Katong is a melting pot of culture with charming heritage shophouses, quaint stores and many exciting eateries. For visitors coming from Changi International Airport, staying in Katong is a good option because not only it is near the airport, it also has many delicious eateries!

We spent our weekend at Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore recently. It is conveniently located just 15 minutes away from the airport and a short walk away is East Coast Park with attractive beaches and facilities popular with families. Opposite the hotel is Parkway Parade Shopping Centre, a one-stop shopping destination that caters to every family or the business traveler’s needs.

The hotel has 576 guest rooms and suites, choice of five dining outlets and outdoor swimming pool. We stayed in the executive room which gets a peek of heritage Katong and a scenic view of the sea. The bed is comfortable and I slept throughout the night. If you crave a luxurious soaking tub, the room has a huge bathroom with bath tub so you can spend more time in the bathroom.

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy offers one way complimentary shuttle service to Marina Bay, Esplanade and ION Orchard every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays at 10.00am, 11.00am and 12.00noon. The hotel also offers complimentary one-way shuttle service to Paya Lebar MRT Station from Mondays to Fridays at the following stipulated timings: 8.30am, 9.00am, 10.00am, 10.30am and 11.00am.

Executive Lounge

We were entitled access to the Executive lounge on Level 17 where we enjoy a refreshing drink in a quiet environment and gaze at the breathtaking sea view. There is also complimentary breakfast, all day refreshments, complimentary evening drinks with hors d’oeuvres, complimentary Wireless broadband Internet facility and selection of reading materials. For those who are on business trips, you have complimentary two-hour use of the Executive Lounge Boardroom.

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant

Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant has always been one of my top Chinese restaurants to go for a meal with my family. Recently, the restaurant welcomes the new head chef Victor Lee with the launch of a new menu. Born in Malaysia, Chef Victor was inspired by his elder brother who worked as a head chef of Goh Zha Kang restaurant in Malaysia. He started his culinary career as a kitchen helper at the age of 20 and has stints with Gim Tim Group of Restaurants and Seafood International Market and Restaurant.

The menu was designed to reflect on the contemporary oriental décor, embracing the Chinese characters “家味” that refers to home flavours, hoping that it will encourage diners to enjoy a home cook meal with their family members. Each of us had an executive menu for the busy executives which contains a good range of dishes such as chef’s hot stone soup that promises to warm your heart.

Whet your appetite with some fresh king prawns sauteed with chef special sauce, which tasted similar to gan xiang style, it’s aromatic with the spices balanced perfectly. Not only do they serve traditional dishes, they also does dishes with a twist. For example the grilled sea perch is done with kawasaki sauce and seafood fried rice comes with caviar.

We only tried the executive menu this time round which I thought didn’t quite display the strengths of Chef Victor. But it gives me a reason to come back again. I would love to try their fish maw and seafood soup with my family next time. Yum Cha is also available at Jia Wei every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm for dim sum lovers.

HAIRY CRAB PROMOTION
Do not miss the hairy crab, a seasonal special that is renowned for its intense flavour & crab roe. Hairy Crabs are available at $28 for 125g from October to November 2015. You can also personalize your seafood feast menu with a wide selection which consists of fresh prawns, crabs and many more from just $198 for 4 persons. Make your reservations by calling 6340 5678.

BREEZ BISTRO.BAR

During dinner, we were so glad to stay in our hotel instead of heading out for dinner just so that I can escape from the haze. Located on Level 4, Breez Bistro serves a range of local and international delights. We were served with another executive set dinner ($36 for 3 course; $42 for 4 course) with salad and seared chicken breast, mushroom soup, chargrilled rib-eye and chocolate orange cake. The juicy and tender rib-eye is beautifully seared for maximum flavor. Pair it with a glass of good red wine to enjoy it fully.

Alternatively, you can request for a special cocktail creation from their bartender. Glad that the haze is now disappearing because you get a nice view of the refreshing swimming pool. Breez bistro.bar HAPPY HOUR is available every day from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm and ALL DAY SUNDAYS!

Do you know, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy operates a Halal Certified Kitchen on Level 4 that prepares all the Halal Cuisine at the hotel, including the menu at breez bistro.bar as well as the Halal menu for the Malay weddings.

OCTOBER PROMOTION
Enjoy a comforting Ox-Tail Stew or Braised Lamb Shank along with seasonal vegetables & fresh garlic toasts. End off the meal with a glass of draught beer or moctail at $26.00.

Feast@East

Where to eat buffet in East Coast? Feast@East Buffet Restaurant! I know Feast@East because from their famous Peranakan buffet. Every day is a different day as the menu constantly varies to ensure guests will always be pampered with a delicious buffet selection.

During breakfast, the restaurant serves quite a food range of items. Besides the classic eggs and beans, they also have honey glazed wings, Japanese style daikon and many more! Give you a tip, visit Feast@East for lunch or dinner because they serve their signature laksa and durian paste.

TASTE OF THAILAND PROMOTION
From 16 – 25 October, the talented culinary team will be preparing authentic favourites such as Kaeng Som Pla (Thai Sour Fish Soup), Phad Thai (Stir Fried Rice Noodles), Khao Phat Sapparot (Pineapple Fried Rice), Yam Takhrai (Lemongrass Salad), Goong Sarong (Deep-Fried Prawns Wrapped In Vermicelli), Khao Niaow Ma Muang (Sticky Rice With Mango) and other delicacies. Adults $47, Child $23, Senior Citizen $36, Pioneer $30. For enquiries and reservations, please call 6340 5665.

Thank you Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore for the staycation invitation. For visitors, there is complimentary Shuttle Bus Service to/from Changi International Airport from 6.30am to 2am everyday.

Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore

Address: 50 East Coast Road (Opposite Parkway Parade Shopping Centre), Roxy Square, Singapore 428769
Tel: (65) 6344 8000
Email: H3610-FO16@accor.com
Website: www.grandmercureroxy.com.sg