisitions have been in Rest of Central Region (RCR) - for example Upper Paya Lebar and Prince Charles Crescent - as this region has shown greater price resilience."
The group's Thomson Three condo, which is also in RCR, has to date achieved sales of 92 per cent of the project's 445 units, with UOL maintaining its average price at around $1,330 psf. The 99-year leasehold project was launched in September last year, after the introduction of total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) framework in late June 2013.
The group plans to launch its Seventy St Patrick's residential project later this year. The plan is to release in the first half of next year a condo in Upper Paya Lebar, with the majority of its nearly 800 units comprising one and two-bedders. Also slated for launch next year is a condo project along Prince Charles Crescent.
The group's chief executive Gwee Lian Kheng noted in a statement yesterday that "we expect the residential property market to remain subdued for a while" - citing declining home prices and the record number of private home completions between now and 2016.
The property and hotel group posted net profit of S$211.72 million for Q2 2014 - a 51 per cent drop from the same year-ago period. The decline was largely from lower fair-value gains on investment properties.
Fair value gains from the group's investment properties fell 75 per cent to S$85 million while gains from associated companies' investment properties eased 21 per cent to S$52.5 million.
Group revenue declined 30 per cent year-on-year to S$213.6 million on the back of a 73 per cent drop in revenue from property development to S$36.6 million. Unlike in Q2 2013, the latest Q2 did not see revenue from two residential development projects - Waterbank at Dakota and Spottiswoode Residences - which were completed in May and December last year respectively.
On a more positive note, revenue from property investments climbed 8 per cent to S$47.6 million, boosted by contribution from Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, which opened in May 2013. Gross revenue from hotel ownership and operations too rose 2 per cent to S$104.5 million, with higher contributions from Parkroyal on Beach Road and Parkroyal on Pickering.
Share of profit from associated and joint-venture companies surged 56 per cent to S$38.4 million - due mainly to higher contributions from the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel, and the Archipelago and Thomson Three residential projects.
Earnings per share halved to 27.45 Singapore cents for Q2 2014 from 56.03 Singapore cents in Q2 2013. Net asset value per share stood at S$9.15 at end-June this year, up from S$8.77 last Dec 31.
The counter ended nine Singapore cents lower at S$6.41 on Friday. UOL annnounced its results after the stock market closed.
Mr Gwee noted that travel patterns in the near term could be affected by rising geo-political tensions. However, the group was "still positive about the long-term prospect of the hotel industry (and) will continue to seek out new opportunities to expand into strategic gateway cities", he added.
As in the previous year, UOL will not be paying a Q2 dividend.
For the first-half, UOL's net profit fell 34 per cent to S$332.55 million. Revenue was 13 per cent higher at S$622.39 million.
PUBLISHED AUGUST 09, 2014
UOL seeks land with 'strong growth story'
Group continues to be selective in land choice; Q2 hit by sharp drop in fair-value gains
BYKALPANA RASHIWALA
kalpana@sph.com.sg @KalpanaBT
The group's Thomson Three condo, which is also in RCR, has to date achieved sales of 92 per cent of the project's 445 units, with UOL maintaining its average price at around $1,330 psf - PHOTO: UOL GROUP
application/pdf iconUOL Group
Singapore
UOL Group is still keen on selectively replenishing its Singapore residential landbank even though it expects the market to remain subdued for a while.
The group yesterday posted a 51 per cent year-on-year drop in second-quarter net earnings due to sharply lower fair value gains from investment properties.
When contacted, UOL president (property) Liam Wee Sin told BT that the group will continue to selectively buy Singapore residential development land in locations that have good connectivity and which have strong growth story. "As you would have noticed, most of our recent site acquisitions have been in Rest of Central Region (RCR) - for example Upper Paya Lebar and Prince Charles Crescent - as this region has shown greater price resilience."
