Mandarin Orchard Singapore

The hotel is divided into two wings; the newer section has an open, brightly lit lobby dominated by a dramatic, modern glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling, while the darker older lobby has dated patterned carpet and low ceilings. This is an indicator of their corresponding rooms, and it's worth asking for one of the more contemporary rooms. Mandarin Orchard is huge, with over 1,000 rooms, and though its outdoor pool is pleasant, it's a bit small for a property of this size. Additionally, there's no spa. However, there are multiple dining spaces for the large amount of guests. The fine-dining Shisen Hanten has striking trendy decor under chandeliers, while Chatterbox has bright green chairs and windows that let in ample light. Club Lounge guests have access to a top-floor space with panoramic views of the city. Due to the property's prime location and extensive meeting space, the hotel draws both tourists and business travelers.

The hotel sits on popular shopping destination Orchard Road and is attached to the Mandarin Gallery shopping mall. There are plenty of dining options nearby and many tourist attractions are within easy reach -- it's a 15-minute walk to Clarke Quay and a 20-minute walk to the Singapore Flyer. The nearest MRT subway station is Orchard, located a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The landmark Merlion Park is a 10-minute drive away or 30 minutes via public transportation. Changi Airport is less than a 20-minute drive or an hour by public transportation.

The Mandarin Orchard Singapore's 1,077 rooms are spread amongst the newer Main Tower and the original Orchard Wing, with decor largely varying between each. Though spacious, rooms in the Orchard Wing have old-fashioned decor consisting of dated wooden furniture, patterned carpets, and gilded artwork above the beds. Rooms in the Main Tower have more modern gray-and-dark-blue color schemes, plus streamlined dark wooden furniture, chaise lounges, and black-and-white artwork. It's worth asking for one of the refurbished Premier Rooms. 

Roomy bathrooms have either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, and some have separate tubs as well, but some guests have complained about weak water pressure. All are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, robes, slippers, safes, irons, and ironing boards. Suites with living rooms are available, as are Club Rooms, which have access to a top-floor lounge that serves breakfast and drinks. 

A downside is that the Mandarin Orchard lacks a spa, but it does have a peaceful outdoor pool with cushioned loungers and umbrellas around it. It's a bit small for the size of the hotel, however. A large fitness center has dim lighting and a range of cardio machines, free weights, and accessories such as balance balls. There are extensive meeting and event spaces and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

Guests certainly won't go hungry at the hotel. Chatterbox, which is well-known for their popular Mandarin Chicken Rice dish; it serves a buffet breakfast, plus a la carte dishes for lunch and dinner. The Szechwan restaurant Shisen Hanten is run by Chen Kentaro, the grandson of famous Japanese chef Chen Kenmin and son of Iron Chef Chen Kenichi. Also available are Triple Three, an international buffet restaurant, and the cafe Coffee & Crust. Bar on 5 is a sleek space with ample outdoor seating and often there's a DJ performing.