The West is hardly the first place you’d think of when planning a staycation in Singapore, especially when the swanky options in town are plentiful. But fed-up of living apart due to perpetual BTO delays, and wanting some privacy away from our parentals, that’s exactly where my husband and I packed our bags for upon hearing that Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore recently opened its hotel doors this 2023.

With soothing nature-themed rooms that come with direct garden terrace access, a gorgeous pool deck with in-water recliners, and great views all around, Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore is the perfect hotel for disconnecting from the rush of daily life. Here’s a review of our experience, plus info on an ongoing 20% discount!

Rooms at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore

Photo from The Ascott Limited

Call us crazy, but part of the appeal of Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore for us was its ulu location; We wanted a comfortable experience, but didn’t want to end up in the middle of town yet again, so off we went into this uncharted zone for a bit of exploration.

While often thought of as a highly-industrialised area or “NUS student territory” by those unfamiliar to it - guilty as charged - we actually discovered that Rochester is full of greenery, as well as solid food options ranging from steakhouse Les Bouchons and Korean BBQ housed in the neighbouring colonial buildings. One of the prettiest Starbucks outlets in Singapore, as well as Chee Soon Juan’s cafe, Orange and Teal, are also located in the vicinity! 

Photo from The Ascott Limited

Another thing that won us over? The calming nature-inspired decor.

While the hotels along Orchard Road (such as voco Orchard and Pullman Orchard) certainly have charm, the modern rooms at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore are instantly inviting with their earthy-toned palettes, chic feature lights, and botanical wallpaper. Plenty of smart storage is incorporated into the furniture as well, such that my basic Deluxe Room had plenty of walking space and didn’t feel claustrophobic.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore operates with eco-consciousness in mind, so none of the rooms have bathtubs in order to prevent water wastage. You’ll be provided with basic toiletries like bath products, hand soap, toothbrush and toothpaste sets and the like, but you’ll have to bring your own shaver and facial cotton pads.

In the same vein of being eco-friendly, bottled water won’t be provided. Instead, you’ll be given a kettle and large water jug, which you can fill up on your own via the water dispensers located along the corridor. Teabags and instant coffee sachets are also included.

Photo from The Ascott Limited

Book the Deluxe Garden room, and you’ll gain direct access to the Garden Terrace right from your bedside balcony. And if you’re up for some light cooking, go for the Premier room, which comes with a kitchenette that’s fully equipped with an induction stove, oven, microwave, crockery, and even your own in-room washing machine and dryer.

Photo from The Ascott Limited

Swimming pool at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore

Photo from The Ascott Limited

The lack of a bathtub didn’t bother us as Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore has a lovely open-air swimming pool - one that’s highly Instagram-worthy thanks to the abundance of greenery surrounding it.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

If you’d rather not dip your toes in the water, spread a towel out and chill out at the deck chairs, or sit and chat with your friends under the comforting warmth of the sun at one of the tables along the adjacent outdoor space.

Gym at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore

Photo from The Ascott Limited

On the same floor of the pool is the gym, which comes with various types of exercise equipment from free weights to treadmills and cross-trainers. It’s open 24 hours, so you’ll be able to squeeze in your gym routine even if your day is packed.

Other facilities at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore

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Other than giving guests a communal space to relax in, the lobby of Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore’s also has its own “Honesty Bar”, where you can pick up a snack or drink at your own convenience and make payment at the reception counter around the corner.

It’s also home to a semi-open Shared Working Space, where you can hold a meeting or get some work done any time of the day. No bookings are required.

Photo from The Ascott Limited

Good news for those who aren’t staying in a Garden Deluxe room - you can still get around-the-clock access to the Garden Terrace, just not directly next to your bed. Grab a book or a drink, and head outside for some fresh air! Speaking of fresh air, those who are averse to the smell of cigarettes will be glad to know that Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore is a 100% smoke-free hotel.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

There’s also a 24-hour Refresh & Recharge room for guests who need a space to rest pre-check-in or post-check-out. Take a nap on the lounge bed, or even freshen up with a quick shower or some coffee and tea, all at no extra cost - perfect for those who have time to kill before catching a flight.

Food at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore

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Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore will have its own restaurant operated by Caerus Holding in time to come, and that’s where you’ll get to enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast spread. Alternatively, you may also opt for in-room dining at a fee if you’d rather sleep in and relax with breakfast in bed.

In the meantime, guests will be treated to a Grab & Go breakfast so they won’t go hungry in the mornings.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

I honestly wasn’t expecting much - perhaps just a small sandwich and drink - but was pleasantly surprised by the generous amount of food in this pre-ordered meal. Each day’s selection comes with Western and Asian options, and I was offered a choice between a breakfast burrito or roti prata. This was accompanied by my choice of hot coffee or tea, yogurt with muesli and fresh strawberries, fruit juice (orange, apple, or lime), and a croissant.

Quality-wise, everything was satisfactory as far as to-go meals go, and I enjoyed savouring my dose of morning fuel in the calming lobby lounge.

Rates at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore: Now at 20% discount

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Given its location and work-friendly facilities, some might deem Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore a business hotel - but who’s to say you can’t stay here for leisure?

While it might be an unconventional pick, I’d actually recommend Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore to those who are craving a quiet staycation away from the usual spots, and prefer to be in the midst of nature instead. It’s not to say that the area is completely devoid of activity, and you won’t be short of food options and bars nearby. In fact, Rochester Mall and The Star Vista are just a walk away.

Although there are some industrial buildings in the area, they’re spaced quite far apart from the hotel, with plenty of trees providing a buffer. Those who are up for some active living can enjoy a trek around the nearby One-North Park.

Room rates start from a reasonable $216 per night, which works out to $108 per person when you split with a friend. As part of their opening special, you get to enjoy 20% off the best available room rates when you sign up as an Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) member and book and stay from now till 30 June 2023. Check out the deal and its full T&Cs here.

Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore Hotel
Address: 1 Rochester Park, Singapore 139212
Telephone: 6434 7988
Website

More new hotels in Singapore:

• voco Orchard review: New luxury hotel with rooftop pool, in-room brekkie, lounge with free wine & snacks
• The Serangoon House: Hotel with stunning Colonial interiors fit for a princess
• Mondrian Singapore Duxton: Contemporary, artsy hotel with Hollywood-inspired rooftop pool
• 7 loft-style hotels in Singapore: For a luxe penthouse-style staycation