The Gen Y personality and design ethos of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels’ newest property and brand debut will resonate with millennials, finds Dannon Har
Location
The Robertson Quay area is home to a plethora of F&B and entertainment offerings and having M Social sited in the heart of all these action makes perfect sense for the two-month-old property’s key clientele – millennials.
Eateries the likes of Common Man Coffee Roasters and Chopsuey Cafe, bars such as Bar Bar Black Sheep and Wine Connection, cultural venues like Tyler Print Institute and the Singapore Repertory Theatre, and even renowned nightspot Zouk are all located a stone’s throw away. This makes M Social well suited to be a launching pad and pit stop for partygoers, bar hoppers, cultural aficionados and foodies alike.
It also doesn’t hurt too that the property is situated next to the scenic Singapore River.
Rooms
For the design conscious, M Social is a haven of inspiration. The creative brains behind the hotel, famed designer Philippe Starck applies his eclectic and playful style to the 293 rooms and suites spread across 10 floors.
Rooms are small but not confining, thanks in part to Starck’s inclusion of full-length mirrors stretching to the top of the 5m-high ceilings. The room configurations differ as well, with some featuring an outdoor terrace or a second loft floor (which I stayed in) while others having both or none of the two.
I especially liked the plush pillows and cushy bed. The TV, meanwhile, offers limited channel options but just as well, since millennials don’t fancy the contraption anyway.
F&B
M Social’s one and only F&B option, Beast & Butterflies, is what I truly love about the hotel.
The restaurant boasts a mixed menu of local and western dishes and it is difficult to find a common thread among chef Bryce Li’s culinary creations. It is better to look at each individual dish for its own merit.
Take a look at the signature Mee Tai Mak Laksa, for instance. Li puts a twist on the popular local dish using silver needle noodles instead of white rice noodles, using crispy tau pok (fried beancurd) instead of soft ones, and clams instead of cockles. It isn’t the best laksa in town, but it is different and delicious enough for me to gulp down the entire bowl.
For a treat, do try the Lobster Porridge, which comprises half a lobster, abalone slices and scallop. But for something truly memorable, go for the Beef Ichiban, comprising two whole slices of prime US beef accompanied with an interesting side of curry cheese potato mash.
The buffet breakfast is also served at Beast & Butterflies, with standout dishes including the Teochew duck porridge, stir-fried beehoon and freshly squeezed honeydew juice with soy milk.
It should also be pointed out that there is no in-room dining available at M Social.
Facilities
M Social boasts a rooftop lap pool as well as a fully-equipped gym. Both aren’t big setups but provide just enough room and facilities to cater to guests’ sporting needs. I particularly fancied lounging at one end of the pool to look over the Singapore River.
It should be noted that the hotel isn’t suitable for large-scale meetings as it doesn’t have a ballroom or similar space. Its few flexible meeting rooms and the spacious Beast & Butterflies do, however, cater to more casual small- to medium-sized events.
Service
Customer-facing staff exude a similar vibe to the hotel – young, hip and energetic – perhaps to better resonate with the targeted clientele. They are also dressed casually in tees and jeans to further accentuate a certain approachability and friendliness. And it works.
Verdict
I would stay here again in a heartbeat. There are plans to expand M Social beyond Singapore’s shores and I can’t wait to see how new properties foster a sense of local, urban community, just as its debut has done.
No. of rooms 293
Rates from S$204 (US$150)
Contact details
Tel (65) 6664 8888
Email reservations.mss@millenniumhotels.com
