Hotel Lobby

After a $30-million facelift, the former Paramount Hotel is rebranded to Village Hotel Katong. What differentiates it from other hotels is that VHK draws inspiration from and reflects the strong Peranakan heritage of the surrounding area.

Beautiful, contemporary, Peranakan-inspired decor

ROOM: There are four types of rooms (from $220 onwards) and we stayed at the mid-ranged Deluxe room, surprised by how spacious it is. Large enough to accommodate two queen beds, have space to walk and have a balcony for smokers. I’d suggest placing two stools at the balcony for air polluters.

There are many minor, careful details that enhance our experience. My favourite detail is the light switches. There are switches at both two beds: you don’t have to stand up and off the lights. Each bed has its own reading light and morning lamp. I read before I sleep, so I was delighted not to disturb Chiobu sleeping in the next bed.

The two things that can be improved are both found in the toilet. (1) The partition between the shower and the room is frosted glass. When you shower, people in the room can see your silhouette, very James Bond. But since I was staying with my sister… Awkward. (2) I think all hotels should have bathtubs. Only standing shower and rain shower here.

AMENITIES:

-free wi-fi access
-complimentary airport shuttle service
-cable TV
-swimming pool
-gym

Ran into cutie Darren Bloggie in the gym! Quite embarrassed since I was sweating and panting. I work hard at the gym, and that day was no exception. The gym is too small for a Smith machine, a pity, but it is well stocked with dumb bells and cardio machines, sufficient for beginners. I’d like to suggest changing the fixed inclined bench to an adjustable bench.

-shopping malls
Not only is the area replete with shopping malls, the hotel itself has a mall, Katong V!  Very hipster, with a supermarket, a pharmacy, and cafes such as Group Therapy new outlet, and Tiferet Tea Room, focussing on Chinese tea and some pastries.

–FOOD

Of course, the area (East Coast, Joo Chiat and Katong) has fantastic food but the hotel houses Katong Kitchen with international buffet lunch and dinner (click here for price). We were there for the complimentary breakfast and while there was no outstanding items, it wasn’t bad too. A selection of Western and Singaporean breakfast.

SERVICE: was good from the gentleman who checked us in to the cleaner to the restaurant manager. Hotel staff should always say “Good morning” to guests, and the staff did this and we returned the greeting.

VERDICT: The winning factor of the hotel is its location, location, location. The area is so charming that we want to move to this neighbourhood after the staycation!

Village Hotel Katong

25 Marina Parade Singapore 449536
T: 6344 2200

Thanks, Aaron and Pei Wen, for the invited stay.

Written by A. Nathanael Ho.