Hotel Review: Mondrian makes an exciting debut in Singapore

Singapore may be best-known for iconic luxury hotels such as the historic Raffles and the ultra-modern Marina Bay Sands. But Mondrian Singapore Duxton, the newest kid on the block, is neither old nor sky-high. It’s something unique in the Lion City.

Tucked between the heritage, mostly low-rise neighborhoods of Duxton Hill and Chinatown, and surrounded by award-winning bars, Michelin-starred restaurants and must-visit hawker centers, this five-star lifestyle hotel offers guests everything good about Singapore.

The arrival 

This latest venture by creative hospitality group Ennismore is aimed at eclectic tastemakers and those who want to be surprised. Unlike luxury hotel giants who shape first impressions with a grand lobby, Mondrian catapults guests into the heart of the urban center. Its arrival point is understated, a long corridor of steps that acts as a through-way between two busy streets and sees steady foot traffic from residents and workers from the neighborhood.

Instead, your first encounter with Mondrian will be by way of its people – the concierge stationed at the lift lobby – and chic all-day dining spot Christina’s, which awaits at the doorstep. 

The people 

Under the leadership of seasoned hotelier Robert C. Hauck, Mondrian prides itself on its unconventional hiring process. It has assembled a community of “unexpected talents”, only half of whom have a background in hospitality. 

The other half of the team comprise people from all walks of life, including a former Olympian athlete, an ex-convict-turned-bistro manager and a retired executive assistant whom the hotel has coaxed back into the workforce. 

While this makes for a good story and is a strategic move given the hospitality sector’s post-pandemic hiring challenges, its potential impact on service quality remains to be seen. We’ll say this though: the people we met have been warm and welcoming enough to make up for any opening-period teething pains.  

The stay 

Designed by award-winning Los Angeles design firm Studio Carter, the 292 rooms and 10 suites in Mondrian take inspiration from the pre-war heritage shophouse architecture of its surrounding neighborhood. 

The results: sleek jade accents such as basins and mirrored wall surfaces, and pebbled chrome detailing that continues on from the lift lobby to the room’s bar counters. Arched hallways and windowsills hark back to the old days, yet the swish light fixtures and reflective materials lend a modern touch.

Treat yourself to the bigger, high-ceilinged Shophouse Suites, or pick a more intimate Duxton room that is no less thoughtfully designed. Expect your standard hotel amenities: minibars, coffee machines, and luxe MALIN+GOETZ skincare products. 

The food 

The hotel itself features 10 bars, restaurants and cafés, four of which are in-house brands. Christina’s on the ground floor serves up quality coffee from Singaporean specialty coffee roastery Tiong Hoe, but the must-try is their velvety hot chocolate, the happy result of their collaboration with local bean-to-bar makers Lemuel Chocolate. For a curve ball that you won’t regret, try the Wagyu cheeseburger spring roll, a smorgasbord of flavors encased in a crispy shell. 

Take the lift up to the third floor and it opens into Bottega di Carna, a modern Italian eatery by the so-called “greatest butcher in the world” Dario Cecchini. Try one of their signature dry-rubbed wood-fired steaks or the succulent lamb cutlets with cucumber yogurt and eggplant. The fresh sweetness of the crustacean & seared fish risotto also deserves mention. For dessert, the lemon givré is the perfect finish: light, zesty and Instagrammable, with a boozy kick from its prosecco jelly. 

Then there are the bars: Jungle Ballroom, a tropical-themed cocktail bar, and the poolside rooftop bar Canyon Club with stunning views of old and new Singapore. All four in-house establishments boast an extensive drinks menu, ensuring you’ll never go thirsty. 

The art 

We can’t talk about Mondrian without mentioning the art. Avant-garde pieces are peppered throughout the property at every turn. Play with local artist Andre Wee’s work, “Rojak” (2021) in your room – it’s activated by augmented reality – or spend a few free minutes with Dawn Ng’s mesmerizing video piece, “Waterfall IV” (2020) at the lift lobby. You’ll also find works by international greats like Turner Prize nominee Ian Davenport in the building. Back at Christina’s, the centerpiece of the restaurant is “Crystallised” (2022) by New York-based design studio SOFTLab. Its iridescence is captivating, whether day or night.  

Beyond the hotel 

Gourmets will be happy to know that Mondrian is within walking distance of 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, including contemporary French place Rhubarb and modern-Indian joint Thevar. Cocktail lovers will be spoilt for choice in this hotspot of world-class bars the likes of Jigger & Pony and No Sleep Club. As for those craving Singapore’s famous hawker fare, much-beloved Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre are within walking distance. Mondrian is also very well-connected to major tourist destinations as well as the Central Business District, and is walking distance to three MRT train lines. 

A final word

The rooms at Mondrian have a strong sense of style, but are not the main draw. The hotel offers so much more. Come seeking adventure and surprise. With the colorful cast on the team and the plethora of F&B options both within and in the wild, it will be hard to go wrong. 

Ready for a getaway in Singapore? Fly to Singapore with Thai Airways.