When you walk into Raffles Hotel Singapore, you feel the 135-year heritage of this luxury hotel. Discover how the hotel’s ambiance, service, charm, and heritage make for an unforgettable and luxurious stay.
A palpable sense of history instantly captivates me when arriving at the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore. Be it the imposing yet familiar façade or the welcoming liveried Sikh doormen. I attempt to keep my mouth closed and chin off my chest as I enter the Grand Lobby with its glistening Italian white marble floor and impressive chandelier. Raffles Hotel Singapore is the essence of luxury.
This Grand Dame’s 135-year heritage is evident wherever you look. Stroll along the polished teak verandas separating accommodation wings from the main building and overlook her tropical gardens and manicured lawns. Ease into Raffles Singapore’s long-established rituals like their renowned afternoon tea. Take a quiet corner seat, carefully crafted cocktail in hand, eavesdropping on nearby conversations as Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, and other literary luminaries did at the intimate Writers Bar.
Follow in the footsteps of the literary legends at the Writers Bar. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
Yet Raffles Hotel Singapore is not showing her age after two complete makeovers in the last 30 years. The latest multi-million dollar refurb happened during a two-year closure, reopening in July 2019. This 115-room all-suite hotel, complete with Raffles’s celebrated butler service, is relevant and current. All this effort and investment are designed to retain what is so special about Raffles. The hotel’s ambiance, service, charm, and heritage make for an unforgettable and luxurious stay.
Those Famous Names at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Over the last 135 years of operations, Raffles Singapore has undoubtedly seen many famous people spend time enjoying its charms. When Raffles was a 10-room Bungalow Style building overlooking the then-Singapore beachfront in the early years, distinguished men of letters Somerset Maughan, Joseph Conrad, and Rudyard Kipling all spent time in residence. Then there were Hollywood actors like Charlie Chaplin in the 1930s, Ava Gardener, and Elizabeth Taylor in the 50s, while in the 70s, John Wayne and playwright Noel Coward graced its doors.
A glimpse of the Elizabeth Taylor Personality Suite. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
British singers David Bowie and Cliff Richard’s stays in the 80s were relatively low-key, though King of Pop Michael Jackson caused quite a stir in 1993, with adoring fans gathering out in front of the hotel for the duration of his stay. Visiting Heads of State have included South African President Nelson Mandella, plus US Presidents Goerge W Buch and Bill Clinton. When it comes to British Royalty HRH, Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2006, staying in the Raffles Presidential Suite, while their Royal Highnesses William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, graced Singapore and Raffles on an official visit in 2012.
Sleep with a Legend
As a tribute to renowned guests who have visited Raffles over the last century, 12 personality Suites were created during the most recent refurbishment. All feature unique memorabilia related to the Suite’s legendary namesake. You could put your head down with Ava Gardener, Elizabeth Taylor, or Charlie Chaplin, or perhaps literary masters like Maughan, Conrad, Michener, or French novelists Andre Malraux. And like all Raffles suites, they are very generously sized (624–850 sqft).
I had the privilege of a few days in the Rudyard Kipling Suite with its polished teakwood floors, colonial-style architecture, original 14-foot ceilings, antiques, and expansive marble bathrooms. On entry, a spacious anteroom with a lounge chair set, plus a table and chairs, made for a comfortable alternative relaxation or reading zone. My bedroom is more expansive than many hotel rooms I’ve experienced, with its crisp white linen-covered four-post king bed, overhead ceiling fan, a profusion of wardrobe space, and desk. All the technology, from lighting, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, 55-inch televisions, other entertainment, and even a call button for my butler, were controlled from two identical iPad-style tablets.
Raffles Suites spacious bedrooms. This is a two-bed configuration. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
The light-filled marble bathroom, complete with his and her vanity units, a roll-top bathtub, and a separate rain shower, all speak of indulgence, as do the exclusive-to-Raffles Singapore bathroom amenities created by niche London perfume house Ormonde Jayne. The in-room slippers and bathrobe were the most comfortable I have ever encountered.
