Haha, I sense an argument slowly building up here.
To clarify matters, I am the one who posted posts #10, 12 & 15, i.e. the one who said go for stacks 1 and 5 if you really want to buy a unit at De Royale.
To set matters straight, high floor stack 1 and 5 units DO offer great unblocked views, both from the balcony and bedrooms. All other stacks however, have blocked views as they face the other tower. What you can see are only the units facing you directly, which is a big turnoff as it creates the impression that you are in just another pigeon hole in the development.
Also, just in case anyone's interested, stack 1 and 5 units are 2 + Study units up to the 25th floor (or thereabouts), from the 26th floor onwards they are full 3-bedroom units, equal in size to all other De Royale units (i.e. 1281sqft), albeit with a totally different layout which is more efficient in my opinion. (At least there's no bulky bar counter making your living room that much smaller)
As for the finishing, I would say that it is of pretty decent quality, nothing fantastic, but definitely not too shabby. In comparison with the other developments mentioned, e.g. Belleforte, Papillon, D'Lotus, etc, De Royale is definitely more distinctive due to its towering height and large size.
D'Lotus is a scam job from Allgreen. The units are small and cramped, and the bathrooms are so small that you'll have trouble picking up your soap if you drop it during showering. The neighbourhood is crap too, old industrial buildings or chinese temple, take your pick. (By the way, URA has rezoned the area for residential use, the industrial buildings will make way eventually. The neighbourhood may be more pleasant in the future, but be prepared for lots of construction before that happens). And of cos, it is within minutes' walk to Toa Payoh MRT, perhaps 20-30 minutes to be exact.
Papillon is crap: huge irregularly shaped and useless balcony almost half the size of the living and dining area, almost totally obstructed view for majority of units (and if you are lucky to get a top floor unit, you get to just overlook the neighbouring rooftops of the aged neighbouring developments, just wonderful!!). The common rooms are ridiculously small, even for this age and era, and the common facilities are minimal. Units are orientated E-W, instead of N-S.
Belleforte is barely ok, just make sure you get a high floor unit to look above your neighbours. But it is decidedly looking aged and unimpressive. To be honest I have not seen units in Parc Haven and Calarasi, so I can't comment on the interior. But the location is definitely not as desirable as De Royale, unless being close to Whampoa Market is all you crave.
Now, having said all that, I still think that De Royale is overpriced at the current asking prices. It is the best condo on this side of balestier currently, but not all that great. The walk to Toa Payoh hub is relatively long and unpleasant (first you cross a large drain, then climb a long overhead bridge across the expressway, then attempt to cross a major road on the Toa Payoh side without a conveniently located crossing, all the while totally unsheltered.) Its facade is boring and uninspiring, facilities are just ok.
In summary, if you really must stay in this part of Balestier, De Royale is your best choice. But try not to pay too much for it. $950-1000+ psf is way too high in my opinion, but luckily asking prices are slowly but surely dropping recently. I really wonder what those people who bought units in Casa Fortuna and Verve are thinking of. But then again, unit sizes there are small, starting from studios, so I guess the overall quantums are small. The forummer who asked about potential rental for a studio unit in the area must be referring to one of these developments.
What I mean is that at these prices, you have many options. Look a little harder, and if you still prefer De Royale, by all means go ahead. Just try to get a high floor stack 1 or 5 unit there.
Hope I have not managed to piss off everyone in this thread, this is just my frank opinion. I just happened to be so bored tonight, hence the lengthy reply to your posts. Anyway, to each their own, and have fun property hunting...