Raffles Singapore: One of the World’s Greatest Hotels
Nov 26, 2022, 9:20 am
#1
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Raffles Singapore: One of the World’s Greatest Hotels
Raffles Singapore: One of the World’s Greatest Hotels
Index to Genius1 Trip Reports
An icon in hospitality for the last 135 years and one of the most legendary hotels anywhere in the world, Raffles Singapore oozes elegance at every turn. The hotel underwent a two-year tip to toe renovation between 2017 and 2019, its most comprehensive refurbishment since the late 1980s; and what a refurbishment it was. With interiors by Alexandra Chamalimaud and restoration by Studio Lapis, what once was a slightly faded property is now a sparkling shrine to a bygone era of luxury, with injections of modernity ensuring the property not just competes with but outshines many in its class. This is the story of my two-night stay at Raffles Singapore in April 2022.
Two days before arrival I had been called to check the details of my reservation; this is usually the sign of a good upcoming experience, and this occasion did nothing to change that opinion. The Raffles team member advised me of my Virtuoso benefits, including early check-in, late check-out and suite upgrade, confirmed restaurant and history tour reservations and prompted me to complete check-in documentation online (provision of passport information and credit card details).
Pulling up at the hotel’s main entrance is a suitably impressive – even slightly intimidating – experience, watched over by a team of Raffles doormen under the porch in their signature uniforms and front desk staff forming a welcome guard of honour. The Main Building dates from 1897 and replaced the original beach house purchased by the hotel’s founders, the Sarkies brothers, ten years earlier. The cast-iron entrance porch is a 1913 addition, albeit absent from the 1920s until the 1989 refurbishment when a ballroom extension to the Main Building stood in its place.
Our bags were promptly taken and we were escorted into the Grand Lobby for a photograph on a digital Polaroid camera; I am torn whether I think this is tacky or sweet. Besides being home to an impressive wooden staircase ascending through three levels, the Grand Lobby is the venue for afternoon tea, whilst the Tiffin Room (for breakfast and North Indian cuisine) and three Michelin star La Dame de Pic flank either side of the staircase.
The Writers Bar is located immediately to the right of the main entrance, opposite La Dame de Pic, roughly in the location where the original reception once stood. Whist there is a small enquiry desk to the left of the main entrance, there isn’t a formal reception, as all documentation is dealt with prior to arrival by phone or online.
Our host escorted us from the photo opportunity directly to our suite in the Courtyard Wing, pointing out the hotel’s key features along the way.
The Courtyard Wing, directly behind the Main Building, was built in 1989 and modelled on the original but much smaller 1910 wing it replaced. Don’t let the date fool you; the hotel seamlessly matches original structures with more modern additions, such that unless like me you’ve looked at the hotel’s floor plans in the Raffles Boutique, or attended the history tour, you wouldn’t know where one era stops and the next starts.
Our Courtyard Suite was a two-category upgrade on our booked Studio Suite (the hotel’s base category). At 58 square metres, these are spacious accommodations, comprised of private seating on the shared veranda, living room (or parlour), bedroom and bathroom, all arranged in a linear fashion contrary to many hotel rooms where the bathroom will typically be off the entrance hall. The layout along with the sublime interior design combine to provide a sense of supreme tranquillity unmatched by almost any other hotel room I’ve stayed in.
The veranda overlooking the lush tropical gardens is the room’s most unique – and relaxing – feature, although its presence and lack of windows elsewhere means the room doesn’t benefit from much natural light. Despite the presence of air conditioning, traditional ceiling fans were fitted in both the parlour and bedroom, a nod to the hotel’s history.
All furniture within the suite is custom designed, right down to the sofa which has a lower arm on the side adjacent to the table for ease of use. This level of attention to detail and practicality continued with leather key fobs, iPads to control room lighting, electronic blinds, the TVs and to order in-room dining, and a trinket tray on the bedside table. Whilst the iPads had the potential to be a savvy addition to the room, it wasn’t particularly easy to control the lighting with them (the master off option didn’t always work, for instance) and there was no option to dim the iPad’s display for use at night. A personal care kit was provided and was stocked with wipes, masks, and perfumed hand sanitiser.
