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Need a hotel room in Singapore for Grand Prix weekend? No problem

Name: SCMP
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Even this late on, finding accommodation in the city for the sporting and entertainment highlight of the year should present no difficulties

John Cremer

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Published: 10:56am, 25 Jul, 2017

Updated: 10:56am, 25 Jul, 2017

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Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard Singapore

For anyone contemplating a late dash to take in all the on- and off-circuit action of the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, there is no need to worry about finding a place to stay.

Even if some of the big-name hotels are booked out well in advance by the Formula One teams, their sponsors, and various corporate types in town for long-planned annual jamborees, there should still be plenty of good accommodation options catering to different tastes and budgets.

Just a few stops by MRT from the city-centre race track, these range from five-star luxury and serviced suites to boutique themed hotels and any number of friendly, functional choices priced towards the lower end of the spectrum.

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road

For visitors keen to explore the many facets of Singapore’s history and culture, an increasingly popular option is to stay in or on the fringes of local districts like Little India, Chinatown or the Arab Quarter. Each has its own distinctive vibe, not to mention great shops, restaurants and landmarks, providing round-the-clock interest and an illuminating contrast to the glitz and brand names of the downtown malls.

As a unique night race, the event has also helped to promote tourism by encouraging visitors to fly in for the race weekend and see the rest of the city Richard Tan, vice-president, serviced suites, Pan Pacific Hotels Group

Others in search of new experiences may opt instead for character, architecture or quirky design. Hotel Fort Canning in a renovated historic building near Dhoby Ghaut, the Goodwood Park Hotel, and the Naumi Liora Hotel in a refurbished row of traditional shophouses all fall into this category, while Kam Leng Hotel in the Lavender/ Jalan Besar area is known for its retro charm and decoration.

“For us, the particular focus is on providing a ‘home away from home’ experience,” says Richard Tan, vice-president, serviced suites, for Pan Pacific Hotels Group. “We do that by offering the comfort, spaciousness and security of a home, but with all the amenities and conveniences of a first-class hotel.”

Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road

The group has thoughtfully designed suites in three upmarket properties – one on Beach Road and the others in similarly handy locations – which include a lounge, bedroom, and fully equipped kitchenette with laundry facilities.

“The grand prix has helped to increase Singapore’s global profile, putting us on the sporting map as part of the most watched sports series around the world,” Tan says. “As a unique night race, the event has also helped to promote tourism by encouraging visitors to fly in for the race weekend and see the rest of the city.”