I recently had a need to travel to Singapore for a weekend away. This meant I was in need of somewhere to stay, and so I began my search for hotels.
If you have been to Singapore, you would be aware that accommodation prices can be quite high. Therefore, anything that can be used to reduce the costs of staying there is quite welcome.
As I am a member of the IHG Ambassador program, I have an annual Free Weekend Night Certificate to use. Having a trip to Singapore provided a great opportunity to not only use it but to extract value from it.
While I looked at a number of options, I finally opted to book a Club Room at the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay with the certificate.
At the time I was booking, these rooms were priced at around $SGD500 per night. As a result, this presented me with a good room, at quite a saving. As a result, it once again shows the value can be extracted from the Ambassador program.
Previously, I have stayed at the sister property, InterContinental Singapore. As a result, I was looking forward to the visit to see how the two hotels compared.
Location
First opened in 2017, the hotel is set in the residential area from which the hotel derives its name. Robertson Quay is along the Singapore River, and it is only a short walk to the more well known Clarke Quay.
If you want to get around, there are a few options. The closest MRT is Fort Canning Park, and that is a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, the Clarke Quay MRT station is also within walking distance.
On the other hand, if you’re heading to the financial district, a taxi may be the go. This will take you about five to 10 minutes. Similarly, a cab ride to Orchard Road takes about 10 minutes.
Lobby Area
As with many hotels these days, the lobby is not located on the level you enter the hotel on. Firstly, you have to take a ride in a lift to get from the ground to Level 4 for check-in.
It is on this level that you will also find the Quayside Lounge, the Swimming Pool, and the Club InterContinental Lounge.
I think it would be fair to say that the lobby/check-in area is not as grand as you would find in many InterContinetals. Still, it is functional and does the job.
Looking To the right, you find the Quayside Lounge. Looking further down the floor, you will see the entrance to the Club Intercontinental.
The Room
When I made my initial booking, I had chosen a Club Deluxe Studio King. However, ss an Intercontinental Ambassador, a complimentary upgrade is offered as part of being a member.
Sometimes, these upgrades do not happen until check-in. Fortunately, in this case, it happened shortly after booking. For this reason, I found my booking had been amended to reflect that I had been upgraded to a Quayside Suite.
The Club Lounge
As previously mentioned, I had booked a room rate that included Club InterContinental access. Accordingly, a visit was in order. I made several visits to the lounge over the two days I was there. Overall, I took advantage of the evening canapes, breakfast and afternoon tea services while I was in house.
The lounge itself is open all day. However, some services, such as breakfast and canapes are on at specific times:
- Breakfast: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Tea: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Evening Cocktails: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
I think, overall, paying for the Club Intercontinental is well worth the extra that you spend.
Swimming Pool
Finally, we get to the Swimming Pool. Although they have managed to fit one in I don’t think it is one where you will find folk lounging away all day.
Firstly, it is a lap pool. So, if a resort pool is what you are looking for, then this is not the place. Secondly, there is no view to speak of.
In summary, the pool may be a good place for a quick dip or a couple of laps, but that is about it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would say that overall I enjoyed my stay at the Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay. It is a different area than where I would normally stay, however, it not too far from anywhere.
Finally, I think InterContinental Singapore has the edge. Having said that, it is more about location, and the reality is there is not much in it.
Address: 1 Nanson Rd, Singapore 238909