USB charging was extremely fast. There was no desk in our suite (aside from a small makeup area adjacent to the wardrobe), although I guess business travellers aren’t the hotel’s target audience.
We were staying for a birthday, and the thoughtful gifts of a cake, chocolates, fruit, card and balloons arranged in the parlour were much appreciated.
Butlers come as standard with all suites at Raffles, and ours arrived soon after we did to introduce herself, deliver the photo we’d had taken in the lobby, and offer us a welcome drink, which we opted to book in for the second day of our stay in the Raffles Courtyard. We didn’t really use our butler much over the course of our two nights, other than to request an iron and ironing board, some bath salts, to confirm our late (15:00) checkout and to clarify the meeting point for the history tour. The butler changed constantly throughout our stay, and we rarely saw the same person twice, although I suppose you would do if you used them more regularly. As we were staying over Easter, an artfully created chocolate rabbit and chocolate eggs made an appearance on the second day of our stay.
The minibar in the parlour was in the style of an old trunk, and contained Raffles-branded nuts, tea and Nespresso coffee (the latter two complimentary). The refrigerated part of the minibar leaked slightly over the floor, and on the second day the complimentary Nakd water was replaced with an inferior brand (Just Water), which seemed a little cheap. There was no minibar price list in the room or on the iPad, although one was provided on request.
Our suite’s marble bathroom was spacious, with a freestanding bath (complete with bath pillow), dual sinks and separate rooms for the toilet and shower. Thoughtful design features included a shelf in the toilet, and a seat in the shower. Amenities were in generously sized and readily replenished bottles by Ormonde Jayne, and the bathroom drawers were stocked with high quality wooden accessories such as a hairbrush and comb.
Turndown service was of course provided each evening, which included a mini story placed on the bed; call me old fashioned, but I’d have rather had a chocolate. The bed itself was firm but comfortable.
The second evening of our stay featured a truly biblical downpour, which resulted in a slight leak coming through the ceiling of our suite in the bedroom area. The staff seemed unphased and following an inspection of the roof cavity advised the leak couldn’t be repaired whilst we were in the suite, offering us the use of a Palm Court Suite as an alternative. On the second night of a two-night stay, and late at night, it was too much faff to move, so we stayed put and crossed our fingers that the roof didn’t fall in (it didn’t). There was no service recovery or real apology offered, which I thought was a little out of step with the otherwise excellent service.
Index to Genius1 Trip Reports
An icon in hospitality for the last 135 years and one of the most legendary hotels anywhere in the world, Raffles Singapore oozes elegance at every turn. The hotel underwent a two-year tip to toe renovation between 2017 and 2019, its most comprehensive refurbishment since the late 1980s; and what a refurbishment it was. With interiors by Alexandra Chamalimaud and restoration by Studio Lapis, what once was a slightly faded property is now a sparkling shrine to a bygone era of luxury, with injections of modernity ensuring the property not just competes with but outshines many in its class. This is the story of my two-night stay at Raffles Singapore in April 2022.
Two days before arrival I had been called to check the details of my reservation; this is usually the sign of a good upcoming experience, and this occasion did nothing to change that opinion. The Raffles team member advised me of my Virtuoso benefits, including early check-in, late check-out and suite upgrade, confirmed restaurant and history tour reservations and prompted me to complete check-in documentation online (provision of passport information and credit card details).
Pulling up at the hotel’s main entrance is a suitably impressive – even slightly intimidating – experience, watched over by a team of Raffles doormen under the porch in their signature uniforms and front desk staff forming a welcome guard of honour. The Main Building dates from 1897 and replaced the original beach house purchased by the hotel’s founders, the Sarkies brothers, ten years earlier. The cast-iron entrance porch is a 1913 addition, albeit absent from the 1920s until the 1989 refurbishment when a ballroom extension to the Main Building stood in its place.
