Raffles Hotel, Colonial hotel in Downtown Core, Singapore
Description
Raffles Hotel is a three-story colonial building with white columns, open verandahs, and 115 suites arranged around planted courtyards and gardens. The property contains eight restaurants, a spa, and a covered shopping arcade under one roof.
History
The Armenian Sarkies Brothers founded the property in 1887 and named it after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore. During World War II, Japanese forces took over the building and renamed it Syonan Ryokan before the British Navy reclaimed it in 1945.
Culture
The Long Bar invites guests to stand at the counter and toss peanut shells onto the wooden floor, a tradition kept since the early days. Bartenders still prepare the Singapore Sling using the recipe Ngiam Tong Boon developed more than a century ago.
Practical
The building sits on Beach Road at number 1, a short walk from Marina Bay and public transport connections. The entrance hall and courtyards remain open to visitors who wish to glance inside or linger in the restaurants and shops.
Did you know?
Guests can visit the writer suites named after authors who stayed here, including Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Each suite preserves memorabilia and photographs from the time of its famous resident.
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