The group's Thomson Three condo, which is also in RCR, has to date achieved sales of 92 per cent of the project's 445 units, with UOL maintaining its average price at around $1,330 psf. The 99-year leasehold project was launched in September last year, after the introduction of total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) framework in late June 2013.
The group plans to launch its Seventy St Patrick's residential project later this year. The plan is to release in the first half of next year a condo in Upper Paya Lebar, with the majority of its nearly 800 units comprising one and two-bedders. Also slated for launch next year is a condo project along Prince Charles Crescent.
The group's chief executive Gwee Lian Kheng noted in a statement yesterday that "we expect the residential property market to remain subdued for a while" - citing declining home prices and the record number of private home completions between now and 2016.
The property and hotel group posted net profit of S$211.72 million for Q2 2014 - a 51 per cent drop from the same year-ago period. The decline was largely from lower fair-value gains on investment properties.
Fair value gains from the group's investment properties fell 75 per cent to S$85 million while gains from associated companies' investment properties eased 21 per cent to S$52.5 million.
Group revenue declined 30 per cent year-on-year to S$213.6 million on the back of a 73 per cent drop in revenue from property development to S$36.6 million. Unlike in Q2 2013, the latest Q2 did not see revenue from two residential development projects - Waterbank at Dakota and Spottiswoode Residences - which were completed in May and December last year respectively.
On a more positive note, revenue from property investments climbed 8 per cent to S$47.6 million, boosted by contribution from Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road, which opened in May 2013. Gross revenue from hotel ownership and operations too rose 2 per cent to S$104.5 million, with higher contributions from Parkroyal on Beach Road and Parkroyal on Pickering.
Share of profit from associated and joint-venture companies surged 56 per cent to S$38.4 million - due mainly to higher contributions from the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel, and the Archipelago and Thomson Three residential projects.
Earnings per share halved to 27.45 Singapore cents for Q2 2014 from 56.03 Singapore cents in Q2 2013. Net asset value per share stood at S$9.15 at end-June this year, up from S$8.77 last Dec 31.
The counter ended nine Singapore cents lower at S$6.41 on Friday. UOL annnounced its results after the stock market closed.
Mr Gwee noted that travel patterns in the near term could be affected by rising geo-political tensions. However, the group was "still positive about the long-term prospect of the hotel industry (and) will continue to seek out new opportunities to expand into strategic gateway cities", he added.
As in the previous year, UOL will not be paying a Q2 dividend.
For the first-half, UOL's net profit fell 34 per cent to S$332.55 million. Revenue was 13 per cent higher at S$622.39 million.
15-08-2014, 07:07 AM
How wrong can veteran Wee be with his own $?
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/premium/...n-20140815
PUBLISHED AUGUST 15, 2014
UOL makes UK debut with £97m purchase in heart of London
Group hopes to operate a hotel on the site under its Pan Pacific brand
BYLYNETTE KHOO
lynkhoo@sph.com.sg @LynetteKhooBT
Coming up: An artist's impression of Heron Plaza. The site is currently vacant.
[SINGAPORE] In what appears to be a surge of interest among Singapore developers for overseas ventures, UOL Group is making its debut in the UK with a £97 million (S$201.6 million) acquisition of prime freehold land in the heart of London.
UOL Group said yesterday that it has agreed to acquire a 3,200 square metre site in Bishopsgate, in the City of London, from Heron International, a European property investment and development company controlled by property tycoon Gerald Ronson.
The group hopes to operate a hotel on the mixed- use site under its hotel flagship brand "Pan Pacific", which will also mark Pan Pacific's foray into the UK.
Heron International was earlier said to be seeking a joint venture partner but put the site up for sale following a corporate restructuring and after receiving several offers for the project. Its earlier plans for a Four Seasons hotel and residential complex on the site did not materialise.
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/premium/...n-20140815
PUBLISHED AUGUST 15, 2014
UOL makes UK debut with £97m purchase in heart of London
Group hopes to operate a hotel on the site under its Pan Pacific brand
BYLYNETTE KHOO
lynkhoo@sph.com.sg @LynetteKhooBT
Coming up: An artist's impression of Heron Plaza. The site is currently vacant.
