The Lion City’s ever growing list of unique designer hotels has a new addition. For travellers especially drawn to contemporary and art-driven lodgings with Hollywood DNA, the new Mondrian Duxton Singapore could be for you.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review Mondrian Singapore Duxton

The location

Singapore’s gentrified Duxton Hill, adjoining the much-visited Chinatown, is filled with picturesque rows of well-preserved shophouses, providing a historic and genteel vibe. Duxton’s streets are home to trendy boutiques, cool cafes, stylish bars, including some voted Best in Asia, and a selection of dining establishments to keep you on the hop every night. Atop Duxton Hill is the gleaming glass of the 12-story Mondrian Singapore Duxton, opened in the second half of 2023.

The vibe

First launched in 1996 in Los Angeles, Mondrian Hotels takes the name and inspiration from Dutch painter and modern abstract art leader Piet Mondrian. Today, hotels can be found in South Miami Beach, New York and diverse global locations like London, Mexico City, Doha, Ibiza, Cannes and Bordeaux. Mondrian Duxton Singapore was the brand’s first entry in Asia, with Seoul and Hong Kong outposts also now open.

Mondrian Duxton Singapore review Ian Davenport artwork
The hotel is home to art pieces from across the globe, including this work by English artist Ian Davenport

Local DP Architects created the overall design, while LA-based Studio Carter, led by Robbyn Carter, drove the interior design. This included deconstructing the traditional Singaporean shophouse concept to craft five Shophouse Suites, clearly, the hotel’s standout rooms sitting apart from the main tower. At 302 rooms and suites, it’s not boutique, though it does have an intimate feel.

In line with the brand’s underpinning art theme, Mondrian Singapore Duxton boasts a significant multi-disciplinary collection curated by one of Asia’s premier art advisors, The Artling. The six-metre-high bronze sculpture titled ‘What Party’ by acclaimed US artist KAWS at the hotel’s Craig Road entrance is an imposing example of the diversity of art across the property. Singapore artist André Wee’s pink multi-layered artwork on the wall of most guest rooms is another.

The room

From its 8th-floor vantage point, my Duxton Corner King overlooked Duxton Hill, with its tree-lined streets and rows of charming restored shophouses. My compact King room with bleached timber floors and muted tones came to life thanks to stylish flourishes like the bronze-coloured, cloud-shaped mini-bar unit, perspex occasional table, and three-legged velvet stool.

Mondrian Duxton Singapore review guest room
Guest rooms come in array of shapes and sizes

New York-based Malin+Goetz bathroom amenities and enclosed rain shower were greatly appreciated, as were the Lavazza coffee machine, Monogrammed teas, and thoughtfully curated mini-bar. The Mondrian-branded tiffin tins filled with local kueh (bite-sized sweet or savoury snacks a staple in Singaporean food culture) provided in-room on arrival were a generous surprise. The complimentary tetra-packs of alkaline water (no plastic bottles here) added to room conveniences.

Food and drinks

Bottega di Carna is the hotel’s flagship dining experience on the lobby level. A modern Italian eatery by Italian Dario Cecchini often regarded as The World’s Greatest Butcher. Though Netflix Chef’s Table star Cecchini is responsible for the theme, Executive Chef Alastair Clayton, previously of Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen at Marina Bay Sands, oversees daily operations. The glassed picture windows, beside the open kitchen, showcase the quality aged meats available for lunch or dinner. And yes, there is a selection of seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Bottega di Carna group shot of food
Indulge at Bottega di Carna

On the street level, the tropical-themed Christina’s is a great meeting place buzzing with activity and offering breakfast, brunch, and more, morphing into a wine bar with an outstanding selection of organic and biodynamic wines as the sun sets.

The rooftop 1970s Hollywood-inspired Canyon Club, replete with plush poolside cabanas and an Insta-worthy infinity pool with fantastic CBD skyline and Duxton Hill views, is undoubtedly the place to be seen, ideally with an especially crafted cocktail in hand.

With its dedicated vine-covered street entrance, cocktail bar Jungle Ballroom rounds out Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s in-house options. This late-night cocktail bar’s mixologists concoct inventive Asian-influenced tipples using spices, herbs, floral and fruity ingredients – all pulled together around the jungle (roof canopy to forest floor) theme. DJ-compiled beats, low lighting, and a vibrant crowd enhance the ‘place to be’ vibe.

The verdict

With its fun, art-filled, contemporary feel, and above-the-ordinary gastronomic offerings, the Mondrian Singapore Duxton is worth adding to your must-stay list. Several restaurants offering different cuisines, from Japanese to Chilean, are in the hotel precinct. On the doorstep, Duxton Hill and nearby Chinatown attractions add to its appeal, as does the immediate proximity of Singapore’s highly efficient MRT. As part of Ennismore, one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies, Mondrian is also a joint venture with Accor, the French hospitality heavyweight.

Learn more about Mondrian Singapore Duxton

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