This thoughtfully designed heritage hotel in Singapore masterfully intertwines modern luxury with the vibrant essence of Katong’s Peranakan culture. From its colorful interiors to its rich storytelling, every detail created an experience that felt like stepping directly into her cherished childhood memories.

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TIME CAPSULE OF PERANKAN CULTURE

Even before we arrived, Mom was reminiscing as we passed Katong’s colourful shophouses “This was where we used to come on weekends!”

It was a sweet prelude, but nothing compared to the sheer delight that lit up her face the moment we stepped into the hotel lobby.

Each Hotel Indigo is designed to reflect its neighbourhood. And that truly is the case in Katong, as it seems like they’ve bottled the very essence of my mother’s childhood. The hotel is like a modern-day Peranakan museum, seamlessly blending Singapore’s rich heritage with contemporary design. It’s a place where old memories come alive and new ones are beautifully made.

Mom’s eyes, wide with wonder, immediately darted to that magnificent circular mural of floral tiles. I could almost hear her silent appreciation for its intricate beauty, a direct echo of the classic Peranakan ceramics she loves.

Then, as we moved towards the lifts, her gaze followed the stack of blue-and-white porcelain jars and luminous lamps. I watched as her lips curved into a soft smile, as if she found a playful joy in how a simple corridor had been transformed into something so enchanting.

OUR PERANAKAN SANCTUARY IN KATONG

Our Peranakan Heritage Room delivered a masterclass in cultural storytelling. Mom loved how the room’s layout mirrored traditional shophouse architecture. This elongated layout is a nod to the past — a throwback to how shophouses were built with narrow frontages to avoid colonial-era taxes.

Our 30 sq m space truly felt like a time capsule, enhanced by carefully chosen old-school fixtures and traditional items. They subtly but powerfully immerse guests in the rich Peranakan culture of Singapore.

The ingenious elongated layout—a clever nod to how shophouses were built narrow to avoid colonial-era taxes. This made our 30 sq m room feel like a time capsule enhanced by the old-school fixtures and traditional items subtly incorporated to enhance the Peranakan theme.

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PERANAKAN DESIGN ELEMENTS

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong designs its rooms to emulate the deep, linear layout of a traditional shophouse. Upon entering, guests first see the toilet area, then step into a cozy living space before reaching the main bedroom. The bathroom sits at the very back, completing the shophouse-inspired flow.

Additionally, each room features a mural by local artist Don Low. His black-and-white artwork vividly captures Singaporean life.

Moreover, vibrant cushions in red, pink, and batik patterns decorate the beds. Similarly, the carved headboard enhances the Peranakan-inspired design.

The seating areas merge comfort and design with a clever twist. Instead of a standard coffee table, designers opted to use a carrom board as the centerpiece—playful yet functional.

Even the bathroom shows meticulous detail. The vanity sits atop a repurposed Singer sewing machine base, mixing nostalgia with function. Even the waste bin—a converted spittoon—adds a whimsical, heritage-inspired touch.

Decorative pieces like the once-ubiquitous red clogs also make an appearance, adding a touch of nostalgic charm.

The room’s design seamlessly blends artistic flair with cultural heritage, creating a vibrant, comfortable, and uniquely Singaporean experience for guests

SOPHISTICATED PERANAKAN FLAVOURS

For dinner, Baba Chews masterfully navigates ‘both ways’ with its dinner menu. For example, their Barramundi with Laksa Sauce combines Mediterranean flavours with Singaporean noodles and spices. We also tried the Octopus Squid Ink Pasta. This has a medley of flavours when served with yogurt mint sauce.

The absolute standout for us was the Kueh Pie Tee. These delicate, crispy “top hats”—filled with cocktail prawn, kombu slaw, and topped with tobiko—delivered an umami burst of flavour with every bite.

We also tried the restaurant’s signature dish—the Beef Cheek Rendang served with blue pea rice. The tender beef was not too spicy, reflecting an effort to appeal to an international palate.

The Mango Sago dessert served with a scoop of Mango sorbet and topped with fresh pomelo provided a refreshing, tropical finish to our meal.

