MY STAY
Pool & bay view
Mandarin Oriental Singapore had a pool and Marina Bay position worth using, not just admiring from a photograph. I liked coming back for a swim after sightseeing. A bigger suite gave living space, but its balcony exposure mattered; equipment noise or nearby work could spoil an otherwise appealing view.
The Haus 65 club
Haus 65 made sense when I had time for it. Afternoon tea, evening canapés and cocktails offered more than an extra breakfast room, especially on a day without any city plans. Spa time was harder to improvise; even on a long stay, an appointment could be difficult to find, so booking before arrival was wiser than hoping for a spare afternoon.
Breakfast & bar
Breakfast at Embu was an easy start. Later, a private event could close the particular bar I wanted without another practical option appearing, which made the long restaurant list feel less flexible. I checked what was operating on my dates rather than build an evening around a venue that might be booked out.
Would I return?
The bay view and broad pool deserve another visit when the booked room faces away from noisy equipment. Knowing the balcony, club benefits and open spaces in advance let a large city hotel feel much easier to use.