The newly opened InterContinental Robertson Quay offers the best of both worlds—it brims with the vibrancy of the neighboring quayside, while offering a residential-inspired stay.

The Look

Despite its sleek and chiseled exterior, the hotel made me feel right at home with plush surroundings that magnify the comforts of home. Each facade of the hotel is designed to blend seamlessly into the neighborhood in which it resides, from dining establishments whose walkways meld into the pedestrian paths to architectural elements inspired by Robertson Quay’s industrial past.

Courtesy of award-winning architectural firm SCDA, a warm and inviting ambient is created with brushed copper and bronze tones, contrasted by rich Italian marble and slate. To my pleasant surprise, I found that the check-in area on level four resembled a cozy living room, complete with an impressive home bar where classic tipples can be ordered. On the same floor, there’s also a rather small lap pool for guests who’d like a swim.

The Rooms

Guided by a “home away from home” concept, the hotel’s 225 studios and suites are designed with fun and creative living spaces in mind. For instance, all rooms feature bespoke amenities such as a specially designed in-room cocktail kit by local bar guru Proof & Co—perfect for playing bartender in the comfort of your room; as well as the hotel chain’s famously luxurious bathrobes—we heard that a guest fancied them so much, she purchased three!

I stayed in a Club InterContinental Studio King room, which came with round-the-clock access to the Club InterContinental Lounge. Visually modern with monochrome hues and timber accents, the room featured a floor-to-ceiling view of the city, along with elegant fittings like a Bose sound system, rain shower, and a chic leather arm chair inspired by Singapore Airline’s business-class cabin.

The Food

The hotel’s prime location along the bustling Singapore River means that its guests can enjoy being in the heat of all the waterfront action—whether it’s dining, drinking, or partying. That said, I was thoroughly satiated by the meals I had within the hotel itself. Not-to-be-missed is Publico, a multi-concept dining establishment that’s a deli, restaurant, and bar all at once.

By day, the Publico Deli offers a mouthwatering spread of Italian-style brunch treats, with a section of the space transforming into Marcello bar by night. With a nondescript entrance at the back, the bar brings to mind a neighborhood drinking hole that only the locals know, serving excellent crafted cocktails like the Smoked Black Olive Negroni.

Farther down from the Deli is Publico Ristorante, which was full-house when I had my dinner. According to the staff, diners flock to the restaurant for its popular wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas. The seafood pizza, heaped with generous chunks of prawns, clams, and squids, was satisfying to say the least. Guests look for more variety can also head to the restaurant tenants within the hotel, such as Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener and a gastrobar concept by Izy Sushi.

Don’t Miss

Whether you’re a business traveler, vacationer or staycationer, I highly recommend booking a room with Club Lounge benefits. Members of the Club InterContinental Lounge enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon high tea, as well as evening cocktails and canapes. The afternoon high tea arrived in a charming, tiered ‘bird cage’ tray, and was filled with sweet and savory eats.

Despite its exclusivity, the lounge offers dining pleasure in a setting that is relaxing yet no less sophisticated, thanks to the abundant greenery that permeates the adjoined alfresco space. In addition, guests who’d like to host small gatherings or meetings can enjoy a one-hour booking of The Study, a private room within the lounge itself.

InterContinental Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909