The Place Finally we have managed to complete our staycation at the trio of hotels at Marina Square, Mandarin Oriental Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore and Marina Mandarin Singapore by Meritus. All three properties have been serving guests since the late 1980s, and it is by no surprise that revamps have been done at all properties since. Mandarin Oriental Singapore, with Mandarin Oriental being a member of conglomerate Jardine Matheson Group, was last fully renovated in 2005 and still looking sharp today.

Be greeted at the hotel lobby, with the Singapore skyline and Esplanade, the dark tones of the entrance takes on a more prestige look. The architect behind Regent Hotel Singapore and the rest of the Marina Square hotels, John Portman, also designed Mandarin Oriental. The exterior look of the hotel is to resemble the logo of the Mandarin Oriental group, and its interior taking on the same theatre-styled atrium which we have seen in the other hotels in the vicinity.

The Rooms We checked ourselves into the Club Marina Bay Room, located at the top floors of the hotel which gets you access to the Oriental Club Lounge. At 34sqm, the room is slighly larger than the usuals, and the highlight of the room is most definitely the view of the Singapore city skyline.

As with the overall theme of the hotel lobby, the rooms here are also draped in dark tones and wood finishings. The King-sized bed and the cosy window-side sofa, looking out to the city views, and for once, you just might be reluctant to draw down the curtains.

The shower room is very spacious, and you get a view of the bedroom from the large glass panel too – of course you can shut any unwelcome glares from your room mate(s) by drawing down the wooden blinds.

The Facilities Mandarin Oriental has possibly one of the most impressive hotel swimming pool in Singapore, at least for the view. The wide pool gives you the city view in full, with sun deck chairs dotting the pool’s perimeter. For your enjoyment’s sake, there’s a staff readily inviting you to your allocated deck chair, and making sure no non-hotel guests get to snag one of the scarce seat away.

The 24-hour gym guilt-trip you, as you wonder who’s going to head down in the wee hours for a workout as you take your rest for the day; and with the perfect views from the room and pool, why spend a minute less here and gym? Having said, the gym is well equipped, and made to look bigger with its all-round mirrors.

If your room has the club lounge access, you are in for a treat. One of the most impressive lounges I have seen, with consistently good food, impressive beverage offerings and an environment ideal to chill in while soaking in the views of the Suntec and Bugis with the high ceiling. Our only gripe is that it would be ideal if the lounge operates beyond 10pm.

If I may add, the hotel is directly linked to the Marina Square shopping centre by a short stairway, and the iconic Esplanade just across the road.

The Restaurant Plenty of dining options at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, with the all-day dining concept, Melt Cafe (read our full review here), being the main highlight. Probably amongst one of the better buffet restaurants in Singapore, and certainly one of the Panda’s favourite, the spread of the dishes is wide with a consistent quality.

Located just beside the swimming pool, this Italian concept underwent a major revamp and  recently reopened this year, Dolce Vita (read our full review here) takes on a modern interior look complete with natural light passing through across the restaurant.

A classic amongst the Chinese restaurants in Singapore, Cherry Garden has its loyal following. We were impressed during our most recent visit, and perhaps it’s time to return. If you are looking for an afternoon high tea option in the day, or a cocktail to wind the day down, the Axis Bar allows you to sip your drink while soaking in the city views.

While not managed by the property, Morton’s has been a crowd favourite for the all-American Angus Beef steakhouse. Head here if you are looking to splurge and impress your dining companion.

Rants The swimming pool needs more sun beds, period.

Overall Experience Definitely one of the best staycation experience I have had in Singapore. The views of the city right from the room, complete with one of the most impressive club lounge, and facilities that actually left a lasting impression. Book your room at Mandarin Oriental for your next staycation, you wouldn’t regret it.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6338 0066

For more information, do check out the official Website.

Ranted by The Rantee