We stayed at the Mandarin for only two nights on the way to New Zealand. The hotel, despite being a 5 star, didn't meet our expectations and required some upgrading. The pool was very much in need of a revamp and if you stayed at this hotel for the purpose of lazing around the pool you would be disappointed. The sun loungers and changing areas were very tired and in need of total replacement, although the pool itself was kept very clean.

The hotel reception area was extensive and smart but the service from the receptionists was impersonal and robotic. They were in need of a customer service refresher.

The room itself was lovely. We had a deluxe room with a king size bed and plenty of space. The room was very well equipped and the room service staff and bell boys were excellent.

The location of the hotel (on Orchard Road) was excellent for shopping opportunities, but we found that restaurants were a little more thin on the ground.,

We had our breakfast in the ground floor Chatterbox restaurant which was adequate with plenty of choice, but it did get extremely busy and on a Sunday morning we had to queue around ten minutes.

We also stayed at the Pan Pacific (also 5 star) on our return journey and would definitely recommend that over the Mandarin.

This was our first stop on a mini tour, (see also Amari Coral Beach, Phuket & Royal Orchid Sheraton, Bangkok). We arrived at 08.30 and although check in time is 14.00 our South Tower room, (2461) was ready by 10.30. Room was ok and spotless, yes carpet looks a bit tired but you don't eat off or sleep on the carpet.

Bed was really comfortable and bathroom with double basins very nice. We didn't bother with breakfast apart from final morning when it was complimentary. Location was perfect for us right on Orchard Road and just 5mins from the MRT. As a base for a tourist in Singapore we found it perfectly adequate.

we're 2 girls traveling together so safety is our priority,i used to have chicken rice at renowned Chatterbox on the ground floor last year and found the lobby atmosphere was not very good,always crowded with lots of tourists and staffs were never seem to be enough to handle the jobs.But i booked this hotel anyway from safety purpose because the hotel situated at the very heart of Orchard,right next to Takashimaya so if we're talking about location,Meritus Mandarin comes the first choice!

My luggages were delayed so i had to checked in without any luggaged,i already told front desk that luggages were on their way and i would wait until i got my luggages which would arrive around 2-3am.Any i waited and waited to find out from the airport that the hotel rejected my luggages because they didn't look hard enough to find my name in the guest list!!!!So the luggages were 10hr delayed and all the front desk staff said was that she had no idea.when i asked when i checked with the front desk staff regarding to the extra toiletteries i might need because we had nothing at the moment,the lady just nodded to her right and said that 7/12 shop is on our right.I shouldn't have asked her!!! I really wonder what the housekeeping is for?

But still,if talking about location and ignore inefficient staffs.I still prefer to stay in Meritus Mandarin.Usually if i travel with more people,Oriental Hotel at Marina Bay offers 5stars service with the same price though

Next time i'll just stick to Oriental Hotel

We called the Meritus Mandarin directly and were quoted a rate for a 'family suite' which was comprised of two adjoining rooms of S$420 per night, a rate slightly less than the rate their sister hotel (the Meritus Marina) charges (we've stayed there before). When we checked in the rate on our check-in sheet clearly stated this rate. Upon check out their story suddenly changed and they claimed that we now needed to pay $420 PER ROOM! Worse, they said there was no such thing as a family suite and that we were lying when we said we had been quoted this. I've never seen management so stubborn and difficult to deal with - they refused to accept ANY responsibility and they made no concession. BEWARE - don't trust them. Not only did they pull the wool over our eyes in the first place - but the way they dealt with our case demonstrated that they had none of the professional manner you would expect out of a reputable hotel. Go with a hotel chain you can trust!