Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

This iconic property, built in 1987 and renovated in 2011, is housed in a building designed to resemble a fan, a nod to the chain's well-known logo. Its architecture also allows for scenic Marina Bay views from a maximum number of rooms. Sweeping vistas -- from the guest rooms, the pool area, and the lounge bar -- over the city skyline, Marina Bay, and the Pacific Ocean are a highlight of the hotel. The chic interiors are decked out in elegant marble and wood, with a variety of visual motifs created by the patterned carpeting, embossed reception counters, and stylish lattice work. Close to 100 pieces of art adorn its public spaces and corridors. Given its proximity to the city's business and financial centers and to major sights, the hotel draws a range of well-heeled travelers, from business guests to tourists, including couples and families.

The hotel occupies a prime location in the Marina Bay area, offering views of the skyline, the bay, the Formula 1 racetrack, and iconic Singaporean landmarks, like the Singapore Flyer ferris wheel and the Marina Bay Sands hotel. The area is packed with high-end hotels, restaurants, corporate high-rises, and shopping malls (the hotel is connected to the Marina Square Shopping Center). Guests can walk to the Downtown Core and a plethora of major attractions like the Esplanade, the Merlion, and Gardens by the Bay in less than 10 minutes. For sights farther out, the Esplanade MRT station is a seven-minute walk, and the City Hall and Promenade MRT stations are about a 10-minute walk.- Six-minute walk to the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center

• Seven-minute walk to the Esplanade
• 10-minute walk to the Raffles Hotel
• 10 minutes to Clarke Quay via public transit
• 12-minute walk to Gardens by the Bay
• 15-minute walk to the Merlion
• 15-minute walk to the Parliament of Singapore
• 17 minutes to Orchard Road shopping district via public transit
• 20 minutes to Chinatown via public transit
• 20 minutes to Little India via public transit
• 60 minutes to Changi International Airport via public transit

The hotel's 527 guest rooms and suites are spacious and inviting, with bright accents, luxe bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows, many of which offer astounding views of the bay or skyline. In most rooms, honey-colored furniture is topped in black marble, and rich, fabric wallpaper in ivory contrasts with brown accent walls. Floral carpeting and accent pillows in sage or salmon add gentle pops of color. Guests occasionally complain about outdated details or slight marks of wear on bathroom tiles or carpeting. Some higher-category rooms feature private balconies, but units have goose-down bedding, spacious work desks with ergonomic chairs, and flat-screen TVs with high-quality sound systems and interactive entertainment centers that connect to mobile devices. Rooms also contain electric kettles, minibars, and glassware. Tucked in the wardrobes are useful extras: safes, slippers, bathrobes, and irons and ironing boards. Wi-Fi costs a pricey extra fee, except for guests who have booked on the hotel website and created an online profile, or for those staying on the Club Floor. Bathrooms feature elegant marbled granite, including granite-walled showers, plus separate bathtubs and windows (with blinds) that look out into rooms. They come equipped with magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and a range of toiletries.Units start at a generous 355 square feet, while the largest suite is a massive 2,605 square feet. 

With five restaurants, two bars, and a range of wellness facilities -- including an outdoor pool with a spectacular view -- guests can relax and dine without ever having to leave the property. Dolce Vita, an Italian restaurant next to the pool, and Cherry Garden, which serves Cantonese cuisine, get high marks from guests, with the prices to match. Teppan-Ya serves up Japanese fare, while Morton's features steak and seafood. Melt Cafe's claim to fame is its show kitchens, where guests can watch the chefs at work. It's also where the huge, international breakfast buffet is served, though it costs extra. Axis Bar and Lounge is great for cocktails, and guests can drink alfresco at BAY@5 bar. Room service is available 24 hours.The hotel's 85-foot (25 meter) mosaic-tiled outdoor pool is a highlight, featuring in-pool lounge chairs and fountains. It's surrounded by potted trees and stylish lounge areas, like pod-shaped cabanas, and there's even a sleek kiddie pool. The best part, though, is the epic skyline view which include landmarks like the Marina Bay Sands hotel and the Singapore Flyer. The chic on-site spa features singles and couples treatment rooms, semi-private consultation booths, a manicure and pedicure area, a relaxation room, and male and female changing areas with showers. The women's section also has a steam shower, while the men's area includes a sauna. The spacious fitness center looks like part of an upscale health club, with indoor and outdoor spaces, wood floors, and even chandelier lighting. There's a weightlifting area with a full rack of free weights, cardio machines with individual screens, a stretching area, and a Kinesis wall. Personal trainers and yoga classes are also available for a fee. There are several on-site facilities for meetings, conferences, and special events, including the Oriental Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 600 guests. Guests staying on the Club Floor have access to the Oriental Club, which includes such extras as a Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, free Wi-Fi, and garment pressing. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but it comes with a pricey extra fee for guests who are not staying on the Club Floor, or don't book rooms via the hotel website. On-site valet parking is free.