As loyal as I am to the Starwood group of hotels, I have to admit that I’m pretty impressed with the Mandarin Oriental here in Singapore. The rooms are really well thought out, with lots of little design touches that make a big difference. As I type this, for example, my iPod is being broadcast throughout the room — all the hook-ups are just beside the desk. I’ve got a beautiful view over the harbour, and as hotels go, I’m a pretty happy camper.

Just a shame I don’t get any points for this…

Mandarin Oriental room

Mandarin Oriental room

Welcome to the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore!

Greeted with fresh fruit, laid out with a sense of aesthetic that you rarely see outside Asia

More nice details, like the lacquered tea box

Orchids in the bathroom. Not quite like Thailand in terms of the sheer numbers, but there are plenty of orchids here…