By admin 
The story of Raffles is inextricably linked to the Sarkies brothers—Martin, Tigran, Aviet, and Arshak—Armenian hoteliers who envisioned a level of luxury previously unseen in Southeast Asia. When they leased the original building, a former beach house, they could hardly have predicted that their venture would survive world wars, economic depressions, and the radical transformation of Singapore from a colonial outpost to a global financial hub. Today, the hotel stands as a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, though it no longer sits on the shoreline due to decades of land reclamation. Its presence is so formidable that it was declared a National Monument in 1987, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The modern incarnation of Raffles Singapore is the result of a monumental restoration project that took place between 2017 and 2019. Under the meticulous eye of renowned designer Alexandra Champalimaud and the architectural firm Aedas, the hotel underwent a "lavish and painstaking" transformation. The goal was not to modernize the hotel into anonymity, but to polish its historical soul while integrating 21st-century technology. The result is a seamless blend of past and present. The hushed halls and lush, tropical gardens remain, but they are now accompanied by state-of-the-art suite controls and world-class dining concepts that reflect Singapore’s status as a culinary capital.
Stepping onto the grounds is a sensory experience that begins before one even enters the lobby. The crunch of tires on the circular gravel driveway is a sound that has signaled the arrival of royalty, world leaders, and literary giants for over a century. Guests are greeted by the hotel’s nattily uniformed Sikh doormen, a tradition that has become one of the most photographed aspects of Singaporean tourism. These doormen are more than just staff; they are the symbolic guardians of a legacy. Inside, the history is palpable. One might stumble upon an ancient piano once played by Noel Coward or notice unobtrusive brass plaques marking the suites favored by authors like Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad, and Somerset Maugham. Maugham famously remarked that Raffles "stands for all the fables of the exotic East," a sentiment that the hotel continues to cultivate.
Accommodations at Raffles Singapore are exclusively comprised of suites, emphasizing the hotel’s commitment to space and privacy. There are 115 suites in total, categorized into nine distinct types. Even the entry-level State Room suites, located in the Bras Basah wing, offer a staggering 700 square feet of living space, complete with separate parlors and bedrooms. For those seeking a deeper connection to the hotel’s verdant surroundings, the Palm Court King suites are a perennial favorite. These 753-square-foot sanctuaries are accessed via wide, breezy verandahs where guests can sit in rattan chairs, sipping cold drinks while overlooking the manicured greenery.
The interior design of the suites is a masterclass in "Colonial Chic" meets Peranakan heritage. High ceilings and original teak flooring provide a stately foundation, while hand-carved wooden tables and glazed ceramic lamps add layers of local texture. Modern amenities are hidden in plain sight; brass light switches evoke a vintage feel but control sophisticated LED lighting systems. The bathrooms are equally impressive, featuring intricate marble tiling, freestanding rolltop tubs, and walk-in showers stocked with bespoke citrusy products from Ortigia Sicilia. To ensure a seamless stay, every guest is assigned a Raffles Butler. Available 24 hours a day—and even accessible via WhatsApp—these butlers handle everything from unpacking luggage to securing impossible-to-get dinner reservations.
The culinary landscape of Raffles Singapore is as diverse as the city-state itself. The Grand Lobby remains the heart of the social scene, particularly during the afternoon tea service. Under a soaring three-story skylight and a massive Preciosa crystal chandelier shaped like a lotus flower, guests indulge in finger sandwiches, house-made jam, and scones, accompanied by the ethereal sounds of a live harpist. It is a ritual that requires booking weeks in advance, drawing both international travelers and local socialites.
For a more robust dining experience, the Tiffin Room has been a staple of the hotel since 1892. Specializing in North Indian cuisine, the restaurant serves tandoor-cooked kebabs and rich curries like the Goan-style prawn balchao, all presented in traditional tiffin carriers. Meanwhile, Yi by Jereme Leung offers a contemporary take on Cantonese classics. The restaurant’s entrance—a tunnel of thousands of white paper flowers—is a favorite for digital creators, but the food is the real draw, featuring delicacies like Iberico pork with soybean tempeh and foraged Yunnan mushrooms.
A significant addition to the post-renovation lineup is "1887 by Andre," the brainchild of Taiwanese-born chef Andre Chiang. After closing his legendary Restaurant André in 2018, Chiang’s return to Singapore at Raffles was met with immense fanfare, quickly earning two Michelin stars. The menu is a playful, opulent exploration of French-Asian fusion, featuring dishes like laksa paella with king crab. For meat enthusiasts, Butcher’s Block, led by Hawaiian chef Jordan Keao, focuses on wood-fired proteins and "zero-waste" butchery, offering a rustic yet refined contrast to the hotel’s more formal venues.
No discussion of Raffles is complete without mentioning its bars. The Writers Bar, tucked away near the main lobby, pays homage to the literary icons who have walked these halls. It features a sophisticated menu of cocktails inspired by the hotel’s writer-in-residence program. However, it is the Long Bar that holds the most fame. This is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. At a time when etiquette forbade women from consuming alcohol in public, the Sling was designed to look like fruit juice while packing a gin-based punch. Today, the Long Bar maintains a "down-to-earth" atmosphere where patrons are encouraged to brush peanut shells onto the floor—a rare act of sanctioned littering in the otherwise pristine city of Singapore.
Beyond dining and sleeping, the Raffles Arcade offers a curated shopping and wellness experience. The Raffles Spa, located in a quiet corner of the arcade, provides a sanctuary of "well-being pools" and treatments utilizing high-end brands like Biologique Recherche and Omorovicza. The arcade also houses the Raffles Boutique, where guests can purchase everything from the hotel’s signature kaya jam to custom-blended teas, allowing them to take a piece of the experience home.
Booking a stay at Raffles Singapore requires strategic planning, as the hotel is part of the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program. Members can often access preferential rates and exclusive benefits. Furthermore, the property is a cornerstone of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program. Cardholders of the Amex Platinum or Business Platinum receive significant perks, including a $100 property credit, complimentary breakfast for two, and a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout—an essential benefit for those wanting to maximize their time in the Palm Court. Similar benefits are available through Capital One’s Premier Collection and The Edit by Chase Travel for Sapphire Reserve cardholders.
In terms of accessibility, the hotel has made significant strides during its renovation to ensure that its historical architecture does not hinder modern needs. There are specific suites designed for guests with reduced mobility, and all public areas, including the various courtyards and the Raffles Arcade, are accessible via elevators and ramps.
Raffles Singapore is more than just a place to stay; it is a destination that demands to be experienced. It represents a rare category of hotel that has not only survived the passage of time but has managed to remain relevant in an era of rapid technological change and shifting luxury trends. Whether it is the echo of history in the hallways, the precision of the butler service, or the simple pleasure of a cold Singapore Sling under a swaying punkah fan, the hotel continues to define the pinnacle of hospitality. For the traveler who values heritage as much as comfort, Raffles remains the ultimate "Grande Dame" of the East, a testament to the enduring power of a name that launched a thousand dreams.
