PUBLISHED August 23rd, 2024 02:00 pm | UPDATED September 5th, 2024 05:29 pm
Think about Raffles Place and you’ll think about vibrant energy, towering skyscrapers, and the multitude of offices within the CBD. Sense of homeliness? Hardly. Yet our weekend stay for this review at one aparthotel proved otherwise. Set within the concrete jungle, Citadines Raffles Place is The Ascott Limited’s flagship serviced apartment, offering 299 rooms, including studio, one- and two-bedroom units, and loft apartments ideal for long stays.
The ensuite apartments are designed for both functionality and comfort, with most rooms (above basic rooms) equipped with a kitchenette. And they welcome everyone in the family, including furkids too! More than just a comfortable place to stay (no lack of choices for that in this area), Citadines brings its unique touch to the pet-friendly serviced apartment you can call home in the CBD. Even though the aparthotel is designed for business travellers and longer-staying guests (minimum of six nights), our 3D2N stay allowed us to fully experience Citadines Raffles Place.
Location
From Raffles Place MRT, all it took was a short two-minute walk to get to CapitaSpring, where Citadines Raffles Place is located. Within the same building, you’ll find the Market Street hawker centre, restaurants like Tsukimi Hamburg on the first floor, Sol & Luna on the 17th floor and Kaarla and Oumi on the 51st floor. With Boat Quay just across the street and Clarke Quay about a seven-minute walk away, you’ll find an abundance of food and drink options at various price ranges and varieties, even on the weekends.
From the Lobby to the Shared Workspace
Far from a stiff, business-like space, the serviced apartment’s modern and homely vibes greeted me as I stepped out of the elevator to the lobby on level nine. Even the check-in was personable and casual. And with a Starbucks coffee machine and a snack and drink counter by the side, it felt like a cafe more than a hotel. Furkids are welcome here, just make sure they are on a leash when you walk in public spaces.
The lobby is home to commissioned artworks and one that’ll catch your eye is the bronze sculpture titled, Capitascape, which reimagines icons and landscapes in Singapore. Hang around the modular armchairs to appreciate this artwork or follow the Clouds installation into the shared workspace, where you’ll find massage chairs and a conducive area with different seating choices, to focus on work. And when it’s time for a break, reach for the board games and let loose on the plush sofas in the living area, just like home.
In the Rooms
The one-bedroom premier room we stayed in spans 45sqm and is comfortable for a small family of three with one furkid. The aparthotel’s clean and contemporary design features follow through here creating an inviting and homely atmosphere. They even welcomed our furkid with a pet bowl water dispenser and a toy. I loved that we could organise our shoes in the shoe cabinet, keeping the entrance clean and tidy. Within the living area, the sofa was perfect for lounging and watching TV, while the small dining area, and the fully equipped kitchenette complete with microwave oven, fridge and cooking utensils, allowed us to dine in comfort. As part of the serviced apartment’s sustainability efforts, plastic water bottles are replaced with a carafe, which can be refilled with filtered water near the elevator. Or, like us, just drink or boil from the tap, this is Singapore after all!
The room, with a plush queen-sized bed, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of the bustling city. A writing desk and armchair by the side let us catch up on work when needed. The toilet was more spacious than we expected and we do love that it comes with a rain shower.
During our tour of the property, we learnt about the Loft rooms that come with a little outdoor terrace. Although they are not open for furkids, they are perfect for an alfresco breakfast or post-dinner drinks to wind down. But they do run a little smaller at 29 sqm for the Executive Loft and 39 sqm for the Grand Loft.
Pet Rules
Pets are welcome at the serviced apartment as long as they do not exceed 60 cm in height when seated. Whilst they are free to walk around the property on a leash, make sure to carry them when using the elevator. Be a responsible pet owner and clean up if peeing or pooping accidents happen and make sure your pet is confined or not in the room when the Housekeeping team cleans up the room. There is a pet levy of S$40+ per pet per night or S$600+ per pet for 30 nights, please contact the property for a detailed breakdown.
The nearest open grass patch to walk your dog is Raffles Place Green, near the MRT station. Take long and leisurely walks by the riverside and walk to Clarke Quay for more pet-friendly dining-out options.
Amenities and Signature Programs
For those who desire a larger cooking space, the property has a Residents’ Kitchen on level nine that comes with a complete set of cooking and baking equipment. The space is also thoughtfully designed to host private dining events, accommodating seats for 10 to 12 guests.
Wellness and fitness are one of the key offerings of the property. Besides a fully-equipped indoor gym, Citadines Raffles Place also has a 400-metre running track, a 50-metre Sprint track, a swimming pool, an outdoor fitness corner, and even a Yoga deck. Within their Signature active∞ program, you’ll get access to workout videos and even curated cycling and running trails to kick-start your fitness regime. Want more nature? Head to the Green Oasis on levels 17 to 20 and stroll through 38,000 plants, while enjoying the views. Perfect for a midday break or a quick walk with your furry friend.
For those who are new to Singapore, you’ll appreciate the City Hacks and Coffee Trail that the property has designed to kick-start your city living. Or dive into our unique local coffee culture with For the Love of Kopi.
For the Love of Kopi
Open for local and overseas guests, For the Love of Kopi celebrates International Coffee Month in October with a slew of curated activities happening across all Citadines properties in Singapore. Hop on the exclusive Nanyang coffee roastery tour that goes behind the scenes of Singapore’s rich coffee culture. Watch how the beans are roasted and learn what it takes to make that rich, creamy cup of local kopi. Guests can also participate in complimentary workshops learning how to DIY Coffee Scrub, Make Bullet Coffee, and also partake in traditional coffee appreciation sessions every Saturday at selected Citadines properties. Upon arrival, guests will also receive a complimentary cold brew Kopi-O Kosong and a Welcome Kit featuring coasters, a custom Jute Bag, and more.
Pro tip: Make sure to sign up for your complimentary Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) membership to enjoy exclusive benefits, all year round!
Book at any Citadines property from now till 30 September for a stay between 1-31 October 2024. Enjoy an additional 5% off our ongoing “Rediscover Singapore” offer rates. Terms and conditions apply. Book or find out more here.
Citadines Raffles Place Singapore is located at 88 Market St, Level 9, Singapore 048948.
All images courtesy of Citadines Raffles Place Singapore & author.