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EXPENSIVE 3

Another atrium-concept hotel similar to neighboring properties Marina Mandarin and the Pan Pacific, The Oriental is one notch above the others. It has recently been honored as the official hotel for the brand-new Esplanade-Theatres on the Bay concert hall which is just opposite the hotel. Public spaces are elegant and modern, with polished black marble, leather seating and Asian decorative arts and accents. Despite its name, the hotel's guest rooms have very few Asian touches, featuring primarily Western style comforts and design. Rooms on higher floors command excellent views and are worth the extra cost.

Because of its location and design, the Pan Pacific Hotel competes heavily with the Marina Mandarin and The Oriental, all grabbing up their share of business travelers and Suntec City Convention Center guests. In doing so, Pan Pacific has included broadband Internet access in each room and optional mobile phones upon check-in for forwarding calls from the hotel's main number. Leisure travelers probably won't find tremendous use for these services; however, Pan Pacific is still a fine choice for comfortable and convenient accommodations. The atrium lobby has been newly renovated
from its previous dark and looming presence to a brighter, more airy feel. Guest rooms are good-size and handsome, with designer fabrics in shades of tan plaids, coordinated plush carpeting, and luxurious marble bathrooms. Some have terrific views.

There are a few hotels in the Marina Bay area built around the atrium concept, and of them, this one is the loveliest. The atrium lobby opens up to ceiling skylights 21 stories above, guest corridor balconies fringed with vines line the sides, and in the center hangs a glistening metal mobile sculpture in red and gold. One of the most surprising details is the melodic chirping of caged songbirds, which fills the open space every morning. In the evening, live classical music from the lobby bar drifts upward.

The guest rooms are equally impressive: large and cool, with two desk spaces and balconies standard for each room. Try to get the Marina view for that famous Shenton Way skyline towering above the bay. All bathrooms have double sinks, a separate shower and tub, and a bidet. Unique Venus Rooms, for women travelers, include potpourri, bath oils, custom pillows, and hair curler. One plus, the Marina Square Shopping Center attached to the lobby adds dozens of shops and services.

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