The Mondrian Singapore review: A sleek, buzzy establishment we'd love to stay again
Let's take a deeper look if it's worth a stay at the luxe boutique hotel.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton is the highly anticipated new addition to the Mondrian family of hotels, joining the brand’s properties in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, Cannes, Doha and Seoul. The overarching design inspiration for Mondrian Singapore Duxton is based on our country's colonial architecture and history, and we have Studio Carter from Los Angeles and Singapore's DP Architects to thank for that.
But does the design aesthetics live up to its hype and potentially hamper the brand's image? Let's take a deeper look if it's worth a stay at the luxe boutique hotel.
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Reasons to stay in this hotel
The ground staff were very alert, and they led me to the check-in area on another floor, greeting me by my name after initial introductions. Bags were carried to my room promptly.
There are about 302 rooms and five types of suites, depending on your party size.
I stayed at the Duxton Corner, which comes equipped with your usual amenities like a coffee machine by Lavazza, a HD TV, and a full mini bar. The bathroom comes equipped with full and trendy Malin + Goetz amenities.
Upon first impressions, I was drawn to the tones of silver, grey and greens from marble throughout the interior, and in the bath, which was wrapped in black marble. Principal and founder of Studio Carter, Robbyn Carter drew inspiration from Singapore's flora and fauna and transformed that vision as an overarching design inspiration for the Mondrian Singapore Duxton. And I thought that was a very sexy mix of minimalist and modern design adaptation.
The pool area at the rooftop of the hotel makes it one of the best Instagrammable spots at Duxton Hill. Order a drink and laze at the cabanas facing the night lights from Chinatown's neighbouring cafes and building facade. Even if you're not up for a night swim, guests can enjoy sipping their poison at the patio table and chairs.
Food-wise, I couldn't praise the food at Bottega di Carna enough. Helmed by Dario 'The Greatest Chef in the World' Cecchini – whom you may recognise from Netflix's Chef's Table – and his band of chefs, you can watch your dishes cooked behind an open-fire grill, with various cuts of meats displayed.
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For our meals, the Australian Butcher Steak (S$108) is a familiar dish but cooked with a high level of skill, while the spicy lobster with linguine (S$68) is sweet and decent. As I was craving a sweet drink, the bartender whipped a cocktail with a yuzu base that I really liked.
I ended the night with dessert choices, coconut sorbet (S$12) and lemon givré (S$18) to clean my palate and they were both pleasing and spoke to my soul.
And If you're still wide awake, take a nightcap at The Jungle Ballroom, where you'll be greeted by a lit 'secret' tunnel to a sanctuary that looks like it has a hidden cabinet of curiosities, with quirky glass artworks and bottles of alcohol on display. Even better, the place stays open till 2am, which is rare these days for the night owls.
What could be done better
The Mondrian Singapore Duxton isn't for the workaholics but for those looking for a sleek, vibey experience. I tried working off the mini coffee table with my laptop and mouse but almost gave up mid-way because there was no proper workstation. It actually worked against my will as it was a good reminder to leave work behind and just enjoy the charming experiences the hotel has in store for you. I'm glad I did.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton is located at 16A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089970.
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