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Pacific retreat

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A private dining room at Pacific Club in Pan Pacific Singapore

SINCE 2009, Singapore’s hospitality industry has reflected ongoing growth, with a steady increase in average daily rates (ADR) and a similarly constant increase in revenue per available room (RevPar) albeit at a slower pace. Today, it sees more than 15 million international visitor arrivals a year.

“The average occupancy levels, however, did not increase in Singapore hotels in 2013,” Scott Swank, general manager, Pan Pacific Singapore tells TTN. “This is primarily due to the more than 10 new hotels that opened in the same year. Industry analysts expect the total number of hotel rooms in Singapore to reach 53,000 by 2015, a 10 per cent growth per year.”

We have definitely felt the positive effects of the overall growth in the industry, continues Swank. “Pan Pacific opened its doors in 1986 and since then, we have established ourselves as one of Singapore’s most iconic hotels; known for locally renowned restaurants, rooms and suites with panoramic views of the skyline and distinctive details like the bubble lifts and soaring John Portman-designed atrium.”

The hotel’s S$80 million ($63.2 million) transformation in 2013 was a key factor that boosted the demand informs Swank. “The transformation was an extensive make over for us; 790 rooms and suites were completely renewed and technology was significantly updated as well. During the process, the hotel’s restaurants and bar were updated with the Atrium bar being the stunning centrepiece of the lobby.” This expansive space now features a 44-metre long bar – the longest in South East Asia – and individual pods that can seat up to eight guests each. These pods are perfect for private meetings or brainstorm sessions by day, especially with the complimentary wi-fi provided to all guests. 

Another highlight of the makeover is a new all-day restaurant Edge, which seats more than 200 guests and features seven live food theatres. This has been popular with meeting groups due to its ability to cater to large groups, the culinary concept of enhanced heritage hawker fare also appeals because of its authenticity. “Diners enjoy discovering Singapore’s best cuisines located in this setting,” offers the general manager.

A significant change in the transformation was the relocation of the hotel’s exclusive Pacific Club to level 38. Shaped like a glass discus that crowns the building, level 38 features 360-degree full-length window views of Singapore. The Pacific Club tops Singapore’s list of Club category accommodation by far, says Swank. It is the only hotel club lounge that is open round the clock. Pacific Club guests enjoy a dedicated concierge team that looks after Pacific Club guests and privileges such as champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, sunset cocktails and champagnes and all-day refreshments.

“To further enhance our culinary offerings, plans are underway to add lunch to the list by the second quarter,” informs Swank. Guests looking to have a private meeting are able to reserve the club’s private dining room, a plush enclave that provides an enhanced intimate setting. Guests also enjoy savings for meetings booked at the private Pacific Centre on level 22 where meeting rooms with soaring high ceilings offer inspirational views of the Marina Bay precinct.

“Over the last four years, we have experienced an increasing demand for Pacific Club accommodation by luxury travellers. These travellers come from key markets like US, the UK, Australia, the Middle East and even Japan. We see similar demand from China, one of our fastest-growing markets at the moment. Travellers who book one of our top suites with Pacific Club privileges enjoy airport limousine transfers at no charge.”

Singapore’s commitment to continually enhance new attractions and experiences has definitely contributed to the increase in luxury travellers’ demand. “As for Pan Pacific Singapore’s success today, I believe that it is the attention to detail that has helped us build brand loyalty for the hotel and resulted in many repeat visitors. Guests from the Middle East are able to request for a prayer mat easily. During Ramadan, guests can order from our extensive in-room dining selection where every item is always available round-the-clock to provide more choice and our many al fresco areas mean that a shisha pipe can be arranged with advanced notice.”

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