The InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay: The perfect stay for a working holiday

The Rooms

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The King Junior Suite River View (41 - 44 sqm]) offered corner views of the historic riverside, with floor-to-ceiling windows bathed in light, perfect for nestling up on the couch with a good book or to simply admire the surroundings.  I even spotted two wild hornbills, preening on frangipani trees. The room provided plenty of light, which was sun-drenched at golden hour with the option of blackout blinds. 

The downside of the expansive views was that the neighbours could peer into the room, as the windows were not tinted in the bedroom or bathroom, meaning the blinds were drawn for most of my stay.

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The highlight of the room however is the palatial bathroom, with both a tub and a walk-in rain shower, equipped with Byredo toiletries. The minimal design made the space both modern and inviting, with vanity lighting. What stood out for me was a filtered water tap, doing away with single-use plastic bottles that plague short-term stays. 

The combination of thoughtful simplicity and functionality of the space is what makes The InterContinental brand so luxurious. From the television being installed on a swivel mount, to their turndown service, every aspect of my stay felt well-thought-out. I enjoyed how the minimalism of the space did not make it generic, and well suited to all types of guests.

The Facilities

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While the pool left much to be desired, the rest of the hotel made up for it. For those who see vacations as a great time to catch up on missed workouts, the gym is a fantastic fitness playground. Unlike most hotel gyms which tend to be an afterthought, The InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay gym is situated in a self-contained private corner of the building, equipped with fresh towels, cold water and cable machines. Like the rest of the hotel, the fitness studio had lots of natural light and high ceilings.

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Of course, I’d be remiss to not mention the lounge. Beyond afternoon tea and cocktails, the lounge offered light bites, free-flow drinks and the most delicious cookies that had me coming back sheepishly throughout the day for more. The staff were extremely attentive, and just after my first day, they remembered my drink order and my penchant for having two (or five) cookies with every coffee. During tea time, guests can expect freshly prepared tarts, sushi and rolls, alongside salads, cold cuts, cheese and nibbles. 

The Food

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The hotel houses several restaurants including celebrated New York steakhouse Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Japanese fine dining sushi bar Ishi and Ummi Beirut serving authentic Lebanese fare, so even those who never leave the hotel will never be left hungry. Though, it’s the newly revamped Italian restaurant Publico Ristorante and Garden that drew the crowds, and where I ended up having most of my meals.

Dressed up like an Italian trattoria, bathed in soft warm lighting, the menu offers contemporary yet authentic Italian flavours. For dinner, I broke the bread with friends over Truffle Cacio e Pepe, wood-fired Capricciosa and Burrata pizzas and sipped on a classic Aperol Spritz, and not-so-classic but equally refreshing Publico Sling – a combination of gin, Cointreau, vermouth and orange juice with hints of rosemary. 

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In the morning, the restaurant is transformed into a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Though I was stuffed from the night before, I couldn’t resist the free-flow bacon, dim sum and local classics like beef rendang and chicken curry. Coffee orders were also taken from the table and a selection of cold-pressed green juices was available in glass bottles at the bar. 

The Neighbourhood

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Robertson Quay has been long established for eateries by the river, but the latest development to the neighbourhood has brought in a fresher, younger crowd. New Bahru, an old school hall refurbished into a creative cluster showcasing Singapore’s rising homegrown creative businesses was just a short walk or a bike ride away which you could rent from the hotel for free.

There I attended a mini leather crafting workshop by Crafune, and treated myself to lunch at The Coconut Club. For tourists and locals alike, New Bahru is a great addition to the already very scenic and vibrant neighbourhood.