Only a handful of historic properties worldwide command such prestige that an entire global hospitality dynasty is named in their honor. Names like St. Regis, Peninsula, and Fairmont immediately evoke images of old-world grandeur and elite travel, yet few possess the mythical status of the legendary Raffles.
Though today’s discerning travelers can book a stay at approximately two dozen Raffles hotels and resorts scattered across the globe, every single property traces its genealogical and philosophical lineage directly back to the original Raffles Singapore. Since it first opened its doors to welcome weary global voyagers in 1887, this magnificent institution has evolved into one of the most famous and revered hotels on earth.
The grande dame of contemporary Singaporean hospitality today bears little resemblance to the humble 10-room establishment originally founded nearly 140 years ago by the enterprising Sarkies brothers. Much of its current immaculate state is thanks to a lavish, painstaking restoration project spearheaded by renowned design star Alexandra Champalimaud between 2017 and 2019. Despite these modern updates, the enduring hallmarks of its storied history remain palpable throughout its hushed, polished corridors and lush, tropical gardens.
Visitors walking the grounds encounter fragments of a rich past at every turn: an ancient piano whose ivory keys were once famously tickled by celebrated playwright Noel Coward; unobtrusive brass plaques positioned quietly next to suites that served as temporary homes for bestselling authors, royalty, and international celebrities; and the distinct, reassuring crunch of tires along the sweeping circular gravel driveway—a sensory detail that has welcomed arriving guests for over a century. Perhaps most iconic of all are the nattily uniformed Sikh doormen who stand at permanent attention, ready to offer a gracious, traditional welcome to each traveler crossing the threshold.
History is undeniably alive and breathing here, yet the property manages the rare feat of feeling entirely like the contemporary embodiment of modern luxury. Stepping inside the gates of Raffles Singapore is an experience in stepping back in time without sacrificing an ounce of twenty-first-century comfort.
Accommodations
At Raffles Singapore, traditional hotel rooms do not exist; the property consists exclusively of sprawling suites. Even the entry-level State Room suites located within the Bras Basah wing begin at an expansive 700 square feet, offering distinct, separate parlors and bedrooms designed for optimal relaxation.
Navigating the property often involves walking along wide, breezy verandahs where guests can frequently be seen sipping cold, refreshing beverages and leafing through literature during the cooler morning and evening hours. For every suite, dedicated butlers remain permanently on hand—or reachable instantly via WhatsApp—to cater to any momentary whim, request, or logistical need.
Inside a typical suite, guests are greeted by spacious living areas featuring double-height ceilings and abundant natural light pouring through a full wall of windows. The interior design curates a sophisticated aesthetic inspired by a blend of colonial-era grandeur and local Peranakan—Malay-Chinese—traditions. This translates to original teak flooring, hand-carved wooden tables, traditional wicker chairs, polished brass light switches, and glazed ceramic lamps. Upon arrival, guests are traditionally welcomed with an assortment of gourmet treats, including delicate macarons, artisanal chocolate bonbons, and a chilled bottle of premier Champagne.
Passing through a shutter-flanked doorway reminiscent of the city-state’s famous historical shophouses reveals a magnificent four-poster king bed. While its squared-off, contemporary silhouette is thoroughly modern, it unmistakably echoes the tropical hardwood beds found in the same location a century ago. Additional furnishings typically include a comfortable chaise lounge for lazy afternoon naps in the tropical heat, alongside a wall-mounted flat-screen television framed by dark wood shelving, curated books, and select works of art.
Through a dark-paneled dressing room lies an all-marble bathroom featuring intricate, Peranakan-inspired tiling burnished to a high glossy sheen. These luxurious spaces are equipped with dual sinks and vanities, a classic freestanding rolltop soaking tub, and a massive walk-in shower stocked generously with citrus-infused Ortigia Sicilia bath and body products. While these palatial accommodations and multiple lounging areas make it remarkably tempting to remain indoors, the hotel’s legendary public amenities offer more than enough allure to coax guests out into the open.
Dining and Drinking at Raffles Singapore
While it functions first and foremost as an elite hotel, Raffles Singapore operates equally as an international culinary landmark. A wide array of acclaimed dining and drinking establishments situated throughout its sprawling grounds and historic arcades continue to draw affluent travelers and local epicures from near and far.
Guests often encounter the Grand Lobby first upon entering the main structure. Crowned by a soaring, three-story skylit ceiling, the space features original Victorian-era pillars and a breathtaking, custom-created chandelier designed by lighting firm Preciosa that unfurls gracefully like a blossoming lotus. The Grand Lobby serves as the stunning backdrop for one of Singapore’s most celebrated afternoon tea services. Here, patrons select from carefully sourced tea leaves and infusions while enjoying an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, and fluffy, piping-hot scones served with traditional clotted cream and strawberry jam, all performed to the accompaniment of a live harpist.
