Singapore Staycation Spotlight: InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay
PUBLISHED April 9th, 2018 06:00 am | UPDATED March 28th, 2019 11:18 am
Located in the upscale residential neighbourhood of Robertson Quay, on the fringes of Singapore’s Central Business District, you won’t be faulted for feeling that the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is more like a chic serviced condominium than a hotel. That might not be a bad thing, to be honest, when it comes to staycation spots. What’s more, the luxury five-star property is housed in a mixed-use building with members club 1880, and restaurants like Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Publico Ristorante making up the first three floors, so you’ll never run out of food options.
The entrance to the hotel is next to Publico Deli (also where you’ll find the hotel’s breakfast), with an elevator to take guests to the lobby to get checked in. The modernity of the bronze-coloured reception counters opens up to a natural light-filled Quayside Lounge, where cosy lounge chairs beckon invitingly amidst the lush tropical landscape. The same level plays host to the small lap pool – on this and the fitness studio, they’re more about function than form – and the Club InterContinental Lounge, which can be accessed by guests who book the Executive rooms, such as our Club Studio.
Decked out in light wood and lots of leather, the studio is a big city hotel room through and through at 23 square metres (247 square feet). That said, it’s not lacking in quality of features and amenities. The usual hallmarks of luxury are present – gourmet Monogram tea, Nespresso coffee, comfy bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and separate shower and toilet (only the suites and the penthouse have bathtubs if you’re looking for one). What took us by surprised was the cocktail amenity kit stocked with a three-piece shaker and the ingredients (check the mini refrigerator and mini bar) to DIY classic cocktails like the espresso martini. We also love the fluffy bedroom slippers.
Given the size of the room, it’s no wonder that we spent a good amount of time during our stay at the Club InterContinental. What makes it special – compared to other five-star hotels’ executive lounges – is that it sports an al fresco area, making it a perfect spot to spend the sunset hours if the weather is fine. Besides providing a more exclusive area for executive room guests for breakfast, the lounge also serves afternoon tea, as well as cocktails and canapes in the evening (we should mention that kids are not allowed in the lounge after 6.30pm). There are actually cocktails during the cocktail hours, on top of the prosecco, two varieties of white wine, and two types of red wine. The Negroni had a tad too much Campari, but the espresso martini was more than adequate.
The set of canapés available in the evening include smoked olives, watermelon with feta cheese, ikura crostini bread with ikura, and dim sum (har gao and siew mai). While they were great nibbles, those looking for a substantial dinner can consider Publico Ristorante, the hotel’s homey Italian restaurant dishing out the classics. Highlights include the Calamari and Cauliflower Fritti ($13) and the Lobster Spaghetti ($42), where the crustacean actually shines amidst a bowl of pasta with cherry tomato, white wine, chilli, and garlic. Publico’s bar has a decent wine list and serves up Italian cocktails – try the spritz prepared with their housemade vermouth, a refreshing aperitivo that’s doesn’t hold back on the flavor.
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay’s relatively small rooms might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for some ‘me’ time (or ‘us’ time) in a lap of luxury and great hospitality, this is it. Get the Club rooms if you don’t ever want to leave the property, it’s worth it.
InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is located at 1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909. Rates start from S$285++ a night.