[SINGAPORE] In what appears to be a surge of interest among Singapore developers for overseas ventures, UOL Group is making its debut in the UK with a £97 million (S$201.6 million) acquisition of prime freehold land in the heart of London.
UOL Group said yesterday that it has agreed to acquire a 3,200 square metre site in Bishopsgate, in the City of London, from Heron International, a European property investment and development company controlled by property tycoon Gerald Ronson.
The group hopes to operate a hotel on the mixed- use site under its hotel flagship brand "Pan Pacific", which will also mark Pan Pacific's foray into the UK.
Heron International was earlier said to be seeking a joint venture partner but put the site up for sale following a corporate restructuring and after receiving several offers for the project. Its earlier plans for a Four Seasons hotel and residential complex on the site did not materialise.
01-09-2014, 08:07 AM
noticed that uol has been buying uic.
could this action lead to
1) uol becoming more undervalued since uic owns singland which is undervalued.
2) more value created for uic shareholders and increase div. we can see that uol dividends doubled in last 5yrs.
understand that its wcy move to strengthen grip on uic indirectly.
but as small shareholder, we can pickieback wee and enjoy the ride too.
uol is for long play. doubling of money within 10yrs thru dividend reinvesting is v likely thpugh the quantum of investing in this counter is larger.
could this action lead to
1) uol becoming more undervalued since uic owns singland which is undervalued.
2) more value created for uic shareholders and increase div. we can see that uol dividends doubled in last 5yrs.
understand that its wcy move to strengthen grip on uic indirectly.
but as small shareholder, we can pickieback wee and enjoy the ride too.
uol is for long play. doubling of money within 10yrs thru dividend reinvesting is v likely thpugh the quantum of investing in this counter is larger.
22-09-2014, 11:21 AM
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/premium/...d-20140922
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
Over half of UOL's new freehold condo in East Coast sold
BYCAI HAOXIANG
haoxiang@sph.com.sg @HaoxiangCaiBT
SEVENTY St Patrick's, a 186-unit freehold condominium in East Coast by developer UOL Group, sold around 100 units when privately launched over the weekend.
Units were sold at an average price of S$1,630 per square foot (psf).
The smallest unit sold was a two-bedder for about S$1.2 million, while the largest was a penthouse that went for around S$2.4 million. Around 16 penthouses out of 36 available were sold.
Buyers were around 90 per cent Singaporean, with some buying the property for their children, The Business Times understands.
Unit sizes for the development range from 700 sq ft for a two-bedroom to 1,647 sq ft for a four-bedroom penthouse.
By comparison, nearby freehold apartment block St Patrick's Residences had three units exchange hands this year at an average price of S$1,226 psf. The units sold ranged from 1,206 sq ft to 2,519 sq ft, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) website.
At Seventy St Patrick's, amenities include a 50-metre pool, a meditation deck, wet and dry reflexology paths, and jacuzzis.
The development comprises nine blocks of five-storey buildings. It is being built on a site area of about 140,000 sq ft on St Patrick's Road. Estimated completion is end-2017.
The Thomson-East Coast Line, an MRT line to be completed in 2023, will also have a station nearby called Marine Terrace MRT.
UOL shares traded last Friday at S$6.45.
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
Over half of UOL's new freehold condo in East Coast sold
BYCAI HAOXIANG
haoxiang@sph.com.sg @HaoxiangCaiBT
SEVENTY St Patrick's, a 186-unit freehold condominium in East Coast by developer UOL Group, sold around 100 units when privately launched over the weekend.
Units were sold at an average price of S$1,630 per square foot (psf).
The smallest unit sold was a two-bedder for about S$1.2 million, while the largest was a penthouse that went for around S$2.4 million. Around 16 penthouses out of 36 available were sold.
