Insider picks, curated stays: When exploration begins with the hotel experience

BUTTERY CROISSANTS MAY BE SYNONYMOUS with Paris. But for local insider and author Lindsey Tramuta, it is Pierre Herme’s Ispahan croissant that truly elevates the humble pastry to a decadent treat worthy of a detour.

Like his famed Ispahan macaron, the croissant version offers a light floral combination of rose, lychee and raspberry flavours, with delightful textures in each bite. The catch? It is not available at every Pierre Herme store, so Tramuta advises heading to the rue Bonaparte outpost before 10am for the best chance at securing this delectable confection.

Such insights are what Singapore-born hospitality group Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) aims to offer through its destination-led concepts, where guests are fully immersed in the city they visit, with authentic experiences and curated picks that go beyond the usual guidebooks. 

Speaking at M Social Paris on March 20, 2026, Tramuta was on a panel of three authors invited by MHR to share their perspectives on entrepreneurship, while highlighting French culture and the art of living. 

Guests at the event enjoyed a wellness-focused morning session of yoga and a sound bath, followed by breakfast and a jewellery-making workshop by De Nada Paris. French beauty retailer Oh My Cream provided gift bags with their skincare and wellness products.

Says Gilles Lodewyk, general manager of M Social Paris: “The M Social Collective Paris Edition brought together entrepreneurs, journalists, authors, creators and thought leaders to share, connect and be inspired by the energy of the City of Light. Whether welcoming international travellers or engaging the local Parisian scene, our role is to be a genuine social hub, where every encounter has the potential to spark something meaningful.”

A more immersive way to travel

This second edition of M Social Collective – an experiential, community-focused initiative by MHR – follows the inaugural edition, launched in September 2025 at M Social Resort Penang.

At the event, guests were welcomed to a weekend pop-up where the resort was transformed into a vibrant hub of wellness and style, with local partners like lifestyle brand MARE and fashion label Doublewoot.

Founded by Penang-born entrepreneur and television personality Marion Caunter, MARE created a multi-sensory playground where guests could enjoy handcrafted mocktails, get their hair styled, and even curate their own MARE travel kits. On the fashion front, home-grown label Doublewoot presented an exclusive showcase with a styling session, fashion show and makeover segment highlighting women of different body types.

Says Jasmine Keh, general manager of M Social Resort Penang: “The success of our first The M Social Collective reflects both the strength of local creativity and the appetite for new experiences.”

For today’s guests, hotels are no longer just places to stay, but destinations that deliver experiences, creativity and connection, functioning as both social spaces and cultural melting pots. MHR’s latest opening, M Social Hotel New York Downtown, is a prime example of this. 

Located in the heart of the Financial District, the hotel draws directly from its surroundings into its design, incorporating bold architectural elements and murals of the iconic Charging Bull. Instead of merely being a check-in space for harried travellers, the lobby has been conceived as a communal hub, where live music, cultural pop-ups and art showcases invite guests into the rhythm of the city. 

Alex Spektor, managing director of M Social Hotel New York Downtown explains: “Our hotel is designed as an urban oasis, a place where travellers and locals can connect, unwind and immerse themselves in the energy of Lower Manhattan.”

Vikram Sardana, general manager of M Social Hotel Times Square New York adds: “Five years on, M Social Times Square New York continues to embody the city’s energy. We set out to create more than just a place to stay, but a vibrant social hub where guests and locals can connect, experience the neighbourhood, and feel part of the city’s rhythm.”

Enhancing every guest experience

This desire for approaching travel differently is guiding how MHR approaches the next chapter of hospitality. 

As a homegrown brand, MHR established its roots with the trademark efficiency and warmth of Asian hospitality, but recognises the need to evolve in response to the changing expectations of modern travellers.

With many now opting to take control of their own itineraries and logistics, MHR has introduced artificial intelligence-powered tools that help travellers interact with the brand more intuitively.

An AI chat platform on the website acts as a digital concierge in over 50 languages, allowing guests to plan their trips, explore rooms and facilities and get local recommendations, all before even setting foot in the city.

Since its launch, the group has reported a 198 per cent increase in direct bookings influenced by the platform. 

From 2023, MHR has also begun progressively rolling out its Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA) service across its properties, starting with M Social Hotel Phuket.

AVA allows guests to send requests through a device using voice commands. From asking for extra towels to restaurant recommendations, guests can seamlessly manage their stay the way they want to, without having to be put on hold.  

Pjey Mayandi, general manager, M Social Hotel Phuket says: “Since the implementation of AVA, our team has transitioned from managing repetitive inquiries to focusing on delivering meaningful guest engagement. With AVA’s support, staff can now provide quick, accurate and comprehensive information, ensuring guests feel well-informed and supported throughout their stay.”

As of February 2026, M Social Hotel Phuket has had 48,800 service calls avoided each year, freeing up staff to better serve guests in face-to-face interactions. 

This is also seen across the rest of MHR’s properties, with flagship Singapore hotel Grand Copthorne Waterfront reporting 163,500 service calls avoided from July 2024 to February 2026. 

With the strides that MHR is making to serve its guests in meaningful ways, it is clear the group intends on maintaining resilience in an ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

MHR chairman Kwek Leng Beng says: “When we first started this journey, the dream was simple but bold: to build a hospitality brand from Singapore that could stand proudly among the best in the world.”

As the group marked its 30th anniversary in 2025, it is equipped with not only a wealth of experience to draw from, but also a strong sense of purpose ahead.

Says Kwek: “Millennium Hotels and Resorts will continue to evolve, embracing innovation, sustainability and new ideas, while staying true to our foundation of warmth and service from the heart.”

Plan your next stay with Millennium Hotels and Resorts here, and join MyMillennium to access member-only rewards and curated experiences.