The iconic Raffles Hotel has been home to both tall tales and famous folks.
Hark back to a golden age of elegant refinement and gracious living at Raffles Singapore, where the past reawakens to glorious life.
Easily the most famous hotel in Singapore, no other establishment epitomises the island’s colonial history better than Raffles Singapore.
Named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel was built by the Sarkies Brothers, responsible for other luxury hotels in the region during the colonial era.
Although Raffles Singapore opened in 1887, its layout continued to be changed, with hotel wings, suites and other facilities added over the years.
Jewel in the crown
Raffles Hotel Singapore’s storied elegance, compelling history and colourful guest list continues to draw travellers the world over.
However, it was the hotel’s new main building, designed by R. A. J. Bidwell of Swan & MacLaren and completed in 1899, which turned out to be the jewel in the crown.
An exemplary example of neo-Renaissance architecture, tropical touches like high ceilings and extensive verandahs were added. It boasted a dining room with a marble floor, electric lights and powered ceiling fans – a first for any hotel in the region.
It became the place to be. Somerset Maugham, Herman Hesse and Rudyard Kipling were just some of the illustrious names that spent a night or two under its roof.
A facelift in 1989 restored it to the height of its glory. An original cast-iron portico and a timber staircase were reinstated, while decorative plasterwork was painstakingly repaired. All rooms were converted into suites with teakwood floors and handmade carpets.
Today, the Raffles Singapore is a heritage icon, and its storied elegance, compelling history and colourful guest list continues to draw travellers the world over.