“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. ”
“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.
Written by Malcolm Orr-Ewing
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.
- 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
- City Style
- Great walks
- Close to nightlife
- 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
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Some of the suites offer private outdoor verandah or balcony
- Family Suites
- Gourmet
- Conference facilities
- Opulent
- Good wine list
- Full of character
- Sit-out Terrace
- Colonial
- Literary
- Designer
- Business Hotel
- Child friendly
- Antiques
- Gym
- Chic
- Artworks
- Restaurant
- Grand Hotel
- Spa
- Romantic
- Four poster beds
- Luxury
- Charming
- Free wifi
- Traditional
- Wellbeing
- Disabled access
- On an island
- 5* Luxury
Facilities
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Some of the suites offer private outdoor verandah or balcony
- Suites
- All suite accommodation
- Conference facilities
- In room music system
- Disabled access
- Good wine list
- Gym
- No pets
- Air conditioning
- Sauna/Steam
- Bath robes
- Wifi
- Hot Tub
- Sitting Room
- Private dining room
- Restaurant
- Meeting Room
- Airport transfer
- Shops
- Business Centre
- Satellite / Cable TV
- 24 Hour room service
- Sit-out Terrace
- Garden
- Massage
- Outdoor dining
- Bar
- Safe
- Four poster beds
- Child friendly
- Library
- Spa
- Hairdresser/Beauty Salon
- Private chef / butler
- Parking
- Free wifi
- Concierge
- Room service
- Billiard/pool table
- Swimming Pool
- Cots available
- Walking distance restaurants
- Family Suites
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
- Local markets
- Close to nightlife
- Great walks
- Yoga
- Museums
- Sailing
- Cycling
Map & Location
What's Nearby
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 (view article)