Buyers were around 90 per cent Singaporean, with some buying the property for their children, The Business Times understands.
Unit sizes for the development range from 700 sq ft for a two-bedroom to 1,647 sq ft for a four-bedroom penthouse.
By comparison, nearby freehold apartment block St Patrick's Residences had three units exchange hands this year at an average price of S$1,226 psf. The units sold ranged from 1,206 sq ft to 2,519 sq ft, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) website.
At Seventy St Patrick's, amenities include a 50-metre pool, a meditation deck, wet and dry reflexology paths, and jacuzzis.
The development comprises nine blocks of five-storey buildings. It is being built on a site area of about 140,000 sq ft on St Patrick's Road. Estimated completion is end-2017.
The Thomson-East Coast Line, an MRT line to be completed in 2023, will also have a station nearby called Marine Terrace MRT.
UOL shares traded last Friday at S$6.45.
22-09-2014, 11:52 AM
pleased to hear this pc of news..half sold & gone on a private launch last weekend. Good start!!
22-10-2014, 07:01 AM
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-est...n-property
Pan Pacific Hotels Group launches Tianjin property
By
Nisha Ramchandaninishar@sph.com.sg@Nisha_BT
panopapsifich2210.jpg In Singapore, the group owns and/or manages eight hotels and serviced suites under its Pan Pacific and Parkroyal brands - PHOTO: PAN PACIFIC HOTELS
22 Oct5:50 AM
Singapore
SINGAPORE-BASED Pan Pacific Hotels Group has opened its fifth hotel in China, the Pan Pacific Tianjin, making China its biggest overseas market to date.
Aside from the hotel in Tianjin, Pan Pacific also has four other Pan Pacific hotels and serviced suites along the East
Pan Pacific Hotels Group launches Tianjin property
By
Nisha Ramchandaninishar@sph.com.sg@Nisha_BT
panopapsifich2210.jpg In Singapore, the group owns and/or manages eight hotels and serviced suites under its Pan Pacific and Parkroyal brands - PHOTO: PAN PACIFIC HOTELS
22 Oct5:50 AM
Singapore
SINGAPORE-BASED Pan Pacific Hotels Group has opened its fifth hotel in China, the Pan Pacific Tianjin, making China its biggest overseas market to date.
Aside from the hotel in Tianjin, Pan Pacific also has four other Pan Pacific hotels and serviced suites along the East
12-11-2014, 07:40 AM
http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companie...ncome-play
UOL sharpening recurring income play
Q3 earnings up 10%; plan to launch Upper Paya Lebar condo project in Q1 next year; residential land acquisitions will still be selective
By
Kalpana Rashiwalakalpana@sph.com.sg@KalpanaBT
onekmmalltk1211.jpg The group recently opened its One KM mall along Tanjong Katong Road. PHOTO: SPH
12 Nov5:50 AM
Singapore
UOL Group, which has posted a 10 per cent rise in third-quarter net earnings, will focus more effort on commercial and hospitality assets with recurring income - amid the subdued Singapore residential sector, said its group CEO Gwee Lian Kheng.
The group recently opened
UOL sharpening recurring income play
Q3 earnings up 10%; plan to launch Upper Paya Lebar condo project in Q1 next year; residential land acquisitions will still be selective
By
Kalpana Rashiwalakalpana@sph.com.sg@KalpanaBT
onekmmalltk1211.jpg The group recently opened its One KM mall along Tanjong Katong Road. PHOTO: SPH
12 Nov5:50 AM
Singapore
UOL Group, which has posted a 10 per cent rise in third-quarter net earnings, will focus more effort on commercial and hospitality assets with recurring income - amid the subdued Singapore residential sector, said its group CEO Gwee Lian Kheng.
