An obvious choice for honeymooners, this impressive 5 star hotel is in the very heart of the culture area of Singapore and opposite the Esplanade Theatre. 100 yards away is an almost identical hotel, The Marina Mandarin. Despite the fact that the former is managed by Mandarin Oriental and the latter by Meritus Hotels and Resorts, the two hotels offer a remarkably similar look, feel, style and price.
We stayed in two different suites in the Mandarin Oriental, and a deluxe room in the Marina Mandarin. This review relates to the Mandarin Oriental, although as previously noted, the Marina Mandarin is very similar.
Both hotels feature a very impressive atrium lobby, with all rooms opening onto the atrium, giving a very light and open impression. Many of the rooms have balconies. The deluxe rooms are spacious, comfortable, clean and modern.
All of the staff we met were exceptionally courteous, and very quick to respond to requests.
There are a variety of suite layouts, each spread over several rooms. The ones we stayed in both had a comfortable lounge area with a widescreen TV, a large desk with internet access and a kitchen/bar area. The bedrooms were spacious with a huge double bed and chaise long, widescreen TV and panoramic window. The bathrooms were well equipped with Molton Brown toiletries, a large rain shower and a bath. Both suites had a second cloakroom/toilet, and one had an additional dressing room with plenty of storage space.
The hotel boasts a choice of bars and restaurants, including an adult-only restaurant. As with all SIngapore hotels, there is an incredible multi-cultural breakfast buffet, with chefs preparing fresh food in front of you - at this hotel you can even see the croissants baking in a special counter-top glass oven. It is worth asking for a room rate that includes breakfast.
The swimming pool is large, clean and quiet, with plenty of loungers and a poolside bar. There is a very good spa offering a wide range of treatments.
Vertigo sufferers beware! Both hotels feature glass lifts as well as walkways looking down into the atrium.
5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797
· Tel: +65 6885 3030
· Fax: +65 6336 5079
· Email: mosin-reservations@mohg.com