Another excellent review. You deserve a million more subs with the effort you put into your vids. Hope the channel really takes off soon. In the meantime I’ll continue to Like and comment!
Jazzy review on this dated hotel resting on it's laurels, they had some interesting packages but I'm glad I passed on it. Great job and thanks for being brutally honest. Aloha from Hawaii
Those remodels you were asking for are happening as we speak… MO Singapore currently closed until September for a major renovation. Would love to see a re-visit to compare and contrast, could be very interesting
Kevin as always you provide me with all the escapism I could need on a day-to-day. Conde Nast traveller could never! On this hotel I've only stayed in the MO KL and Bangkok but this really doesn't hit the mark. It gives me run-down Shangri La in Malaysia vibes.
Not gonna lie, would have loved to be a fly on the wall listening to all of those guests calling down to the front desk at 5:00. I know absolutely nothing about lighting, but I’m just shocked there are no covers or blockers they can use during practice. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You were there in June? I spent a couple nights here at the end of June too and my thoughts are pretty much summarized in this video! Fantastic as always Mr. Kevin!!
Great minds think alike 😂 I’m curious if our resort paths crossed- I was at Belmond, Conrad, Kempinski, Six Senses, IC Jimbaran, Alila Ubud, Como Uma, Samsara, and Andaz.
@@tfft Haha! That's insane, 9 resorts in 2 weeks? I stayed put in my villa at The Apurva Kempinski for the week I was there. The resorts you stayed at are all on my radar for future visits to Bali, plus other higher end resorts like the Raffles and Four Seasons. Excited to see and hear your thoughts as I am confident our tastes and standards align :) Cheers!!
Thanks for sharing - We stayed twice at MO Singapore . The design is a bit odd . The first time in 2017 was exceptional with impeccable service especially at the Melt Cafe . On our second stay the reception at the check in desk was horrible . We arrived from the Sharing La Sentosa around lunch and was told our rooms are not ready until 4pm . The check in agent was rude & did not offered to hold our carry on luggage but instead send us the pool area as the lobby was full of guests from a tour group .My complaint on tripadvisor was received by the management & a small compensation was offered & accepted . However we may not returned to MO Singapore but instead book St. Regis near Orchard Rd ( The Four Seasons Singapore was exceptional)
I didn't mention it in the video but honestly I cannot look at the interior of this MO and NOT think about The Contemporary Resort in Disney World 😂... and the sad truth is, even The Contemporary has been well updated while the MO just sits on it's laurels. Heading to the MO KL next month, hoping for a better experience. Thanks for watching 🙏
I remember one year when my workplace switched things up, and decided to have the annual Christmas brunch here instead of Fullerton. Like you said the buffet options were surprisingly large, but Fullerton still beats any brunch buffet I've been to!
Very interesting. I worked in Vietnam many years for a unit of the Jardine Matheson Group which owns the Mandarin Oriental. I reported to our regional office in Singapore and so stayed at this very hotel also many times. I really enjoyed the lobby and atrium design including that “floating spaceship” bar. I am still in Vietnam but no longer working being happily retired. Mandarin Oriental will be opening a hotel Saigon at around the end of this year and I am looking forward to your review.
@@tfft I walk past the site very often and there are more workers now performing what appears to me some more expensive parts of the construction. The workers tell me that it should be ready at about the end of the year. But indeed… we need the people who are willing and able to pay but in fact there is no shortage of Vietnamese able to pay. The LV shop across the street is busy mostly with local shoppers all day. By the way a Kevin… with respect to your request for suggestions to improve the channel… I think you have a really good straightforward channel with respect to the hotel and flight reviews. The missing element in my opinion is a more personal connection between you and the subscribers. On one hand it is probably better to hold back given all internet related risks these days but with respect to your goal of building a successful channel in the long run I think people want to have that closer connection including more info about you, how you came to do the inspections, your travel life etc.
This is a very nice and detailed review, and I appreciated the detail with which u really explored the hotel's offerings. I stayed at MO Singapore a couple years back, and it really does seem to be quite different from back when I was there. I'm quite surprised that they moved MO Bar to that saucer thing u mentioned, cuz previously that used to be the bar version of their Morton's Steakhouse restaurant. It seemed to be 1 of their premier offerings with the most expensive drinks and food in the whole hotel, so I'm surprised they booted it out for MO Bar. Then again, I guess COVID might have forced them to do so since if u thought MO Bar was expensive, the prices at their Morton's Bar were comparatively utterly insane. Room-wise, things didn't seem too different. The shower I see is still unbelievably tiny to the point where I had to basically rotate myself in the cubicle like a vertical spit roast. Nice to see that they've done away with the disposable shampoo and soap bottles though! Bedding has also changed since I was last there. They used to have 6 pillows on the bed, 2 of which were in these green pillow cases with the MO logo imprinted on them and the rest in white shams. I see that they've now stacked them vertically tho, and I have to wonder if its to hide the fact that their soft to the point where there's basically no support or if they've actually improved on this XD Quite surprised about the instant coffee though. They used to provide coffee capsules like the kind that you would use for those Nespresso machines. To provide those cheap sachets is really surprising given how much you would be paying and that they're providing TWG tea sachets right next to them. That felt so out of place. All in all, a good and detailed review. I'm a little sad to see that MO Singapore these days seems to have downgraded somewhat from when I was there, but hopefully they'll get better when they hire more staff and/or get another refurbishing done. +1 sub :)
Thanks very much for the details in the comment. I’ll admit regarding the MO Bar, they had mixed (and potentially, incorrect… though that seems kinda unlikely) signage at what I also originally thought was the Morton’s Bar. The bar itself still has the Morton’s logo on it, but the stair entrances both had (less permanent) signage indicating MO Bar and the hours. Perhaps a temporary consolidation- I’m not 100% clear, to be honest. When I called down later to ask for the clarification they (very kindly) referred me to the operating hours list. 🤷🏼♂️ And to know that they used to have capsule machines in the rooms is crazy to think they’d choose to make this downgrade considering normal Nespresso pods are under $1 retail. Thanks very much for watching and subscribing 🙏🏻
That's a great view of the Gardens by the Bay (9:02) from your room. That place is on my short list of botanical gardens to see in that part of Asia, alas, someday. Kevin, have you thought of a project that covers migrating or moving to Vietnam? I don't know if that's something of interest to you but given your extensive travel history, it might be good insight for those of us looking at places to retire to outside of the US. Thanks in advance if you do consider creating such content.
