Stay here: Mondrian Singapore Duxton

What’s the deal

The Mondrian Hotel brand has been around since the 1980s, but recently, it’s been on a major expansion streak. Hong Kong got its very own Mondrian in late 2023, and the group aims to open eight more properties soon.

The year-old Mondrian Singapore Duxton is located in Duxton Hill, right in the heart of Chinatown. It’s the perfect jumping-off point for exploring this charming district, while also being close enough to the CBD to be a great option for business travellers.

The Mondrian, as its name suggests, is defined by art, culture and design, and you’ll see this philosophy throughout the 304-room property. From the six-metre Kaws statue in the forecourt to the original Ian Davenport Deep Magenta Mirrored in the lobby, this is a hotel that sparks inspiration at every turn.

Why stay

Conveniently located in the heart of Singapore, the hotel boasts a prime location for exploring the city. It’s within walking distance from three MRT stations: Outram Park, Maxwell and Tanjong Pagar. Step out of the 5-star hotel, and you’re surrounded by traditional Singaporean shophouses, with plenty of hip independent businesses – from restaurants and bars to secondhand bookstores – to discover. Spend a couple of hours getting pleasantly lost, then wander down to either Maxwell’s cooked food centre or the famous tourist attraction Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market, to grab some of Singapore’s classic hawker food.

A strong sense of local identity is built into Mondrian Singapore, which boasts original artworks by renowned Singaporean artist Andre Wee. Soothing jewel green and sage tones give a nod to Singapore’s urban jungle, while chic accent lighting makes each room feel more like a home and less like a hotel.

The Mondrian is also where Singaporeans go to eat, drink and play on the weekend, with nine dining and nightlife outlets to choose from. Christina’s is an all-day café that transitions from a cosy daytime hangout to a hotspot for dinner and drinks in the evening; meanwhile, the Jungle Ballroom is a secret bar and disco that serves creative cocktails and funky beats into the wee hours. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Bottega Di Carna, is helmed by renowned butcher Dario Cecchini. Expect a modern Italian feast of handmade pasta, prime beef cuts and a carefully considered wine selection.

Then there’s Canyon Club, a rooftop lounge inspired by the laid-back vibes of 1970s California. It opens right out onto the rooftop pool deck, where you can chill with a drink in hand while the sun goes down over the city’s skyline. The hotel also counts some of Singapore’s top restaurants as tenants, including Noa, the Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Alain Devahive; and the Michelin-starred Araya, which specialises in Chilean South Pacific cuisine.

Cathay editors say…

“What’s striking about the Mondrian Singapore is how well it captures the essence of the hotel’s location and its surroundings. If you fancy a splurge, book one of the hotel’s six pet-friendly Shophouse suites. These rooms sit apart from the main building in their own annex and are inspired by the unique Chinatown architecture. Think high, vaulted ceilings, arched full-length windows with wooden shutters, and plenty of nods to the district’s heritage throughout. All rooms come stocked with an ironing board and luxe bath amenities from New York-based MALIN+GOETZ. The largest Shophouse suite comes in at 127 square metres – perfect for social gatherings.”