Having stayed four times at the Mandarin Oriental, its location, consistency and first-class service mean that we will keep going back.
Looking over Marina Bay, a stunning view to wake up to, it has MRT nearby, buses on the road, and taxis are very available. Sites, restaurants and shopping are all within a 10-15 minutes taxi ride, with Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands walkable and a mall adjoining the hotel.
The rooms are reliable, well fitted out and everything works: housekeeping is prompt and efficient. The fittings throughout the hotel are generally comfortable and functional, and in places stylishly pretentious, maybe ageing just a little.
The Club facility is a sanctuary – and worth the extra cost: whilst the service there is exceptional, friendly yet professional, in general service across the MO is very accommodating. The Singapore Wonton Noodle Soup is a breakfast treat albeit difficult to eat elegantly at first. We like the MO bar and Dolce Vita restaurant but in Singapore we regularly eat out – there is so much interesting and quality choice, and city hotel food is generally expensive. In Singapore, given the hotel is a necessary sanctuary from the humidity and heat outside, the welcoming nature of the MO becomes more significant.
There is a sizeable outside pool area, relaxing and well serviced. However, when the hotel is very busy, that can be strained and a bit overcrowded; in addition; at busiest times the Melt Café breakfast experience is more of a battle than a peaceful breakfast. But then most hotels at their busiest suffer in this way. The Spa and Gym are excellent facilities.
This is a very good city hotel. The man at the door welcomes you home as do so many staff – it’s a nice touch.