I love the Botanical Gardens in Sing, last time I was there I remember it being an orchid paradise, but make sure you go on a cool(er) day, because it's oppressively humid in there! As for the Vietnam question- this is something that I have thought about in the past but have decided not to do for two reasons: 1. There is a LOT of really crappy advise out there about moving to Vietnam and I don't have a way to cut through all of that to reach a legitimate audience. The content out there is so crappy because, firstly its created by people who have been in VN for a few months and all of their information is wildly anecdotal (i.e. if they know someone who knows someone who once 4 years ago had their phone stolen, then the city is "dangerous")- second, the content creator likely didn't live in VN for that long so there's no way for them to update their info (assuming it was good info to begin with lol). 2. Things change almost daily here. I could write a true comprehensive guide along the lines about what you're thinking this month- only to have it be completely irrelevant a couple weeks later because the immigration policies were changed for the 43rd time this year 😂. Plus, there has **never** been any sort of meaningful retirement style visa here. Retiring here (legally) is not an option unless you have a Vietnamese spouse or you are Viet Kieu (you're foreign born Vietnamese). As always, thanks for watching 🙏
Hey Kevin great video like always 👍👌 Thanks a lot bro👍 Please is it possible for you to tell me the background music in the beginning of the video.Its in every video of yours.Please let me know if you can👍
Thanks for such a detailed review. After watching this I went and cancelled my booking for November. Switched to a renovated marina view room at the Fairmount and saved a small fortune in the process... much appreciated!
@@lzh4950 We were very impressed with the Fairmont during our stay. Service was excellent, and their new rooms are much nicer than the MO in Singapore. Can't comment on the MO service obviously as we cancelled our booking, but I would absolutely recommend the Fairmont to anyone thinking of visiting Singapore (providing they book one of their new renovated delux rooms).
8:14 yes the 90's right there!! I can probably list the Hotels in Singapore with this style of curved walkways to the rooms overlooking the internal atrium and the lifts going up the middle!! Dated, had its day and no longer the MO of back in the day when it was a real status symbol to be an in-house Guest. The ever popular 3:1 coffee sachets makes an appearance at such a property 😔 l thought only the Holiday inn and Travelodge still had an account with those Nescafe gems 🤣. Thanks for being honest 👍
Hi Kevin. Thanks for that nice video. I agree that a 500$ per night hotel don't need a morning light show.😉 I suggest "The Siam" in Bangkok to spend that money. What a fantastic hotel there. Ok it s not in Singapore. All the best from Guido
I am off to Singapore soon and this hotel WAS on my short list, however, INSTANT COFFEE at that room price !. Umm was that the Pan Pacific I saw next door ?
The instant 3 in 1 coffee mix is a proper shocker! Glad I skipped the MO over when I was deliberating where to stay for our staycation. They have been doing rehearsals every Saturday at the Floating Platform for upcoming National Day on 9th August. But wtf is with that lightshow at 4am in the morning? Like you mentioned, I'd be proper pissed if I was staying in one of the hotels in that area 💩
Just saw the second half of your comment. I was there on a Wednesday night. At night (until like 21:00) they were rehearsing on the stage with music- could hear it in the room but wasn’t bothered. But yeah, 4:45am after a 30 hour journey from PHL… not cool lol.
I used to stay in this hotel every year from 2014-2017 but never stayed there again since. Your review is exactly how i felt about this hotel and the reason why i never stayed in this hotel again, it’s in desperate need of renovation and service was, what should i say, baffling if not subpar? Just not up to MO standard.
I used to love this hotel ten years ago, including location, airport proximity, soft and hard product as well as the club lounge. I have to agree with you after watching the video that at that price, you can get better value for the money.
Regarding the instant coffee, it’s statistically still the most used/popular coffee by numbers (especially in Asia). Could imagine it was requested by guests many times.
Perhaps by all of Asia, but certainly not by the crowd that would be staying at a Mandarin. No reason instant shouldn't be on offer in the rooms, along side a standard espresso option. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Oh there was no Expresso option. I was going to say even over real coffee a large grouping of Asians even wealthy ones primarily drink instant. As someone who lives abroad, it was probably one of the most absurd things that I realized. Especially when a lot of these countries make world-class coffee.
The only MO I stayed at was one in KL which is still one of the best. On the other hand, I had plasure to stay at Ritz SG and it was phenomenal. I believe they are the same price range.
I'll actually be at the MO in KL next month. Will be paying less than half of what I paid here and the rate in KL also includes a massage... I really can't imagine it not being a better experience 😂 Thanks as always for watching 🙏
My wife and I stayed here in 2009 and enjoyed it greatly due to the fact it was so close to everything, the breakfasts were excellent then as well, we think you are a bit nit picking on the coffee etc and also the decor in the rooms , however a new expresso machine would go ok these days, the room price is a bit high but then its near Marina Bay Philltheflyer ( us, the oldies , have going to Singapore since 1970's)
Glad you enjoyed your stay in 2009. For the coffee, sorry we’ll need to agree to disagree ☺️ Espresso pod style machines are a very standard thing in 5-star hotels/resorts in SE Asia, if not that at least pour over sachets or French press brewing capabilities, both of which I think are suitable alternatives as long as it’s a high quality coffee. A $0.29 stick of coffee is insulting for a $400+ hotel in this day and age. Thanks very much for watching 🙏🏻
In 2004 we arrived in Singapore by Eastern & Oriental Railway from Bangkok and stayed in Mandarin Oriental. Our room was without hot water after we complained repeatedly until midnight, we were moved & upgraded to a sulte. We had only meal in the restaurant which was a disaster, poor food quality lack of service. I give full marks for your presentation. Thank you very much and take care.
