Mandarin Orchard offering S$118 nett rooms with breakfast to Everyday Heroes. Yes, that includes you.

It’s safe to say that last month is one the Mandarin Orchard would rather forget.

On 19 December 2020, the MOH announced a probe into 13 cases of COVID-19 among people who had served their SHN there. The hotel was shuttered for two weeks, and although subsequent investigations did not reveal any breaches in protocol, it’s somewhat not ideal to have your hotel’s photos splashed alongside headlines screaming “COVID-19 cluster”. 

In any case, Mandarin Orchard was given the all-clear to reopen on 2 January 2021, and now begins the long and arduous task of winning back public confidence. To that end, they’ve launched a very attractive Everyday Heroes staycation package that costs just S$118 nett per night- unheard of for a hotel in the heart of Orchard Road. 

Who’s an everyday hero?

Why, you are. 

Mandarin Orchard Everyday Heroes package

The Everyday Heroes package is valid for bookings and stays from January to March 2021. Guests can book a one-night stay in a Deluxe Room for just S$118 nett:

The price is the same regardless of weekend or weekday, and is even available during the March school holidays. Bookings are fully refundable if cancelled by 2 p.m two days before arrival. Otherwise, a one-night penalty applies. 

Now here’s the interesting bit. You might think that “Everyday Heroes” would be limited to healthcare workers, but Mandarin Orchard is defining the category extremely broadly. The hotel is following SG United’s definition of frontline essential workers, which includes:

• Healthcare & Social Services
• Transportation
• Defence & Security
• Food & Beverage
• Environment & Hygiene
• Construction & Infrastructure
• Education
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Manufacturing & Distribution
• Banking & Finance
• Media & Communications
• Energy
• Legal Services 

Most of us would fit into one of these categories. Even if you’re currently unemployed, “defence & security” includes operationally-ready NS men- I checked with the hotel. 

I mean, they’re even including the lawyers…

What’s the staycation experience at Mandarin Orchard like?

I visited the Mandarin Orchard back in August last year on a club room staycation package, and while the rooms could do with some TLC (which should happen once they get reflagged as a Hilton in 2022), it’s hard to argue with the location.

If a pool if an important part of your staycation, however, be warned the Mandarin Orchard might not be right for you. Its swimming pool is tiny, taking a maximum of just five people at any time. That’s just woefully inadequate for a hotel with 1,077 rooms, and with 13 hours of pool time available each day, represents space for just 3% of the hotel’s capacity (granted, the folks in the SHN tower won’t be using the pool…).

The two-storey club lounge was probably the highlight of the stay, with excellent views and service. Afternoon tea is forgettable, evening canapes are decent enough. 

Breakfast wasn’t anything special, although I did enjoy the lobster laksa at Chatterbox and the food at Shisen Hanten. 

Conclusion

All things considered, it’s very hard to go wrong with a rate of just S$118 nett, so it’s well worth checking out if you like the Mandarin Orchard’s location. 

Remember that you’ll need to stay in January to enjoy free breakfast, but even with that S$30 factored in, a S$148 nett rate throughout the March school holidays is enticing indeed.