The Warehouse Hotel

The Warehouse Hotel opened in 2017 inside a trio of godowns, or riverside warehouses, completed in 1895 on the banks of the Singapore River. The buildings once stored goods at a time when the river was the centre of the island's trade. The local hospitality group Lo & Behold restored them as a boutique hotel, the project has collected design awards, including the President's Design Award, and the hotel is a member of Design Hotels and Marriott Bonvoy.

With just 37 rooms, the hotel feels intimate. The design leans into the building's industrial past, with high pitched ceilings, exposed beams and trusses, warm low lighting and furnishings that nod to the warehouse era while staying comfortable. Rooms vary in layout and size, from compact rooms to loft-style suites, and some look over the river, so check the category before booking. Thoughtful details and locally inspired touches add character without fuss.

The lobby bar is a destination even if you are staying elsewhere, with a cocktail menu that draws on the history of the river and local flavours. The hotel restaurant, Po, serves modern Singaporean dishes and is a convenient choice for dinner without leaving the building.

The hotel suits couples, design lovers and travellers who prefer character to scale. Families with young children may find the rooms and the bar-led atmosphere less suitable. Ask for a river-facing room if views matter, and book the restaurant ahead at weekends, when it is popular with locals as well as guests. Rates are in the upper-mid range, reflecting its boutique status and riverside setting. Because there are so few rooms, availability can be tight at weekends and during major events, so book early if you have fixed dates.

The Warehouse Hotel is at 320 Havelock Road, on the river between Robertson Quay and the quieter stretch towards Kim Seng, and Havelock MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast line is close by. The riverside path leads past the restaurants and bars of Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay towards the city centre, a pleasant walk in the evening. Great World mall and the Zion Road hawker centre are within walking distance, and Tiong Bahru is a short taxi ride away.