I was there for two nights July 1-2. The Float had its light show going the whole night. I also don't like to sleep with black out. It was hard to believe in Singapore of all places. The room is set up for tea, not coffee. Room service bought up fresh milk in under 5 minutes. Although room service did not begin until 7am. I have no doubt that they would have bought up your coffee beverage without charge if you had requested. I agree with your review, although I found the breakfast a bit of a free for all.
I’m actually at another MO right now again with just instant coffee. Called this time and was told coffee machines are only for Club Level rooms (😂😂😂). Two calls from a duty manager later and I had a Nespresso machine in my room. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I bet The Float@Marina Bay was conducting lighting tests for the National Day (the country's independence anniversary) parade on 9 Aug, which is organised by the army, so that'll be the organisation to feedback to
My wife and I stayed here in 2001 on a layover back from Australia - when we arrived, she was convinced we'd been taken to the wrong hotel, until she realised that shed been thinking of the MO in Bangkok- to be fair, she was about 5 months pregnant with our first child at the time, so we've always put it down to early onset baby-brain
I'm sorry to hear the service at the MO Singapore has dropped off, because at one time the service at this hotel was out of this world. The MO Singapore was the first Asian hotel I had ever stayed in, and in around 2008 it was truly unforgettable. The interior of the room I had looked just like the room you had. I don't think you had the cheapest view though, you appeared to have a marina view room. The room I had was the cheapest view , you sort of saw freeways in the middle distance, and the Raffles hotel off to one side. But it was definitely a freeway view room rather than the marina view room that you had. Hard to believe the MO Singapore had such cheap coffee. It's not excusable, but I'm guessing they are figuring that guests who care about coffee quality will ring Room Service. The bar at this hotel was dated even in 2008. Thanks for the great review of what once would have been a sensational hotel from the 80s, but is probably no longer worth the room tariff with so much competition and newer hotels in Singapore now.
I remember there's a staircase linking the hotel's ground floor (where reception is) to the 4th floor (the next highest floor in the hotel, as the space that the hotel would've occupied on levels 2 & 3 are occupied instead by the adjacent Marina Sq shopping mall) & you also used to be able to get to Marina Sq from that staircase's 2nd & 3rd floor landings via some doors, but those doors have since been locked
I agree that the MO Singapore needs a full refurb. It's easily one of the brand's worst. If you're ever in London though, the MO Hyde Park is outstanding for a city hotel. Marrakech is awesome, too. In fact, that's where my profile picture was taken! Meanwhile, Doha has the best breakfast selection I've ever seen. Eight different stations covering a wide range of cuisines.
@@tfft same, I'm there in June! It's a brilliant hotel if you're just wanting to chill out in nice surroundings for a few days. Of course, the hotel can arrange trips and they're very reasonably priced. I'd also recommend Amanjena, though IMO the MO is ahead of it in terms of the hard product. Still worth a look if you're a fan of the brand.
Look I agree about the rooms being outdated, but the lobby etc I think is still lovely, its just Asian design not some modern minimalistic hotel. Also, rooms can always be updated but the actual hotel architecture and inner atrium can't exactly be changed. I personally think it should be enjoyed for what it is, you don't see hotels designed like this anymore. The same architect designed the nearby Pan Pacific and Parkroyal, all have the inner atrium. The lighting outside is also hardly the hotels fault is it? Agree regarding the annoyance of the wifi and lack of coffee machine, although pod coffee tastes gross anyway and there are loads of places to get an actually good coffee in Singapore :)
Maybe you muted the video while watching? Lol. I literally mentioned about how they don’t design hotel atriums like this anymore and also mentioned that the lights are not the fault of the hotel. We have different design aesthetic preferences and that is a-okay. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I agree with you. The carpet and the view (sans the strobing light) were the best things about the room. Otherwise small and ordinary. The instant coffee is inexcusable as is the game of getting the WiFi. Mid market hotels are a much better value, and if your stay is a disappointment - hey, it’s no big investment.
As you said at 8 minutes something, its for those with expense accounts who dont have to look at the price. Its not meant to attract Honda Civic tuners in flipflips.
@@tfft The pool is lovely and for a special treat the price is good compared to Europe and the US. Our room was beautiful but the bathroom little tired. We also like the club lounge, food drink and service is excellent. Going back in May 23. 👍
I am scared of heights and those elevators would just about do me in not to mention I would have to hug the wall to get to my room, YIKES! The rest of it looks like no great shakes, there are other hotels in Singapore that are much better.
