By V.K. Santosh Kumar
On most days, I walk through Robertson Quay without giving much thought to the remarkable transformation that has taken place along this picturesque stretch of the Singapore River.
On June 8, however, I got the chance to look at the area through a completely different lens.
Along with about a dozen journalists and influencers, I joined an immersive hospitality and heritage tour organised by Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), recently named Singapore’s leading hotel brand for the second consecutive year in Brand Finance’s Singapore 100 2026 report.
What followed was far more than a hotel familiarisation trip. It turned out to be a fascinating journey through history, architecture, food, design, sustainability and the evolving nature of hospitality itself.
Our guide for the morning was urbanist and content creator Yong, better known as @urbanist.singapore, who walked us through the remarkable story of Robertson Quay.
Standing beside the calm waters of the Singapore River, it was difficult to imagine that this elegant lifestyle district was once a muddy swamp packed with warehouses, boatyards and noisy bumboats carrying spices, charcoal and rubber.
Named after municipal councillor Dr J. Murray Robertson, the area became an important warehousing hub in the late 19th century after extensive land reclamation. Then came the Singapore River clean-up in 1977, one of the nation’s most ambitious urban renewal projects.
By the 1990s, the Urban Redevelopment Authority had rezoned the area for residential, commercial and hotel developments, paving the way for Robertson Quay’s rebirth as one of Singapore’s most desirable waterfront precincts.
And few companies have grown alongside that transformation quite like Millennium Hotels and Resorts.
Our first stop was Studio M, Singapore’s first loft-inspired hotel.
Designed by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, Studio M opened in 2010 and remains unlike most conventional hotels in Singapore. Walking through its rooms felt almost like stepping into a stylish New York loft apartment.
The split-level rooms, soaring ceilings, expansive windows and minimalist interiors create a sense of openness rarely found in city hotels.
Particularly impressive were the Moonlight Loft rooms, complete with private balconies overlooking the city skyline. The hotel cleverly balances functionality with style, making it attractive to both business travellers and leisure guests.
What also stood out was Studio M’s commitment to sustainability, from in-room water dispensers to food donation programmes and responsible sourcing practices.
All photos credit: Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR)
A short stroll later brought us to M Social Singapore, arguably the most playful stop of the day.
The hotel immediately set the mood with a lively welcome dance performance that had guests smiling before we had even entered the property properly.
Then we had to take part in a friendly photo contest, picking spots in the hotel’s lobby and surroundings to click selfies. I won the second prize and a $75 vouchers for my creative work.
Designed by world-famous French designer Philippe Starck, M Social is theatrical, vibrant and unapologetically different.
Every corner feels designed for discovery.
We explored its distinctive alcove rooms with pitched ceilings, cosy loft-style accommodation and stylish social spaces that blur the lines between hotel, gallery and lifestyle destination.
Then came one of the highlights of the day — a mixology masterclass.
Armed with shakers, spirits and a healthy dose of enthusiasm, we attempted to create cocktails under the guidance of the hotel’s experts. Some participants displayed surprising bartending talent. Others, including yours truly, discovered that drinking cocktails may be easier than making them.
Still, it was tremendous fun and perfectly reflected M Social’s philosophy of creating memorable experiences rather than simply providing accommodation.
The tour then moved towards one of Singapore hospitality’s true veterans — Copthorne King’s Hotel.
Few realise that this property is effectively the birthplace of CDL’s hotel empire.
Originally opened in 1970 as King’s Hotel, it was the first hotel developed by City Developments Limited and is affectionately known as the “mother of all CDL hotels”.
The hotel beautifully balances heritage with modernity. Recent refurbishments have refreshed its rooms while preserving its old-world warmth and charm.
But for many visitors, the real star is Princess Terrace.
And what a feast awaited us there.
The legendary Penang buffet has been delighting diners since 1970 and remains one of Singapore’s most authentic Penang dining experiences.
I found myself returning repeatedly to the live stations serving Penang Hokkien Mee, Char Kway Teow and the wonderfully tangy Asam Laksa.
The comforting bowls of Ark Tui Mee Sua and peppery Tou Tor Th’ng drew equally enthusiastic queues.
Traditional favourites such as Nasi Kunyit, Nyonya chicken curry, Otak-Otak and braised pork knuckle showcased recipes passed down through generations.
Even after a hearty meal, resisting the freshly prepared Ban Chang Kueh, Bubur Cha Cha and Cendol proved impossible.
The lunch wasn’t merely a meal. It felt like a culinary journey through Penang’s rich food heritage.
Our final stop was Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, a property that perfectly reflects Robertson Quay’s evolution into an upscale lifestyle and business destination.
Following a S$40 million renovation completed in 2023, the hotel now presents a sophisticated blend of luxury, sustainability and technological innovation.
Its dramatic lobby, soaring ceilings and stunning river views immediately create a sense of arrival.
We gathered at the hotel’s stylish bar, already decked out in football-themed decorations ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Over drinks and lively conversations, we had the opportunity to meet Carolyn Wishnowski, Vice-President for Global Branding, Marketing and Loyalty at Millennium Hotels and Resorts.
She spoke passionately about the future of hospitality, describing how travellers today increasingly seek meaningful experiences rather than simply places to sleep.
The conversation touched on loyalty programmes, premium travel, wellness experiences, culinary tourism and Singapore’s growing role as a lifestyle and MICE gateway in Asia.
Listening to her, it became clear why MHR continues to strengthen its MyMillennium ecosystem while investing heavily in personalised guest experiences and digital innovation.
What impressed me throughout the day was how each hotel possessed a distinct personality.
Studio M celebrates creative urban living.
M Social champions design and social connection.
Copthorne King’s preserves heritage and culinary tradition.
Grand Copthorne Waterfront embraces contemporary luxury and sustainability.
Yet together they tell a larger story — the story of Robertson Quay itself.
A place that evolved from muddy riverbanks and bustling godowns into one of Singapore’s most attractive lifestyle destinations.
As we concluded the tour and looked out over the Singapore River, I couldn’t help reflecting on how hospitality is increasingly becoming about storytelling.
And along Robertson Quay, Millennium Hotels and Resorts has managed to weave together stories of history, culture, food, design and community into experiences that are uniquely Singaporean.
For a few hours on a Monday morning, I wasn’t simply visiting four hotels.
I was travelling through more than a century of Singapore’s evolution.
