Along the Singapore River, at the Robertson Quay stretch, stands a striking black-and-white building that once held spices, tea, and later, nightclub revelers. Today, it is The Warehouse Hotel, a 37-room boutique property that opened in 2017 after a meticulous restoration. The hotel is part of the Loh Lik Peng group (Unlisted Collection) and has won multiple design awards for its sensitive adaptation of a 1895 warehouse. For visitors exploring the Liang Court and Singapore River precinct, The Warehouse Hotel offers a distinct alternative to the larger chain properties along the river. Its location at 320 Havelock Road places it within walking distance of Fort Canning MRT station, Clarke Quay, and the upcoming Canninghill Piers redevelopment.

This article provides a detailed, factual look at The Warehouse Hotel — its history, architecture, room categories, dining options, pricing, and how it connects to the surrounding neighbourhood. All information is based on publicly available sources, hotel publications, and widely reported facts.

History of the Building: From Godown to Boutique Hotel

The building that houses The Warehouse Hotel was originally constructed in 1895 as a godown — the Malay term for a warehouse or storeroom. It was one of many such structures along the Singapore River that served the thriving trade in spices, rubber, tea, and other commodities. The building’s location at Robertson Quay, which was then the upper reach of the river, made it ideal for receiving goods from boats that navigated the waterway.

By the mid-20th century, the river trade declined as container shipping moved to Pasir Panjang and Jurong. Many godowns fell into disuse or were converted into other uses. In the 1980s and 1990s, this particular building became a nightclub called Zouk — one of Singapore’s most famous nightlife venues. Zouk operated from 1991 until 2016, when it moved to a new location at Clarke Quay. The building then sat empty until Loh Lik Peng, the hotelier behind properties like Hotel 1929 and New Majestic Hotel, acquired the site and began an ambitious restoration.

The conversion from nightclub to hotel required extensive structural work. The original timber beams, brick walls, and high ceilings were preserved wherever possible. The hotel’s design team — led by award-winning Singapore firm Asylum — worked with heritage consultants to ensure that the building’s industrial character was retained. The result is a hotel that feels both historic and contemporary.

Architecture and Design

The Warehouse Hotel’s design is a study in contrasts. The exterior remains largely unchanged from its godown days: white-painted brick walls, large shuttered windows, and a distinctive black-and-white colour scheme. The entrance is discreet, marked only by a small sign and a heavy wooden door.

Inside, the lobby is dramatic. The ceiling soars to 10 metres, exposing original timber trusses and a series of industrial pendant lights. The floor is polished concrete, and the walls are lined with dark tiles and salvaged materials. A central feature is the lobby bar, which doubles as a check-in counter. The design incorporates elements of Singapore’s Peranakan and colonial heritage — batik prints, rattan furniture, and local artwork — but in a restrained, modern way.

Key architectural features include:

  • Original timber beams: Many of the beams are over 120 years old and were salvaged during restoration.
  • Exposed brick walls: Some walls were left bare to show the building’s history.
  • High ceilings: Room ceilings are 4 to 5 metres high, a legacy of the warehouse’s original function.
  • Shuttered windows: Large, original-style windows allow natural light while maintaining privacy.
  • Rooftop infinity pool: A small pool on the third floor overlooks the Singapore River and Robertson Quay.

The hotel’s design has been recognised by several publications, including a spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List and a mention in Wallpaper*’s design awards.

Room Categories and Pricing

The Warehouse Hotel has 37 rooms spread over three floors. Rooms are categorised by size and view, but all share a consistent design language: dark colour palettes, industrial touches, and local craftsmanship. The room categories are as follows:

River View Rooms

These rooms face the Singapore River and Robertson Quay promenade. They range in size from 28 to 35 square metres. Some have balconies or small terraces. Prices in 2025 typically start at SGD 380 per night for a standard River View room, excluding taxes and breakfast.

Courtyard Rooms

These rooms overlook the internal courtyard, which is used for events and dining. They are slightly smaller (25–30 square metres) and quieter than the river-facing rooms. Rates start around SGD 320 per night.

Loft Rooms

The Loft Rooms are duplex suites with a sleeping area on a mezzanine level, accessed by a ladder or spiral staircase. These are the largest rooms at 40–45 square metres. Loft rooms start at SGD 520 per night.

The Warehouse Suite

The top-tier suite occupies the entire third floor of the building’s original wing. It has a separate living area, a large bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, and a private terrace. The suite is approximately 70 square metres and is priced from SGD 1,200 per night.

All rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar (with some local snacks), and toiletries from the Singapore brand Oasis. The hotel does not have a gym, but guests have access to a small fitness facility at the nearby Somerset Serviced Residence through a partnership.

Dining and Bars

The Warehouse Hotel has two main F&B outlets: the lobby bar and a restaurant called Po. Both are open to non-guests and have become popular with locals.