Classic John Portman giant atrium design, 2 of the hotels next door and the Regent up the road were designed by him and are the same - the one next door (used to be the Marina Mandarin hotel) is virtually identical (see the much older Hyatt at Embercado in San Francisco - Mel Brookes film High Anxiety there in the 70s). First stayed there in 1992 when the check in was on the 4th floor, it was probably my first luxury hotel stay, and back then I remember being blown away. But that was then and this is now. Much prefer the Shangri La in Singapore, particularly their Garden and Valley wings. Paid about £75 to stay at the Oriental (as it was then) in the 92 ! ruclips.net/video/kz9AyE7GcFw/видео.html
Yeah, if I'm honest, the hotel assortment in Singapore these days is just not that exciting to me (because in my mind I automatically compare it to the hotel scenes in Bangkok, KL and Jakarta) but the properties in Singapore are just always more buttoned up and dated. There have been a handful of updated spots in the past years (I'm thinking Andaz), but overall the hotel market there needs a bit of a shake up. Thanks for watching 🙏
@@tfft I still think Singapore (and Hong Kong) offer good value high quality accommodation, particularly c.w. Europe and parts of the USA. But Thailand for me has been one of the truly great destinations for top quality accommodation at a good price
Was at Regent for a wedding last week & I understand its decor has remained mostly the same in its ~40-yr history e.g. gold handrails, which while well-maintained might be too old-fashioned for some tastes. It'll be renovated from 2023 onwards though & renamed Conrad. One plus about Regent though is that its shorter than Mandarin Oriental or its 2 adjacent hotels (PanPac & ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay (formerly Marina Mandarin)), so its skylight sits nearer to the ground floor, & which is larger too, so Regent feels more spacious. Concorde Hotel (formerly Le Meridien), which lies in-between Regent & Mandarin Oriental, has a similarly large atrium too & is already undergoing renovation, which is timely as it was ageing
You’re so predictable Kevin! I knew the coffee sachets won’t miss your critical eyes and correctly put that that’s an unthinkable thing for a luxury property. I noticed you always knock your room door before entering. Why?
😂 I put it in 2 videos. Was one of those things that likely in my 15th hour of editing in that day seemed like a good idea to add in- in reality, I question it myself ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Flip Flop Traveller, do hotel staff ever question the amount of filming you're doing in their properties? If you're not sponsored by them to do reviews, what is your business model to make all of this international travelling practical?
I’ve been questioned precisely once in almost 2 years (in Jakarta). I film on an iPhone specifically to not stand out. Since it’s so “normal” these days, you likely don’t realize how many people are walking around with iPhone and gimbals filming or steaming (but they’re everywhere lol). Not quite sure I’m going to post my business plan publicly on RUclips, but I’ll just say I have goals for this channel and the brand around it and am so far quite encouraged by the results. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft no problem, and thanks for your honesty... please drop me a line if you're ever in (or _back_ in) Sydney, Australia... there's a *_lot_* we could talk about. I've been in the media (mostly independently) for years and wrote for travel magazines and airline in-flight magazines.
It's a disaster for a mandarin oriental hotel. I've stayed two nights in mandarin oriental guangzhou and it is awesome (except the view). the design, the service, the food, the bathtub, the swimming pool, everything is remarkable. this one in singapore is not worthy of the price.
Agree, I knew what the property was prior to going, but gotta say I still thought it would “show” well… and expected top notch service. Live & learn! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
But a nice lot of hangers for your $400/night! And the safe looked big enough for a laptop, which very few are. Efficient review and I continue to be amused by your convention name-tag.
For what you get, I'd have to agree with you. If it was a true (and updated) MO experience, then I think $400 would be a fair price. Thanks for watching 🙏
Interconnecting doors can't be open,musty smell and dusty. A 5* hotel with 3 in 1 coffee sachets not worth of stay. Renovations is a must MO Singapore.
This hotel is absolutely out of the world
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Another excellent review. You deserve a million more subs with the effort you put into your vids. Hope the channel really takes off soon. In the meantime I’ll continue to Like and comment!
I don’t want to be greedy… 800k would be enough 😂 Thanks as always for watching 🙏🏻
Jazzy review on this dated hotel resting on it's laurels, they had some interesting packages but I'm glad I passed on it. Great job and thanks for being brutally honest. Aloha from Hawaii
Resting on its laurels is absolutely the best way to put it. Thanks for watching 🙏
Another absolutely fantastic review. TY. Will be joining Patreon.
Thanks very much as always for watching and your support 🙏
Those remodels you were asking for are happening as we speak… MO Singapore currently closed until September for a major renovation. Would love to see a re-visit to compare and contrast, could be very interesting
Very interesting in deed! Thanks for sharing ✈️
Kevin as always you provide me with all the escapism I could need on a day-to-day. Conde Nast traveller could never!
On this hotel I've only stayed in the MO KL and Bangkok but this really doesn't hit the mark. It gives me run-down Shangri La in Malaysia vibes.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
3 solid spot lights. Wow talk about being on display!
Not gonna lie, would have loved to be a fly on the wall listening to all of those guests calling down to the front desk at 5:00. I know absolutely nothing about lighting, but I’m just shocked there are no covers or blockers they can use during practice.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
This review has certainly changed my mind about staying at this hotel.
Thanks 🙏
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You were there in June? I spent a couple nights here at the end of June too and my thoughts are pretty much summarized in this video! Fantastic as always Mr. Kevin!!
Yes I arrived there on June 15 for a few nights in Sing before a couple weeks in Bali. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft basically mirrors my vacation as well! hahaha
Great minds think alike 😂 I’m curious if our resort paths crossed- I was at Belmond, Conrad, Kempinski, Six Senses, IC Jimbaran, Alila Ubud, Como Uma, Samsara, and Andaz.
@@tfft Haha! That's insane, 9 resorts in 2 weeks? I stayed put in my villa at The Apurva Kempinski for the week I was there. The resorts you stayed at are all on my radar for future visits to Bali, plus other higher end resorts like the Raffles and Four Seasons. Excited to see and hear your thoughts as I am confident our tastes and standards align :) Cheers!!
