It’s always exciting to discover something new, or in this case, witness the rebirth of a classic property. The Mandarin Oriental, Singapore reopened its doors in September 2023 after a six-month, US$100 million transformation, promising a fresh and glamorous experience.
Fresh impressions
Stepping into the revamped Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, one
immediately senses the vibrancy of the hotel’s bright and airy
interiors, kudos to Jeffrey Wilkes, the principal designer of
DesignWilkes and creative force behind the hotel’s transformation. The
rejuvenated lobby is definitely an eye-catcher, where black-and-white
lines meet pops of colours, florals and greenery to pay homage to
Singapore’s tropical setting.
The captivating floral mural commissioned for the reception desk.
The specially commissioned floral mural behind the reception desk
cuts a fascinating picture against the staff’s pink uniform – the
liberal use of graded pinks through the hotel is a nod to the clay roof
tiles of Peranakan shophouses in Singapore. And knowing that we were a
family of four, Winter, the receptionist, kindly provided welcome kits
for my two children. The kits included lion plushies, a delightful
mascot for all things kid-riendly at the hotel.
Ascending to the top floors on glass elevators also allows one to
appreciate the sophisticated design of the hotel interiors, revealing
the soaring internal atrium (the work of late American architect John
Portman), open corridors, and magnificent orchid-inspired crystal
spheres.
Suite life, sweet views
The Premier Marina Bay Suite boasts breathtaking skyline vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a captivating view of the lively bay and the city's financial district.
In the Premier Marina Bay Suite, the skyline view through the
floor-to-ceiling windows was simply breathtaking. It was such a joy to
watch the lively bay light up at night, fall asleep to the view of the
silhouettes, and awake to uninterrupted vistas of the city’s financial
district bathe in a soft glow at dawn. All 510 rooms and suites face
either one of three directions, alongside their corresponding view –
Marina Bay, South China Sea, or city.
The 68sqm suite, adorned with dappled batik patterns and shades of
magenta and brown, provides a luxurious haven. There was ample space in
the living area and bedroom for our family of four, a sofa bed that
could be converted into an additional bedding and a teak cabinet that
cleverly conceals the mini bar and glasses. The bathroom comes with a
bathtub, rain shower, and skincare amenities by Natura Bisse.
Social meets savvy at Haus 65
The newly designed Haus 65, a private lounge on the 21st floor, curated in partnership with Mandala Club, impresses with elegant décor, delightful canapés, and attentive staff offering insightful service.
Our suite category also gave access to the hotel’s transformed lounge
on the 21st floor, Haus 65. Co-curated by the team at private
membership club, Mandala Club, the private lounge stands out for its
impeccable décor, delectable assortment of canapes, and wonderful
service of its staff who would gladly provide drink recommendations and
information about the hotel.
Rich array of dining options
Embu, the all-day dining spot, takes cues from the evergreen tembusu, showcasing stylised timber frames and leafy canopies.
Of course, there are other F&B offerings like the award-winning
MO Bar, which serves playful, reimagined cocktails inspired by local
specialities such as Kopi Siew Tai and Reclaimed Slings; and alfresco
bar with panoramic views at Bay@5. There’s also the immersive Japanese
culinary destination, Zuicho; contemporary Italian dining at Dolce Vita;
and authentic Cantonese dining at Cherry Garden. Morton’s, The
Steakhouse, is an institution.
The Mandarin Cake Shop offers a chic assortment of pastries, artisan
bread, and chocolates, not to mention its irresistible gingerbread
exterior that makes a delightful photo spot during our early-December
stay.
Where it’s hard to beat
The hotel's pool offers panoramic city skyline views.
The hotel’s pool, which commands superb views of the city skyline, is
a modern oasis surrounded by private cabanas, while the pillar-less
Oriental Ballroom, with its 20m curved LED wall, has been the venue of
choice for many weddings and events, including Travel Weekly Asia’s CruiseWorld Asia conference in early November.
Just next door is Marina Square and many of Singapore’s top sights
are just in the vicinity – from the iconic Marina Bay Sands to the
lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum to the ‘durian-like’ Esplanade
Theatres. And for the uninitiated, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is also a
sought-after location each year when F1 and National Day fireworks come
along.
What a suite experience we’ve had at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.
This luxury retreat has pulled off a mighty transformation, and after 36
years this grand dame continues to surprise and impress.