Rooftop views of Katong and beyond

For those seeking an elevated dining and cocktail experience, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong offers Rooftop 88. Located on the 16th floor of the hotel, the rooftop bar offers stunning views of the culturally rich Katong district. Drinks are creatively designed to represent neighbourhood flavours with names like “Nyonya Margarita” and “Pink Coco Loco”, a coconut rum-based cocktail.

With food coming from the Baba Chews’ kitchen, Rooftop 88 features both bar bites and mains from the all-day restaurant, including their signature 18-hour braised Beef Cheek Rendang and their yummy Rojak Chicken Bites, Crispy Chicken Cubes coated in Tangy Rojak Sauce.

PERANAKAN MUSEUM IN KATONG

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is making it incredibly easy to dive deeper into Singapore’s vibrant Peranakan culture.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is making it incredibly easy to dive deep into Singapore’s vibrant Peranakan culture with a thoughtfully curated package designed for two. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an invitation to experience living history.

The ‘Peranakan Escape’ room package includes daily breakfast for two at Baba Chews, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant. Named after Chew Joo Chiat, the visionary Chinese immigrant who transformed the seaside town in the East of Singapore into an area popular with affluent families in the 1920s, Baba Chews offers a delightful blend of local and international flavours, setting the perfect tone for your heritage exploration.

The true highlight, however, unfolds at the Peranakan Mansion, where an exclusive experience awaits. During our private guided tour of Peranakan Mansion, we learnt about the rich traditions of the Babas and Nonyas. There were so many symbolic rituals that reflected how many cultures had an influence. Each room, artifact, and story offered a window into the vibrant, multicultural heritage of the Peranakans.

IMMERSIVE EXPLORATION OF PERANAKAN CULTURE

Begin your journey with a private guided tour as you and your companion delve into the vibrant world of Peranakan culture. Along the way, uncover fascinating living traditions, visual storytelling, and intricate artefacts that bring this unique heritage to life. This intimate, personalized experience sets the stage for a deeper cultural appreciation.

Next, step into the elegance of tradition with a Nyonya kebaya rental. Dress in exquisite Peranakan attire and enjoy exclusive access to both indoor and outdoor spaces for a private photoshoot. This curated photography session allows you to capture stunning moments in the mansion’s beautifully preserved surroundings—perfect for keepsakes or social sharing.

Finally, complete your cultural journey with a traditional kueh and tea set for two. Served in the charming ambiance of the heritage mansion, this delightful pairing offers a sweet and authentic taste of Peranakan hospitality—an ideal way to relax and reflect on your immersive experience.

To appeal to Singaporeans and local residents considering a staycation, the package also includes one complimentary carpark coupon.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

The highlight of our visit to the Peranakan Mansion by Straits Enclave was undoubtedly the opportunity to don the traditional Nyonya kebaya for a photoshoot. It was a truly transformative moment for both my mom and me as I felt myself embody the elegance and grace of the matriarchs who came before.

I was imbued with a quiet sense of pride in the beauty of the culture and a deep satisfaction in capturing the special moment on camera.

Ultimately, the entire experience felt like a tender rediscovery of my own cultural identity. It wrapped me in warmth, memory, and a renewed appreciation for family. Therefore, for anyone looking to connect more deeply with Singapore’s Peranakan soul, I wholeheartedly recommend this experience.

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A Hotel Where Service and Sustainability Shine

Their brand ethos, “reliably different,” comes alive through thoughtful attention to detail, especially regarding sustainability and guest experience.

From filtered water taps to eco-friendly amenities, the hotel blends luxury with responsibility.
Moreover, Apotheke bathroom products, known for plant-based formulations come in refillable, bulk-sized bottles. These sustainable amenities provide a luxe, low-waste option for guests.

What impressed me most during my stay was the five-star service, fully aligned with IHG Hotels’ high standards. Moreover, staff anticipate every need with effortless grace, reflecting the brand’s renowned service culture. Even a simple hallway greeting conveys warmth and thoughtful care.

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Thoughtful attention to detail

The voco experience is about creating delightful moments, blending urban sophistication with playful touches.