Thanks for sharing - We stayed twice at MO Singapore . The design is a bit odd . The first time in 2017 was exceptional with impeccable service especially at the Melt Cafe . On our second stay the reception at the check in desk was horrible . We arrived from the Sharing La Sentosa around lunch and was told our rooms are not ready until 4pm . The check in agent was rude & did not offered to hold our carry on luggage but instead send us the pool area as the lobby was full of guests from a tour group .My complaint on tripadvisor was received by the management & a small compensation was offered & accepted . However we may not returned to MO Singapore but instead book St. Regis near Orchard Rd ( The Four Seasons Singapore was exceptional)
I didn't mention it in the video but honestly I cannot look at the interior of this MO and NOT think about The Contemporary Resort in Disney World 😂... and the sad truth is, even The Contemporary has been well updated while the MO just sits on it's laurels. Heading to the MO KL next month, hoping for a better experience. Thanks for watching 🙏
I worked in this hotel .I love it .I miss this hotel .staff so nice
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I remember one year when my workplace switched things up, and decided to have the annual Christmas brunch here instead of Fullerton. Like you said the buffet options were surprisingly large, but Fullerton still beats any brunch buffet I've been to!
Thanks for watching 🩴
Very interesting. I worked in Vietnam many years for a unit of the Jardine Matheson Group which owns the Mandarin Oriental. I reported to our regional office in Singapore and so stayed at this very hotel also many times. I really enjoyed the lobby and atrium design including that “floating spaceship” bar. I am still in Vietnam but no longer working being happily retired. Mandarin Oriental will be opening a hotel Saigon at around the end of this year and I am looking forward to your review.
I hope you’re correct about the MO Saigon opening but I’m not holding by breath at this point 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft I walk past the site very often and there are more workers now performing what appears to me some more expensive parts of the construction. The workers tell me that it should be ready at about the end of the year. But indeed… we need the people who are willing and able to pay but in fact there is no shortage of Vietnamese able to pay. The LV shop across the street is busy mostly with local shoppers all day. By the way a Kevin… with respect to your request for suggestions to improve the channel… I think you have a really good straightforward channel with respect to the hotel and flight reviews. The missing element in my opinion is a more personal connection between you and the subscribers. On one hand it is probably better to hold back given all internet related risks these days but with respect to your goal of building a successful channel in the long run I think people want to have that closer connection including more info about you, how you came to do the inspections, your travel life etc.
This is a very nice and detailed review, and I appreciated the detail with which u really explored the hotel's offerings. I stayed at MO Singapore a couple years back, and it really does seem to be quite different from back when I was there.
I'm quite surprised that they moved MO Bar to that saucer thing u mentioned, cuz previously that used to be the bar version of their Morton's Steakhouse restaurant. It seemed to be 1 of their premier offerings with the most expensive drinks and food in the whole hotel, so I'm surprised they booted it out for MO Bar. Then again, I guess COVID might have forced them to do so since if u thought MO Bar was expensive, the prices at their Morton's Bar were comparatively utterly insane.
Room-wise, things didn't seem too different. The shower I see is still unbelievably tiny to the point where I had to basically rotate myself in the cubicle like a vertical spit roast. Nice to see that they've done away with the disposable shampoo and soap bottles though! Bedding has also changed since I was last there. They used to have 6 pillows on the bed, 2 of which were in these green pillow cases with the MO logo imprinted on them and the rest in white shams. I see that they've now stacked them vertically tho, and I have to wonder if its to hide the fact that their soft to the point where there's basically no support or if they've actually improved on this XD
Quite surprised about the instant coffee though. They used to provide coffee capsules like the kind that you would use for those Nespresso machines. To provide those cheap sachets is really surprising given how much you would be paying and that they're providing TWG tea sachets right next to them. That felt so out of place.
All in all, a good and detailed review. I'm a little sad to see that MO Singapore these days seems to have downgraded somewhat from when I was there, but hopefully they'll get better when they hire more staff and/or get another refurbishing done.
+1 sub :)
Thanks very much for the details in the comment. I’ll admit regarding the MO Bar, they had mixed (and potentially, incorrect… though that seems kinda unlikely) signage at what I also originally thought was the Morton’s Bar. The bar itself still has the Morton’s logo on it, but the stair entrances both had (less permanent) signage indicating MO Bar and the hours. Perhaps a temporary consolidation- I’m not 100% clear, to be honest. When I called down later to ask for the clarification they (very kindly) referred me to the operating hours list. 🤷🏼♂️
And to know that they used to have capsule machines in the rooms is crazy to think they’d choose to make this downgrade considering normal Nespresso pods are under $1 retail.
Thanks very much for watching and subscribing 🙏🏻
That's a great view of the Gardens by the Bay (9:02) from your room. That place is on my short list of botanical gardens to see in that part of Asia, alas, someday. Kevin, have you thought of a project that covers migrating or moving to Vietnam? I don't know if that's something of interest to you but given your extensive travel history, it might be good insight for those of us looking at places to retire to outside of the US. Thanks in advance if you do consider creating such content.
I love the Botanical Gardens in Sing, last time I was there I remember it being an orchid paradise, but make sure you go on a cool(er) day, because it's oppressively humid in there!
As for the Vietnam question- this is something that I have thought about in the past but have decided not to do for two reasons:
1. There is a LOT of really crappy advise out there about moving to Vietnam and I don't have a way to cut through all of that to reach a legitimate audience. The content out there is so crappy because, firstly its created by people who have been in VN for a few months and all of their information is wildly anecdotal (i.e. if they know someone who knows someone who once 4 years ago had their phone stolen, then the city is "dangerous")- second, the content creator likely didn't live in VN for that long so there's no way for them to update their info (assuming it was good info to begin with lol).
2. Things change almost daily here. I could write a true comprehensive guide along the lines about what you're thinking this month- only to have it be completely irrelevant a couple weeks later because the immigration policies were changed for the 43rd time this year 😂. Plus, there has **never** been any sort of meaningful retirement style visa here. Retiring here (legally) is not an option unless you have a Vietnamese spouse or you are Viet Kieu (you're foreign born Vietnamese).
