The Robertson House by The Crest Collection, situated along the iconic Singapore River, has been officially unveiled as the latest addition to the hospitality scene at Robertson Quay in Singapore. The Robertson House opened its doors just last 14 October, in time for the TravMedia Summit and the ITB Asia travel conferences, marking a significant milestone for the property.

After undergoing extensive renovation, The Robertson House has been transformed into a hotel within a remarkably short timeframe of just seven months. The meticulous efforts put into the renovation have resulted in a stunning and rejuvenated heritage establishment that is set to captivate guests with its charm and allure.

Nestled in the heart of Robertson Quay, the hotel has a breathtaking view of the iconic Singapore River, creating an enchanting ambiance for visitors to immerse themselves in. The hotel captures the sense of a bygone age with its majestic and old-world colonial appeal.

According to general manager Norman Cross, The Robertson House offers a unique and personalized experience in addition to its striking style. "The team and I take great pride in crafting our very unique, bespoke experiences that you can have here on property, staying true to the entire narrative of the Robertson House and Dr. J. Murray Robertson. We want to bring the entire experience of how you would then experience the yesteryear of Singapore into the unique propositions that we have on property today. Stay tuned for a lot more to come," Cross shared. 

The Robertson House is one of the three properties in Asia that Ascott Limited opened recently, as it debuted the Crest Collection brand in Asia. The other properties are The Grand Mansion Menteng by The Crest Collection in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Jakarta in Indonesia, and The George Penang by The Crest Collection and within George Town's UNESCO Heritage Zone in Malaysia.

Ascott Limited, the lodging business unit owned by CapitaLand Investment, is experiencing impressive growth with its prestigious brand, The Crest Collection. Since 2022, the brand has witnessed a 40-percent increase in the total number of units, and it now boasts over 1,500 units spread across 12 properties that are either operational or in the pipeline.

Originally introduced in France in 2016, The Crest Collection is comprised of a selection of exquisite boutique hotels and serviced residences that have gained global recognition. With a strong presence in Singapore, Jakarta, Paris, Penang and Tours, Ascott has plans to expand The Crest Collection by opening properties in London, Bucharest, Hanoi, Tokyo, as well as a fourth property in Paris.

Strategic conversions expand geographical footprint

The Crest Collection in Europe currently includes The Crest Collection's La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, The Crest Collection's La Clef Louvre Paris, The Crest Collection's La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris and The Crest Collection's Chateau Belmont Tours in France, each with distinct personalities and epitomizing European grandeur. These facilities have maintained consistently strong performance, with a strong occupancy rate of around 73 percent and with the average daily rate increasing by up to eight percent over the previous year.

The Crest Collection is gaining traction and reputation throughout Europe as a result of the portfolio's success in France. The 230-unit The Cavendish London, located near St. James' Square and the historic Piccadilly Circus crossroads, will undergo a one-year restoration next year and is expected to reopen in the fourth quarter of 2025 as The Crest Collection's first property in the United Kingdom.

Ascott has secured a 171-unit property in Bucharest, Romania, expanding its foothold in the region as part of a broader growth strategy. The property, which will be located in the prime area of the Palace of Parliament, is set to open in the third quarter of 2025. After the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the 204-unit Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris in France will be renovated into a property under The Crest Collection.

Serena Lim, Ascott's chief growth officer, shares that "Ascott has seen a growing demand for collection brands from owners as they provide flexibility of a distinctive property positioning while being backed by the power of a global brand through its global sales and distribution platforms, and strong loyalty base. The ease of conversion with a collection brand means increased speed to market, and that is key especially in today's economic climate amidst tighter lending conditions and rising construction costs."
"At Ascott, we are committed to manage our owners' assets not only for the short and medium term. Bearing in mind long-term strategic growth, we work closely with our owners to uplift the value of their real estate, ensure longevity and future proof their business," Lim said.