THE RESTORATION OF RAFFLES
True luxury is not just about what you do, it’s about how you feel.
The recently completed restoration of the Raffles Hotel was designed to ensure that they retained what is so special about Raffles – the ambience, the service, the charm and the heritage of the hotel. It was also intended to provide the facilities, spaces and experiences that the well-travelled expect would expect, experience Raffles’ charming ambience and legendary service and enjoy newly opened bars, restaurants, courtyards, and social areas; spaces designed to make Raffles the place to meet, spend time, shop and celebrate.
Raffles has begun a new chapter, sensitive to the heritage buildings’ striking façades and features, breathes new life into the restored hotel. Immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind ambience. Savour the carefully restored splendour and enhanced comforts.
No stay in the Lion City would be complete without a visit to this iconic hotel. Shortly following its opening in 1887, Raffles was seen as a beacon and haven for world travellers, arriving from all shores to experience its exquisite combination of grandeur and charm. Staying here became a rite of passage among adventurers, with “See you at Raffles” their signature parting shot.
Today, the hotel continues to embody regal elegance and Old World appeal. In a city where modern buildings compete to touch the sky, this beautifully preserved colonial-style treasure – declared a National Monument in 1987– takes pride of place in the vibrant civic and business district.
The hotel has welcomed countless legendary names throughout its history. Writers, movie stars, dignitaries, journalists... They all found inspiration and conviviality here. Among the many luminaries were Rudyard Kipling, Elizabeth Taylor, Somerset Maugham, Ava Gardner and Noel Coward. At a time when global travel was a luxury available to only a select few, the stories these personalities shared – both facts and fables – contributed to Raffles’ renown. Thanks to them and myriad other guests over the decades, the Long Bar’s Singapore Sling gained international fame, along with exciting tales – such as the one involving a tiger in the Bar & Billiard Room.
Intricately woven into the hotel are lush tropical gardens. Occupying more than a quarter of the entire estate, they provide soothing contrast to the urban hustle and bustle. It is not uncommon to hear the delightful melodies of singing birds beyond the verandas, and the rustle of palm leaves in the breeze. You are in an oasis of exquisite tranquillity.
Retreat in one of our beautifully appointed suites to relax and rejuvenate at your oasis in the city while you luxuriate with our pampering amenities. Take the afternoon to enjoy by the rooftop swimming pool, return to your suite and cool off with a Singapore Sling by the veranda set amidst lush greenery and serenity. Indulge in a sensual spa experience in our Raffles Spa or simply enjoy its relaxing wet facilities as our resident. Take the time to satisfy all gourmet cravings with special privileges and benefits at our extensive dining and bar experiences. After a rejuvenating night of rest, your charming breakfast experience entails an unlimited selection, prepared a la minute at Tiffin Room.
Delight in a uniquely Singapore shopping experience at Raffles Boutique and make time for an exclusive hotel history tour with our resident historian to learn about the tales spun around and in the hotel. Ask him questions about its colourful past: Who were some of the literary luminaries that have resided in the past? Was there really a tiger under the billiard table in one of the restaurants? How did the Singapore Sling cocktail originate? Our resident historian will delight and entertain with these stories and more.
Raffles has gone out of its way to give you the warmest welcome, the richest experiences and the fondest of memories. And today the legend continues all around the world. From the classic colonial splendour of Raffles Singapore where it all began to urban oasis in Dubai, Paris or Warsaw and peaceful resorts in Maldives, Bali or Makati. The Raffles Story will soon continue in London, Boston, Moscow and many more. The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Each hotel is an oasis of calm and charm at the crossroads of a civilisation. Each is a carefully chosen destination in its own right. Each is uniquely, indefinably, sublimely Raffles.
Now, as they grow, and reach new and sometimes surprising destinations, guests can rest assured that wherever in the world their travel, their will remain distinctly Raffles - infused with the same spirit of adventure, luxury and sublime service. Exciting and enchanting, refreshing and reinvigorating, Raffles is loved by those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the very best.
Legendary service since 1887. Welcome to Raffles Singapore. https://www.raffles.com/singapore/