As always, thanks for watching 🙏
@@tfft Those sound like good reasons to stay away from attempting to make a meaningful video regarding expat living in VT. Thanks and take care!
Hey Kevin great video like always 👍👌 Thanks a lot bro👍 Please is it possible for you to tell me the background music in the beginning of the video.Its in every video of yours.Please let me know if you can👍
It is Turn You On by Almost Weekend. You'll need an Artlist.io license to access it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft Ok bro thanks a lot listening to it☺️🕺👍👌
Thank you for the detailed review.It helped me a lot in choosing a hotelIt helped
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for such a detailed review. After watching this I went and cancelled my booking for November.
Switched to a renovated marina view room at the Fairmount and saved a small fortune in the process... much appreciated!
I reckon it was a good move. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I remember Fairmont was also criticised for having more underwhelming service for its pricing. Maybe they've improved significantly since then?
@@lzh4950 We were very impressed with the Fairmont during our stay. Service was excellent, and their new rooms are much nicer than the MO in Singapore. Can't comment on the MO service obviously as we cancelled our booking, but I would absolutely recommend the Fairmont to anyone thinking of visiting Singapore (providing they book one of their new renovated delux rooms).
Loved your video hotel reviews. Keep it up
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Great review. I have also reviewed the same hotel on my channel but you have obviously put in a lot more work than me. Keep it going!
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thanks for the Patreon link 👍
No, thank YOU ☺️🙏🏻
Thank you. I’ve just cancelled my booking. So appreciative of your video.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
8:14 yes the 90's right there!! I can probably list the Hotels in Singapore with this style of curved walkways to the rooms overlooking the internal atrium and the lifts going up the middle!! Dated, had its day and no longer the MO of back in the day when it was a real status symbol to be an in-house Guest. The ever popular 3:1 coffee sachets makes an appearance at such a property 😔 l thought only the Holiday inn and Travelodge still had an account with those Nescafe gems 🤣. Thanks for being honest 👍
I’m surprised they didn’t that’s Lipton Yellow Label on offer with the coffee :)
Even Andaz Singapore (which opened in 2017) & CitaDines CapitaSpring (opened 2022) have that design too I remember
Hi may I know which hotel do you recommend please - for my overseas friend coming to Singapore thank you
Hi Kevin. Thanks for that nice video. I agree that a 500$ per night hotel don't need a morning light show.😉
I suggest "The Siam" in Bangkok to spend that money. What a fantastic hotel there. Ok it s not in Singapore.
All the best from Guido
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft 👍🙏
I am off to Singapore soon and this hotel WAS on my short list, however, INSTANT COFFEE at that room price !. Umm was that the Pan Pacific I saw next door ?
It was
The instant 3 in 1 coffee mix is a proper shocker! Glad I skipped the MO over when I was deliberating where to stay for our staycation.
They have been doing rehearsals every Saturday at the Floating Platform for upcoming National Day on 9th August. But wtf is with that lightshow at 4am in the morning? Like you mentioned, I'd be proper pissed if I was staying in one of the hotels in that area 💩
Yupp- at this point, you’re just paying for the name (in Sing at least… I’ve had fantastic stays at other MOs in the past…). Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Just saw the second half of your comment. I was there on a Wednesday night. At night (until like 21:00) they were rehearsing on the stage with music- could hear it in the room but wasn’t bothered. But yeah, 4:45am after a 30 hour journey from PHL… not cool lol.
I used to stay in this hotel every year from 2014-2017 but never stayed there again since. Your review is exactly how i felt about this hotel and the reason why i never stayed in this hotel again, it’s in desperate need of renovation and service was, what should i say, baffling if not subpar? Just not up to MO standard.
It’s a shame- hopefully there’s a renovation in its future. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I used to love this hotel ten years ago, including location, airport proximity, soft and hard product as well as the club lounge. I have to agree with you after watching the video that at that price, you can get better value for the money.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Regarding the instant coffee, it’s statistically still the most used/popular coffee by numbers (especially in Asia). Could imagine it was requested by guests many times.
Perhaps by all of Asia, but certainly not by the crowd that would be staying at a Mandarin. No reason instant shouldn't be on offer in the rooms, along side a standard espresso option. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Oh there was no Expresso option. I was going to say even over real coffee a large grouping of Asians even wealthy ones primarily drink instant. As someone who lives abroad, it was probably one of the most absurd things that I realized. Especially when a lot of these countries make world-class coffee.
Ha! They are planning for the upcoming national day parade in Singapore, hence the 3am light shows..
Lucky me! 😂 Maybe that’s why I got the high floor/nice view haha. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The only MO I stayed at was one in KL which is still one of the best. On the other hand, I had plasure to stay at Ritz SG and it was phenomenal. I believe they are the same price range.
I'll actually be at the MO in KL next month. Will be paying less than half of what I paid here and the rate in KL also includes a massage... I really can't imagine it not being a better experience 😂 Thanks as always for watching 🙏
The Dim sum buffet at Cherry Garden is yum.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
My wife and I stayed here in 2009 and enjoyed it greatly due to the fact it was so close to everything, the breakfasts were excellent then as well, we think you are a bit nit picking on the coffee etc and also the decor in the rooms , however a new expresso machine would go ok these days, the room price is a bit high but then its near Marina Bay Philltheflyer ( us, the oldies , have going to Singapore since 1970's)
Glad you enjoyed your stay in 2009. For the coffee, sorry we’ll need to agree to disagree ☺️ Espresso pod style machines are a very standard thing in 5-star hotels/resorts in SE Asia, if not that at least pour over sachets or French press brewing capabilities, both of which I think are suitable alternatives as long as it’s a high quality coffee. A $0.29 stick of coffee is insulting for a $400+ hotel in this day and age. Thanks very much for watching 🙏🏻
In 2004 we arrived in Singapore by Eastern & Oriental Railway from Bangkok and stayed in Mandarin Oriental. Our room was without hot water after we complained repeatedly until midnight, we were moved & upgraded to a sulte. We had only meal in the restaurant which was a disaster, poor food quality lack of service. I give full marks for your presentation. Thank you very much and take care.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Was searching for an MO singapore review, so bad you came before they renovated the rooms in 2023. But the old room still looks kinda great.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Well, your review ' hit the nail'.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Great news is that the MO is now undergoing a renovation. Will be great to see once done.
