You Lay Your Hat

Serviced residences aren’t just for the transient traveller. Many newcomers to Singapore choose this kind of accommodation because their work contract stipulates an enddate and they don’t want to enter into a lengthy lease. Some people prefer to live in a

Set just a stone’s throw from Singapore’s iconic shopping hub, Ascott Orchard is the perfect location for exploring the malls and shops on foot – not to mention the wide variety of food and beverage options, and the top medical facilities a few hundred metres away, if needed.

Accommodation at Ascott comes in studio, one- and two-bedroom layouts. The penthouse-level suites are decked out in Fendi Casa furniture and furnishings, including Christophe tableware and glassware.

For keeping fit, there’s an outdoor pool and gym, and for families with young children there’s the essential kids’ outdoor play area and wading pool. There’s even a herb garden, for the more horticulturally minded.

The Ascott Lifestyle website is a useful tool for visitors who want to find out more about the local area or the wider region, or for a range of interesting hints and tips – everything from “How to skateboard” to “Seven experiences you must have if you love chocolate” (and, seriously, who doesn’t?). Go to ascottlifestyle.com for some fun and helpful advice. Ascott is offering 30 percent off its “Best Flexible Rates” until 30 April; the current rate for a studio executive suite is $252 a night.

Every suite within each of the properties has a separate lounge, bedroom and fully equipped kitchen, plus laundry facilities, giving you a generous amount of additional personal space. You’ll also find some premium toiletries in the bathrooms.

Stay at Beach Road and you’re close to the cultural heritage enclaves of Haji Lane and Arab Street; or pick the Orchard Road location for its wellness facilities, such as a hydrotherapy spa and a golf-putting green. Additionally, enjoy dedicated services from our 24-hour Personal Assistants, complimentary breakfast and housekeeping services during your stay.

For gamers, there’s an Xbox Kinect in both properties, as well as a pool table – or, for those who prefer some quiet time with a book, there’s a library on hand. Prices start from $310 per night, with a minimum stay of three nights at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road and a minimum stay of seven nights at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard. The Parkroyal recently transformed its lobby area and a number of its rooms. Its 90 suites and apartments are equipped with all the amenities one would expect, including LCD television, complimentary Wi-fi, a fully equipped kitchen and a laundry area.

Views spread across the city skyline or towards the sea, and the property’s position on Beach Road is perfect for getting to the CBD (it’s a ten-minute drive away), or exploring the colourful enclave of Kampong Glam’s heritage buildings, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Residents can use its adjacent sister hotel and its pool, St. Gregory Spa, gym and aerobics studio, and business centre. The Parkroyal is giving an added incentive to those considering a visit, with a “stay seven, pay six” package that starts at $300 per night for a minimum stay of seven nights.

Each of the 180 one- to three-bedroom apartments at Wilby Bukit Timah comes with its own balcony, fully equipped kitchen and laundry equipment. There’s also a 24-hour concierge service, and secure key-card access for additional safety.

The residents’ lounge provides a welcome communal space. Outdoors you’ll find a spa bath, a swimming pool for both adults and kids, a playground, a tennis court, an exercise park and barbecue pits for entertaining.

Out and about you’ll find plenty of areas to explore, including Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – a great spot for biking and hiking. Holland Village is a quick drive or bus ride away, with a wide range of restaurants and bars, as well as beauty and massage outlets. Turf City is a walk away, offering plenty of children’s enrichment and activity centres, as well as food emporium Pasarbella. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from $5,000 per month; the minimum stay is seven nights. Wilby Central is a 20-level building with 138 studio and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the Bugis and Bras Basah precincts. Both the kitchens and the other rooms have all the comforts and conveniences you’d expect.

Indoor communal facilities include a gym, sauna and steam bath, as well as a residents’ lounge. Outside you’ll find a barbecue area, a garden and a spa bath.

Situated on Queen Street, the property is surrounded by entertainment venues, shopping malls and cultural centres, and is right in the heart of Singapore. For shopping and leisure, Bugis Junction, Plaza Singapura, Raffles City Shopping Centre and Marina Bay Sands are all in the vicinity; art and culture lovers can easily walk to the National Library, Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore. Prices for a deluxe studio room start from $5,000 per month; the minimum stay is seven nights.