The group recently opened
24-11-2014, 11:09 PM
lucky girls get to try the harbour suite
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/11-things-lear...00493.html
11 Things Learned Staying At The SGD 2,000 Per Night Suite at Pan Pacific Singapore
About Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-11.jpgLocated in the heart of the CBD, Pan Pacific Singapore boasts breath-taking views of the Singapore skyline. After undergoing an extensive renovation in 2012, the hotel now takes on a modern zen decor with bursts of colour. I particularly love the floating pods in the lobby of the hotel sitting atop a ‘moat’. Pan-Pacific-Singapore-26.jpgI’ve done numerous staycations in Singapore before but never had one quite like this. For starters, the room Christabel and I stayed in retails at a whopping SGD2000 a night! We stayed at the opulent Harbour Suite, located at the 35th floor of the hotel, the highest residential level.
Here are 10 things we learned staying at one of the most prestigious rooms in Singapore.
1. You get picked up and sent off in a limousine
Before our stay, we were pleasantly surprised to be emailed by the hotel staff informing us they could send over a limousine to pick us up. Singaporeans looking for staycation ideas take note! At the end of your stay, you will also be chauffeured to your chosen destination.
Note that this service did not apply just to our Harbour Suite. All Pacific Club rooms are extended with this complimentary service and it was a great start to our staycation.
2. Your check-in is done in-room
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-21.jpgBeing Pacific Club guests, we didn’t need to queue up to check into our hotel room. We felt privileged to be ushered all the way up to our room where the check-in was done in our room itself.
This is one of special privileges Pacific Club guests can enjoy. The other big highlight has to be unlimited access to the Pacific Lounge, which I will cover later.
3. The Harbour Suite is MASSIVE
b2ap3_thumbnail_PanPacific-2.JPGThe Harbour Suite is one of the Pacific Club suites and it is just one category below the Presidential Suite. The room was massive.
There was a large dining table and living room area with a large IPTV and Bose stereo system with a killer view of the Singapore skyline. The blinds are fully automated and the room phone is so high tech you can request for luggage pick-up with the touch of a button. Pan-Pac-1.JPGSoft drinks and water in the room were complimentary and there was a generous serving of fruits and cookies on the table when we arrived. Christabel and myself were in for a treat! PanPacific-3.JPGPanPacific-12_20141124-070407_1.jpgThe bedroom features a plush King-sized bed that comes with your preferred choice of pillow (buckwheat hull organi, foam contour or coil polyester). Once you lie on your bed you never want to get up.
4. The Harbour Suite bathroom has its own SPA!
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-1.jpgThe first thing that struck me about our room was the sheer size of the toilet alone. The toilet comes equipped with two sinks, a double-seater bubble bath, shower and your very own sauna. I kid you not.PanPacific-4.JPGGrab a glass of wine and have a soak in the hot tub or go sweat it out in your own private sauna.
5. The Hotel Is Full Of Instagramable Moments
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-35.jpgPan-Pacific-Singapore-35.jpgPan-Pacific-Singapore-34.jpgPan-Pacific-Singapore-34.jpg
Our suite’s floor to ceiling window looked out onto the Marina Bay area with Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer in full view. Gorgeous by day, absolutely spectacular by night. Pan-Pacific-Singapore-3.jpgThe room is also full of natural light in the daytime and perfect for those selfies.Pan-Pacific-Singapore-33.jpg
Put on the plush bathrobes and bedroom slippers provided by the hotel, put on a chick flick and settle down in front of TV whilst snacking on the complementary assortment of fruits and cookies provided. The cookies are made in-house and taste absolutely delicious. Pan-Pacific-Singapore-12.jpgChristabel and myself couldn’t help ourselves; we practically consumed half the jar in an hour. If you’re thirsty just help yourself to some soft drinks from your fridge or the one of the bottles of atas Evian water lying around, all complimentary of course.