Can I ask where you’ve seen word of this? I hadn’t heard of that and a quick google didn’t bring up anything related to it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft Came through work- work in the travel industry. Looks also now trying to book beyond Jan isn't possible either. Can re confirm next week
I look forward to it!
I cant book it through amex portal cause it’s under renovation and that’s how I found out about. They will reopen in September
I was there for two nights July 1-2. The Float had its light show going the whole night. I also don't like to sleep with black out. It was hard to believe in Singapore of all places. The room is set up for tea, not coffee. Room service bought up fresh milk in under 5 minutes. Although room service did not begin until 7am. I have no doubt that they would have bought up your coffee beverage without charge if you had requested. I agree with your review, although I found the breakfast a bit of a free for all.
I’m actually at another MO right now again with just instant coffee. Called this time and was told coffee machines are only for Club Level rooms (😂😂😂). Two calls from a duty manager later and I had a Nespresso machine in my room. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I bet The Float@Marina Bay was conducting lighting tests for the National Day (the country's independence anniversary) parade on 9 Aug, which is organised by the army, so that'll be the organisation to feedback to
My wife and I stayed here in 2001 on a layover back from Australia - when we arrived, she was convinced we'd been taken to the wrong hotel, until she realised that shed been thinking of the MO in Bangkok- to be fair, she was about 5 months pregnant with our first child at the time, so we've always put it down to early onset baby-brain
😆 Thanks for sharing ✈️
I about to go there!
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
"half a pump of dyptique shampoo costs more than one of those coffee sachets." ... FTW! lol!
Glad someone picked up on that one 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I'm sorry to hear the service at the MO Singapore has dropped off, because at one time the service at this hotel was out of this world.
The MO Singapore was the first Asian hotel I had ever stayed in, and in around 2008 it was truly unforgettable.
The interior of the room I had looked just like the room you had.
I don't think you had the cheapest view though, you appeared to have a marina view room.
The room I had was the cheapest view , you sort of saw freeways in the middle distance, and the Raffles hotel off to one side. But it was definitely a freeway view room rather than the marina view room that you had.
Hard to believe the MO Singapore had such cheap coffee. It's not excusable, but I'm guessing they are figuring that guests who care about coffee quality will ring Room Service.
The bar at this hotel was dated even in 2008.
Thanks for the great review of what once would have been a sensational hotel from the 80s, but is probably no longer worth the room tariff with so much competition and newer hotels in Singapore now.
It was a gem in its glory days I’m sure! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I remember there's a staircase linking the hotel's ground floor (where reception is) to the 4th floor (the next highest floor in the hotel, as the space that the hotel would've occupied on levels 2 & 3 are occupied instead by the adjacent Marina Sq shopping mall) & you also used to be able to get to Marina Sq from that staircase's 2nd & 3rd floor landings via some doors, but those doors have since been locked
I agree that the MO Singapore needs a full refurb. It's easily one of the brand's worst. If you're ever in London though, the MO Hyde Park is outstanding for a city hotel. Marrakech is awesome, too. In fact, that's where my profile picture was taken! Meanwhile, Doha has the best breakfast selection I've ever seen. Eight different stations covering a wide range of cuisines.
The MO Marrakech is on my short(ish) list for 2023! We shall see what comes of that. Thanks for watching 🙏
@@tfft same, I'm there in June! It's a brilliant hotel if you're just wanting to chill out in nice surroundings for a few days. Of course, the hotel can arrange trips and they're very reasonably priced. I'd also recommend Amanjena, though IMO the MO is ahead of it in terms of the hard product. Still worth a look if you're a fan of the brand.
Look I agree about the rooms being outdated, but the lobby etc I think is still lovely, its just Asian design not some modern minimalistic hotel. Also, rooms can always be updated but the actual hotel architecture and inner atrium can't exactly be changed. I personally think it should be enjoyed for what it is, you don't see hotels designed like this anymore. The same architect designed the nearby Pan Pacific and Parkroyal, all have the inner atrium.
The lighting outside is also hardly the hotels fault is it?
Agree regarding the annoyance of the wifi and lack of coffee machine, although pod coffee tastes gross anyway and there are loads of places to get an actually good coffee in Singapore :)
Maybe you muted the video while watching? Lol. I literally mentioned about how they don’t design hotel atriums like this anymore and also mentioned that the lights are not the fault of the hotel.
We have different design aesthetic preferences and that is a-okay. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I agree with you. The carpet and the view (sans the strobing light) were the best things about the room. Otherwise small and ordinary. The instant coffee is inexcusable as is the game of getting the WiFi. Mid market hotels are a much better value, and if your stay is a disappointment - hey, it’s no big investment.
Agreed
As you said at 8 minutes something, its for those with expense accounts who dont have to look at the price. Its not meant to attract Honda Civic tuners in flipflips.
Flip Flops can be classy too! 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You didn’t seem impressed specially with the high room rates charged. My favourite hotel in the world is the MO in KL
Respectfully, why? The only thing going for the MO in KL in my opinion is the pool and the price.