Our bags were promptly taken and we were escorted into the Grand Lobby for a photograph on a digital Polaroid camera; I am torn whether I think this is tacky or sweet. Besides being home to an impressive wooden staircase ascending through three levels, the Grand Lobby is the venue for afternoon tea, whilst the Tiffin Room (for breakfast and North Indian cuisine) and three Michelin star La Dame de Pic flank either side of the staircase.
The Writers Bar is located immediately to the right of the main entrance, opposite La Dame de Pic, roughly in the location where the original reception once stood. Whist there is a small enquiry desk to the left of the main entrance, there isn’t a formal reception, as all documentation is dealt with prior to arrival by phone or online.
Our host escorted us from the photo opportunity directly to our suite in the Courtyard Wing, pointing out the hotel’s key features along the way.
The Courtyard Wing, directly behind the Main Building, was built in 1989 and modelled on the original but much smaller 1910 wing it replaced. Don’t let the date fool you; the hotel seamlessly matches original structures with more modern additions, such that unless like me you’ve looked at the hotel’s floor plans in the Raffles Boutique, or attended the history tour, you wouldn’t know where one era stops and the next starts.
Our Courtyard Suite was a two-category upgrade on our booked Studio Suite (the hotel’s base category). At 58 square metres, these are spacious accommodations, comprised of private seating on the shared veranda, living room (or parlour), bedroom and bathroom, all arranged in a linear fashion contrary to many hotel rooms where the bathroom will typically be off the entrance hall. The layout along with the sublime interior design combine to provide a sense of supreme tranquillity unmatched by almost any other hotel room I’ve stayed in.
The veranda overlooking the lush tropical gardens is the room’s most unique – and relaxing – feature, although its presence and lack of windows elsewhere means the room doesn’t benefit from much natural light. Despite the presence of air conditioning, traditional ceiling fans were fitted in both the parlour and bedroom, a nod to the hotel’s history.
All furniture within the suite is custom designed, right down to the sofa which has a lower arm on the side adjacent to the table for ease of use. This level of attention to detail and practicality continued with leather key fobs, iPads to control room lighting, electronic blinds, the TVs and to order in-room dining, and a trinket tray on the bedside table. Whilst the iPads had the potential to be a savvy addition to the room, it wasn’t particularly easy to control the lighting with them (the master off option didn’t always work, for instance) and there was no option to dim the iPad’s display for use at night. A personal care kit was provided and was stocked with wipes, masks, and perfumed hand sanitiser.
USB charging was extremely fast. There was no desk in our suite (aside from a small makeup area adjacent to the wardrobe), although I guess business travellers aren’t the hotel’s target audience.
We were staying for a birthday, and the thoughtful gifts of a cake, chocolates, fruit, card and balloons arranged in the parlour were much appreciated.
Butlers come as standard with all suites at Raffles, and ours arrived soon after we did to introduce herself, deliver the photo we’d had taken in the lobby, and offer us a welcome drink, which we opted to book in for the second day of our stay in the Raffles Courtyard. We didn’t really use our butler much over the course of our two nights, other than to request an iron and ironing board, some bath salts, to confirm our late (15:00) checkout and to clarify the meeting point for the history tour. The butler changed constantly throughout our stay, and we rarely saw the same person twice, although I suppose you would do if you used them more regularly. As we were staying over Easter, an artfully created chocolate rabbit and chocolate eggs made an appearance on the second day of our stay.
The minibar in the parlour was in the style of an old trunk, and contained Raffles-branded nuts, tea and Nespresso coffee (the latter two complimentary). The refrigerated part of the minibar leaked slightly over the floor, and on the second day the complimentary Nakd water was replaced with an inferior brand (Just Water), which seemed a little cheap. There was no minibar price list in the room or on the iPad, although one was provided on request.