For those seeking exceptional international cuisine, the Tiffin Room remains a historic institution. Though many visitors frequent the space primarily for breakfast—which features an extensive buffet alongside à la carte specialties like kaya toast and chili-masala omelets—lunch and dinner offer a subcontinent-spanning menu designed by Chef Kuldeep Negi. Diners can begin with crunchy, flaky pani puri bites accompanied by a tangy mint sauce before moving on to hearty, tandoor-cooked kebabs and melt-in-your-mouth curries, such as the Goan-style prawn balchao.
For fine Cantonese dining, Yi by Jereme Leung provides an upscale setting ideal for celebratory dinners or business meetings. The restaurant features sophisticated, multicourse tasting menus that unfold as a leisurely parade of exquisite plates. Diners can experience inventive dishes such as crispy prawns tossed with quinoa and passionfruit, alongside wok-fried Ibérico pork paired with soybean tempeh.
Further expanding the culinary prestige is 1887 by Andre. Opening in the spring, the restaurant marks the triumphant Singaporean return of acclaimed Taiwanese-born chef André Chiang and has already rapidly garnered two Michelin stars. Securing a table is exceptionally competitive, but those fortunate enough to dine there are treated to playful yet opulent French-Asian fusion creations, ranging from a decadent laksa paella featuring king crab and bonito to braised pork rib blanquette seasoned with Kampot white peppercorn.
The historic beverage program is equally storied. The Writers Bar honors the generations of literary luminaries—including Joseph Conrad and Pablo Neruda—who have sought inspiration at the hotel over the past 150 years. Set against a backdrop of tufted leather banquettes and a curved brass bar, the lounge serves signature cocktails inspired by literary giants. Among them is "The Prince in the Sky," an effervescent creation dedicated to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, blending Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru Murcian Lemon gin, St.-Germain liqueur, jasmine, yuzu, honey bitters, Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne, Perrier Lemon, and Scrappy’s lavender bitters.
In stark contrast stands the legendary Long Bar, where a bustling, down-to-earth atmosphere encourages patrons to brush aside convention, toss empty peanut shells directly onto the wooden floor, and enjoy the breeze of overhead wicker palm fans. The Long Bar holds a permanent place in cocktail history as the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling, invented on the premises in 1915 and served continuously as a global classic.
Additional dining options across the property include Butcher’s Block, where Hawaiian chef Jordan Keao highlights flame-grilled proteins and wood-fired meats alongside delicate starters like bluefin tuna poke tartlets and Western Australian marron with caramelized parsnip puree. Meanwhile, the Raffles Courtyard offers a relaxed alfresco setting surrounded by leafy shrubs and a cast-iron portico, serving casual small plates, local snacks, and crisp, cold cocktails.
The Spa and Wellness
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Raffles Arcade, the property’s tranquil spa provides an immediate sanctuary from the bustling city outside. Filled with the scent of orchid sprays and the soothing sounds of burbling wellness pools, the facility utilizes premier skincare lines including Biologique Recherche, Omorovicza, and HydraFacial. Therapeutic treatments range from massages utilizing gemstone-infused oils to specialized sessions featuring advanced pneumatic compression suits designed to gently soothe aching joints.
Booking and Loyalty Options
Raffles Singapore operates as part of the broader Accor hospitality portfolio. Members of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program frequently access preferred rates featuring discounts of up to 15%, alongside valuable inclusions such as complimentary daily breakfast.
Standard nightly tariffs at the property begin around $930 inclusive of taxes for entry-level State Room suites, while premium accommodations like the Palm Court Suite King start at approximately $1,150 per night.
Additionally, the property participates in several elite credit card travel programs. Cardholders utilizing American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, Capital One’s Premier Collection, or Chase Travel’s exclusive hotel collections can secure additional value-added benefits. These programs typically provide perks such as availability-based room upgrades, daily breakfast for two guests, guaranteed late checkouts, and on-property dining or spa credits valued up to $100 per stay.
Accessibility and Conclusion
To accommodate travelers with diverse needs, the hotel features specially designed accessible rooms equipped with modified bathrooms in select suite categories, including the Courtyard Suite. Public spaces, dining venues, and walkways throughout the grounds are largely reachable via elevators and flat pathways, ensuring smooth navigation for guests using wheelchairs.
Nearly 140 years after first opening its doors, Raffles Singapore remains a towering monument in the landscape of global hospitality. Through a careful preservation of its rich architectural heritage, paired with modern luxury accommodations and deeply attentive service, the grande dame continues to justify its legendary status for travelers willing to indulge in a historic getaway.
