When a hotel pays attention to little details, I’m more likely to remember them for the effort. Like how Mandarin Oriental Singapore takes the initiative to ensure my electric kettle is filled prior to check-in for convenience. This iconic hotel lies in the heart of Marina Bay, boasting the iconic fan shape that is also part of the brand’s logo.
Iconic fan shape
It’s not right smack in the city centre, which I prefer since my work trips here often requires me to stay amidst the hustle and bustle. That said, Mandarin Oriental Singapore is great for business and leisure – it’s located just opposite Esplanade – Theatres On the Bay and is just a short distance to Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road.
Marina Bay View Room
View from our room
Though the property has been around, the rooms (refurbished) exudes a sense of understated luxury with oriental touches here and there. All 468 rooms and 59 suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows and our Marina Bay View Room is contemporary with neutral hues of soft browns and creams.
The bathroom is spacious – with a walk-in shower stall, vanity area and bathtub for a nice, long soak. I also like the bed here (as I do for all the Mandarin Oriental properties I’ve stayed at) as the pillows are plush and the linens feel great against my skin. For those who require a harder or softer pillow, there is a pillow menu you can choose from to ensure you get the best sleep.
Melt Cafe — International Buffet
Soup noodles
Breakfast at Mandarin Oriental Singapore is very good and possibly the best I’ve had in terms of taste and quality. I love how the buffet spread is extensive but each station is properly manned. Not all the items caught my fancy, but the handmade ice cream and yogurt sorbets were particularly good. There is also a noodle station which is a popular favourite – on one morning, it was clear noodle soup and the next, prawn noodles.
Prawn soup noodles
Assorted cheese
Axis Bar & Lounge
If you’re not planning to head into town for a night out, Axis Bar & Lounge has you covered. The cocktails are quite good here and if you want to customize your cocktail, the folks here will be more than happy to accommodate. It’s become a habit (an expensive one too!) of mine to look into the room service menu when I’m in a hotel. Sometimes, the menu is uninspiring so I’d rather head out.
Wagyu Beef Burger from the in-room dining menu
But Mandarin Oriental has pretty good in-room dining menu in general, and I knew Singapore wasn’t going to be an exception. I tried the Wagyu Beef Burger which was not bad though as a true blue foodie, I would really recommend that you head across the road to MakanSutra for an array of (affordable) local delights. I was just being a lazy bum so I stuck to my burger, which was about S$42. A bit steep especially is your country’s currency is weak, but #YOLO.
Cherry Garden
Dolce Vita
Teppan-Ya Japanese Restaurant
Morton’s Steakhouse
The famous Morton’s Steakhouse is in Mandarin Oriental Singapore but unfortunately, it was fully booked over the weekend. If you would like to dine here, I suggest you call them ahead to reserve a table.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Poolside
All in, we had a great stay and getting around was no issue at all. Service was consistently good despite the high occupancy (evident during breakfast), kudos to them!
For more information about Mandarin Oriental Singapore, visit their official site here. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.