Renovated Raffles hotel reopens in August 2019
The last time the fabled Raffles Hotel underwent refurbishment was nearly thirty years ago – in 1991 to be exact. The hotel in close proximity to the beach, opened on December 1, 1887, with 10 rooms. Within 10 years, it underwent several changes, where three buildings were added to the original beach house increasing the hotel’s total guest rooms to 75. By 1899, the hotel offered numerous state-of-the-art (as at that time) features, including powered ceiling fans and electric lights. In fact, the Raffles Hotel was the first hotel in the region to have electric lights.
When Raffles closed in 1989, it reopened two years later in on September 1991. During that period of extensive renovation, done at a cost of $ 160 million, all guest rooms were converted to suites and the immensely popular ‘Long Bar’, where, bartender Ngiam Boon, invented the country’s national cocktail – the Singapore Sling, was shifted from the lobby to the newly built adjoining shopping arcade.
It was during Raffles recent closure, that ‘The Jewel’ – a huge shopping centre featuring the world’s largest indoor waterfall was opened at Changi Airport. Singaporeans and other travellers from all over the world may well dispute the naming of the iconic construction at the airport – arguing that there is only one precious jewel in Singapore – the Raffles hotel!
As the 115 – room Raffles Singapore officially reopened its doors on 1st August 2019; visitors entering it would observe that despite a multi-million makeover, the famous hotel retains glimpses of its elegant colonial heritage as way back as 1887, whilst successfully introducing carefully curated contemporary additions.
The new dining concepts include ‘la Dame de Pic.a French restaurant created by Frances’ only female chef to hold 3 Michelin stars - chef Anne Sophie Pic and the ‘Mediterranean tapas’ diner conceptualized by legendary Alain Ducasse. These dining options line up alongside the Tiffin Room, Long Bar and Writers Bars – all three been retained for their historic value.
Whilst the hotel has been reinvented, so too has the famous Singapore Sling – which selling at an unbelievable rate of 1,000 drinks a day before the closure remains, one of the hotel's major revenue streams. Now reimagined with less sugar and slightly more alcohol the queue outside the ‘Long Bar’ tells you that the hefty S$ 33 per drink price is no deterrent at all.
The iconic property has eliminated its front desk and check-in services from the lobby. Instead, guests will be served by “dedicated butlers” who will provide services from check-in to running guests’ errands. The hotel will have a team of 25 butlers fluent in a range of languages including English, Mandarin, Korean and Russian.
Doubles from $S853 a night including breakfast and a one-way limousine transfer.
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