THE MANDARIN SINGAPORE (*****L).

If you want to check the real meaning of the word "cyclopean", do not open your dictionary; just peep in the 744 sq. m chinese style lobby of THE MANDARIN SINGAPORE, and you will find its concrete definition. All is huge, extensive, superlative, and, of course, ultra luxurious here. Even the list of awards this 1200 guest rooms and 44 restaurants monument received would take too much volume to be published hereby: they are top something since the opening in 1973 (which was of course grand !) of what is still the largest, if not the highest, hotel in town. Rooms are most comfortable, and are currently being refurbished. The 20 "Regency" and 10 "Executive" suites, with an oriental touch, are booked far in advance by the chairmen and presidents on a business trip to Singapore. The most powerful industrialists and investors stay there both due to the extremely convenient location of the hotel on Orchards Road, and to the superb facilities it offers for conventions and meetings.

We crossed by a lot of outsiders when inspecting the hotel by noon: most of them coming for lunch. THE MANDARIN SINGAPORE actually gets a reputation for wining and dining which is not limited to Singapore, but echoes in all Asia. The "Mandarin Chicken Rice", for instance, unfortunately served in the impersonal and crowded Chaterbox Coffeehouse is award winning. They rather should serve this distinguished specialty in the Pine Court Chinese Hotel , a most sophisticated place, where we enjoyed one of the best Chinese food we had ever been served. For the fun, but also for a romantic dinner, the "M" is a revolving restaurant with a dramatic view over Singapore, but also Malaysia and the Indonesian islands: the food is international, with some mediterranean accent.

Due to its superlative service and comfort, but also due to its location nearby Istana (the Prime Minister's official palace), THE MANDARIN SINGAPORE hosted a multitude of politicians and state presidents. French President Jacques Chirac, a fan of their "Chicken Rice", was here recently, and the resident manager agenda is scheduling the visit of singers, movie stars, and all the VIPs which certainly look for -and find here- a residence fitting their importance.

Managed by Meritus , this is one of THE LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD.