Gorgeous industrial-chic design, soaring ceilings and irresistible Mod-Sin grub – this boutique hotel in Robertson Quay is a hipster’s dream staycay
Like many Singaporeans, I have a serious case of the travel bug, which is why I prefer to spend my precious holidays and moolah on overseas adventures instead of staycays. But as a history buff and a sucker for industrial-styled interior design, I couldn’t pass up the chance to stay at the hippest boutique hotel in Robertson Quay, the Warehouse Hotel.
Steeped in history
Not surprisingly, the Warehouse Hotel gets its moniker from its past as a warehouse along the Singapore River, as part of the Straits of Malacca trade route. Originally built in 1895, the derelict building was made over by the Lo & Behold Group (yup, the cool folks who brought us OverEasy and Tanjong Beach Club), and reopened as the Warehouse Hotel in January 2017.
First impressions: High ceilings. Lots of ’em.
Pulling up to the two-storey building, I was immediately struck by the contrast of the all-white and perfectly symmetrical façade of the hotel against the tall, boxy buildings surrounding it – it’s a standout, for sure. Not to mention, the old-fashioned shutters on the windows were just screaming to be Instagrammed.
The lobby was equally impressive, with soaring ceilings complete with hipster-friendly fixtures – think hanging light bulbs and vintage wheels. The hotel has adopted an open concept for its lobby, with the reception, bar and lounge area all in one huge space, making mingling a breeze.
Lofty ambitions
If you’re a fellow fan of loft-style rooms, you’re gonna adore the Warehouse Lofts, one of the six types of rooms available. Each Warehouse Loft has a double-high ceiling and maintains its original building beams for the complete industrial-chic look. The rooms are also super spacious, even after fitting in a king-sized bed, bathtub and rain shower. Minimalists, you’ll fall in love with the muted colour palette of grey, white and nude, modern design, and subtle gold detailing.
Deliciously local
While there are tonnes of delish food options in Robertson Quay, no staycation at the Warehouse Hotel is complete without a meal at its flagship resto, Po. The Mod-Sin restaurant puts a luxe twist on familiar hawker faves. The star, for me, has to be the DIY popiah, which is upgraded with additional fillings of tiger prawns and flower crab. Wipe that drool off your face and read our full review of Po here.
After a weekend of total bliss, checking out was no easy task, but I had to return to reality. Needless to say, the Warehouse Hotel has infected me with the staycation bug, and I’m counting down ’til my next one.
The Warehouse Hotel, 320 Havelock Road, Singapore 169628, p. 6828 0000, e. [email protected].