Our suite’s marble bathroom was spacious, with a freestanding bath (complete with bath pillow), dual sinks and separate rooms for the toilet and shower. Thoughtful design features included a shelf in the toilet, and a seat in the shower. Amenities were in generously sized and readily replenished bottles by Ormonde Jayne, and the bathroom drawers were stocked with high quality wooden accessories such as a hairbrush and comb.
Turndown service was of course provided each evening, which included a mini story placed on the bed; call me old fashioned, but I’d have rather had a chocolate. The bed itself was firm but comfortable.
The second evening of our stay featured a truly biblical downpour, which resulted in a slight leak coming through the ceiling of our suite in the bedroom area. The staff seemed unphased and following an inspection of the roof cavity advised the leak couldn’t be repaired whilst we were in the suite, offering us the use of a Palm Court Suite as an alternative. On the second night of a two-night stay, and late at night, it was too much faff to move, so we stayed put and crossed our fingers that the roof didn’t fall in (it didn’t). There was no service recovery or real apology offered, which I thought was a little out of step with the otherwise excellent service.
Last edited by Genius1; Nov 26, 2022 at 10:33 am
Nov 26, 2022, 9:21 am
#2
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We took breakfast each morning in the Tiffin Room, a truly beautiful setting where, due to the pandemic, the usual buffet had been replaced with a full à la carte menu via QR code. Service was naturally excellent, and everything from the eggs royale to the dim sum selection and the nasi lemak was faultless. Bircher muesli wasn’t listed on the menu, but it was no problem for the waiting team to provide it on request.
Throughout the hotel, there are plenty of quiet locations to sit and contemplate, or to read a book.
Aside from the numerous courtyards, the first and second floor galleried landings above the Grand Lobby are particularly pleasant spaces.
A small library is located in the Bras Basah Wing, dating from 1904. The library contains some historical artefacts connected with the hotel, whilst a photography gallery in the Courtyard Wing complements this with a showcase of some of Raffles’ famous guests of years gone by, including Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Raffles Spa is located within the Raffles Arcade at the rear of the property, part of the large 1989 extension that is also home to a variety of shops and the Raffles Boutique. The Raffles Spa is where the sauna and steam room are also located, inconveniently totally separate from the gym and swimming pool, which are on the roof of the Courtyard Wing, quite some distance away. The pool itself was relocated from the Palm Court in the most recent refurbishment, where it had been since its original installation in the 1970s. The pool area is a tranquil delight, offering views of the surrounding cityscape and its own bar; pool service is naturally provided. Changing rooms are individual with private showers.
Before our dinner reservation at Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, we enjoyed our welcome drink at Raffles Courtyard. Like the famous Long Bar located upstairs in the Raffles Arcade, Raffles Courtyard often gets busy with non-residents; taking your welcome drink in the Grand Lobby might offer a calmer experience.
If steak’s your thing, Butcher’s Block restaurant is located at Raffles Arcade too, as is the Chinese-inspired yì by Jereme Leung. We got a little lost in the Arcade area, and a helpful member of staff didn’t just direct us the right way, but escorted us all the way there.
The original Billiard Room was constructed in 1890 but was replaced only 16 years later and expanded again in 1917. Reconstructed in the 1989 refurbishment and then named the Bar and Billiard Room (BBR), the space is now home to Alain Ducasse’s beautifully fitted out Italian restaurant, where we enjoyed a delightful dinner with dishes full of flavour. The butler team had evidently communicated with the restaurant, as the celebratory nature of our stay was recognised with a post-dessert dessert.
I had pre-booked the complimentary Raffles history tour for our last day. We had the fortune to be hosted, along with two other guests, by Roslee, passionate historian and concierge who lives and breathes everything Raffles.
When not occupied, the tour includes a walk-through of one of the hotel’s two Presidential Suites; we visited the Sarkies Brothers suite, accessed from the first-floor landing in the Main Building. The suite overlooks Beach Road and the 1894 Palm Court Wing, and is comprised of two bedrooms, a master bathroom with gold detailing, large open plan living and dining room and black marble guest washroom; this suite is one of the largest in all of Singapore.
