The award-winning Meritus Mandarin had a $52 million refurb in 2003, so it’s looking pretty smart these days. Popular with business travellers, it’s a big place – with two 40-storey towers, South and Grand, housing more than 1,000 rooms – so not exactly cosy. But the rooms, decorated in soothing neutral colours, marry elegance with comfort; and there are recreational facilities galore, including tennis and squash courts, a gym, sauna and a big outdoor pool. Shoppers will enjoy the Mandarin Gallery (stores to note are the Link, Quintessential and Chokri), while the street-level Chatterbox restaurant is famed for its chicken rice. For panoramic city views, head up for dinner at the revolving restaurant Top of the M.