Asia's Top Hotel Hotspots: Singapore

What can you expect upon arrival?

Two 39-storey buildings consisting of 1,051 luxury guest rooms, lavish leisure and dining facilities, a business lounge, ballroom and a four-floor shopping complex in the Orchard Wing, which offers high-end designer goods. The lobby is welcoming, fragrant, beautifully designed and staffed by polite, smiling hostesses.

A few minutes' walk away is the prestigious Orchard Road, a busy thoroughfare that houses every major international designer brand from Louis Vuitton and Gucci to Gap and Zara. Orchard Road is a real shopper's paradise and can perhaps be best described as New York, London and Milan all rolled into one. The region is a visual feast, with outlets beautifully and artistically presented. Orchard Road's largest shopping mall is Ngee Ann City (pictured), which houses designer boutiques such as Chanel and Cartier, as well as South-east Asia's second-largest bookstore Books Kinokuniya.

What are the rooms like?

Ultra luxurious with top-quality fittings and a contemporary finish. The Meritus Club Room (pictured) is designed for business travellers and its gold-plated and chrome furnishings give an air of opulence, while the soft lighting lends a romantic and relaxing ambience. You get a flat screen television opposite the large, comfortable bed and a reclining leather chair perfect for viewing Singapore's sprawling cityscape from the large window. The bathroom comes complete with a multi-head hydro steam shower and full-length mirrors. The housekeeping is impeccable; leave the room for just half an hour and before you return, the beds are already made up and the blinds are drawn.

What are the dining facilities like?

Coffee & Crust is where guests head for breakfast pastries and morning beverages; Chatterbox offers 24-hour dining services and is famed for its Mandarin Chicken Rice; Japanese-inspired Triple Three offers over 100 dishes and the Pine Court is the hotel's resident Chinese restaurant offering traditional and contemporary Cantonese cuisine. For a more laid-back and chilled out experience, try Bar on 5 or the Observation Lounge for drinks at sunset.

What's the overall verdict?

A top choice for travellers who prefer the finer things in life and appreciate attention to detail. Located on the bustling Orchard Road, the Meritus Mandarin is an international shopper's paradise. Deluxe rooms start from US$333 per night (with room charges) including 24-hour room service, cable television and amenities.

Contact

The Meritus Mandarin is at 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867, tel: 65 6737 4411; www.meritus-hotels.com.

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