When in doubt, Staycate

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(Daddy staycates)

Sure, beaches and amusement parks promise all kinds of family fun during holiday breaks. But there are other ways to live it up too without hitting the road, or skies. And one such alternative does not come better than a staycation... especially if it involves a hotel that is located smack in the middle of the city. Yes, relaxation has never been so accessible.

Hello Grand Park City Hall, our lodging for one night 2 weekends ago. The staycation could not have been more timely as it gave us the perfect excuse to celebrate Ash's 9th birthday as well. In fact, the last time when we were there to try out Indulge at Park's Festive Buffet at the hotel, both Ash and Ayd had remarked how nice it would be if they could stay at the hotel too. Funny how some things turn out, eh?

Strategically located in the heart of Singapore's vibrant civic and arts district, Grand Park City Hall is less than a 5-minute walk away from City Hall MRT station, as well as minutes away from the shopping belt of Raffles City, Suntec, and Marina Bay shopping malls.

But what I didn't know was Grand Park City Hall is actually part of a historic area dating back 150 years ago! The hotel had incorporated the charm of restored, century-old shophouses into its modern architecture, which had earned itself the prestigious Architectural Heritage Award.

All well and good but the acid test for any family looking for a good staycation has got to be the hotel rooms. And my word, what a hotel room for the monkies it was!

This was the first time for us stepping into a hotel room to see EVERYTHING tailored especially to the little ones. From the colourful and cheery bedlinen, plastic cups to even the soft toys placed around the room, it was hard for the monkies not to fall in love with their very own cozy hotel room.

ALL hotel rooms should be dressed up like this for kids. Period.

Even the bathroom was immaculately set up with the kids in mind, which came stocked with baby towels and toiletries.

The kids even have their appropriately-sized bathrobes!

Which delighted Ale to no end of course.

Oh, and did you spy the little writing corner set up specially for children as well?

Activity colouring books are also provided complimentary, which kept Ale busy for a fair amount of time.

Ash was the happiest monkie around that day I think, thanks to some awesome gifts by the hotel. The pillow was a nice touch. :)

Compared to the kids' room, the parents' room was more on the normal side. Oh yes, I'm jealous.

Luckily, there was the scrumptious buffet spread at Indulge at Park for me to stuff the jealousy away.

And as per our last visit, the chocolate fondue remained the top fave of the monkies.

Ash even manage to get himself a Birthday cake!

Of course, one can only binge so much. With kids in tow, there is also a constant need to scour places to interest to keep them busy. And staying at Grand Park City Hall, there are no shortage of those options.

Kids will love the Peranankan and Singapore Philatelic Museums, which are accessible on foot. Or head down to the Mint Museum of Toys which showcases a private collection of vintage toys. Revel in the vast greenery at Fort Canning Park and indulge the kids in a bit of Singapore's history at the same time. Also, every Saturday mornings (9-11am), ALL fire stations, except Jurong Island Fire Station, open their doors to the public and the Central Fire Station diagonally opposite Grand Park City Hall is no exception. So if you are staying over for the weekend, you know what to do!

Of course, there is still the other option of just doing absolutely nothing but chill the afternoon away at the hotel's pool.

There is one large pool, with no dedicated kids pool so families with younger toddlers might feel a tad left out.

But a pleasant discovery came in the form of this heated Jacuzzi tucked away in a corner, set amidst the privacy of green foliage.

Granted the pool may be a smaller (or less fun) one that the monkies are accustomed to, but they somehow still managed to milk 2 solid hours of fun out of it.

A quick bath and dinner later, we were back in our rooms. Doing this.

Nothing like getting all lazy and snugly tucked in a hotel's bed while watching television, no? That is what all staycations should be made of.

And uhm, throw in a fantastic breakfast buffet the morning after as well.

Clearly, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Grand Park City Hall. It is pleasant, not too overly crowded compared to other hotels and its location has everything - from dining and shopping options to attractions for the kids.

Useful Information

We had the FAMILY PACKAGE which comes with TWO rooms, with the 2nd room at 50% off. In-room amenities tailored for little ones such as bedlinen, baby toiletries, cots, bathtubs, bottle sterilisers and more are also available, at no additional charge!

Accommodation is inclusive of the following benefits: 

• Children under 12 stay free

• Complimentary Breakfast for up to two adults and two children

• 50% off the 2nd Room

• Complimentary Internet Access

• Complimentary kid’s meals when accompanied by paying adults

• Complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Room on Weekends

For more information, visit HERE.

Only need ONE room? Then check out the STAYCATE PLUS package which offers complimentary room upgrade, free Internet, guaranteed late check-out and parking, 20% off F&B, as well as 20% off a la carte Spa treatments. In addition, create your personal meme on Park Hotel Group’s Facebook Page and get to bring your professionally printed personalised meme poster home - much like the 'Happy Birthday Ash' poster that Ash received. For more information, visit HERE.

GRAND PARK CITY HALL

10 Coleman Street

Singapore 179809

Tel: +65 6432-5558