Aside from the Presidential Suite, Roslee guided us around all of the property’s key public areas, recounting stories and showcasing the property’s development over the last century. Certain elements of the tour were interactive, including for example guests having the opportunity to play the grand piano on the Grand Lobby’s first floor landing. I can’t do the tour justice by writing about it here, so if you make one reservation when staying at Raffles, make it this – and request Roslee as your guide! Roslee followed up after our tour with a personal email, sending photos he’d taken of us and making himself available for concierge requests. We’d forgotten to take the beautiful postcards that had been in our suite home with us; Roslee popped some in the post for us without hesitation.
On our last day, we received no fewer than two telephone calls in our suite to remind us of the checkout time – I thought this was slightly too keen and didn’t make for the most relaxing end to the stay. That being said, when the time came, checkout was seamless, with everything completed over the phone and bags delivered to reception without us barely noticing. As our car pulled away from Raffles’ sweeping driveway, we were waved off like old friends, leaving us already missing this special property.
If it’s not already, Raffles Singapore should absolutely be on your list of hotels to visit. Beyond the sense of history, elegant interiors, sublime cuisine and refined service, it’s the uncompromising sense of serenity that stands out most about this truly unique of hotel experiences.
Throughout the hotel, there are plenty of quiet locations to sit and contemplate, or to read a book.
Aside from the numerous courtyards, the first and second floor galleried landings above the Grand Lobby are particularly pleasant spaces.
A small library is located in the Bras Basah Wing, dating from 1904. The library contains some historical artefacts connected with the hotel, whilst a photography gallery in the Courtyard Wing complements this with a showcase of some of Raffles’ famous guests of years gone by, including Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Raffles Spa is located within the Raffles Arcade at the rear of the property, part of the large 1989 extension that is also home to a variety of shops and the Raffles Boutique. The Raffles Spa is where the sauna and steam room are also located, inconveniently totally separate from the gym and swimming pool, which are on the roof of the Courtyard Wing, quite some distance away. The pool itself was relocated from the Palm Court in the most recent refurbishment, where it had been since its original installation in the 1970s. The pool area is a tranquil delight, offering views of the surrounding cityscape and its own bar; pool service is naturally provided. Changing rooms are individual with private showers.
Before our dinner reservation at Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, we enjoyed our welcome drink at Raffles Courtyard. Like the famous Long Bar located upstairs in the Raffles Arcade, Raffles Courtyard often gets busy with non-residents; taking your welcome drink in the Grand Lobby might offer a calmer experience.
If steak’s your thing, Butcher’s Block restaurant is located at Raffles Arcade too, as is the Chinese-inspired yì by Jereme Leung. We got a little lost in the Arcade area, and a helpful member of staff didn’t just direct us the right way, but escorted us all the way there.
The original Billiard Room was constructed in 1890 but was replaced only 16 years later and expanded again in 1917. Reconstructed in the 1989 refurbishment and then named the Bar and Billiard Room (BBR), the space is now home to Alain Ducasse’s beautifully fitted out Italian restaurant, where we enjoyed a delightful dinner with dishes full of flavour. The butler team had evidently communicated with the restaurant, as the celebratory nature of our stay was recognised with a post-dessert dessert.
I had pre-booked the complimentary Raffles history tour for our last day. We had the fortune to be hosted, along with two other guests, by Roslee, passionate historian and concierge who lives and breathes everything Raffles.
When not occupied, the tour includes a walk-through of one of the hotel’s two Presidential Suites; we visited the Sarkies Brothers suite, accessed from the first-floor landing in the Main Building. The suite overlooks Beach Road and the 1894 Palm Court Wing, and is comprised of two bedrooms, a master bathroom with gold detailing, large open plan living and dining room and black marble guest washroom; this suite is one of the largest in all of Singapore.
