“What’s at Rochester Park?” That was the first thing I asked my wife when she told me she’d booked us a staycation at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore.
Her reply? “The price was reasonable.” While that wasn’t the answer I was looking for, it was also a reply I couldn’t argue against.
And as we found out later, we got a lot more than we expected despite the fair price point.
Getting there easily with the MRT
While there’s no complimentary parking, getting to the hotel was a breeze via public transport. We took the MRT to Buona Vista station, headed to Exit C, then followed a covered walkway for about 5 minutes to get to the hotel. There was only one road crossing to navigate.
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A hotel that surprises
We arrived at the hotel and discovered that the lobby was on the second floor – a little unconventional, but it added a sense of adventure. A cozy self-service refreshment station at the lobby, equipped with iced coffee, lemon-infused water, and complimentary local snacks, was a nice touch.
I also noticed a vending machine. But this wasn’t your usual snack dispenser. It offered room essentials: towels, soap, coffee and tea bags, toothbrushes, even a shaver and comb.
The staff smiled and explained that while essentials are already provided in the room, if we ever needed extras, we could get them from the vending machine by scanning a QR code and entering our room number. But here’s the fun part: we can even scan a QR code in our room and have the items delivered to us by a robot. Now that’s what I call service in the 21st century.
A heartfelt connection
On the fourth floor, there’s a 20m swimming pool and a gym, both with a view of the Dover Close East HDB flats. That’s when we had a bit of cheeky fun. We called my aunt, who lives in one of the blocks, and waved at her from the pool – forming a heart shape with our hands while we’re at it.
She snapped a photo and sent it to my 96-year-old mum. The result? Laughter all around. A lovely moment of connection that cost nothing but meant so much.
Exploring Rochester Park: Food, walks, and hidden gems
We spent the first day strolling nearby Star Vista, enjoying a Japanese lunch, window shopping, and scouting for a dinner spot. We eventually settled on a hotpot place for the evening, where, for just $1 extra, we got access to sauces, free-flow drinks, and ice cream. Simple pleasures, but bringing big smiles nonetheless.
The next morning, we crossed the road to get to The Metropolis, a mall on the other side of the road from Star Vista. After kaya toast and kopi at an alfresco cafe, we explored the modern, shaded walkways that connected the buildings here. Compared to busy Star Vista, Metropolis has a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of food options, making it a great place to soak in the ambiance.
Later that day, we ran into a friend who insisted we try the Hong Kong-style food at Legendary Classics, tucked inside one of the elegant black-and-white bungalows nearby. Yes, the place looked pricey – but we took the plunge for lunch.
And we were not disappointed: Roast pork with thin, crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth fat. Char siew that was tender and flavour-packed. Milk tea with jelly and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which my wife loved. Then there’s their famous bolo bun, topped with crispy golden crust and a generous slab of butter. Absolutely divine.
To work off some of the calories, we decided to explore the Rail Corridor, which was something I’ve always wanted to do as well. The entrance to the trail can be found at Exit B of Buona Vista MRT. The now defunct railway line turned walking trail stretches 7km south to Tanjong Pagar or 17km north to Woodlands.
As we walked leisurely, I unexpectedly arrived at the rear side of a friend’s house, where we used to watch trains go by 55 years ago. I took a photo and sent it to him – he now lives in Canada – and we laughed and reminisced over WhatsApp. Nostalgia is a powerful thing.
Final thoughts
The Rochester area isn’t just about food and nostalgia. It’s also dotted with public art installations – playful pieces like interactive umbrella sculptures, giant trumpets, and other artworks that beckon a second look. Covered walkways also make strolling comfortable even in the midday sun.
Our stay at Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore itself wasn’t luxurious in the traditional sense (much like my previous staycation in a retrofitted bus) – but it was full of charm, comfort, and discovery. It reminded us that joy can often be found just around the corner.
Credit: Jeffrey Yang
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, convenient, and heartwarming getaway without leaving Singapore, the Rochester Park area might just surprise you too.