Po Restaurant

Po is a modern Chinese restaurant that serves dishes inspired by the Peranakan and Hokkien heritage of Singapore. The menu changes seasonally but has included items like bak kut teh (pork rib soup), laksa with handmade noodles, and a signature chilli crab served with mantou buns. The restaurant seats about 60 people and has a private dining room for 12. A meal for two, excluding drinks, typically costs SGD 80–120. Po is open for dinner only, Tuesday to Sunday.

Lobby Bar

The lobby bar serves cocktails, wine, and beer. It is known for its gin-based drinks, including a Singapore Sling variation made with local botanicals. The bar also offers a small selection of bar snacks. It is open from 5 pm to midnight daily.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in Po restaurant and is a semi-buffet style. The menu includes local dishes like nasi lemak and kaya toast, as well as Western options. Breakfast is priced at SGD 32 per person for non-guests.

For those wanting to explore beyond the hotel, the Robertson Quay area is filled with dining options. Within a 10-minute walk, guests can find Japanese restaurants at Clarke Quay, as well as the cafes and bars along the Robertson Quay Walk.

Location and Nearby Attractions

The Warehouse Hotel is situated at 320 Havelock Road, at the junction of Havelock Road and the Singapore River. It is part of the Robertson Quay precinct, which is quieter than the Clarke Quay party strip but still lively with restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Key nearby landmarks and transport links include:

For guests who want to explore the river, Singapore River boat tours depart from several jetties near the hotel, including one at Robertson Quay itself.

How It Fits Into the Liang Court Precinct

The Warehouse Hotel is not inside the Liang Court complex, but it is part of the broader Singapore River precinct that includes Liang Court, Robertson Quay, and Clarke Quay. The Liang Court complex (which housed the iconic Meidi-Ya supermarket and a Daiso store) closed in 2022 to make way for the Canninghill Piers development, a mixed-use project with residential towers, retail, and a new riverfront promenade.

The Warehouse Hotel complements this area by offering a heritage accommodation option. While the Canninghill Piers development will add hundreds of new apartments and shops, The Warehouse Hotel provides a small-scale, design-focused alternative to the larger hotels like the hotels near Clarke Quay. Its presence also helps preserve the industrial history of the river, which is increasingly being erased by modern construction.

For travellers who want to experience the Japanese retail legacy of Liang Court — including Meidi-Ya and Daiso — those stores have relocated. Meidi-Ya now operates at the Great World City shopping mall (1 Kim Seng Promenade), about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Daiso has multiple outlets across Singapore, including one at Plaza Singapura. See the Daiso and Japanese retail legacy article for more details.

Sustainability and Operations

The Warehouse Hotel has implemented several sustainability measures, which are increasingly important for travellers. These include:

  • Energy-efficient lighting: LED bulbs are used throughout the property.
  • Water conservation: Low-flow fixtures in bathrooms.
  • Local sourcing: The restaurant and bar prioritise local ingredients and suppliers.
  • Waste reduction: Single-use plastics are minimised; toiletries are in refillable dispensers.
  • Heritage preservation: The restoration itself is a form of sustainability, reusing an existing structure rather than demolishing it.

The hotel does not have a formal Green Key or EarthCheck certification as of 2025, but its practices align with the Singapore Tourism Board’s Hotel Sustainability Roadmap, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from the hotel sector.

Practical Information for Visitors

For those planning a stay or a visit, here are some practical details:

  • Check-in/check-out: Check-in is at 3 pm; check-out is at 12 pm. Late check-out may be available for a fee.
  • Parking: The hotel does not have its own parking lot. Guests can park at the nearby Robertson Walk car park (11 Unity Street) or at UE Square (81 Clemenceau Avenue). Parking rates are approximately SGD 1.50 per hour.
  • Public transport: The nearest bus stop is along Havelock Road, served by bus numbers 32, 54, 64, 65, 131, 186, and 970.
  • Accessibility: The hotel has a ramp at the entrance, but some rooms have steps. It is advisable to contact the hotel in advance if you have mobility needs.
  • Contact: Phone +65 6828 0000. Email: [email protected].

For a broader overview of the area, including transport, weather, and budgeting, refer to the Singapore weather and budgeting tips article. For a curated walking route that includes The Warehouse Hotel, see the half-day itinerary for first-timers.

Conclusion

The Warehouse Hotel is more than just a place to sleep — it is a piece of Singapore’s history, adapted for modern travellers. Its location at Robertson Quay makes it ideal for exploring the Liang Court precinct, the Singapore River, and the city centre. Whether you are a design enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a quiet stay away from the busier parts of the river, The Warehouse Hotel offers a distinct experience. With its 37 rooms, award-winning design, and thoughtful dining, it stands as a testament to the value of heritage conservation in a rapidly changing city.

Note: Prices mentioned are indicative and may vary. Always check the hotel’s official website for current rates and availability.

Related articles

  • The Complete Guide to Liang Court and the Singapore River Precinct
  • Robertson Quay Walk and Cafes
  • Hotels Near Clarke Quay
  • Fort Canning Park History
  • Meidi-Ya History at Liang Court