Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy: An Eat, Play & Shop Staycation

Media Review

Staycations are wonderful, simply because they allow for a quick recharge without the need of over-packing for an overseas trip. Which is great especially for families with young kids. And for a staycation with a difference but still within vicinity of good food, shopping and recreational activities for the kiddos, one does not need to look further than the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy on the east coast of Singapore. 

Conveniently located between Parkway Parade shopping centre and the culturally-rich (AND food-rich) Katong district, the hotel is also near to East Coast Park and its many recreational amenities. 

I know, the hotel's facade may look a little jaded, but the Studio Suite that we were hosted in was anything but that. In fact, it was spacious enough to fit our family of 5 - thanks to the existing sofa bed and addition of an extra bed.

Decorated in earthly hues with a chic minimalist Zen flavour, the 52sqm Studio Suite was modern, clean and well-maintained.

One peculiar habit about the monkies when it comes to staycations is they absolutely love watching cartoon channels on the hotel bed - or catching up on the world's latest news on the iPad (:P) for that matter.

Because somehow, watching TV or playing the iPad at home doesn't quite cut it like watching cartoons while slothing it out on a hotel's bed. I believe Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy's super comfy beds had a hand in this because yes, I too succumbed.

Each Studio Suite comes well equipped with free WiFi (very important!), a LCD flat screen TV with cable channels and radio channels, self-controllable air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, safe deposit box, mini-bar, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, hairdryer, over-mattress and bathroom amenities with bathrobe and slippers.

But the greatest perk of staying in a Studio Stuite has got to be having exclusive access to the Executive Lounge located on level 17!

Here, guests enjoy all-day complimentary refreshments as well as free-flow of finger food and drinks between 6pm and 8pm daily.

Enjoying food while watching TV at the same time; what could be better than this???

Which is fine with the wifey and me actually, since it left us with some peace and quite to enjoy the awesome sea view.

Ate too much? There is a swimming pool with sun loungers and a sun terrace, including a tiny baby pool located on the Level 4. A gym is also available onsite. 

But to truly experience the precinct that Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy is sitting in, one has to explore the surroundings to enjoy the activities that the hotel is close to.

Besides being nestled in the heart of historical Katong, a heritage area on the East Coast of the city that is rich in Peranakan culture and having all the Katong coffeeshops/cafes/restaurants one can visit, the hotel is directly opposite Parkway Parade Shopping Mall - a mall which is notorious for its terrible car park jams during weekends. More shopping you say? I12 Katong is a 5-minute walk away.

Even East Coast Park is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel! Walk towards the direction of the expressway towards Parkway Parade, cross the underpass and come face to face with a sea of green and blue.

If you are looking for somewhere to chill, Parkland Green is the first low-rise development that you will first see. Comprising of a mix of family-friendly restaurants, casual cafes and sports retail shops, families will love the 1-hectare lush green lawn nestled in front of the restaurants and cafes, providing kids with the perfect open space to run, jump and tumble while parents sip on a cuppa nearby.

Or if you are in the mood to take a leisurely stroll (or rent a bicycle) further up the coast to Raintree Cove, there is always this to make the kids go wild.

Kids get to operate an actual working excavator! For more details, head on to my previous blog post HERE.

Feeling famished after all the activities? There are four restaurants Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy that cater to different occasions and tastes: Feast@East Buffet Restaurant, Jia Wei Chinese restaurant, Wave Cafe, and Breez Bistro Bar.

We had our 4-course dinner at the Breez Bistro Bar, which offered casual and modern ambience dining with a nice view of the swimming pool.

Food was pretty decent although I have to say I was surprised that the Bistro Bar was almost packed with customers during our dinner. I later found out that all guests enjoy a 30% discount at the cafe - quite a good deal!

Of course, a staycation is never complete without a hearty buffet breakfast to round up the experience!

Feast@East Buffet Restaurant is famed for its Peranakan Hotel Buffet, and its breakfast buffet spread is does not disappoint too.

Actually, I was paying more attention to the interior of the restaurant which was dotted with memorabilia of a Peranakan influence.

No prizes for guessing that the monkies enjoyed their 1-night stacation at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy then.

The rooms are pleasant, with its location is an interesting one.  From some of Singapore's best food and shopping options to activities at East Coast Park for the kids, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy offers just that something extra in a staycation for families.

And GREAT NEWS if you are looking to book a room at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy! Did you know that you enjoy a whopping 30% discount on your hotel room rate instantly if you book up to 30 days in advance? And to sweeten the deal, accommodation and breakfast are free for 2 children (under 12 years) sharing parents’ room! One complimentary roll-away bed will be provided for one child under 12 years of age with the second child sharing existing bed. More details HERE.



Useful Information

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy
50 East Coast Road, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
Website: http://grandmercureroxy.com.sg/