A New Look Raffles Singapore

French multinational hospitality group Accor has reopened their flagship property Raffles Singapore this month, after a three-phase restoration venture. Established in 1887, the heritage property is a national monument under the Government of Singapore, and one of the few remaining 19th-century hotels in the world. Keen drinkers may also know this property as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon had whipped up this gin-based cocktail at the now-iconic Long Bar over 100 years ago.

&ldquoIt is our wish and desire that our guests will continue to create treasured memories at the hotel, while rediscovering what makes it so special&mdashthe distinctive architecture, heritage and legendary service,&rdquo said Christian Westbeld, General Manager, Raffles Singapore. 

Raffles Singapore had last undergone a facelift in 1991. The latest iteration has been led by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud in association with architecture-design firm Aedas. Together, the designers have retained the Raffles&rsquo historic charm with a revitalised mix of &lsquoculture, beauty and gentility&rsquo. Post the makeover, the 132-year-old property offers all-suite accommodations across nine categories, with new Residence, Promenade and Studio suites bringing the count up from 103 to 115. There's also a new spa. Smaller elements across operations add a quirky yet comfortable touch&mdashthere are no more check-in counters at the lobby (guests can do it from their suites), and leather-embossed key cards depict former celebrity guests. Think Elizabeth Taylor, Joseph Conrad and Pablo Neruda.&nbspOver 2,500 sq m of event spaces have been developed, including the 300-seater Jubilee Ballroom.

The luxury hotel has also introduced the Raffles Boutique and several retail brands. New eateries include restaurant collaborations with Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic (of Maison Pic in Valence, France) Mon&eacutegasque masterchef Alain Ducasse and the contemporary Chinese fare of Chef Jereme Leung. Six old bars and restaurants have returned the North Indian-styled Tiffin Room Writers Bar The Lobby Raffles Courtyard Ah Teng&rsquos Cafe and of course, The Long Bar.

&ldquoThis is where it all started,&rdquo remarked Jeannette Ho, Vice President, Raffles Brand and Strategic Relationships, Raffles Hotels and Resorts. &ldquo...faithful to its roots, Raffles Singapore reinvents emotional luxury. As the hotel concludes its restoration and embarks on the next chapter, the return of this flagship property to Raffles Hotels & Resorts paves the way for...unparalleled service and sublime experiences to new destinations in cities such as Udaipur, London and Boston.&rdquo

For enquiries and reservations, contact Raffles Singapore at 65-63371886, or singapore@raffles.com. To enjoy anecdotes from the hotel&rsquos luminary past, you can visit their website.