Aside from the Presidential Suite, Roslee guided us around all of the property’s key public areas, recounting stories and showcasing the property’s development over the last century. Certain elements of the tour were interactive, including for example guests having the opportunity to play the grand piano on the Grand Lobby’s first floor landing. I can’t do the tour justice by writing about it here, so if you make one reservation when staying at Raffles, make it this – and request Roslee as your guide! Roslee followed up after our tour with a personal email, sending photos he’d taken of us and making himself available for concierge requests. We’d forgotten to take the beautiful postcards that had been in our suite home with us; Roslee popped some in the post for us without hesitation.
On our last day, we received no fewer than two telephone calls in our suite to remind us of the checkout time – I thought this was slightly too keen and didn’t make for the most relaxing end to the stay. That being said, when the time came, checkout was seamless, with everything completed over the phone and bags delivered to reception without us barely noticing. As our car pulled away from Raffles’ sweeping driveway, we were waved off like old friends, leaving us already missing this special property.
If it’s not already, Raffles Singapore should absolutely be on your list of hotels to visit. Beyond the sense of history, elegant interiors, sublime cuisine and refined service, it’s the uncompromising sense of serenity that stands out most about this truly unique of hotel experiences.
Nov 26, 2022, 5:08 pm
#3
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Thanks for the report of this classic, which doesn't receive much love at this forum. I'm not a fan of the room floor plan, but I like the historical building over all. I would definitely consider it for a stay.
Nov 27, 2022, 4:12 pm
#5
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Genius1, great report and pics of this iconic hotel. Mrs. SFO777 and I stayed there some 8 years ago before the renovations. Despite its quirks back then (noisy and inefficient swamp coolers for air conditioning), we enjoyed our stay and loved the food. Based on your report, I'd definitely like to revisit.
Nov 27, 2022, 11:59 pm
#6
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Superb trip report, Genius1.
Thankfully the remastering appears to have preserved the history of the hotel and rooms whilst adding some big hitters in the F&B offering.
Channel News Asia made an interesting two-part documentary on the project where Roslee is featured.
Thankfully the remastering appears to have preserved the history of the hotel and rooms whilst adding some big hitters in the F&B offering.
Channel News Asia made an interesting two-part documentary on the project where Roslee is featured.
Dec 9, 2022, 11:38 am
#8
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Thank you for your report and lovely photos.
In 1988, a month or so before a scheduled renovation, I stayed one night at the Raffles Hotel on an airline employee rate of $30.00 USD. I was excited to stay in the hotel but was advised that my room did not have air conditioning and “had yet to be updated.” I didn’t really care, as I was on my way to the Maldive Islands where there wasn’t even desalinized water or air conditioning in the best resorts. So it sort of prepared me for the trip.
The room was small but very charming in a colonial sort of way. No television and a large fan chugging away in the ceiling, and windows wide open facing a courtyard. A few minutes after I was in the room there was a stern knock at the door. It was an older Chinese gentleman with a white coat and the Raffles insignia. He asked if I wanted music. I was pretty surprised and curious. He then brought around a large cage with a bird inside. I nodded affirmatively and in a moment I had a bird in my room for the night. The bird chirped and cooed, and along with the churning of the fan, I forgot about jet lag and the heat and fell into a long sleep. I guess the bird slept too after a time. I awoke to a cool breeze and the bird singing away. It was early morning.
There was another knock at the door. The same man appeared and took the bird back and told me to go to breakfast.
In all of my travels I will never forget this.
In 1988, a month or so before a scheduled renovation, I stayed one night at the Raffles Hotel on an airline employee rate of $30.00 USD. I was excited to stay in the hotel but was advised that my room did not have air conditioning and “had yet to be updated.” I didn’t really care, as I was on my way to the Maldive Islands where there wasn’t even desalinized water or air conditioning in the best resorts. So it sort of prepared me for the trip.
