First Look at the M Social Singapore (Robertson Quay) - Philippe Starck Design
Philippe Starck has been busy designing hotels in Singapore. The newest addition to his Singapore portfolio is the newly-built M Social Singapore which is located along the quiet and idyllic stretch of the Robertson Quay. This 293-room designer hotel will receive her first guest on 09 June 2016 but there was a media preview which happened last night (13 May 2016) - photos here were taken from the preview yesterday!
M Social Singapore is the latest addition to the signature Leng's Collection by Millennium Hotels and Resorts. In fact while we are on this topic, did you know that the loyalty program, My Millennium Club, by the hotel chain has been recently revamped (and is now looking good!). The hotel entrance which is located on 90 Robertson Quay features a private driveway with those two odd (and slightly suggestive) looking objects that are supposedly peanuts - look at that!
As you walk into M Social Singapore, you will notice how relaxed and trendy the hotel lobby looks so don't be expecting a robotic-level of service here. Staff are energetic and eager to welcome you 'home'. One of the concepts of M Social Singapore is create an accommodation style that is unique and informal enough to make you feel right at home.
Much like your own home, you can proceed to check yourself in to the hotel. At M Social Singapore, guests will be able to utilise these self check-in stations (complete with a passport scanner too!) to verify the reservation details, provide any additional information (which looks like quite a bit to be honest!) pertaining to your personal particulars and finally print (or email!) your invoice and get your room key cards (up to 2!).
As you make your way to your room after getting your keycards from the self check-in counter, you will notice the various design elements integrated into the M Social Singapore. In fact, just as you step into the lift, you will notice a rather intriguing display of art works - something you should check out for yourself. I personally love the snaking lights and design on the carpets.
There are four main room types at the M Social Singapore - Nice, Nicer, Big and Bigger. The main differences are simple and can be summarised in the following two formulas:
Nice + Outdoor Terrace = Nicer
Big + Outdoor Terrace = Bigger
For the purpose of the media tour, we were shown only the Nicer and Bigger room since the Nice and Big rooms are essentially the same without the outdoor terrace. The Nicer Room (photographed above) have 19 sqm of beautifully appointed space (not including the outdoor terrace) where you will find everything you want but not more than what you need.
The rooms will also come with a Handy Phone for you to take along with you on your visit to Singapore - this will provide you with everything you need to explore the city at your fingertips. While the space is a little tight at 19 sqm, I thought that the layout was pretty decent and the room looks amazing!
As mentioned earlier, the Nicer and Bigger rooms come with a private outdoor terrace (for a S$20++ supplement) that you can access only from your own room. Do note that the neighbouring room will be able to look into your terrace as they are separated only by a low grass wall so don't think about sunbathing in your birthday suit here!
The Big and Bigger rooms at the M Social Singapore feature 22sqm of living space. In fact, while I was there, I heard so many people drawing references to M Studio. Just for clarification purposes, M Social Singapore IS NOT M Studio - it is a newly-built property! That being said, the Big and Bigger rooms do indeed feature loft-style living and it is a lot prettier!
It is worth noting that the 40-inch TV is located on the the mezzanine level of the room and there is a comfy leather sofa there (which can be converted into a bed) that I want to take home. This room can technically sleep 4 adults even though I'm not sure if the hotel will allow that.
If you are here for business, M Social Singapore also features meeting spaces where you can get work done - the rooms are too comfortable really!
Looking to perfect that tan or get in shape? Check out the swimming pool and gymnasium at M Social Singapore. In fact, we hear that the hotel will be running special yoga classes soon - more details to come when we get them!
The one and only integrated dining location of the M Social Singapore, Beast & Butterflies, feature an intimate, casual and yet, amazingly energetic space at street level. This is where hotel guests will be able to have their breakfast in the morning, socialise and kick back a few drinks after-work (or in the afternoon as you please). With the room rates starting from S$218++ (for the Nice room), I can't wait to check the hotel out when it officially opens in mid-June!
TRIBE Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 39 is a great value choice for budget-conscious travelers but its slightly longer walk from Phrom Phong BTS Station may make it less convenient compared to more accessible (but pricier) options in the area.