Singapore's new star: Colonial riff on a modern redo

Unveiled last October after a seven-month refurbishment, one of Singapore's newest hotels, The Robertson House, has done an exceptional job of turning a markedly average 14-year-old hotel into a fun and exciting luxe bolthole. It's located near the historical Robertson Quay on the Singapore River, with the hotel's theme riffing off an era, from 1819 to 1941, when Singapore was a bustling colonial entrepot. The concocted narrative - woven into the decor, activities and playful hotel vibe - is imagined through the eyes of historical figure Dr J Murray Robertson, a prominent municipal councillor of the day.

Proximity to the character and activity along the Singapore River is the hotel's overriding feature, in backstory, location and aspect (many of the property's 336 guest rooms have stunner river views). Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay neighbourhoods have plenty of eateries serving global cuisine, wine bars and nightclubs alongside art galleries, shops and activities including boat cruises along the river. Boat Quay, with its row of traditional shophouses fronting the Singapore River, is just a stroll away.

With its high white portico, and balcony-look windows, the building facade has echoes of a grandiose era, but the building is unashamedly contemporary. It's the newly refurbished interior that really impresses. The look is modern, with colonial-era influences that cleverly underpin the hotel's narrative theme. These include dark wood and rattan furniture, black and white curtains, and tropical flora and fauna wallpaper.

The rooms and suites facing Robertson Quay are the best, but all guests can expect to feel treasured with charming English tea sets and in-house teas, feather pillows, and excellent mattress. Design features include Chinese ginger jars on the bedside table and a bedhead wall covered in an old black and white photo of Robertson Quay in its heyday when it was filled with old junk boats.

Entrepot, the hotel's all-day dining venue, is located in the lobby creating a heightened sense of atmosphere and activity. Guests can sip on negronis on stools at the central bar, chatting to a waistcoated bartender, or opt for the central chef's table inspired by an old English dining table. The Anglo-Asian menu is bang-on theme with dishes such as claypot rice with chorizo sausage, pancetta and wild mushrooms shining alongside desserts including dried longan pecan tart with white fungus and vanilla ice-cream.

There's a 25-metre swimming pool and a 24-hour gym, but the hotel deserves most credit for getting creative with its other offerings. On level 10, the 1823 Reading Room is an intimate space for Club room guests to enjoy afternoon drinks and canapes (even if "reading room" is a little overstated - there are only a handful of books).

Chandu, a cool speakeasy cocktail bar unexpectedly hidden behind a nondescript door at the base of the building, is another highlight. It draws inspiration from opium dens and other vice-related activities of the era with drinks such as Chasing the Dragon, a tipple made with the hotel's own Dr Robertson's gin blend, silver needle tea and dragonfruit.

The upbeat staff who have played a big role in giving an old hotel a new look and a life of its own.

Where: The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, 1 Unity Street, Singapore

How much: Deluxe rooms start from $SG300 ($340) a night (before taxes and fees)

Explore more: discoverasr.com/en

The writer was a guest of The Robertson House.