Robertson 4: a meeting room that opens into a poolside bar and a 25-m pool. Photo Credit: The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, Singapore
Ascott, wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is expanding The Crest Collection brand, offering experiential stays that immerse guests in the history and culture of a destination.
With a unique storied and “upper upscale experience” drawn from the distinct heritage of each location and property, The Crest Collection is targeting a higher tier of leisure and corporate travellers to command higher rates.
The brand offers guests a journey through time, with each property showcasing a story which invites heritage experiences with special personalities.
Among the properties is the former Riverside Hotel Robertson Quay which has been rebranded as The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore after a phased renovation offering five room types. The 336-key hotel achieved 94% occupancy rate at press time, with an average room rate of about S$250 (US$186) in February 2024, four months after opening.
The hotel honours Dr J Murray Robertson and Singapore’s quayside heritage with narratives weaved into every part of the hotel such as the black-and-white style guestrooms and club suite, curated in-room and shower amenities, and filtered water dispenser. The 1823 Reading Room, a curated library-cum-club lounge, is imbued with vintage books and titles.
For meetings, a 60 pax capacity indoor meeting room which offers natural daylight opens up to a 25-m outdoor swimming pool and an open bar area for 120 pax. Three other meeting rooms seat 40 pax each. An all-day dining restaurant, Entrepôt, serves Anglo-Asian cuisine. The hotel’s hidden bar – Chandu – serves bespoke concoctions.
The Singapore River runs alongside the hotel and serves as an iconic landmark reminiscence of Singapore’s past as a busy entrepot port along the spice trade route during Dr Robertson’s time in the 19th century.
Global presence
First unveiled in 2016 in France, The Crest Collection is a portfolio of bespoke hotels and serviced residences. With seven properties operational in Singapore, Jakarta, Paris, Penang and Tours, more properties will open in London, Bucharest, Hanoi, Tokyo and Paris.
The brand has seen a 40% increase in the total number of units year-on-year since 2022, and has over 1,500 units across 12 properties that are both operating and in the pipeline.
Besides Singapore, it debuted in Asia with the opening of two other properties in Indonesia, and Malaysia last year. The Grand Mansion Menteng by The Crest Collection in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods of Jakarta, and The George Penang by The Crest Collection within George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone.
In Europe, the brand comprises La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris by The Crest Collection; La Clef Louvre Paris by The Crest Collection; La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris by The Crest Collection; and Chateau Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection in France. These properties have achieved an occupancy rate of about 73%.