6. Chat over cocktails at the luxurious Pacific Lounge
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-14.jpgEvery evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, the Pacific Lounge offers free-flow complimentary cocktails, wines and champagnes. The Lounge is exclusive, cosy and features panoramic views of the skyline. Haven’t had a htht in a while? Grab yourself a Cosmopolitan or Lychee Martini and let it all out. Hotel staff recommend being there at around 6:00pm to catch the sunset. PanPacific-5.JPGPan-Pacific-Singapore-19.jpg
If you’re not into alcohol, the Lounge also serves food during breakfast, tea and dinner. Each session offers a wide selection of teas, snacks and cakes that are perfectly Instagrammable as well.
7. Indulge In Breakfast at any time of the day
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-23.jpgPacific Club guests have the option of having breakfast at any time of the day and the best part about it is how you can have it brought to your room free of charge! Breakfast sets range from the usual Continental to Kopitiam and even Japanese.
It’s perfect for getting past those late nights and mornings without losing out on the most important meal of the day. The breakfast menu and other room service menus can be accessed via your IPTV. You can also check your existing bill using your IPTV.
8. Pamper yourself with Champagne Brunch at the Edge
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-27.jpgPanPacific-8.JPGOn Sundays, Pan Pacific Singapore also holds their Champagne Brunch at the Edge on level 3 of the hotel. Christabel and myself were treated to a wide spread of seafood and numerous other dishes ranging from succulent grilled wagyu beef to our local laksa.
At $168++ per person, you will be getting so much value for your dollar if you’re into champagne.
9. Shop, drink and dine all within 5 minutes of your hotel
Pan-Pacific-1.JPGMarina Bay Sands and the Esplanade visible from our suite.
The hotel is pretty self-contained as it is. But if you’re looking to get your retail fix, the entrance to Marina Square is just downstairs accessible via level 2 of the Pan Pacific. Marina Bay Sands, Millenia Walk, Suntec City and the Esplanade are all also within walking distance from the hotel.
10. Swim in pool with underwater speakers
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-32.jpgIf you’ve ever wondered how it felt like to be a synchronised swimmer, the pool at the Pan Pacific Singapore actually has underwater speakers that makes your pool workout that much more enjoyable. There’s also round-the-clock accessibility to Pan Pacific Singapore’s well-equipped Fitness Centre, so you never have to worry about missing out on your daily exercise regime. PanPacific-39.jpg
11. Pamper yourself at the award-winning St. Gregory spa
Pan-Pac-Ad.pngImage Credits: Pan Pacific Singapore
Savour ultimate relaxation at the Pan Pacific Singapore’s St. Gregory spa, an award-winning centre that is sure to relax, rejuvenate and refresh your senses. They recently picked up the award for “Best Luxury Hotel Spa”.
As their spa services are high in demand, it is recommended that you make a booking early into your stay, or even before. St. Gregory spa offers facials, massages and traditional Chinese therapy.
The Verdict
Pan-Pac-Last.JPG
My weekend of seemingly endless indulgence really left me with Monday blues. The level of service from the staff at Pan Pacific Singapore was exceptional and this elevated our whole staycation experience.
Though costly, the Harbour Suite and all its added perks would be perfect for a special occasion like an engagement party or an anniversary staycation. However, that may be over-the-top for most couples looking for a short getaway.
The good news is that Pan Pacific Singapore also offers very attractively priced rooming options that still allow you to enjoy the experience. Their special Escape Staycation starts at just SGD 358 and comes with perks like daily breakfast for two, SGD40 food and beverage credit and late check out at 2:00pm.
For about SGD100 more, guest can experience the Pacific Club we raved so much about. The Pacific Club package includes exclusive Club Lounge Access, champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, sunset cocktails and late check out until 2:00pm. For enquiries and reservations, speak to them at +65 6826 8111.
Make your booking here!
Getting to Pan Pacific Singapore
The hotel is accessible via Marina Square that is about a 15-min walk from City Hall MRT station. Pan Pacific Singapore is located at 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595.
