From palace hotels in India to the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, we love to uncover unique accommodations across the Asian continent. Though there are a number of outstanding heritage hotels in Singapore, only one truly epitomises the romance of travel in the Far East, and at 135 years young, it has stood the test of time. A Lion City landmark and iconic hotel, and one I had been dreaming of visiting for some time, I was thrilled to have the chance to review Raffles Singapore and discover what makes this property so magical.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review Raffles Singapore

Simply arriving at Raffles Singapore feels like a special occasion. The wide circular driveway leading to that historic façade, restored to its original elegant 1910s and 1920s look during a multi million dollar refurb, is imposing yet reassuring.

Raffles’ Sikh doormen, with turban-covered heads, greet you, and reception staff escort you into the magnificent, marble-floored, chandelier-dominated lobby. Check-in is a personalised one-on-one affair while seated at discrete tables in the Grand Lobby. The reception desk is nowhere to be seen.

Raffles classic afternoon tea
Don’t miss the famed afternoon tea

In the wings off to the left and right, Raffles’ famed afternoon tea service has started. Three-tiered stands of savoury and sweet delights, tea, and champagne, are being shared with appreciative guests. A harpist plays while the dark-timbered dual staircases, reminiscent of a 1950s movie set, lead up to the mezzanine level.

Formalities completed, the staff member handling my check-in leads me to my courtyard wing suite. My luggage is already in place, and my Raffles Butler is next to arrive. She quickly acquaints me with the suite and checks on any needed arrangements like a dinner reservation, Spa booking, or something as simple as fresh milk for tea.

The rooms

Raffles Singapore is an all-suites hotel with 115 individually designed rooms, all refurbished and refreshed during a two-year closure between 2017 and 2019. I stayed in the Rudyard Kipling Suite – one of twelve (58-79sq-m) Personality Suites paying tribute to renowned guests who have visited Raffles over the last century. All feature unique memorabilia related to each legendary name.

Rudyard Kipling Suite Raffles Singapore
The suite was a delightful contrast of dark and light; historic and contemporary

A spacious parlour welcomes on entry with a comfortable lounge area and breakfast table. The minibar, coffee, and tea facilities are skillfully built into what looks like a luggage trunk from the days of steamship travel. In itself, the bedroom with its dark timber floor, four-post king bed, overhead ceiling fan, abundance of wardrobe space, and a small desk is more spacious than most hotel rooms.

The light-filled marble bathroom, complete with roll top bathtub plus a separate rain shower, speaks of pampering, as do exclusive-to-Raffles Singapore, Ormonde Jayne bathroom amenities. Yes, there was state-of-the-art technology too, including a 55-inch television, all controlled by in-room tablets.

Eat and drink

Refreshments and dining options abound. Be it crafted cocktails at the discrete Writers Bar, a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, or a Happy Hour tipple in the alfresco Raffles Courtyard.

Tiffin Room, a part of Raffles’ story since 1892, has outstanding North Indian cuisine, and, as the name suggests, some dishes are served in tiffin boxes.

The Butchers Block Raffles Singapore
Indulge in a meal at Butcher’s Block

Chef Jordan Keao’s signature multi-course dining experience Tour De Force at Butcher’s Block, with a perfect wine pairing from the resident sommelier, was a standout for me.

The facilities

Raffles’ rooftop pool is a welcome respite when the tropical heat gets to you, as are the many tropical gardens between the various hotel wings. Discrete as many of them are, they do occupy almost half of the hotel’s footprint.

rooftop pool Raffles Singapore
Dive into the rooftop pool

Raffles Spa exudes an elegant and serene ambience. Enjoy restorative treatments like the signature Spa Journeys inspired by the wellness philosophies of Asia, soothing massages, hydrothermal experiences, or personalised facials. My signature Rescue and Release Massage rid me of muscle tension thanks to the therapist’s powerful yet soothing techniques.

Raffles Arcade offers excellent retail therapy, and if quality collectables, mementoes, or unique gifts are needed, drop into Raffles Boutique. You could be luxuriating at home in your Raffles monogrammed bathrobe, lounging in bespoke Turkish slippers, or turning out homemade scones with Singapore Sling Jam, and fine teas from Raffles curated house selection.

A deserved Grand Dame

Raffles Singapore’s convenient central civic location, familiar historical façade, stately accommodation wings, delightful gardens, grand and exceedingly comfortable rooms, and an outstanding complement of facilities are precisely what I expected from this iconic hotel.

The innate sense of romance, an unmistakable elegance without ever feeling stuffy or aloof, and a level of service that is seldom found all came together to surpass my expectations. Raffles Singapore deserves its place as a Grand Dame of international luxury hotels and one of Asia’s finest.

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