In the lobby, the uplifting scent of citrus and spice evokes Orchard Road’s past, when it was lined with nutmeg plantations, fruit orchards, spice gardens, and pepper farms.

During dinner at il Cielo, the hotel’s rooftop Italian restaurant, manager Georgio was attentive without being intrusive.

When we asked about watermelon juice—a drink not listed on the menu—staff quietly coordinated with room service. Soon, fresh juice was served at our table. That small, thoughtful gesture turned a simple request into a standout moment, perfectly reflecting the attentive service at voco Orchard Singapore.

Club Lounge at voco Orchard Singapore

In voco Orchard Singapore’s luxury guest rooms, guests savour a moment of “me time.” I stayed in a Deluxe High Floor room with Club Access, which makes organising meetings or catching up on work effortless.

The Club Lounge on Level 22 opens daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Guests enjoy complimentary food and beverages: a hearty breakfast with an egg station (truffle scrambled eggs) from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, afternoon tea from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and free-flow evening cocktails with canapés from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM—my personal favorite.

The lounge exudes a relaxing ambience. Artworks adorn the walls, adding warmth and personality, and enhancing the voco Orchard Singapore.

Spacious rooms on Orchard Room

The High Floor Deluxe rooms (32 sqm) on Levels 11–16 offer stunning views of Orchard Road. Moreover, each room combines comfort and style with an open wardrobe and bathtub.

Additionally, rooms feature a 55-inch smart TV and an ergonomic Herman Miller chair. For convenience, USB ports are available at the desk and beside the bed.

Moreover, aerated shower heads conserve water without sacrificing comfort.

Make it Greener

As part of IHG’s “A Greener Stay” initiative, guests are invited to join the movement. By simply placing a “Make it Greener” wooden hanger on their door before 2 a.m. to opt out of housekeeping, IHG One Rewards members can earn 500 bonus points per participating night. It’s a simple act with a meaningful impact—reducing energy, conserving water, and rewarding guests for making sustainable choices.

One thoughtful touch that stood out: instead of single-use plastic bottles, each room is equipped with a filtered water tap—an elegant, eco-friendly upgrade that aligns beautifully with the hotel’s green ethos.

Linens made from repurposed plastic bottles

Even the linens and bedding carry an environmental story. Each bed repurposes approximately 150 plastic bottles, which are recycled for the fillings of a medium-weight king duvet and four pillows. And in partnership with Plastify, a Singapore-based social enterprise, the hotel also upcycles used toiletries plastic bottles into clever little trays—perfect for resting used tea bags or coffee pods.

Adding to its credibility, voco Orchard Singapore proudly holds Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. This recognition confirms the hotel’s genuine commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Impressive gym facilities

The hotel gym is a destination in itself. Larger than most hotel gyms, it feels bright and airy. Equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machines and a full range of free weights, it makes staying on track effortless. Whether energizing before meetings or unwinding after sightseeing, this gym balances performance with comfort.

Whether you prefer to train early in the morning or unwind with a late-night session, the hotel has you covered. With 24-hour access, guests can work out whenever it suits their schedule. For instance, enjoy a sunrise spin or a midnight lift without any hassle.

After your workout, cool down with a dip in the rooftop pool, just steps away from the gym. Surrounded by lush greenery and city views, the pool offers a relaxing oasis in the heart of Singapore’s shopping belt. Whether you’re doing laps or lounging with a drink in hand, it’s the perfect complement to your wellness routine.

Dining Delights at voco Orchard Singapore

Elevated Dining and Cocktails and Opus Bar and Grill

Opus Bar & Grill boasts a vertical herb garden, from which chefs use some of their garden herbs for garnishing. The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant is open from 6:30 am to 10:30 am for breakfast for hotel guests. For lunch and dinner, it is popular among non-hotel guests too, having earned a reputation for its well-grilled meat skewers and premium steaks. The restaurant also serves sustainably sourced seafood.

