Mandarin Oriental review: 14th wedding anniversary staycation in Sea View Room King

Mandarin Oriental: a review

For our 14th wedding annivesary, the husband and I decided to take our two children for a one-night staycation at the Mandarin Oriental Singapore.

Before anything – I confess, this is a WAY OVERDUE post. Our staycation was at the near end of 2022, yet here we are, in the third quarter of 2023. Apologies – I have truly been super busy, and hotel blog entries take much longer to produce than other posts. Before I knew it, this project was shelved and temporarily forgotten.

Meanwhile, to my personal embarassment, Mandarin Oriental actually underwent a renovation – and it will be reopening in September 2023. 

Entrance at Mandarin Oriental

Yet – I decided to bite the bullet and write this. Firstly, the stay was indeed very special to us, and it’s a shame to NOT write about it. Just because a hotel underwent temporary closure and is slated to reopen – it doesn’t make our experience any less valid.

Elevator leading to the rooms

Secondly, this stay came about because of a complimentary stay voucher from American Express – and more than anything, even if a hotel is no longer relevant, the STANDARDS of the typical Amex voucher hotel stay remain the same.

Complimentary stay with American Express

With the American Express Platinum Charge Card, every year, upon renewal and payment of the card’s annual fee, card holders are given a one-night complimentary stay at participating hotels.

Voucher for Complimentary stay

Within Singapore, participating hotels have typically included the Ritz Carlton Millenia, Fullerton Hotel, and the St. Regis Singapore, among others. Though the options do vary depending on the year and season, the hotels are typically on the high-end side and they carry luxurious qualities.

Night view: Mandarin Oriental Singapore

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• The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 62,500 Membership Rewards points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
• American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 35, 000 Krisflyer miles when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met. 

Sea View Room

Previously known as the Ocean View room, the accomodation was lovely and spacious.

Sea View Room

As it was after all, our 14th annivesary, the husband ordered flowers and had them delivered to the hotel. The concierge helpfully handed it to us at check in.

Flowers to the room

We had a number of meals / dates planned out over the weekend, so for that, I brought along the Hermes Constance.

Hermes Constance 18 in Rose Confetti

The view from the room – overlooking the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands.

View from the Room

We had requested for a baby cot, which the staff later delivered.

Baby cot positioned next to the King bed

On the other side, is the television, coffee-and-tea-making facilities, and a workdesk.

TV and desk area

No standard nespresso machine here, but there’s a kettle with coffee and tea. And a couple of complimentary juices and snacks as well.

Coffee and Tea making facilities

Complimentary pineapple-base drinks and pineapple cakes

More complimentary water by the bed

To celebrate the wedding anniversary, we were given a complimentary cake.

Hints of Strawberry

I’m not sure if this is a standard practice, or to commemorate a special occasion, but both our children were gifted panda soft toys – such a kind gesture and it is things like these that make kids (and their parents) so happy.

One each – to avoid a quarrel or fight

The wardrobe, safe, and storage areas, in an almost standard fashion, lies right by the entrance.

Wardrobe

Safe and Drawers

The wardrobe is as typical as it gets: hangers, ironing board, and a space for luggage storage.

View from room

Night view

Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most obviously compartmentalized bathrooms I’ve ever seen in a hotel.

Separate shower and bathtub

Sink area

This may be a dealbreaker for some – there isn’t actually a toilet DOOR. The toilet bowl is in the corner right behind the sink. A mirror’s in front of it to boot – Does anyone actually appreciates the close-up self-view while in the loo???

Towel Rack

Privacy aside, the bathroom is a lovely one. Bath amenities are by Diptyque – aromatic, smooth, and definitely luxurious.

Bath amenities by the shower

Close up:

Diptyque, Paris

Swimming Pool

At the Mandarin Oriental Singapore, the swimming pool is both tasteful and functional. Not many pools can boast a view of the Singapore skyline – I truly want to give this place the Best Views from a Swimming Pool award.

Swimming Pool

There’s leaf-shaped chairs that people can lie on while soaking in the shallow area.

