You’ve probably seen it on Instagram. That massive, curvy building in Singapore that looks like a vertical jungle. Honestly, it’s hard to miss. Located right at the edge of Chinatown and the CBD, Parkroyal Collection Pickering Singapore is basically the poster child for what happens when architects decide that concrete shouldn't be boring. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a massive 15,000-square-meter statement piece.
But does it actually live up to the glossy photos?
I’ve spent a lot of time looking into why this place stays so popular. It isn’t just the "greenery" gimmick. There is a specific kind of engineering and philosophy here that most travelers miss. If you’re planning a stay or just curious about why everyone obsesses over it, here is the real story behind the "hotel-in-a-garden."
The Architecture WOHA Got Right
The firm behind this, WOHA, didn't just slap some potted plants on a balcony. They designed the building to "replace" the greenery that was lost when the site was developed. In fact, they doubled it. The hotel has roughly 200% of its land area covered in plants.
Most hotels are just blocks of glass. This one uses a "topographical" approach. Think of it like a rice terrace in Bali, but made of pre-cast concrete and towering over Upper Pickering Street. Those swooping, organic curves aren't just for show—they actually help with natural shading and cooling.
It’s basically a living lung
The "sky gardens" are the soul of the place. You have four-story tall gardens that literally wrap around the building every few floors. Because of how it's oriented, 51% of the guestroom corridors are naturally ventilated. They aren't energy-guzzling, air-conditioned hallways. Instead, you walk through fresh air with the sound of water features in the background. It feels less like a corporate hotel and more like a high-end treehouse.
Design details you’ll notice
- The Birdcages: Those bright, colorful cabanas by the pool? They are shaped like traditional birdcages, a nod to the bird-singing competitions that used to be common in the nearby neighborhoods.
- The Mirror Effect: If you look at the ceilings in the lobby, they are lined with mirrors. This isn't just vanity; it's a trick to reflect the greenery and light, making the indoor space feel like it's merging with the park outside.
- The Pre-cast Concrete: Those "rock" layers are actually modular pieces. It’s a "kit of parts" that looks incredibly complex but was built with serious efficiency.
Staying at Parkroyal Collection Pickering Singapore: What It’s Actually Like
Walking into the lobby feels a bit like entering a cavern. It’s dark, cool, and smells vaguely of wood and rain. The check-in process is usually snappy, but keep in mind that this is a high-volume hotel. It’s popular with business travelers during the week and "staycation" seekers on weekends.
The Room Situation
There are 367 rooms. Every single one has a view of either Hong Lim Park or the internal sky gardens. This is a huge win because you’re never just staring at a brick wall.
Inside, the vibe shifts to "light and airy." You’ve got light wood panels and floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms are a highlight—specifically the ones with the deep-soaking tubs. They have an ergonomic seat built in, which sounds weird until you’re actually sitting in it.
Pro Tip: If you can swing it, go for the COLLECTION Club rooms. You get access to the 16th-floor lounge. The 360-degree views from up there are probably the best in the city, and the evening cocktails make the price jump feel a bit more justified. Plus, they give you two pieces of laundry per day for free, which is a lifesaver in Singapore’s 90% humidity.
The Pool and Wellness Floor
Level five is where the magic happens. This is where the infinity pool lives. It overlooks the CBD skyline and the historic shophouses of Chinatown.
There’s also a 300-meter "Garden Walk." It’s a path that snakes through the greenery, complete with waterfalls and a massive variety of tropical plants. It’s one of the few places in central Singapore where you can actually forget you’re in a city of nearly six million people.
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The Sustainability Math (It’s Not Just Greenwashing)
A lot of hotels claim to be "eco-friendly" because they don't wash your towels every day. Parkroyal Collection Pickering Singapore actually does the math.
They use a massive rainwater harvesting system. Every time a tropical storm hits—which is almost every afternoon—the building collects that water to irrigate the 15,000 square meters of plants. They also have an "Urban Farm" on the roof that grows over 50 varieties of herbs and vegetables used in their restaurant, Lime.
- Solar Power: The sky gardens are partially powered by solar cells on the roof.
- Zero-Energy Corridors: Because they use natural ventilation, the energy saved on AC in the hallways is massive.
- Motion Sensors: The lights in stairwells and common areas only pop on when someone is there.
- Water Filtration: You won't find plastic water bottles in the rooms. There’s a filtered water tap at the sink, which is a small change that saves thousands of plastic bottles a year.
Dining: The Lime Experience
The main restaurant, Lime, is famous for its buffet. Honestly, it’s one of the best in the area. They have three open kitchens and the spread is wild. You’ll find everything from laksa and satay to sushi and a DIY noodle station.
If you aren't staying at the hotel, it’s still worth coming here for the "Tiers of Joy" afternoon tea or the lobster buffet on weekends. Just make sure you book ahead. The place gets packed with locals.
Location: The Best of Both Worlds
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. You are literally a five-minute walk from:
- Chinatown: Go to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
- Clarke Quay: This is the nightlife hub. If you want a drink by the river, this is where you go.
- Hong Lim Market & Food Centre: This is right next door. If you want real, award-winning Hawker food (like Outram Park Fried Kway Teow), do not skip this.
What People Get Wrong
People often think this hotel is "isolated" because of all the plants. It's not. It’s right in the middle of a busy intersection. While the rooms are surprisingly quiet thanks to the high-performance glass, the pool area can get some street noise.
Another misconception? That it’s a "resort." It’s a business-luxury hybrid. It has the amenities of a resort, but the efficiency of a high-end city hotel.
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Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: If you want the pool to yourself, avoid Friday and Saturday nights. That’s when the "staycation" crowd moves in.
- Join the DISCOVERY Program: The hotel is part of the Pan Pacific Discovery loyalty scheme. Members usually get a 10% discount and occasional room upgrades. It's free to join, so there's no reason not to.
- Pack Light: The room storage is efficient but not massive.
- Explore the 5th Floor at Night: The lighting on the garden walk after dark is incredible. It’s very moody and much cooler than during the midday heat.
- Eat Locally: While the hotel food is great, you are right next to some of the best cheap eats in the world at Hong Lim Market. Grab a $5 bowl of noodles there at least once.
This building changed the way people think about urban architecture. It proved that you don't have to choose between a "big city" vibe and nature. Whether you’re staying there or just walking past it on your way to Chinatown, take a second to look up. It’s a glimpse of what cities might look like in 50 years.