Travel has always been about experiences for me – not just ticking places off a list, but truly soaking in the stories, culture, and moments that make a destination special. During our recent trip to Singapore, we wanted at least one stay that felt meaningful, comfortable, and memorable. That’s exactly what led us to The Robertson House by The Crest Collection.

We had seen pictures of the property online before arriving, and there was already a sense of excitement building up. The heritage inspiration, beautiful interiors, and riverside location made it stand out. But what we experienced during our stay turned out to be even more special than what we had imagined.

From the moment we arrived until the day we left, the experience felt warm, immersive, and thoughtfully curated – like being welcomed into a beautiful historic home with modern comforts.

The moment we stepped into the lobby, we could immediately feel that this hotel is not just about a stay, but about telling a story. The space beautifully reflects the legacy of Dr J. Murray Robertson, after whom the hotel is named.

The lobby features artefacts inspired by pieces from Dr Murray’s living room, which adds such a personal and historical touch to the space. It almost feels like stepping into a heritage home rather than a hotel.

The décor is elegant yet welcoming, with subtle vintage elements that set the tone for what the rest of the stay would feel like – calm, classy, and full of character. The staff welcomed us with genuine smiles, and the check-in process was smooth and efficient, making us feel at home right away.

Since we were three people travelling together, the hotel accommodated us in two connecting rooms, which turned out to be absolutely perfect. It gave us privacy while still allowing us to stay connected, making the experience very comfortable.

The moment we stepped into the rooms, we were genuinely impressed. The interiors were elegant yet cozy, with a stunning background behind the bed that immediately caught the eye. The lighting in the room was warm and soft, and the cute lamps placed around added such a charming touch.

There was a study table and chair, which is great if you need to catch up on work or journaling while travelling. The couch created a lovely corner to relax, read, or simply unwind after a long day exploring the city. The large TV added to the comfort, making the room feel complete.

One of my favourite thing about the room was the vintage-style enclosed window with soft white curtains. It adds such a dreamy aesthetic to the room. Sitting by the window and looking out at the Singapore city view felt incredibly peaceful – a perfect spot for slow mornings.

Each room is equipped with a water filter and a water jug, which is such a thoughtful and sustainable feature. Singapore’s tap water is clean, safe to drink, and meets World Health Organization standards, so this makes staying hydrated easy while reducing plastic usage.

The in-room beverage selection was another highlight. I highly recommend trying Dr. Robertson’s Chai, which is exclusively crafted for the hotel and tastes incredibly comforting. There were also unique teas like Lychee Oolong and Pink Peppermint, which felt special and different from typical hotel offerings. A coffee machine was also available for those who enjoy starting their day with a fresh brew.

The bathroom felt luxurious and beautifully designed, with premium amenities from Appelles Apothecary & Lab. The products smelled amazing and added a spa-like touch to the experience. One of the rooms even had a bathtub, which made it perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.

One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location. The hotel is within walking distance of Clarke Quay, which makes exploring incredibly convenient. Whether you want to enjoy riverside walks, restaurants, or nightlife, everything is easily accessible, yet the hotel itself feels peaceful and tucked away from the hustle.

We had breakfast on both mornings at Entrepôt, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant serving international breakfast and Anglo-Asian cuisine. Before even talking about the food, I have to mention how beautiful the breakfast setup looked – colourful, inviting, and vibrant. It instantly lifted our mood each morning.

We started with fresh orange and cranberry juices, which were refreshing and energizing. The fruit spread was impressive, with watermelon, apples, dragon fruit, plum, pineapple, and more – all fresh and juicy.

There were pancakes and waffles that looked absolutely tempting, along with the Entrepôt signature egg tart, which was rich, flaky, and delicious. The variety of cheeses and danish rolls added a lovely European touch.

The hot food spread was extensive and satisfying. From fried chicken wings and fish tempura to wok fried tai mak and egg fried rice, there was so much to try. There were also bacon, hash browns, sausages, oven roasted tomatoes, roasted cauliflower, smoked salami, ham, and a variety of salads with dressings.

The highlight for me was the adorable eggs station cart where chefs prepared live omelettes, sunny side up, scrambled eggs, and more. Watching the eggs being freshly made added a personal touch to the breakfast experience.

The hotel has an Indoor Gymnasium for fitness enthusiasts and a lovely outdoor swimming pool for relaxation. Whether you want to keep up with your routine or simply unwind, the facilities cater to both.

One of the most charming spaces in the hotel is the 1823 Reading Room, a beautifully curated library inspired by 19th-century intellectual salons. It’s such a charming corner that perfectly complements the heritage theme of the hotel.

The Exclusive Club Lounge at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection is a cozy and warm space perfect for relaxing or even catching up on work. It’s a quiet and refined corner where you can slow down, browse through books, and truly unwind – a lovely reminder of a time when conversation and learning were deeply valued.

Complimentary refreshments are served throughout the day, and there is a Happy Hour in the evening with complimentary drinks. This is an exclusive privilege reserved for Club Floor guests.

During our visit, we tried Creamy Custard Pau and Oven-baked chicken with Pommery mustard cream and sautéed purple cabbage. There was also Creamy Tuna Mayonnaise on baguette with gherkins and Fish Fillet Tempura with tartar sauce. Everything tasted delicious and well prepared, and the Swiss roll was especially soft and delightful.

One of the most memorable experiences during our stay was visiting Chandu, the hotel’s signature speakeasy bar, for a cocktail and mocktail making workshop.

The vibe inside is intimate, stylish, and slightly mysterious – exactly what you would expect from a speakeasy. We learned how to make a chai-based mocktail with the help of Kumaran, who made the session fun and interactive. The mocktail turned out delicious, and the whole experience felt personal and unique. I would absolutely recommend trying this if you’re staying at the hotel.

One evening, we experienced dinner at Entrepôt, and it truly felt like a Michelin-star level experience. The menu is inspired by Singapore’s culinary history and feels like a journey through time.

We began with mocktails. Forest Preserve was a medley of forest berries layered with maple syrup and mint – rich yet refreshing. Planter’s Nojito was crisp and earthy with lime, jaggery, and fresh mint.

The meal began with the Terracotta Tea Course featuring Chinese dried mushroom tea and crustacean tortellini infused with tea. It was beautifully presented in a teapot and felt like a calming, meditative start.

Our appetizer was a Ripened Plum Tomato and Olive Vegetable Salad with citrus vinaigrette and Thai basil oil. It was light, refreshing, and full of flavour.

For mains, the Angelica Root Roasted French Corn-fed Chicken with herbal honey and mushrooms was outstanding – easily one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender, and incredibly flavourful.

We also tried the Nanyang Truffle Crispy Noodles with truffle soy sauce, which were comforting and delicious, and the Charcoal Grilled Tofu with Asian lentil curry, which had a wonderful balance of spice and depth.

Even though we were quite full, we couldn’t skip dessert. The Yuzu and Calamansi Tart was beautifully presented with bright citrus notes balanced perfectly with gelato. The Ube Kuih Seri Muka with coconut ice cream was equally stunning – both visually and in taste.

The desserts were so memorable that I still think about them. The flavours, textures, and presentation were simply incredible.

Looking back, our stay at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection was truly special. From the heritage storytelling and elegant interiors to the warm hospitality and exceptional dining, everything felt thoughtfully designed.

Staying here is an experience that connects you to Singapore’s history while offering modern comfort. We left with beautiful memories, happy hearts, and a strong desire to return.

If you are planning a trip to Singapore and want a stay that combines character, comfort, great location, and outstanding food, this is definitely a property I would highly recommend.