Concierge.com's insider take:

A new name and a multimillion-dollar renovation have turned this once drab address into the talk of the town. Staffers keep the 527 earth-hued guest rooms utterly spotless and seamlessly handle all requests with unobtrusive friendliness. The design places a premium on comfort and function, with pillow-top beds, roomy closets, a sizable work station, and ergonomic desk chairs. Book a suite facing Marina Bay for views of the Singapore Flyer and the Merlion, a sculpture of the country's whimsical mascot. If funds allow, opt for a room on floors 18 to 21, which confer access to the Oriental Club Lounge, a top-floor spread with private meeting space, panoramic harbor views, and complimentary cocktail hours. On-site, you'll find a small but serene spa with the massages, couples treatments, and facials for which Mandarin Oriental is known, as well as a sprawling pool so lush it feels more tropical resort than urban high-rise. Dining options include everything from dim sum and sushi to hearty Morton's steaks for the homesick.