“An icon dating back to the 1880s, Raffles is Singapore's most famous hotel. Generous suites have period features such as antique ceiling fans, four-poster beds & giant oriental rugs on polished oak wood floors. Feast at six restaurants & sip Singapore Slings at the legendary Long Bar. ”

Hotel review

"While at Raffles, why not visit Singapore?" or so the saying goes. This establishment is an icon and is entwined in the history of this city. Not only was the infamous Singapore Sling (pronounced differently after a few of them) created here, but literary greats and royalty alike have wandered these corridors. From your arrival in the palatial lobby you will be greeted by attentive staff and a level of service that died out years ago elsewhere in the world. Spoilt for choice with dining options (there are six restaurants and several bars, including the notable Long Bar); opt for world class sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka, French contemporary at Raffles Grill and afternoon tea in The Tiffin Room (W. Somerset Maugham favoured a table tucked behind a frangipani tree in the gardens). Suites are spacious and all feature separate sleeping and living areas. Immaculate, the decor appears almost unchanged since the turn of the century with antique dressers and artworks. Book a Palm Court Suite for the veranda, opening out onto manicured lawns. There is a luxurious spa offering a variety of treatments (you could spend the whole day here and not even get half way through), outdoor pool, the Jubilee Theatre and even a Raffles museum. The colonial sense of glamour that this institution exudes shows no sense of slowing in the 21st century as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stayed here on their most recent tour of Asia.

Malcolm Orr-Ewing
Malcolm Orr-Ewing Review published: 2024-12-03

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • The home of the 'Singapore Sling' & the famous 'Long Bar', the hotel has six world class restaurants for foodies to enjoy
  • Total relaxation

    • A superb spa, fitness centre, gourmet eateries and indulgent rooms & suites make this a wonderfully relaxing city base
  • Golf

    • Play a round at each of Raffles Country Club's two award-winning 18-hole par 72 championship golf courses
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • The hotel has its own atmospheric theatre, The Jubilee Hall, with a variety of performances
  • Other Activities

    • Take the boat to Sentosa Island where you will find Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios, Underwater World and Jurong Bird Park.
  • Historic

    • Opened by the Sarkies Brothers in 1887 & named after the founder of modern Singapore, Raffles is iconic
  • Landmark

    • Perhaps the city's most famous hotel, Raffles has been an enduring landmark for over 130 years
  • Sights nearby

    • The Singapore Botanical Gardens provide 74 acres of greenery.
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • Some of the suites offer private outdoor verandah or balcony
  • Designer Shopping

    • Orchard Road has almost every designer brand you can imagine
  • Sailing

  • Family Suites

  • Gourmet

  • Conference facilities

  • Museums

  • Opulent

  • Local markets

  • Good wine list

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Colonial

  • Literary

  • Yoga

  • Designer

  • Business Hotel

  • Child friendly

  • Antiques

  • Gym

  • Chic

  • Cycling

  • Artworks

  • City Style

  • Great walks

  • Restaurant

  • Grand Hotel

  • Spa

  • Romantic

  • Four poster beds

  • Close to nightlife

  • Luxury

  • Charming

  • Free wifi

  • Traditional

  • Wellbeing

  • Disabled access

  • On an island

  • 5* Luxury

Facilities

  • Rooms

    104 rooms in this hotel
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    Some of the suites offer private outdoor verandah or balcony
  • Suites

    All suite accommodation
  • Airport transfer

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Outdoor dining

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Conference facilities

  • Private chef / butler

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Shops

  • Parking

  • Bath robes

  • Safe

  • Wifi

  • Good wine list

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Meeting Room

  • Billiard/pool table

  • Private dining room

  • Library

  • No pets

  • Massage

  • Cots available

  • Swimming Pool

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

  • Gym

  • Garden

  • Restaurant

  • Spa

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Free wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Four poster beds

  • In room music system

  • Business Centre

  • Concierge

  • Hot Tub

  • Disabled access

  • 24 Hour room service

Activities

  • Golf

    • Play a round at each of Raffles Country Club's two award-winning 18-hole par 72 championship golf courses
  • Hotel Entertainment

    • The hotel has its own atmospheric theatre, The Jubilee Hall, with a variety of performances
  • Other Activities

    • Take the boat to Sentosa Island where you will find Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios, Underwater World and Jurong Bird Park.
  • Sights nearby

    • The Singapore Botanical Gardens provide 74 acres of greenery.
  • Designer Shopping

    • Orchard Road has almost every designer brand you can imagine
  • Sailing

  • Museums

  • Local markets

  • Yoga

  • Cycling

  • Great walks

  • Close to nightlife

Map & Location

Other reviews

Raffles Singapore hotel, Singapore: review

Raffles Singapore is a luxury Singapore hotel offering top-notch restaurants, opulent interiors and the services of a personal butler.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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