Background
Acquired by Pan Pacific Group, the hotel reopened on December 1, 2020 after a SG$45 million (£24.45 million) refurbishment. The hotel is one of four original John Portman hotels, built in 1987, and until recently the Marina Mandarin. It is now part of the Parkroyal Collection brand which has a commitment to wellness and sustainability.
Where is it?
It’s located in the Marina Bay area with access to the Marina Square Shopping Centre and links to the Suntec Convention Centre. The airport is 20 minutes by car; an MRT station is a few minutes’ walk away. It is close to attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer.
What’s it like?
It’s eco-friendly, with no single-use plastics, solar panels on the roof, a mineral water swimming pool using nano technology to avoid harsh chemicals and an eco-digester for food waste. Additionally, as part of the refurbishment, all windows have been replaced to reduce energy usage by 2 per cent. Expect lots of greenery – there’s a garden within the hotel, a 13m green wall and songbirds in the huge 21-storey atrium.
Rooms
In total there are 583 rooms and suites with ten types to choose from. All rooms have balconies with views of the city or Marina Bay and every bathroom has both a bathtub and walk-in shower. The Urban Deluxe Room is entry level and a generous 31-33 sqm. All rooms are styled in creams, browns and beige, with wood effect, marble and mirrors. I was in a Signature Marina Bay Suite at 63 sqm which comes with Collection Club benefits. My room had a living area with a sofa, comfy chair, coffee table and a round dining room table with four chairs.
There was a cupboard with a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, kettle and choice of TWG Teas. There was a large LG TV on the wall with a wide selection of channels. For work there was a good size desk with an adjustable ergonomic chair and light. There was only one plug socket by the desk, although by the comfortable bed there was a plug and a USB charger as well as reading lights. The bedroom had a second large LG TV, comfy chair and coffee table, with sliding doors to separate it from the living room. There is also a vanity area with a large lit mirror and Dyson hairdryer.
In terms of sustainability, rooms have refillable glass bottles, saving 360,000 plastic bottles in a year, and every bathroom has a filtered drinking water tap and toiletries in large refillable dispensers. All Nespresso pods are recycled with the coffee grains coming back as compost for the plants and hotel’s urban garden, which supplies 20 per cent of the herbs and vegetable at Peppermint Additionally, sensors know when I leave the room so the intelligent temperature controls kick in and the lights turn off.
The Collection Club is located in a new building next to the pool. It’s spacious with plenty of seating. It offers a buffet breakfast, afternoon snacks and evening canapés. Those eligible are entitled to free local calls, complimentary laundry or pressing of two items per day and late check out. Breakfast included a good selection of Western, Chinese and Asian choices along with fruit, cereal, pastries and meat. Service was very attentive.
Food and drink
Peppermint is the all-day dining restaurant with open kitchens and various cuisines. Portman’s Bar, open 1030-2230, is in the huge atrium where there is a daily light show at 1900, 2000 and 2100. It offers over 90 whiskies and an extensive cocktail list. Peach Blossoms serves up a huge choice of Cantonese food. The Skyline Bar is a pool bar with a menu of Western and Asian dishes; open 1030-2000. Sushi Jiro is a well-regarded Japanese restaurant with a varied menu offering lunch and dinner. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is open for lunch and dinner.
Meetings
There are two ballrooms with a built-in LED screen and stage, 12 smaller meeting rooms, plus an outside meeting space next to the pool.
Leisure
On the fifth floor there is a good size gym with Technogym equipment, open 0700-2200. There is a spinning room and a studio, plus St Gregory’s Spa. Outside is a 25m mineral water pool (0700-2230 daily). There is a yoga area; mats are available.
Verdict
A stylish comfortable hotel in a great location for business or leisure, topped off by great service.
FACT BOX
- Best for Large rooms, with lots of light and great views of the Bay
- Don’t miss Evening drinks by the twinkling pool with views of the Singapore skyline
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May started from SG$320 (£179) for an Urban Deluxe Room
- Contact 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore, 039594; +65 6845 1000; panpacific.com
Julian Gregory