These were actually comfortable. Notice the headrest area on each seat?

In the main pool (deeper area), fish-like sculptures spit out water – stand under it and it simulates a mild head or shoulder massage.

Main Pool (deep)

There is a very shallow pool (think ankle length and slightly more) for kiddies to play about tiny spraying fountains and mini waterfalls.

The two-year-old loved this one.

Kiddy Pool and splash area

And around the swimming spots, there was plenty of room to rest.

These were hugely popular – they seemed to be nearly fully occupied all day

How Mandarin Oriental really stands out: the poolside service. Staff routinely served water – AND a cold scented towel. The aroma of refreshing peppermint (I think?) on the cool fabric was perfect for Singapore’s hot weather. I kept one on my face, and inhaled a long time. Lol.

Cold water and cold scented towels

But the real beauty reveals itself after dark. In the evenings, the pool area is especially beautiful.

Breadthtaking

Wow

Seriously, how can one NOT fall in love with this place?

Bonus: Not Crowded / Kind of Deserted

Gym

The Gym / Fitness studio’s located a short walk away from the pool.

Entrance to the Fitness Studio

Filled with the standard gym equipment: machines and weights.

A well-stocked gym

This place is HUGE – any fitness nut would find himself or herself at home here.

Everything looks very heavy…

At the time of my visit, the gym was literally empty / deserted. Looks easy to get a good workout in peace and quiet.

Spoilt for choice

My only gripe – for a hotel as posh as Mandarin Oriental, there wasn’t any sauna, steam bath or jaccuzi facilites available for in-house guests. There is a spa, but unfortunately only for those who pay for spa treatments and services.

While it sounds like I’m picking on little things, it is facilities like these that make a difference between an elevated vs a more regular stay.

Breakfast at Melt Cafe

Melt Cafe is known for its International Buffets. I’ve reviewed the Dinner Buffet before (check out review here!), and for our stay, the breakfast definitely lives up to its name.

Note: while the stay at Mandarin Oriental is complimentary, the stay itself does NOT come with breakfast. At the time of our visitation, breakfast was offered to us at an add on rate at S$46++ per adult.

Pictures from the Breakfast buffet.

Assortment of Breads and Pastries

The international breakfast truly caters to all kinds of people.

Plant-based milk, anyone?

Hot Local / Asian selections

The Indian section is especially impressive.

Varieties of curry, dahl, sambar, and other sauces

Even the humble porridge is somewhat glamorous here.

Porridge and condiments, Soybean milk and dough fritters

More warm food.

I see Otah and Nasi Lemak

Don’t know what to eat? Be healthy – go for fruits.

Fruits

Juices! Freshly squeezed. Wheatgrass options available too.

Juice station

Cheeeeeesseeeeeeee

Hams and selection of cured and smoked meats

Salads

Egg Station

Western selections

Yogurt, Oats, Muesli

Overall, an amazing breakfast experience with one of the best varieties I’ve seen in Singapore.

Overall thoughts

The Mandarin Oriental Singapore does many things – and does it all well. Be it the beautifully furnished rooms, well-designed pools, or decadent breakfast – everything that exists is well executed.

And in addition, the hotel is blessed with outstanding views – walk around the hotel compound at night, and it’s like THIS all around.

View from the Mandarin Oriental

It is endlessly romatic – Singapore’s skylines and the city’s lights just come together right here. One can truly get the best view from Mandarin Oriental.

For an International audience

All in all, a lovely stay, and a big Thank You to Mandarin Oriental for such a wonderful staycation, as well as to American Express for the complimentary hotel stay voucher.

American Express Platinum Charge Card (Image source: American Express)

Inspired by this post and want to apply for an American Express credit card? Apply through one of my referral links and receive either bonus Membership Rewards points or statement credit:

• The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 140,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
• The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 62,500 Membership Rewards points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
• American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 35, 000 Krisflyer miles when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met. 

Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for each credit card's application and usage may be subject to change by American Express. Therefore, readers are recommended to check any matters with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.

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