Diners can opt for the Weekday Set Lunch (from SGD 19++ per set) or the Skewers & Sliders Stack for two (SGD 54++). This sharing platter features Asian-inspired skewers, hearty mini sliders, and a dessert trio, all served with free-flow specialty coffee, artisanal teas, or soft drinks. Available Monday to Friday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Rooftop Dining at Il Cielo

Il Cielo is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, serving up contemporary Italian cuisine, including house-made pastas and pizzas. We ordered the Summer Peach Salad, a locally grown Mesclun Salad served with White Balsamic Glaze, Fresh Peach, Passion Fruit and fresh Mashed Burrata Cheese, We have high praise for the Branzino agli Agrumi e Caviale, prepared as a refreshing salad with Citrus and Dill Marinated Mediterranean Sea Bream, Tomato Salsa, Green and Black Kalamata Olives, Caper Berries, Tuna Mayo, Fresh Figs, MSC-certified Arenkha Caviar.

The mains are equally impressive — we highly recommend the Linguine al Granchio, a standout dish featuring crab meat ragout, delicately prepared with tomato sauce and chilli oil. Simple yet divine. The Iberico Pork Ribs (Costine di Maiale) are another must-try — tender, flavourful, and truly finger-licking good with a tinge of Asian inspiration with Burnt Brown Sugar Glaze and Charred Spring Onion.

There is intimate indoor dining area and al fresco dining by the pool. Il Cielo is perfect for both leisurely lunches and romantic dinners, complemented by an extensive wine list.

Rooftop Social Hours

From 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesdays to Saturdays, unwind by the poolside and enjoy selected cocktails at $10 nett per glass, along with wines and beers to suit any palate. Pair your drinks with light bites perfect for sharing, which include some of Il Cielo‘s specialty favourites such as their truffle fries, fried calamari and mozzarella bocconcini, delightful bite-sized balls filled with creamy, fresh mozzarella.

Please note: poolside access is typically reserved for in-house guests, so non-hotel guests are encouraged to make reservations in advance.

D9 Cakery is a dessert lover’s daydream brought to life. Known for its legendary cheesecake made with a 50-year-old recipe, the artisanal patisserie features an exquisite array of handcrafted whole or petite cakes, macarons, and pastries. Don’t miss the whimsical Lego-inspired cakes, and we’re told their buttery pound cakes also deserve special mention.

Gateway to Shopping on Orchard Road

voco Orchard Singapore is a portal to a world of curated luxury, with some of the top luxury brand retail stores just steps from your hotel suite.

Tucked within the understated elegance of voco Orchard Singapore, Voco Shopping Gallery is unflashy but resolutely exclusive. Spanning two levels, this retail enclave curates a refined mix of labels—from horological heavyweights like Rolex and Patek Philippe to the sartorial edge of Issey Miyake, Jil Sander, and Stella McCartney. Add to that cult favourites like Comme des Garçons and TEAM WANG by Jackson Wang, and you’ll find a quiet confidence that speaks to those who prefer their fashion with subtle flair and global perspective.

For even more curated finds, a linkway connects to the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, home to Club 21 Women and Club 21 Men, where modern essentials, designer exclusives, and bespoke service complete this seamless luxury shopping experience.

The Perfect Base for Orchard Road

Whether you’re in town for business, a shopping spree, or a well-deserved break, voco Orchard Singapore exudes an inviting charm . Every visit feel special, perhaps because voco—derived from Latin—means “to invite” or “to come together.”

And that’s precisely what this contemporary hotel does: it draws you into a warm, stylish sanctuary where comfort meets character, and thoughtful touches turn every stay into something personal.

Photos taken with a HONOR Magic7 Pro smartphone., The writer’s stay was sponsored by Voco Orchard Singapore.

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In the context of MOGĀ at Pullman Singapore Hill Street, located behind the ground floor hotel lobby, the use of the term “Moga” is a nod to the spirit (“pun intended”) of these Modern Girls, reflecting a contemporary and dynamic approach to Japanese cuisine and hospitality. The modern Japanese Izakaya restaurant and cocktail bar draws inspiration from the forward-thinking and progressive attitudes embodied by the Moga of the early 20th century, and is a perfect venue for the adventurous for both food and drinks.