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/11-things-lear...00493.html
11 Things Learned Staying At The SGD 2,000 Per Night Suite at Pan Pacific Singapore
About Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-11.jpgLocated in the heart of the CBD, Pan Pacific Singapore boasts breath-taking views of the Singapore skyline. After undergoing an extensive renovation in 2012, the hotel now takes on a modern zen decor with bursts of colour. I particularly love the floating pods in the lobby of the hotel sitting atop a ‘moat’. Pan-Pacific-Singapore-26.jpgI’ve done numerous staycations in Singapore before but never had one quite like this. For starters, the room Christabel and I stayed in retails at a whopping SGD2000 a night! We stayed at the opulent Harbour Suite, located at the 35th floor of the hotel, the highest residential level.
Here are 10 things we learned staying at one of the most prestigious rooms in Singapore.
1. You get picked up and sent off in a limousine
Before our stay, we were pleasantly surprised to be emailed by the hotel staff informing us they could send over a limousine to pick us up. Singaporeans looking for staycation ideas take note! At the end of your stay, you will also be chauffeured to your chosen destination.
Note that this service did not apply just to our Harbour Suite. All Pacific Club rooms are extended with this complimentary service and it was a great start to our staycation.
2. Your check-in is done in-room
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-21.jpgBeing Pacific Club guests, we didn’t need to queue up to check into our hotel room. We felt privileged to be ushered all the way up to our room where the check-in was done in our room itself.
This is one of special privileges Pacific Club guests can enjoy. The other big highlight has to be unlimited access to the Pacific Lounge, which I will cover later.
3. The Harbour Suite is MASSIVE
b2ap3_thumbnail_PanPacific-2.JPGThe Harbour Suite is one of the Pacific Club suites and it is just one category below the Presidential Suite. The room was massive.
There was a large dining table and living room area with a large IPTV and Bose stereo system with a killer view of the Singapore skyline. The blinds are fully automated and the room phone is so high tech you can request for luggage pick-up with the touch of a button. Pan-Pac-1.JPGSoft drinks and water in the room were complimentary and there was a generous serving of fruits and cookies on the table when we arrived. Christabel and myself were in for a treat! PanPacific-3.JPGPanPacific-12_20141124-070407_1.jpgThe bedroom features a plush King-sized bed that comes with your preferred choice of pillow (buckwheat hull organi, foam contour or coil polyester). Once you lie on your bed you never want to get up.
4. The Harbour Suite bathroom has its own SPA!
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-1.jpgThe first thing that struck me about our room was the sheer size of the toilet alone. The toilet comes equipped with two sinks, a double-seater bubble bath, shower and your very own sauna. I kid you not.PanPacific-4.JPGGrab a glass of wine and have a soak in the hot tub or go sweat it out in your own private sauna.
5. The Hotel Is Full Of Instagramable Moments
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-35.jpgPan-Pacific-Singapore-35.jpgPan-Pacific-Singapore-34.jpgPan-Pacific-Singapore-34.jpg
Our suite’s floor to ceiling window looked out onto the Marina Bay area with Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer in full view. Gorgeous by day, absolutely spectacular by night. Pan-Pacific-Singapore-3.jpgThe room is also full of natural light in the daytime and perfect for those selfies.Pan-Pacific-Singapore-33.jpg
Put on the plush bathrobes and bedroom slippers provided by the hotel, put on a chick flick and settle down in front of TV whilst snacking on the complementary assortment of fruits and cookies provided. The cookies are made in-house and taste absolutely delicious. Pan-Pacific-Singapore-12.jpgChristabel and myself couldn’t help ourselves; we practically consumed half the jar in an hour. If you’re thirsty just help yourself to some soft drinks from your fridge or the one of the bottles of atas Evian water lying around, all complimentary of course.
