Where to Stay in Singapore: Grand Park City Hall

Singapore is one of those cities where where you stay can completely change the trip. There is so much to see, eat and explore, so being able to walk out of your hotel and already be in the middle of everything makes such a difference.

On my recent trip to Singapore, I stayed at Grand Park City Hall, right in the centre of Singapore’s Civic District. It’s such a convenient base for exploring the city, while still feeling like somewhere I could come back to and relax between plans.

For me, one of the best things about Grand Park City Hall is its location.

The hotel sits right in the Civic District, surrounded by some of my favourite parts of Singapore. The National Gallery Singapore and Fort Canning Park are around a four-minute walk away, while CHIJMES is around six minutes away. Clarke Quay is also within walking distance, which is perfect for heading out for dinner or drinks along the river.

You’re also close to key landmarks like the colourful Old Hill Street Police Station, the Peranakan Museum, Raffles City and Funan Mall, with Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay just an eight-minute drive away, making it easy to reach many of Singapore’s most popular sights.

City Hall MRT is only a few minutes away as well, which makes getting around Singapore really easy without having to rely on taxis for everything.

I loved being able to spend the morning exploring galleries and the older architecture around the Civic District, stop somewhere for coffee or lunch, and then easily come back to the hotel before heading out again that evening. One morning I started with an incredible coffee and breakfast at the Crystal Club, spent some time by the pool and then headed out for a walk around the Civic District.

Inside Grand Park City Hall

Image by Park Hotel Group

The hotel itself has a really interesting mix of heritage and modern design, which feels so fitting for this part of Singapore. There are beautiful neoclassical details throughout the interior that tie into the historic architecture surrounding it.

The rooms are spacious for such a central location, with different categories depending on the type of stay. Premier Rooms start from 32 sqm, while the Crystal Club rooms come with additional Club privileges.

There’s also an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and fitness centre on Level 4, which I always appreciate in Singapore when you need a break from walking around in the heat. I loved having a slow morning by the pool before getting ready and heading back into the city for the afternoon.

Image by Park Hotel Group

The Crystal Club

One of the highlights of my stay was having access to the Crystal Club Lounge.

Located on Level 9, the Crystal Club is available to Crystal Club Room and Suite guests and feels like a quieter space within the hotel. There is indoor seating as well as an outdoor terrace overlooking the city.

Club access includes breakfast each morning, afternoon tea from 2pm to 4pm and evening dinner bites and alcoholic drinks from 6pm to 8pm. There are also non-alcoholic refreshments available throughout the day, and Club guests have access to private check-in and check-out on Level 9.

I especially loved having the lounge there in the afternoon. Singapore days can get quite full when you’re trying to fit everything in, so coming back for a drink and something small to eat before getting ready for dinner was such a nice addition to the stay.

If you’re deciding between a standard room and a Crystal Club room, I think the Club access is worth considering, particularly if you know you’ll actually make use of the breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks.

Exploring from the hotel

Another reason I’d stay here again is how easy it is to plan a day around the hotel.
You can start with breakfast at the Crystal Club, walk over to the National Gallery, explore the Civic District and CHIJMES, then head towards Marina Bay later in the day. In the opposite direction, you have Fort Canning and Clarke Quay, with plenty of restaurants and bars for the evening.
It gives you access to both the more historic, architectural side of Singapore and the modern city without feeling removed from either.

Grand Park City Hall is a great option if location is just as important to you as the hotel itself.

I loved having so much within walking distance, particularly the National Gallery, CHIJMES, Fort Canning and Clarke Quay, while Marina Bay was still only a short drive away. The Crystal Club was also a standout and made the stay feel that little bit more special, especially having somewhere quiet for breakfast and afternoon drinks between exploring.

For a first trip to Singapore, a city break or even a short stopover where you want to see as much as possible, it’s a location I would definitely recommend.

My stay at Grand Park City Hall was hosted. #Collaboration