Go behind the nondescript

Behind a wood-clad sliding door, MOGA exudes speakeasy vibes that transports patrons to the secret alleyways of Tokyo. MOGA’s bar takes centrestage with a curated selection of wines, sakes, and spirits available by the glass or bottle. True to its Japan identity, the drink menu largely features Japanese whiskies and sakes with explorations ranging from the well-known producers to small batch distilleries.

Signature Cocktails

What truly impressed me was the Japanese-inspired signature cocktails (Each at SGD$24++) designed by their mixologist. MOGĀ is helmed by Head Mixologist Marcus Liow and some of the popular drinks include Natsu Roni, which delivers a taste of summer paradise for those that love a Manhattan with MOGA’s interpretation that blends a full-bodied Vermouth Mancino Vermouth di Torino Rosso Amaranto, coconut-washed Michter’s bourbon and Campari, and Wasabi Smash, an Asian herbal-based cocktail that has a dash of wasabi added to Bulldog gin, mixed with other subtle flavours of green shiso, basil, lemongrass and citrus,

Other recommended must-try cocktails ( include Lost in Translation, a blend of Nikka Coffee Malt Whisky and Monkey Shoulder’s Smokey Monkey, kinako (roasted soy bean), miso, honey and fresh ginger; and Pearls of Spring – which combines lychee flavours with Genmaicha-infused sake together with Tanqueray No. Ten before being topped with raspberry foam. This drink is a nice twist to the classic Lychee Martini, and the subtle flavours of the sake should be slowly savoured while you enjoy some of the sharing plates from MOGA’s kitchen.

Stay-Drink-Place (“Izakaya”)

Foodies will love MOGA’s open kitchen counter where their skilled chefs prepare fresh sashimis and other sharing platters for diners. There are counter seats available if you want to watch the chefs close up in action.

My favourite go-to-snack (Yes! I’ve been returning back so I can taste the various signature cocktails at Moga) is the Chicken Tsukene (Japanese chicken meatball skewers glazed in sweet yakitori sauce) that was paired with a Sous Vide egg and spicy teriyaki as the dipping sauce)! It wasn’t all just Japanese dishes and there was also chargrilled pimentos (peppers) which was a twist to the traditional “Padron Peppers” that one would find at a Spanish tapas restaurant as it comes with a smoked goat cheese dip.

From the Robatayaki section, go for the Miso Grilled Cod which uses wild-caught Japanese black cod and is marinated in their house special miso for days before its grilled.

Moga has a lunch set menu , available from Mon to Sat, 12pm to 3pm (last order at 2.15pm) that comes with 2 serving options (The Superior Set at $48++ , and the “Wagyu Striploin” Premium Set at $68++. The meal serving is rather large, so when I tried the Set Lunch, I had to skip the Premium Set because it was already quite a filling meal, even without the additional Striploin!

MOGĀ’s ambience is a heady mix of the traditional and contemporary, juxtaposing lush mahogany leathers against modern, dazzling LED graphics and larger-than-life artwork.

Accor Plus members can enjoy huge savings as cocktails are 15% off and if you’re dining as a pair, it’s 50% off the food menu if you order more than two items. So I confess, while I came for the cocktails, I stayed for the food.

Photo credit for cocktails: Pullman Singapore Hill Street

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After a busy week in an extremely busy city, my club deluxe king room at the Intercontinental Hotel Robertson Quay in Singapore was an oasis of calm and serenity. It’s spacious and sleek, and the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are not your everyday Singapore skyline.

I’ve stayed in many luxury hotels in the Lion City and most of them do have that same amazing Singapore view. No matter which angle you’re looking at, it’s an impressive jumble of skyscrapers and construction alongside Hindu temples and colonial shophouses. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have some water below you as well.

ROOM WITH A DIFFERENT VIEW

I chose this hotel based on its high ratings especially from business travelers. It was also not in the usual area. In fact, until I stayed here, I’d never heard of Robertson Quay. However, I liked what I saw when I finally got to my corner room. I had a river on one side and signs of real life in nice apartment buildings on the other.

