In an erstwhile warehouse that sits along the old Straits of Malacca trade route and former epicentre of Singapore’s red-light district, the Warehouse Hotel whispers secrets of its illicit past: a spice trading hub at one point, an illegal distillery at another, even a reigning discotheque in the ’80s. But now, The Lo & Behold Group – the folks behind the 37-room boutique space – has taken the building’s 120-year history in its hands and spun it on the head. We take a peek inside.
Poolside lounging
The hotel’s plush lounge faces the lobby bar, so if you’d rather relax away from the soft thumping beats and gentle chatter, the rooftop infinity pool – fitted with salmon pink tiles, no less – offers the reprieve you desire. Admire local artist Dawn Ng’s site-specific installation fronting the pool, or kick back on one of the deck beds while soaking in views of the Singapore River.
Rooms with a view
Mostly, anyway. Who needs windows when your 27-sq-m Warehouse Sanctuary (from $340) looks this good? Wooden panels, sleek beams, a custom pillow top king mattress with finishing touches by MatterPrints, and a cheeky, open concept standing shower make it seductively easy to linger in your room all day.
For a loft-style upgrade, book out the River View Suite (from $770). As its name suggests, the room overlooks the Singapore River from the uppermost floor of the triple-peaked heritage hotel. Natural light is key in the roomy 57-sq-m space that’s set with earthy tones, raised ceilings, an open plan bathroom, plus the structure’s original masonry walls and beams. Don’t forget to poke around the (chargeable) ‘Minibars of Vice’, which are split into three sections: ‘Gluttony’ satisfies with Vietnamese dark chocolate and salted yolk chips; ‘Lust’ satiates all your bedroom vices (we’ll leave that to your vivid imagination); and ‘Vanity’ ensures you’re covered on the beauty front, sunscreen included. There’s even a pour-over coffee kettle for your caffeine fix.
Fill up
F&B options abound along Robertson Quay, but the hotel’s restaurant, Po, has all your bases covered thanks to mod-Sin pioneer and Wild Rocket founder, chef Willin Low. Try his interpretation of local favourites – among them charcoal-grilled Iberico satay ($24) and popiah ($32) – then adjourn to the lobby bar. There are cocktails like Bird's Eye ($24), built with cognac, bird's eye chilli, longan, lime and lemon, as welll as B.B. King ($26), which features banana whisky, smoked maple syrup, and barbecue bitters.
Updated May 17 2023