REVIEW: Citadines Raffles Place, a serviced apartment perfect for long stays
A preview into the jazzed-up service apartment of Citadines Raffles Place.
The start of a new year brings more hotel and serviced apartment launches, and we've been invited to a preview of Citadines Raffles Place, the fifth Citadines property in Singapore.
Crafted for long-stay guests and business travellers, this property functions like a jazzed-up service apartment, and will be the first to enable guests to lead a well-balanced lifestyle through signature programmes to facilitate living, working and playing.
“We have seen a growing demand for serviced apartments as the accommodation model evolves to meet the needs of both the extended and short stay guests. Guests are increasingly seeking more than just a space, but instead, looking for experiences that would play to their lifestyles for balanced living," according to Ms Wong Kar Ling, Ascott's Managing Director, Southeast Asia and Head of Strategy and Global Operations.
The minimum stay at Citadines Raffles Place is seven days, but we were invited to a 3D2N preview of the place. Here's what we experienced.
Reasons to stay in this serviced apartment
A self-contained haven for everything a guest needs
Comprising 299 units across eight floors, Citadines Raffles Place Singapore offers studio, one- and two-bedroom units and loft apartments. All of the apartments feature ensuite, and rooms above the basic offerings come with a kitchenette, designed with function and comfort in mind. We stayed in a Studio Premier room, which was cosy, but made up for it with thoughtful details – such as a very spacious bathroom, a functional kitchenette, and modular furniture to seamlessly convert the space according to guests' lifestyle needs.
Those who want to keep work and personal life separate can use the shared workspaces in the lobby, fitted with varying seating arrangements such as lounges, barstools at high tables and communal benches and tables.
Take a mental and visual break by heading up to the Green Oasis, where 38,000 plants, an amphitheatre, a yoga alcove, jungle gyms, ideation nests, and work pods allow guests to take in the fresh air and clear their minds while enjoying panoramic views of Marina Bay and CBD.
There's even a private dining space and outdoor barbecue garden that guests can book should they want to host a meal or private meeting in a social environment. An outdoor fitness park on Level 9 with a swimming pool, a 400-metre running track and an indoor gymnasium allows guests to access fitness whenever they choose to.
And best of all, it's located just a two-minute walk to Raffles Place MRT station, and a five-minute walk to Boat Quay. The location places it firmly in the middle of the action: CBD, entertainment hotspots, public transport and food options are all minutes away.
Signature programmes for a well-rounded stay
The key differentiating factor between a regular serviced apartment and Citadines is the signature programmes that guests can experience. Guests can access the fitness programme activ∞ (pronounced as ‘activate’), which comprises amenities and signature programming, specially curated for each Citadines property guest.
During the stay, I experienced a regular workday in the comforts of my room, took a stroll in the Green Oasis to clear my mind midday, and went for dinner at Latin European restaurant Sol & Luna, before popping over to the teeming culture and nightlife along Singapore River for TGIF drinks with my friends. If I so desired, I could wake up early in the morning to join the fitness classes around the property, from yoga to meditation and more.
What I chose instead was to participate in the activity For the Love of Coffee, an in-house collab with the local community to deliver unique coffee-related experiences. The property works with the local community to curate the experiences, and you might experience a new activity during your stay.
It felt like living in a utopia, and I almost forgot that I was staying for work. A business traveller or long-stay guest might appreciate this sentiment.
Book your stay at Citadines Raffles Place here!
Citadines Raffles Place Singapore
88 Market St, Level 9, Singapore 048948
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