This is certainly not one’s idea of Crazy Rich Asian Singapore. And this isn’t a bad thing either. It was rather nice to be away from all the glitz, glamour, endless shopping malls and brand name stores, and yet to be only ten minutes away from all these by taxi.

This is distance and access at the same time. I can confirm that many places worth seeing or being seen in, including Singapore’s top private club, are just an elevator ride down and then a few steps away.

Some of the most iconic upscale leisure areas like Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, too, are even actually walking distance. I booked a private walking tour with the hotel concierge one morning and I ended up buying dried tea balls and eating the ubiquitous popiah in a hawker market in under an hour — all on foot from the hotel. But I’ll save that for another story.

THE PERFECT BUSINESS TRIP HOTEL ROOM

In other words, this room is the perfect antidote to the adrenalin-fueled excitement of Singapore. For busy business travelers, it’s also a tonic for stress. There’s nothing better after a long day than a lobby and lounge with that feel of exclusivity.

From a user viewpoint, the room gets high marks from me. For one thing, the bathroom is palatial by Singapore standards and filled with so much natural light. This is actually much more appreciated by business travelers than one might think, because this tribe calls hotels “home.” And it has a view.

You’ll be surprised at how few hotel rooms actually have bathrooms with one, and it’s understandable. A view is prime real estate in this city and most hotel and apartment developers reserve it for the living room or the master bedroom. But here at the Intercontinental Hotel Robertson Quay, I had a lovely view from the bathtub and the shower cubicle.

EVERYTHING’S IN PLACE

Then there’s the interior design. Most Singapore luxury hotels tend to go Colonial heritage style or to favor a light contemporary design as we are on an island that’s on party mode 24/7. However, the Intercontinental Robertson Quay is all about dark neutrals, reminding me of a well-tailored gentleman’s suit.

Nothing is either overdone or underdone, and there is not one unnecessary item in the decor. And yet, you have absolutely everything you need including all the great toys like flatscreen TVs with cable access and a Bose sound bar. And a very interesting guide book to Singapore. Nice touch with than one.

Not every hotel can say that they have bucked the trend and done so perfectly. However this one certainly can.

WHAT WE LOVED

• The overall sophisticated ambience is a soothing antidote to the general hectic vibe of Singapore.
• In a city full of tourists, this is a great hotel for business travelers.
• It’s a short walk from driveway to hotel room door, and you’re unlikely to have to fight your way through crowds getting there.
• Wonderful assortment of restaurants and cafes in this neighborhood, and most of it are local hangouts so you get a feel of the real Singapore.
• The Club Intercontinental business lounge is a great work and chill place because it has an indoor area and also an outdoor area. So you can meet your Singapore contact over a drink inside, and then answer emails on the terrace outside for a bit of a holiday vibe.
• In case you’re in the mood to get out of visitor mode, just head down to the Publico restaurant, the hotel’s contemporary Italian restaurant. It’s always teeming with locals here for the pizza. Make sure to book ahead, though, just like the locals.

READ MORE ABOUT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL ROBERTSON QUAY HERE

Some photos courtesy of the Intercontinental Hotel Roberston Quay

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In an island full of so much cool and stylish, is there actually a side of Singapore that is more hip than the rest? Apparently there is. And these days, it’s in the neighborhoods around Robertson Quay, with its great restaurants and outdoor cafes along the river, just a hop and a skip from the financial district and from the Orchard Road area.

This area is lovely to walk in, and on weekends it’s practically Style Central;. Most of the dining establishments around here are booked, and it’s a nice variety of upscale places, private clubs and also the kind of digs where you can pop up in torn jeans, a white t-shirt and a dog. Or a bike.

AWARD-WINNING BUSINESS HOTEL

So I checked into the Intercontinental Hotel Robertson Quay, which is one of the best regarded business hotels in Singapore. Somewhere between exclusive boutique property and efficient establishment with everything a guest might need for a temporary workplace, it’s intimate and exclusive — just the right size for travelers wanting easy access and yet at the same time privacy. You get out of your taxi and it’s straight up the elevator to a beautiful lobby that’s multi-purpose and yet it’s just a little bigger than a shopping mall corridor.

