After weeks of husband travelling and early wake-ups by my four-year-old, a kid-free night was an indulgence I was willing to pay for. The added excuse was to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Truly, we’ve been married for SO long that we hardly do anything to mark the occasion. That being the case, and needing a good reason to indulge, I booked into the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay for a one night staycation. I think it’s time we start celebrating anniversaries (and birthdays or any excuse really) every single year.
One Night of Luxury and No Early Wake-ups
I decided to book the Club Deluxe Studio King and received an upgrade to the Quayside Suite King at the InterContinental Robertson Quay. Our room selection included Club InterContinental Lounge Access. The free upgrade was a benefit of being an Ambassador member with InterContinental. Read more about that program in the section at the end.
We got there early in the afternoon and went directly to Level 3 and the Club InterContinental Lounge for check-in. While you enter on the ground level, all guests must take the lift to Level 3 for check-in. I, of course, had timed it so we could enjoy their afternoon tea, served until 4 pm. I might also add that the service level was fantastic. The staff go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable.
Rooms for Comfort and Indulgence
After enjoying the afternoon tea, where the selection of treats changes daily, we made our way up to our room. While quite small, considering we were staying in a suite, I never felt cramped. The furnishings were lovely with soft, comfy beds and pristinely white, clean sheets. There was also a two-seater lounge, designer leather armchair plus a round glass table in case you order room service or want to do some work.
The bathroom had a separate bath, shower and toilet. With a sliding door between the bedroom and bathroom areas, you never felt too exposed. The sliding doors were ingenious because you could close it off for privacy or open it up to enjoy a feeling of more space. It was also very much needed because a little sticker on the window had informed us that people could see through the floor to ceiling windows.
We chilled out for a little bit, enjoying the peace. I had an undisturbed bath, a pure luxury when you have had children wandering into your bathroom for years. I loved the in-room amenities. The chic little cocktail bar with copper shaker had a flip-down front so you could mix up drinks on top of it. The mini bottles of alcohol are at an additional cost, so we opted to wait for drinks and canapés at the Club InterContinental Lounge.
I also enjoyed their complimentary selection of Monogram teas that came in single-use sachets of different flavours. A beautiful little teapot was available so we could brew the tea to perfection. I thought that was one of the little touches that made the stay extra special. There was also a Nespresso machine with a selection of pods.
Next to the bed was a mobile phone for you to use during your stay that contained the handy smartphone app. We didn’t get a chance to try this, however, because we just enjoyed hanging out at the hotel and using its facilities. I could see how useful such an app would be if I were a tourist.
Evening Canapés, Dinner and a Thoughtful Surprise
We returned to the Club InterContinental Lounge for evening drinks and canapés. The food selection is generous, and cocktail plus wine options were adequate. I’m not a drinker, but they had non-alcoholic options for me too. Having an uninterrupted chat to The Vegetarian is almost unheard of so this was also a luxury that I enjoyed.
As if that were not enough, we went down to their restaurant Publico, located ground floor facing the river. The InterContinental Robertson Quay is located right along the riverfront with plenty of dining options. However, Publico is now one of my favourite spots for rustic Italian food serving pizza, pasta and mains that are delicious. We didn’t intend to order too much as we had already had substantial nibbles at the lounge, but the food was terrific! We also had a US$20 food and beverage credit that we could use at the restaurant.
When we returned to our room, there was a little surprise waiting for us. Chocolate covered strawberries and a note signed by all the staff wishing us a very happy anniversary. I thought this was such a thoughtful gesture and a wonderful treat to find when we got back.
Breakfast and Beyond
We woke up the next morning – can 8.30 be considered late? I suppose when the norm is a 5.30 to 6.30 wake up by the four-year-old running into our room, 8.30 can be viewed as a leisurely sleep in. I relished the luxury of waking up by myself and lounging around as long as I wanted.
Unfortunately, I’m one of those who gets up and is hungry almost immediately. This is something The Vegetarian, I’m sure, has long since found annoying. While I offered for him to stay in bed while I went down for breakfast, he kindly offered to come along.
With Club InterContinental Lounge access at the InterContinental Robertson Quay, you have the choice to enjoy breakfast in their main restaurant downstairs or the lounge. We picked the lounge because the idea of a busy buffet line was not my fantasy of a leisurely breakfast without the kids.
Whether you’re at the lounge for tea, canapés or breakfast, you can choose to be seated outside in their beautiful alfresco setting or opt for heat and humidity-free indoor seating. I chose the latter.
Breakfast in the Lounge was impressive. You can’t discount the smell of freshly made coffee! Which they had for us at the lounge. I didn’t miss anything from the big buffet, not that I know what was offered there. I didn’t even bother to go down there for a look. We enjoyed the fantastic table service with the option to order eggs made to order.
There was also a mini buffet of pastry, bread, salad, fruit, yoghurt as well as bacon, potatoes and other hot items. Cheese and charcuterie were nicely laid out for you in the fridges. Outside, a chef waits to cook up your eggs from scratch, and attentive staff make sure you have enough water, tea or coffee.
I am not leaving!
That was how I felt. But the 4 pm late check out made it so much easier to handle. We had already booked lunch at Publico, inviting my parents and the kids. After enjoying another meal of pasta, pizza and salad, we returned to our room with the kids, intending on taking them to the pool.
Instead, we each found a spot in the room to make our own and relaxed for a bit. When we realised afternoon tea was being served at the lounge, I took my Darling Daughter with me for a ladies tea. The boys hung out in the room until check out time, which was 4 pm. Our late check out really allowed us to feel like we had almost two days away! It’s one of my favourite benefits of being an Ambassador member.
When it was time to leave, the boys met us at the lounge. Did I mention there are all-day snacks and drinks there too? We had a quick coffee (hot chocolate for the kids) and all reluctantly left the InterContinental Robertson Quay with wishes that we could stay longer.
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About the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) Ambassador Program
I joined the Ambassador program in March 2019 and have taken advantage of the benefits on two other occasions. It’s well worth it if you are a frequent traveller and love added extras when you’re staying at a hotel. On the other hand, it does limit your hotel selection to an IHG hotel. I love trying different brands and locations, but I would say the level of hospitality at an InterContinental is impressive, and I have enjoyed every stay.
Ambassador membership costs USD$200 but gives you a guaranteed room upgrade (one category up from what you booked). It only applies to an InterContinental hotel or resort and usually does not apply to suites. Generally, it will not give you Club InterContinental Lounge access unless you’ve booked a Club room already. You also enjoy a 4 pm late checkout plus a USD$20 food and beverage credit at their restaurants or bars. Internet use is complimentary.
The most significant benefit is their one-night free stay when booking a two night weekend. This free night makes Ambassador membership completely worth it. That is if you can get a booking where you want for the weekend you wish to. I’ve tried a few venues and dates and have found the free night unavailable in most cases. I still have yet to redeem this benefit, but hopefully, I’ll get in before my membership expires.
Become an InterContinental Ambassador.
Check out the reviews of Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay on TripAdviser.
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This review was written independently, and we paid in full for our Ambassador Membership and one night stay.
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