The room was small but very charming in a colonial sort of way. No television and a large fan chugging away in the ceiling, and windows wide open facing a courtyard. A few minutes after I was in the room there was a stern knock at the door. It was an older Chinese gentleman with a white coat and the Raffles insignia. He asked if I wanted music. I was pretty surprised and curious. He then brought around a large cage with a bird inside. I nodded affirmatively and in a moment I had a bird in my room for the night. The bird chirped and cooed, and along with the churning of the fan, I forgot about jet lag and the heat and fell into a long sleep. I guess the bird slept too after a time. I awoke to a cool breeze and the bird singing away. It was early morning.
There was another knock at the door. The same man appeared and took the bird back and told me to go to breakfast.
In all of my travels I will never forget this.
Dec 19, 2022, 1:59 pm
#10
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Thanks for all of the comments!
This was a great watch!
Fantastic story, rosscali!
Yes it is. Well worth a stay for that alone though!
Fantastic story, rosscali!
Yes it is. Well worth a stay for that alone though!
Jan 8, 2023, 1:29 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2023
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Thanks for the trip report. I stayed many times prior to the refurb and loved the relaxed atmosphere, but it was definitely in need of some TLC. It’s nice to see they’ve kept many of the same elements of the suites etc but just brought it up to date 
Feb 25, 2023, 9:13 am
#12
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Excellent report. Thank you. My wife and I have a 5 night stay booked in about a month. We also have a room booked at the Conrad Centennial nearby, where I've stayed before, so I will eventually cancel one of them. After reading some reports about perfunctory service at the afternoon tea, and the Long Bar being mobbed with long lines of tourists, and the need to reserve times at the pool and other amenities, I was a bit concerned about Raffles being one of those older hotels trading on its past glory: maintaining a high price but letting service standards slip. It sounds like that is not the case.
I wish you had taken them up on the offer to switch to a Palm Court suite. That's what we have booked and I was curious to know how it compared to the courtyard suite.
During a 2009 visit to Singapore I visited the hotel and recall being able to wander the hotel pretty freely. Is that still the case or are most areas now limited to guests staying at the hotel?
I wish you had taken them up on the offer to switch to a Palm Court suite. That's what we have booked and I was curious to know how it compared to the courtyard suite.
During a 2009 visit to Singapore I visited the hotel and recall being able to wander the hotel pretty freely. Is that still the case or are most areas now limited to guests staying at the hotel?
Feb 26, 2023, 7:23 pm
#13
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Thanks for this glimpse inside one of the world's great hotels. I enjoyed a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar back in 1987. Quite a contrast to ,the $11/night dive I was staying in off Bencoolen Street!
Feb 27, 2023, 3:31 am
#14
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Excellent report. Thank you. My wife and I have a 5 night stay booked in about a month. We also have a room booked at the Conrad Centennial nearby, where I've stayed before, so I will eventually cancel one of them. After reading some reports about perfunctory service at the afternoon tea, and the Long Bar being mobbed with long lines of tourists, and the need to reserve times at the pool and other amenities, I was a bit concerned about Raffles being one of those older hotels trading on its past glory: maintaining a high price but letting service standards slip. It sounds like that is not the case.
We have stayed a few times and have a few stays booked in March as well, a couple in the Palm Court and one in the Residence suite. I like coming back as I find the service gets better and better, with staff truly adjusting to your needs, eg breakfast offering you almost unlimited options beyond what’s on the menu etc. Enjoying their venues, such as long bar as a guest is an entirely different experience to visiting from outside. Staff go out of their way to make it seamless for you (reserving you tables even though there are queues etc).
For me it is the little things which set the hotel apart and put it in a different league. The fact that staff turn-over is relatively low is a bonus here.
Enjoy your stay!
(PS: I used to stay at the Conrad Centennial before but no longer as some of the Hilton cost cutting is becoming apparent there and service has declined somewhat in the wake of the pandemic).
Last edited by RayG; Feb 27, 2023 at 3:42 am