Great World Residences is a fully integrated lifestyle haven that doesn’t just offer a place to stay — it offers a place to live, grow, and belong.
If there’s a sweet spot between cosy serviced living and warm, residential charm, Great World Residences has found it — and polished it to shiny perfection.
Once known as Great World Serviced Apartments — the serviced property on River Valley has not only rebranded, but also underwent a full-scale refurbishment a couple of years back to meet the evolving needs of expatriate families or the modern traveller in need of a mid- to long-term stay.
It’s a sorely-needed update; the apartment building has been around for over 25 years, after all. The Great World complex — previously Great World City — was built in 1997 over land that used to be the much beloved Great World Amusement Park carnival grounds.
You can still see the age on the facade, the scars of time that have weathered the grand old dame.
But inside? It’s all shiny and new.
Inside, the 304 serviced residences — ranging from expansive one-bedroom suites to sprawling four-bedroom apartments — offer a contemporary, homely retreat with all the comfortable trappings. You’re looking at dedicated living spaces, plush bedding, as well as full-sized, fully equipped kitchens.
It is a home away from home, created for modern travellers, long-term residents, families, and even pet owners in mind. Yes, Great World Residences is pet-friendly — its pet policy allows two pets of any size per apartment, subject to number of occupants and apartment type, for a small pet fee. The guest services team, housekeeping, and on-site support ensure everything runs like clockwork — ideal for those settling in for the medium to long haul.
We recently had the opportunity to stay at a three-bedroom apartment with our dog. At an expansive 111 square metres, this room type — which can accommodate up to six occupants — is incredibly spacious the way that older condominiums tend to be compared to the builds of today. The dining and living room areas are large enough to entertain a party of ten easily, and definitely more than adequate for our mid-sized dog to explore and pace about.
The main bedroom? It comes with a king bed complete with an ensuite bathroom fitted with a rain shower and bath tub. The second bedroom comes with a double bed, while the third is furnished with two super single Murphy beds that can be flipped up and stored away for additional space or converted to work desks. Even better, each room has its own individually controlled air-conditioning unit, so there’s no need to tussle over temperature settings with your mates. A common bathroom — with a single shower — services the rooms without the ensuite.
The kitchen is a marvel of its own. It is equipped with everything a home cook would need. You’re looking at a microwave oven, induction hob, toaster, a Nespresso coffee machine, a full cutlery and tableware complement as well as a full-sized fridge and a built-in electric oven for serious bakers. There’s also a dishwasher to lighten the load when it comes to washing-up.
The kitchen is connected to a service yard, where you’ll find a separate washing machine and dryer. It even comes with a chute for easy disposal of rubbish!
If air-drying laundry is your preference, there’s even a separate storeroom that comes with clothes-drying rack.
Families with young children will also love the thoughtful additions: complimentary baby cots, high chairs, and even children’s cutlery are available on request.
Then there are the facilities. Fitness freaks will love the good-sized 24-hour gym here that covers all the basics, while tennis, half-basketball and even a pickleball court cater to the avid sports types.
But the real kicker is its swimming pool. This comes Olympic-sized, and is large enough to accommodate both boisterous families at one end and serious swimmers at the other. There’s even a separate shallow children’s pool is available for the safety of younger residents. There’s also not one, but two jacuzzi pools for adults who just want to lounge and soak as they’re being massaged by water jets.
Workaholics can take also full advantage of The Lounge, a resident’s area where they can purchase their daily cuppa at a Starbucks Self-Self Kiosk and work in a quiet area that can rival many co-working spaces. It also comes equipped with a workstation to print and scan documents, and a private conference room that can be booked for meetings. Looking for fresh air? The Patio on the same floor offers a spot to take a break.
But one of the best things about staying at Great World Residences? Its location is unbeatable. Tucked within Singapore’s prestigious District 9 River Valley enclave, it is incredibly well-connected to the rest of the city and just a stone’s throw from the glitzy Orchard Road retail belt and bustling CBD. Great World City MRT station is also just a three-minute walk away, a direct train ride to tourist attractions such as Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road via the Thomson-East Coast line.
Then there’s the fact it’s connected to an entire six-storey shopping mall. Here’s where you can find numerous dining options from familiar Italian favourites to popular Japanese ones, two large supermarkets, pharmacies, clinics, wine stores and even a cinema, which is everything you need right at the doorstep.
Craving for something more local? A five-minute leisurely stroll will bring you to Zion Riverside Food Centre proffering a taste of Singapore’s hawker culture — from an overwhelmingly popular char kway teow sand prawn noodles stalls to a Michelin recommended wanton noodles.
Verdict
Whether you’re an expat executive, a relocating family, or a solo digital nomad seeking convenience, comfort, and a bit of Singapore soul, Great World Residences is a fully integrated lifestyle haven that effortlessly blends prime location with impeccable service and a true sense of home. Despite its age, the property raises the bar for serviced living in Singapore.
[Photo credits: Great World Residence]
Great World Residences
Address 2 Kim Seng Walk, Singapore 239404 (Google Maps link)
Tel (65) 6722 7000
Web www.stay.greatworld.com.sg
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