In fact, from the corner of my eye, I spied someone in a bathing suit about to jump into a pool behind a glass window just several feet away from me, as I was handing my passport at the check-in counter. I couldn’t believe it. So I had to ask: “Is that a swimming pool over there?”

I guess the hotel team gets asked this a lot, because the lady at the counter replied with a smile and without skipping a beat: “Yes, ma’am. That’s our swimming pool.” Don’t start getting ideas of a fancy resort pool in your head, though. This is the kind of perfectly decent lap pool that does the job perfectly for busy people who need to do their daily laps or to sit out in the sun between meetings.

In other words, how fun. The check-in counter, the pool, the lobby where coffee and tea is also served, and the hotel’s fabulously crafted business lounge are all within walking distance of each other. So technically you can get get a meeting, a cocktail and your exercise laps all done within half an hour. if you’re one of these travelers who like to power through their days.

MAKING WORK FUN

I’ve already mentioned how fabulous the Club Intercontinental business lounge is, if you are a traveler with work to do in Singapore. But let me do so again. I held so many meetings here over breakfast, snacks and cocktails — and the atmosphere must’ve been appropriately conducive because I certainly got a lot done and with fantastic results.

They serve guests with access to this lounge a mean complimentary breakfast. Meanwhile, in the evenings, it’s a bevy of original cocktails and bite-size appetizers so attractively laid out that you’ll find yourself practically eating dinner.

At the same time, the Intercontinental Hotel Robertson Quay’s corner king studio room is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of one of Asia’s most exciting cities. It’s as sleek and business stylish as its lobby. But I’ll save that for another story.

WHAT WE LIKED

• Easy access to Orchard Road and the Financial District.
• Riverfront location with cool shops, boutiques and restaurants. And a great jogging track.
• One street away and it’s all residential so it’s not some commercial cocoon. Real people live here. Albeit well-paid ones.
• If you’re tired of wasting time walking through large and crowded hotels, this one’s for you. Everything is only a few steps away. In fact the pool, the lobby and the business lounge are all in one floor.
• Spacious rooms with river views or residential views. The bathrooms are palatial by Singapore hotel standards.
• The hotel hosts the hip and happening Publico Ristorante. This place is packed on weekends as everyone’s lining up for pizza, so best to book in advance.
• The hotel rents bicycles and organizes walking tours too so business travelers with a spare hour have their plate full with interesting things to do.
• No major shopping center in sight. For us this is great because the vibe changes completely when you take a hotel out of visual sight of a commercial mall.

READ MORE ABOUT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL ROBERTSON QUAY HERE

Some photos courtesy of the Intercontinental Hotel Roberston Quay

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Not all junior suites are created equal, and the one at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore is among our favorites in the Lion City. We love the classic interiors, the white color base, and the Peranakan design accents that make it a room to remember.

Full suites are lovely, of course, but these also come with an appropriate price tag. On the other hand, junior suites offer more space and comfort for just a small additional amount compared to deluxe double rooms.

The junior suite at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore is perfect for a business trip, a special occasion visit for couples, or a holiday for a family that needs an extra bed. Full of natural light since it has four windows looking out onto a cityscape, it has a soothing atmosphere that’s perfect for work or leisure, in spite of being in one of the liveliest neighborhoods of one of the most vibrant cities on earth.

The junior suite has a separate living room from the bedroom, and once you close the sliding doors between these, the world falls silent. It is one of the quietest bedrooms I have ever slept in.

WHAT WE LOVED

What makes this junior suite so attractive?

First, the interiors are designed wonderfully in neutral hues — the camel brown curtains complement the Peranakan-inspired headboard with touches of gold ever so nicely — and with clean lines to match any taste or preference. It is hard not to feel comfortable in a suite done up in tasteful whites and grays, with elegant streamlined furniture to match.

Then there’s the layout that is both practical and easy. All the luggage racks are by the entrance corridor opposite a spacious bathroom, and this corridor leads to a bright and airy living room. To one side of this room are sliding doors that open to a cozy cocooning bedroom.

