Robertson House: A unique staycation with stunning riverside views

The rooms

Credit: Courtesy: The Robertson House

1/5

The Panoramic Rooms in the hotel boast stunning city views while the chic decor references the Singapore River of old. We highly recommend splurging for the unique Panoramic rooms that overlook the Singapore River. These boast stunning, and underrated bird’s eye views of the area, especially at night, that visitors and locals will appreciate. Other amenities in the hotel are a 25m-long outdoor pool set against the city backdrop and both an outdoor and indoor gym. The hotel’s location is also near local sites of interest like Fort Canning Park, the CBD (for business visitors) and is a short drive away from the main shopping belt of Orchard Road.

The food

Credit: Courtesy: The Robertson House

2/5

And because food is an important part of the Singapore identity, the hotel’s all-day cafe, Entrepôt, is a must-visit for guests and locals alike. Featuring a blend of Anglo-Asian cuisine, you’ll find novel takes on local delights by chef Nixon Low, including a smoky claypot rice with chorizo sausages and a variety of baguette sandos inspired by Roti John at lunchtime. We sampled dishes in the dinner menu and were impressed with the inspired take on local fare by chef Low and his team that borrows from the country’s multi-racial cuisine in a way that feels fresh yet familiar.

Credit: Courtesy: The Robertson House

3/5

If you’re keen to head down for the holiday season, the hotel has several festive menu options on offer. From 15 December to 1 January, Entrepôt is debuting a festive lunch menu that starts at $78++/pax. This semi-buffet offering includes a free flow of non-alcoholic drinks, a DIY salad station, appetisers, and desserts. Diners can choose from one main course from a delicious selection including 65 Deg Sous Vide Turkey Breast, Osmanthus Honey Glazed Ham, Robertson Lager Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek, or Locally Farmed Pan Roasted Barramundi. Or opt for the dinner option that brings you closer to home with traditional flavours that have been tweaked for the holiday season. Ala-carte options dishes like Earl Grey Tea Braised Duck Kueh Pie Tee, Osmanthus Honey Glaze Turkey Ballotine with Dried Chinese Mushroom Farce, Marmite Stew Potatoes Pancetta on Claypot and Sticky Red Date Pudding.

The drinks

Credit: Courtesy: The Robertson House

4/5

Another hidden treasure is Chandu Bar, the hotel’s speakeasy-styled drinking hole that was inspired by opium dens of yore. The Malay word for opium gives Chandu its name, though in Hindi the same word refers to the moon, hence the golden orb on the doors—the only indication that you’ve come to the right place.

Inside, the cosy 16-seater space has been designed for an intimate experience with Eastern inflections, complete with an opium bed and Chinese murals. On the menu, you will find cocktails inspired by tales and legends from the region, which the mixologists will gladly share with glee and theatrical aplomb.

Here you can also sample the hotel’s exclusive gin, The Robertson House Gin, crafted in collaboration with Tanglin Gin. Tying in to the theme of the hotel, the gin is infused with an aromatic blend of botanicals and spices. For Christmas, you can also purchase the Entrepôt’s Christmas Gift Set that consists of a 700ml bottle of The Robertson House Gin, glasses and mixers, so you (or the recipient) can shake up the perfect cocktail at your next festive party.

 

The extras

Credit: Courtesy: The Robertson House

5/5

The 1823 Reading Room is a quiet spot where guests can read and rejuvenate in peace. In the vein of the decor of the lobby and 1823 Reading Room areas, guests can expect similarly chic yet cosy black-and-white themed rooms and suites that have graphic old photographs of the Singapore River blown up to wall-sized proportions, as well as vintage botanical drawings of spices. Each room in the hotel has its own distinct Singapore-inspired charm and modern amenities like a coffee maker, the hotel’s signature tea (along with other flavoured teas like lychee oolong and pink peppermint), tasty local snacks and a complimentary minibar experience curated by East Imperial.

Visit The Robertson House to book your stay.

This article was originally published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.