Review of Raffles Singapore

Opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore stands as an icon of refined hospitality and colonial heritage. Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, this legendary property began as a modest seaside retreat with just ten rooms. Now, well over a century later, Raffles Singapore is not only a symbol of luxury but also recognized as a National Monument since 1987, offering 115 opulent suites to discerning guests.

Singapore’s vibrant hotel scene features some of the world’s most innovative properties, but none possess the storied legacy or lush tropical ambiance of Raffles. Blending influences from Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Malay cultures, the architecture and culinary offerings reflect Singapore’s rich multicultural tapestry, both within the hotel and across the city.

Guests can indulge at nine acclaimed restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic and BBR by Alain Ducasse in the historic Bar & Billiard Room. The renowned Raffles Spa, exclusive rooftop pool, grand event spaces, and a curated luxury shopping arcade all enhance the guest experience. The Long Bar—birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling—continues to attract travelers and locals alike, offering a taste of history in every sip.

Situated at 1 Beach Road, Raffles Singapore’s address evokes its origins as a coastal haven. Due to extensive land reclamation, the shoreline has since shifted, yet the hotel remains at the epicenter of Singapore’s Colonial District—now a dynamic part of the Central Business District—mere moments from Orchard Road, Raffles City Shopping Centre, and key cultural landmarks.

The property’s central position offers effortless access to the island’s myriad attractions. To the east lies the world-renowned Changi Airport, just 16 kilometers (10 miles) away, while green spaces and the connection to Malaysia are found to the north. Whether arriving for business or leisure, guests benefit from proximity to major transport links and the city’s vibrant pulse.

Raffles Singapore offers a collection of just 115 suites across three stately floors, each attended by a dedicated butler available 24/7. This personalized service ensures every detail is seamlessly managed—from dinner reservations to spa appointments—creating a truly effortless stay. The hotel’s allure draws both guests and visitors, but exclusive guest-only areas preserve privacy and tranquility, with your butler arranging access to revered venues like The Long Bar, where staff greet you by name and make you feel genuinely valued.

Accommodations span nine suite categories, from graceful Studio Suites to the palatial Presidential Suites. While layouts and views—overlooking lush Palm Gardens, Palm Court, or vibrant Beach Road—vary, every suite boasts soaring ceilings, exquisite colonial-style furnishings, and a seamless integration of modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and smart televisions.

The most recent renovations placed a strong emphasis on spa-like bathrooms, featuring deep soaking tubs, walk-in rain showers, and marble vanities that evoke a sense of lavish sanctuary.

Among these are twelve unique “Personality Suites,” each honoring illustrious former guests like Elizabeth Taylor and Charlie Chaplin, offering a narrative woven into the very fabric of the hotel.

Suite sizes begin at an impressive 46 square meters (495 square feet) and extend up to the expansive 260 square meters (2,798 square feet) of the Presidential Suite, ensuring a sense of grandeur at every level.

Your Raffles Singapore journey begins with a distinguished Sikh doorman, resplendent in crisp white and gold, welcoming you with time-honored grace. Frequent guests are greeted personally, a testament to the staff’s remarkable attention to detail and memory. The doormen, always eager to share a photo or a story, embody the warmth and professionalism for which Raffles is renowned. After your arrival, your dedicated butler orchestrates every aspect of your visit, from personalized recommendations to in-suite check-in—a seamless process introduced with the 2019 reopening.

The award-winning Raffles Spa, nestled in the Raffles Arcade, features seven treatment suites—including a luxurious Gem Suite for couples—where expert therapists deliver rituals using ISUN and Mikimoto products. Facilities include a steam room, sauna, ice fountain, and a vitality pool. For moments of urban serenity, the exclusive rooftop pool offers sweeping city views for hotel guests only.

The revitalized Raffles Arcade is a destination in itself, home to the hotel’s culinary venues and an array of luxury boutiques, featuring brands like Leica, Patek Philippe, Hublot, and The Macallan. The Raffles Boutique offers signature souvenirs, including the renowned Singapore Sling kit, allowing guests to take home a piece of the legend.

The property is fully accessible for wheelchair users. While pets are not permitted, guide and assistance dogs are welcomed with open arms.

The distinctive character of Raffles Singapore is deeply rooted in its remarkable history. Originally known as the Emerson Hotel in 1878, the site was transformed by the visionary Sarkies Brothers into Raffles Singapore in 1887. Rapid expansion soon followed, including new wings, a grand veranda, and a stately ballroom. By the turn of the 20th century, the hotel embraced Neo-Renaissance architecture, introducing innovations like electric lighting and ceiling fans—an extraordinary feat at the time—designed to attract an international clientele, particularly from Britain and beyond.

Stepping into the Grand Lobby, guests are greeted by soaring Victorian columns, glittering chandeliers, and expansive, breezy lounges adorned with lush tropical greenery. The hotel’s signature open-plan spaces and verdant courtyards create an oasis of calm, perfectly suited to Singapore’s equatorial climate.

Following comprehensive renovations between 2017 and 2019, Raffles Singapore seamlessly combines 19th-century elegance with state-of-the-art comforts. The result is a harmonious blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury, making it a benchmark for heritage hotels worldwide.

At Raffles Singapore, gastronomy is elevated to an art form. Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, holder of nine Michelin stars globally, brings her refined French cuisine to La Dame de Pic, where guests can savor signature dishes such as wild sea bass with caviar and champagne emulsion, along with a thoughtfully curated vegetarian tasting menu. The wine program is globally sourced, offering rare vintages and top selections to suit every palate.

BBR by Alain Ducasse, helmed by the legendary chef with over twenty Michelin stars, delivers Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates in the iconic Bar & Billiard Room. The oven-baked lobster and asparagus rice is a highlight, reflecting the chef’s commitment to seasonal ingredients.

The Butcher’s Block is a destination for premium steaks and, on weekends, offers gourmet burgers that have garnered a loyal following among locals and guests alike.

The Grand Lobby is famed for its elegant Afternoon Tea, featuring delicate pastries and teas from around the world, as well as a selection of Southeast Asian small plates in the evening.

For breakfast and North Indian cuisine, the Tiffin Room stands out, with favorites like Papdi Chaat and a menu that celebrates regional Indian flavors.

Yì by Jereme Leung showcases contemporary Chinese dining, where specialties such as crispy prawns in passion fruit mayonnaise continually delight regular patrons.

Raffles Courtyard invites guests to dine alfresco amid lush greenery, serving light fare and signature cocktails in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The Writer’s Bar offers a tranquil retreat for enjoying rare whiskies and wines, steeped in literary history with past patrons including Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.

Guests may also enjoy 24-hour in-suite dining, ensuring gourmet experiences at any hour.

No visit is complete without a stop at the legendary Long Bar, where the original Singapore Sling—created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon—remains an essential rite of passage. Guests still delight in tossing peanut shells onto the floor, honoring a quirky tradition in an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia and conviviality.

As part of Accor’s renowned hospitality portfolio, Raffles Singapore actively participates in the global "Planet 21" program, championing sustainable practices across all operations. Initiatives include energy-efficient systems, water conservation strategies, comprehensive recycling programs, and innovative waste management solutions. The hotel is committed to reducing its environmental footprint while delivering uncompromising luxury, making it a leader in eco-conscious hospitality in Southeast Asia.

• The gracious, impeccably dressed doormen provide a signature welcome with warmth and authenticity
• Immersing oneself in the living history of one of the world’s most celebrated hotels
• Relaxing by the rooftop pool—an urban sanctuary high above the city’s excitement
Henrik HanevoldChief Product OfficerBusinessclass