Also, this is practically a full suite rather than a junior suite, with a proper foyer and living room. And have we mentioned the unique and colorful welcome basket of local goodies that awaited us in the room along with a handwritten note? So few hotel executives take the time to write or sign guest cards but the team at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore does. And it makes all the difference.

READ :

THE PERANAKAN INSPIRED INTERIORS OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL SINGAPORE

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This trip from Bangkok to Singapore was my first cruise on a mega-ship, and the difference in size between my usual smaller ships and this mega-ship I found myself on was so stark that I took to calling the mammoth Voyager of the Seas ship of the Royal Caribbean, the Republic of Royal Caribbean. It was true. 

This ship was not a cruise ship; it was a floating country. I sailed on it as one of the passengers sailing from Thailand on the very first cruise ship to use the international cruise terminal of Singapore, launching it in the process. The new cruise terminal was launched via formal ceremonies presided over by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, which I then attended upon disembarking in Singapore. By the way, this international cruise terminal has definitely put Singapore on the map as Asia’s cruise ship hub.

Anyway, back to the Voyager of the Seas. This ship I sailed on to Singapore was so huge that it was basically a floating city, and that’s why I nicknamed it the Republic of Royal Caribbean. In fact, this Royal Caribbean ship was so big that it took me awhile to get a grasp of this floating city. I had to walk a whole lot – yes, it was an exercise to go anywhere — whether for breakfast, or to retrieve something I’d forgotten in your room, or to go up to the observation lounge of the ship, for example – and at that time this was definitely all the exercise I never ever got in Manila. 

I kept losing my friends on this ship, as well.

On my first night, my friends and I had taken separate elevators up to the 12th floor, and after that, we’d never seen each other again because we’d gone in separate directions — and once you’re going one way, well, you’re off to a different city almost. On another night, we’d all gone to the game event but we’d had to sit separately because there were only odd seats free by the time we’d arrived. And that was the last I’d seen of them as well, in an auditorium with about 1200 people. 

Amidst all the people, though — or perhaps because there are so many people? — there were lots of instances of kindness by strangers.

On my first night on board, we were docked outside Pattaya and everyone sensible was accessing the Internet from the cruise terminal instead of on board the ship. It cost US$.65 a minute to access the same Internet on board the ship via satellite, so of course we were all going for the free Internet whenever we could.

Anyway, I’d just arrived to board the ship but I’d seen everyone with their laptops and iPads sitting around the cruise terminal area, so I’d assumed WiFi was free. So as soon as I’d checked into my stateroom and unpacked, I’d lugged my Macbook Pro down to the terminal – a walk the equivalent of two runs around the Manila Polo Club field, by the way – from my room and sat down on one of the chairs.

Shock of my life when I finally got settled and I asked someone how to get on the Internet. Internet access at the port terminal cost US$2 for two hours, which was a steal by cruise ship standards; but I hadn’t brought any money with me to the cruise terminal. I’d left my wallet in the safe, and all I had was the cruise ID I needed to re-enter the boat.

The guy sitting next to me – the same one who’d broken the bad news about the US$2 fee – probably took pity on me, as I’m sure I looked like I was about to kick myself for stupidly not bringing any money to the terminal.

Plus, by then I was exhausted from a really busy 24 hours and the long trip door-to-door from Manila, and I’d just lugged my heavy computer across the Republic of Royal Caribbean and down to the terminal for nothing.

Well, he actually fished for US$2 from his pocket – this is a complete stranger, I have to stress again – and gave it to me.

“Here,” was all he said.

Oh my goodness. A total stranger was giving me money out of nowhere. We made small talk and I found out that he was from Florida, cruising with a bunch of relatives. I tried to find out how I could pay him back on the cruise, but he just said: “Forget it. No worries.”

Of course I made up my mind to return the US$2 if and when I saw him on the ship again. Have I seen him again on the Republic of Royal Caribbean, though? Of course not. On that mammoth ship, I had enough difficulty finding my friends, much less finding kind strangers.

The post US$2 for WiFi and about the kindness of strangers on a cruise ship from Bangkok to Singapore appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.