6. Chat over cocktails at the luxurious Pacific Lounge
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-14.jpgEvery evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, the Pacific Lounge offers free-flow complimentary cocktails, wines and champagnes. The Lounge is exclusive, cosy and features panoramic views of the skyline. Haven’t had a htht in a while? Grab yourself a Cosmopolitan or Lychee Martini and let it all out. Hotel staff recommend being there at around 6:00pm to catch the sunset. PanPacific-5.JPGPan-Pacific-Singapore-19.jpg
If you’re not into alcohol, the Lounge also serves food during breakfast, tea and dinner. Each session offers a wide selection of teas, snacks and cakes that are perfectly Instagrammable as well.
7. Indulge In Breakfast at any time of the day
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-23.jpgPacific Club guests have the option of having breakfast at any time of the day and the best part about it is how you can have it brought to your room free of charge! Breakfast sets range from the usual Continental to Kopitiam and even Japanese.
It’s perfect for getting past those late nights and mornings without losing out on the most important meal of the day. The breakfast menu and other room service menus can be accessed via your IPTV. You can also check your existing bill using your IPTV.
8. Pamper yourself with Champagne Brunch at the Edge
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-27.jpgPanPacific-8.JPGOn Sundays, Pan Pacific Singapore also holds their Champagne Brunch at the Edge on level 3 of the hotel. Christabel and myself were treated to a wide spread of seafood and numerous other dishes ranging from succulent grilled wagyu beef to our local laksa.
At $168++ per person, you will be getting so much value for your dollar if you’re into champagne.
9. Shop, drink and dine all within 5 minutes of your hotel
Pan-Pacific-1.JPGMarina Bay Sands and the Esplanade visible from our suite.
The hotel is pretty self-contained as it is. But if you’re looking to get your retail fix, the entrance to Marina Square is just downstairs accessible via level 2 of the Pan Pacific. Marina Bay Sands, Millenia Walk, Suntec City and the Esplanade are all also within walking distance from the hotel.
10. Swim in pool with underwater speakers
Pan-Pacific-Singapore-32.jpgIf you’ve ever wondered how it felt like to be a synchronised swimmer, the pool at the Pan Pacific Singapore actually has underwater speakers that makes your pool workout that much more enjoyable. There’s also round-the-clock accessibility to Pan Pacific Singapore’s well-equipped Fitness Centre, so you never have to worry about missing out on your daily exercise regime. PanPacific-39.jpg
11. Pamper yourself at the award-winning St. Gregory spa
Pan-Pac-Ad.pngImage Credits: Pan Pacific Singapore
Savour ultimate relaxation at the Pan Pacific Singapore’s St. Gregory spa, an award-winning centre that is sure to relax, rejuvenate and refresh your senses. They recently picked up the award for “Best Luxury Hotel Spa”.
As their spa services are high in demand, it is recommended that you make a booking early into your stay, or even before. St. Gregory spa offers facials, massages and traditional Chinese therapy.
The Verdict
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My weekend of seemingly endless indulgence really left me with Monday blues. The level of service from the staff at Pan Pacific Singapore was exceptional and this elevated our whole staycation experience.
Though costly, the Harbour Suite and all its added perks would be perfect for a special occasion like an engagement party or an anniversary staycation. However, that may be over-the-top for most couples looking for a short getaway.
The good news is that Pan Pacific Singapore also offers very attractively priced rooming options that still allow you to enjoy the experience. Their special Escape Staycation starts at just SGD 358 and comes with perks like daily breakfast for two, SGD40 food and beverage credit and late check out at 2:00pm.
For about SGD100 more, guest can experience the Pacific Club we raved so much about. The Pacific Club package includes exclusive Club Lounge Access, champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, sunset cocktails and late check out until 2:00pm. For enquiries and reservations, speak to them at +65 6826 8111.
Make your booking here!
Getting to Pan Pacific Singapore
The hotel is accessible via Marina Square that is about a 15-min walk from City Hall MRT station. Pan Pacific Singapore is located at 7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039595.
23-01-2015, 01:11 PM
anyone has any clues to the big price jump? now it is 7.20..