Wow Food Indulgence
Raffles has long been celebrated for its culinary offerings. Be it the exquisite afternoon tea complete with champagne in the Grand Lobby. Or the Tiffin Room, a North Indian restaurant that’s been part of Raffles since 1892. Open for lunch and dinner. Chef Kuldeep has vegetarian and non-vegetarian options right across the menu. I immensely enjoyed the Dal Makhani, an organic black lentil curry with tomato and spice, and Macher Jahol, barramundi with ginger, onion, and Indian spices.
The glorious Tiffin Room with its north Indian cuisine. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
The Bar & Billiard Room has been another Raffles institution since the very early days. Since 2019 the billard tables have gone, and with an architecturally stunning makeover, it has evolved into Osteria BBR by acclaimed French Master Chef Alain Ducasse. Open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner. Drop in for an aperitivo, pizza, or something more elaborate like Chef’s Tentazioni or Temptation menu.
I was particularly taken by Chef Jordan Keao’s offering at the Butcher’s Block, where he expresses his finesse of cooking over a wood fire. His multi-course Tour De Force was a triumph, as were the optional wine parings from the resident sommelier. La Dame de Pic is another restaurant within the hotel overseen by Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic and excels in exceptional fine dining.
Stylistically impressive Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse with its casual ambiance and open kitchen. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
Libations with a Story
Raffles Long Bar, with the warm colors of Malayan plantation décor and punkah wallah ceiling fans, has been where travelers in Singapore met and exchanged stories over a cold beverage. However, in 1915, etiquette dictated that ladies could not consume alcohol in public, so bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created a cocktail in a long glass that resembled a punch, thanks to its pink hue. And so, the Singapore Sling was born and remains a must-do when visiting Raffles Long Bar.
Raffles Long Bar with its Malayan plantation ambiance. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
Spa Extravagance at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Given its position in Raffles Arcade, away from the main hotel buildings, Raffles Spa is open to hotel guests and the community, so appointments are essential. The elegant and serene ambiance of Raffles Spa is accented by harmonious and varying tones of slate and warm, subtle golden shades. This tranquil setting features seven treatment suites plus hydrothermal facilities, including steam baths, a sauna, an ice fountain, and a heated pool. Enjoy restorative treatments such as bespoke Raffles Spa journeys inspired by the wellness philosophies of Asia, soothing massages, and personalized facial treatments.
Hydrothermal facilities at the elegant and serene Raffles Spa. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
Take Raffles Home with You
Also located in the Raffles Arcade, Raffles Boutique is a retail concept that embraces luxury and heritage. Shoppers can browse through everything Raffles, from well-conceived souvenirs, home decorations, and gourmet products like tea selections or Singapore Sling jam. Perhaps you’d like to bring home those super comfortable Turkish-style bedroom slippers, monogrammed bath robes, or Raffles golf attire? The history section of this expansive boutique has excellent books and related products telling the Raffles story and that of Singapore. Maybe you need your own full-sized taxidermied tiger for your home or office. Raffles Boutique has it all.
Raffles Boutique – a retail concept embracing luxury and heritage. Photo courtesy Raffles Singapore
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Singapore’s Attractions are on Your Doorstep
Given Raffles’s central position in the Civic District, exploring Singapore is easy. There is an MRT (mass rapid train system) station under the neighboring thoroughly modern Raffles Plaza Shopping Mall. Or walk along St Andrews Road toward the river to be amongst some of the city’s historic sites.
Raffles is part of the France-based international hotel company Accor and one of their leading luxury brands. Raffles Singapore is the flagship of a select collection of Raffles hotels worldwide.
As writer Somerset Maugham noted, the Raffles Hotel Singapore embodies “all the fables of the exotic East.” Raffles Singapore is where heritage, elegant refinement, and gracious service create the most memorable hotel stays. It is a must for travelers to this island state. It is everything I ever imagined and more, confirming Raffles Hotel Singapore is the Essence of Luxury. For more exciting luxury hotel stays and trips to Asia, consult Wander With Wonder to lead the way.
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