Luxury Hotel Pick: Raffles Singapore, Singapore

Where is Raffles Singapore?

Raffles Hotel sits proudly at 1 Beach Road—once the actual beachfront before Singapore’s ambitious land reclamation in the 1840s pushed the shoreline further out to what is now Marina Bay, adorned with high-end hotels and the Gardens of Marina Bay Sands.

Today, Raffles Singapore stands grandly in the heart of the Civic District, just a pineapple’s toss from Marina Bay. It’s where colonial elegance meets city sparkle, surrounded by museums, luxury boutiques, and heritage landmarks and it’s all within strolling distance (preferably in crisp Noosa linen, of course).

When was Raffles Singapore built or updated?

Raffles Singapore opened its esteemed doors in 1887, back when carriages clattered and gin-slings flowed. Over the years, it’s welcomed everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to literary legends like Somerset Maugham. The hotel underwent an exquisite two-year restoration from 2017 to 2019, ensuring all the modern comforts while preserving its white-washed arches, teak verandahs, and vintage soul. Think: polished heritage with a high-thread-count twist.

Why stay at Raffles Singapore?

Staying at Raffles Singapore isn’t just booking a room, it’s stepping into a living legend where every corridor tells a story and every suite holds a whisper of the past. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the hotel’s iconic Sikh doormen, resplendent in crisp white uniforms, gleaming buttons, and perfectly tied turbans, who’ve become as much a symbol of Raffles Singapore as the hotel itself. They are a gateway to another era.

This is the place where Rudyard Kipling once wandered, where Charlie Chaplin left his mark, and where the Singapore Sling was born. You’re not simply checking in; you’re stepping into history with all the modern comforts wrapped in warm, attentive service. Private butlers cater to your whims, the courtyards hum with quiet luxury, and every moment feels cinematic.

For those who crave more than just a good night’s sleep, who want elegance, atmosphere, and a touch of theatrical charm, Raffles Singapore delivers. You don’t just visit Raffles Singapore. You join its legacy, one impeccable memory at a time.

How to get to Raffles Singapore?

A direct flight from Brisbane to Singapore takes about 8 hours, just enough time for a film, a nap, and a glass of bubbles. From Changi Airport, it’s a breezy 20-minute taxi ride to Raffles’ front steps, where the Sikh doormen await. You’ll go from boarding gate to colonial glamour in no time.

Do you want to know about the nuts and bolts?

Raffles Singapore offers 115 all-suite rooms, each an elegant sanctuary with lofty ceilings, heritage décor, and dedicated butler service. There are nine restaurants and bars, including the iconic Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was first crafted, and the sophisticated Writers Bar, a quiet homage to literary giants like Somerset Maugham and Noël Coward. Guests can indulge in the Raffles Spa, browse curated luxury boutiques in the shopping arcade, or simply unwind beneath the palm fronds of its tranquil courtyards.

How does Raffles Singapore describe their room style?

Raffles Singapore calls its aesthetic “colonial elegance with contemporary flair”, and it delivers just that, from the grand verandahs and polished teak floors to the elegant Persian rugs, antique chests, and marble bathrooms worthy of royalty. Every suite (and they are all suites) is a spacious blend of 19th-century romance and 21st-century convenience.

It’s like stepping onto the set of a period film, only here, your script includes Bluetooth speakers, touch-panel lighting, whisper-quiet air conditioning tucked beneath heritage ceiling fans, and butlers who anticipate your needs before you even think them. Raffles Singapore offers not just a room, but an atmosphere: timeless, elegant, and delightfully indulgent.

Want to hear something unique about Raffles Singapore?

It’s the birthplace of the original Singapore Sling created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 for “respectable” ladies wanting a discreet tipple. You can still sip the cocktail in the very same Long Bar, beneath lazy ceiling fans and peanut shells crunching underfoot (yes, it’s tradition). Raffles doesn’t just do history—it serves it, shaken not stirred.

But the true hidden gem? Resident Historian Leslie Danker, who has been with Raffles Singapore for over 50 years and knows every secret, story, and scandal hidden in its corridors. With wit, warmth, and a twinkle in his eye, he brings the hotel’s history alive, sharing tales of tigers in the lobby, royal romances, and the many colourful characters who’ve passed through its doors. A conversation with Leslie isn’t just informative, it’s a time-travelling experience you’ll never forget. Where else in the world can you enjoy five-star luxury and a personal historian at breakfast?

Who manages Raffles Singapore?

Raffles Singapore is managed by Accor, under its exclusive Raffles brand, ensuring world-class service with a uniquely storied charm. It’s five-star hospitality, with 19th-century elegance and 21st-century polish. Think of it as old-school romance with a modern concierge.

What luxury deal can Traveloso provide you?

Via our virtuoso affiliation, we can access exclusive rates that include a USD$100 food and beverage credit, upgrade on arrival subject to availability, early check-in or late check-out subject to availability and Complimentary Wi-fi

There are also some other benefits that can potentially be added.