Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the few historic hotels in the world dating back to the 19th century. It has recently re-opened it’s doors after a complete renovation. Gorgeous white building in the very centre of Singapore is home to more than 100 luxurious suites, each offering plush furnishings and modern comforts, all frames with teak verandas and white marble colonnades.
Location and Arrival
Raffles is in a perfect central location, 15 minutes walk to Marina Bay area. However Raffles is in a universe of its own – once you enter the hotel, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush tropical gardens, chic elegant atmosphere, exclusive boutiques – it won’t be easy to find a reason to leave the hotel.
For a full Raffles experience, request a limousine transfer to be arranged on arrival. The driver will greet you at the airport, help with the luggage and bring you in comfort to the front door where you’ll be greeted courteously by your name by the famous Raffles doorman.
Check-in was quick, performed at reception, so within minutes we were escorted to the suite by our butler.
Suites
Raffles is an all-suite hotel with over 100 luxurious suites located around the perimeter of the historic building. Choose from ground floor suites with direct access to Palm Court or very private suites on the 1st floor.
Suites have been fully refurbished and offer either two double beds or a king bed, very spacious marble bathroom with double vanities and a living space with a sofa that could be set up as a bed for a small child.
We loved the silky smooth bed linen of the highest quality, lovely amenities, plush silk lined bathrobes, oversized fluffy towels. The beds are so cozy that I possibly had the best sleep in Singapore so far. There is ample wardrobe space for a couple, large TVs in the bedroom and living room and latest in technology with all room and entertainment controls presented on an ipad.
Stylish minibar that look like an old fashioned luggage trunk comes with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks that are replenished daily. For tea or coffee request any time during day or night just call your butler and your beverage will magically appear in a suite within minutes. Raffles legendary butler service is excellent with true ‘whatever, whenever’ attitude. They have been able to get me a reservation in a Michelin star restaurant with a waiting list for the same day and arranged spa, dining and transportation so we didn’t have to worry about any logistics during the stay.
Dining
Dining in Raffles Hotel is legendary. Back in 1899 Raffles was the first hotel to hire a French chef to introduce European flavours to Singaporeans. Now, more than 120 years later, Raffles still delights its regulars by being at the forefront of culinary innovation.
After the re-launch, Raffles has introduced a number of unique dining concepts – BBR by Alain Ducasse, La Dame De Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic, 3 Michelin star restaurateur from Rhone region in France, yi by Jereme Leung, Chinese celebrity Masterchef specialising in the modern Chinese culinary movement.
Tiffin Room, hotel’s historic dining room, is known in Singapore not only for it’s rich history but also for its rich Northern Indian cuisine. It’s menu doesn’t feature too many dishes but makes up for it with exquisite flavours. Try the lamb shank and the scallop curry – both quite unique to Tiffin Room.
The dishes are served in Tiffin boxes for a touch of history.
For the lovers of Afternoon Tea there is no more glamorous affair in Singapore than Raffles Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Grand Lobby. Mix with the well heeled locals and indulge in freshly prepared finger sandwiches, scones and deserts served in a three-tier tower and complemented by a glass of Billercart Salmon champagne or a selection of premium teas. We enjoyed it so much that three hours have flown past over a good conversation and delectable treats.
Alain Ducasse is one of my favourite chefs and I was curious to experience the BBR for lunch. It is a very new concept – Mediterranean dishes, more Spanish than French, designed for sharing, tapas style. We started from Pata Negra and Octopus, a signature dish, and both were so good, we ordered doubles.
For mains don’t go past the wagyu steak served with peppers, cooked to perfection and perfect for sharing and for desert churros with chocolate sauce. We also loved how Rose wine is served from a 3 liter bottle, clearly a drink of choice in BBR, and excellent, attentive service.
For a glamorous night out La Dame De Pic is a must. Dress up in your best as this is a special occasion, fine dining restaurant, perfect for couples. For extra privacy book one of the booth tables, just remember to make a reservation early, current waitlist time is about 2 weeks.
Anne-Sophie Pic has a total of 8 Michelin stars under her belt and, no doubt, a few more stars are on the way for Singapore. Her three Michelin stars restaurant in Rhone brings the inspiration for most dishes mixed with her love for Japan, so the dishes represent a creative fusion of European and Japanese flavours – lots of tea, coffee, matcha, yuzo combined with cream, cheeses and even pasta.
The restaurant offers only three degustation menus with a choice of either three, four or five courses. Each comes with a selection of desert and for those don’t eat meat there is a vegetarian option as well. Wine pairing is exceptional with preference given to wines from the Rhone region. Every pairing matched our dish perfectly.
Apart from the sensational food and wine, we loved the elegant, chic and romantic setting and silver service.
Last but not least is breakfast – served either in Tiffin room or in your suite. Breakfast concept is a combination of cold buffet and a la carte hot dishes. Without a doubt it is by far the best breakfast in Singapore. What makes it stand apart from its very elegant setting is a selection of the best produce sourced from around the world – fresh raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, exotic fruit, European cheeses and cold cuts and even a Russian pancake section with red caviar, sour cream and blinis.
Facilities
Raffles has a pretty outdoor swimming pool set up in Italian style beside a pool bar and decorated with mosaics and plush European sun beds. It is one of my favourite places to relax in the afternoons.
Active travellers will be able to keep up with their exercise routine in a small but functional fitness centre.
While those who prefer relaxation to sport would be impressed with a new Raffles Spa. Spa treatments feature high performance Japanese brand Mikimoto and all natural …. From USA. I tried a …. Facial – a 90 minute treatment that combines facial with elements of massage and crystal healing. A nurturing organic treatment designed for those who take a natural approach to beauty.
Spa design is very inviting with white marble, mosaics and light wood elements.
Sauna, ice fountain and thermal pool are available to all spa guests and great for a pre or post treatment. Spa rooms feature new ultra comfortable massage tables and silk sheets that make you feel even more pampered.
The Lux Traveller Loves
New Suites
Exceptional dining
Best breakfast in town
Elegant afternoon tea
Silver Service
Beautiful pool setting
Regal atmosphere
Splitting Hairs
Raffles caters very well for couples while travellers with small children might find the accommodation challenging. There are only a few suites with two bedrooms and no interconnecting rooms. Also some of the fine dining restaurants don’t encourage children.
All In All
Exceptional historic hotel in the best area of the city. Perfect for couples or business travellers. Dining is a stand out and ‘must experience’ even for those who are not staying at the hotel. Can’t wait to return!