@@tfft The pool is lovely and for a special treat the price is good compared to Europe and the US. Our room was beautiful but the bathroom little tired. We also like the club lounge, food drink and service is excellent. Going back in May 23. 👍
I am scared of heights and those elevators would just about do me in not to mention I would have to hug the wall to get to my room, YIKES! The rest of it looks like no great shakes, there are other hotels in Singapore that are much better.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Classic John Portman giant atrium design, 2 of the hotels next door and the Regent up the road were designed by him and are the same - the one next door (used to be the Marina Mandarin hotel) is virtually identical (see the much older Hyatt at Embercado in San Francisco - Mel Brookes film High Anxiety there in the 70s). First stayed there in 1992 when the check in was on the 4th floor, it was probably my first luxury hotel stay, and back then I remember being blown away. But that was then and this is now. Much prefer the Shangri La in Singapore, particularly their Garden and Valley wings. Paid about £75 to stay at the Oriental (as it was then) in the 92 ! ruclips.net/video/kz9AyE7GcFw/видео.html
Yeah, if I'm honest, the hotel assortment in Singapore these days is just not that exciting to me (because in my mind I automatically compare it to the hotel scenes in Bangkok, KL and Jakarta) but the properties in Singapore are just always more buttoned up and dated. There have been a handful of updated spots in the past years (I'm thinking Andaz), but overall the hotel market there needs a bit of a shake up. Thanks for watching 🙏
@@tfft PS forgot to stay keep up the great reviews - well thought out balanced appraisals.
@@tfft I still think Singapore (and Hong Kong) offer good value high quality accommodation, particularly c.w. Europe and parts of the USA. But Thailand for me has been one of the truly great destinations for top quality accommodation at a good price
Was at Regent for a wedding last week & I understand its decor has remained mostly the same in its ~40-yr history e.g. gold handrails, which while well-maintained might be too old-fashioned for some tastes. It'll be renovated from 2023 onwards though & renamed Conrad. One plus about Regent though is that its shorter than Mandarin Oriental or its 2 adjacent hotels (PanPac & ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay (formerly Marina Mandarin)), so its skylight sits nearer to the ground floor, & which is larger too, so Regent feels more spacious. Concorde Hotel (formerly Le Meridien), which lies in-between Regent & Mandarin Oriental, has a similarly large atrium too & is already undergoing renovation, which is timely as it was ageing
You’re so predictable Kevin! I knew the coffee sachets won’t miss your critical eyes and correctly put that that’s an unthinkable thing for a luxury property. I noticed you always knock your room door before entering. Why?
😂 I put it in 2 videos. Was one of those things that likely in my 15th hour of editing in that day seemed like a good idea to add in- in reality, I question it myself ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Flip Flop Traveller, do hotel staff ever question the amount of filming you're doing in their properties? If you're not sponsored by them to do reviews, what is your business model to make all of this international travelling practical?
I’ve been questioned precisely once in almost 2 years (in Jakarta). I film on an iPhone specifically to not stand out. Since it’s so “normal” these days, you likely don’t realize how many people are walking around with iPhone and gimbals filming or steaming (but they’re everywhere lol).
Not quite sure I’m going to post my business plan publicly on RUclips, but I’ll just say I have goals for this channel and the brand around it and am so far quite encouraged by the results.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@tfft no problem, and thanks for your honesty... please drop me a line if you're ever in (or _back_ in) Sydney, Australia... there's a *_lot_* we could talk about. I've been in the media (mostly independently) for years and wrote for travel magazines and airline in-flight magazines.
Bathroom has an old 1980s layout
Sure was.
I worked this hotel
Thanks for sharing ✈️
It's a disaster for a mandarin oriental hotel. I've stayed two nights in mandarin oriental guangzhou and it is awesome (except the view). the design, the service, the food, the bathtub, the swimming pool, everything is remarkable. this one in singapore is not worthy of the price.
Agree, I knew what the property was prior to going, but gotta say I still thought it would “show” well… and expected top notch service. Live & learn! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Every hotel in singapore the front desk is understaff
Thanks for watching 🩴
👍👍👍🎥👍👍👍
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
But a nice lot of hangers for your $400/night! And the safe looked big enough for a laptop, which very few are.
Efficient review and I continue to be amused by your convention name-tag.
I know hangers are high up on your list…. But hangers and a big safe is a pretty low bar for a Mandarin 😂 Thanks for watching (and being amused ☺️) 🙏🏻
Idk of a single hotel which isn’t overpriced in Singapore 😮💨
Not 5 start hotel , i stay at member club room . Front deck lady are not professional . Sorry ,but true
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Pan Pacific across the road is better. Shangri-La at either Orchard or Sentosa are better again.
Thanks for watching 🩴
The room price is obscene … that’s it.
For what you get, I'd have to agree with you. If it was a true (and updated) MO experience, then I think $400 would be a fair price. Thanks for watching 🙏
Stayed there maybe 15 years ago. The room looks the same. It was stunning back then. Now it just looks dated.
Agree! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
SG’s luxury hotel scene is a joke when compared with HK and BKK. One reason why I never felt like visiting this otherwise great island nation.
Sad but true- Can't wait for HK to (totally) reopen so I can get some of those amazing properties on the channel! Thanks for watching 🙏
the hotel has just been refurbished and re-open in Q4 2023. this video is outdated.
The publish date of this video isn’t hidden.
I found this hotel to be incredibly overrated when I stayed there 9 years ago
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You complained too much about your review !
Ok, next time I’ll say everything is beautiful and amazing, regardless of the truth, got it!
Too old style.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Interconnecting doors can't be open,musty smell and dusty. A 5* hotel with 3 in 1 coffee sachets not worth of stay. Renovations is a must MO Singapore.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
It’s not worth it
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