Raffles Hotel: 139 Years of Timeless Hospitality in Singapore

When Sir Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company anchored in a fishing village at the Johor Strait in 1819, few could have predicted that Singapore would evolve into a major business hub. However, leveraging its strategic geopolitical position connecting East and West, Singapore grew into a crossroads for global merchants and diplomats, giving rise to a burgeoning hospitality industry. At the heart of this industry is the illustrious Raffles Hotel, which opened its doors in 1887.

Building on the tourism foundation laid by the original Raffles Hotel, Singapore made bold choices after gaining independence in 1965. With no natural resources, the nation worked to establish itself as an attractive destination. It focused on developing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, targeting business visitors, and successfully built impressive infrastructure, including Changi International Airport, Suntec City, and Marina Bay Sands, solidifying its position as Asia's top MICE destination.

Amidst a skyline of modern skyscrapers, Raffles Hotel stands out as a historic landmark that set the standard for luxury hospitality over 130 years ago. Once a social hub for diplomats and VIPs, it now showcases its timeless charm with its grand white architecture in the heart of a bustling city.

Just a 20-minute drive from Changi International Airport, Raffles Hotel gradually reveals itself in the heart of Singapore's central business district. As the car rolls over the gravel driveway, a chic doorman in a British military-style uniform greets guests with a warm smile on the red carpet. This uniform, inspired by the military traditions of Sikh guards during the British Empire, has been a symbol of Raffles since the 1800s.

Stepping into the hotel lobby, the noise of the bustling city fades away, transporting guests into an elegant 19th-century atmosphere. A massive chandelier dominates the space, while the soothing sounds of a harpist and the clinking of teacups from afternoon tea create a serene ambiance.

Starting as a beach bungalow with ten rooms in 1887, Raffles Hotel has transformed into a luxurious sanctuary with 115 suites. Upon entering a suite, guests are welcomed with the signature cocktail, Singapore Sling, peanuts, and a welcome letter. The interiors retain the elegance of colonial-era design, featuring rich teak flooring and white shutters that create a striking visual contrast, along with spacious living areas and bedrooms.

The essence of Raffles Hotel is embodied in its 24-hour dedicated butler service. Assigned at check-in, butlers attentively anticipate guests' needs, offering services from unpacking luggage to preparing bubble baths timed to guests' return. Tablets placed throughout the suite allow for easy access to modern conveniences.

What captivates guests most is the unexpected attention to detail. The butler serves the welcome cocktail, the Singapore Sling, and presents a box of handmade chocolates. Upon returning late at night, guests are greeted with a cozy ambiance, complete with a turn-down service that includes sleep masks, room spray, and slippers, ensuring a perfect end to the day.

No discussion of Raffles Hotel is complete without mentioning the Long Bar. Upon entering, the sound of crunching peanut shells underfoot greets visitors, a nod to the 1920s tradition of discarding peanut shells on the floor. This is the only place in Singapore, known for its strict littering laws, where guests can indulge in this quirky custom.

The impressive 7-meter-long bar counter is where the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail was created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon from Hainan. At that time, it was taboo for women to drink in public, so the bartender cleverly disguised the drink with gin, pineapple juice, and cherry liqueur to resemble a pink fruit juice, leading to its immense popularity.

Interestingly, the cocktail has evolved from its once overly sweet flavor, once a symbol of luxury, to a more refined version that reflects contemporary tastes. Today's Singapore Sling features local premium distillate Brass Lion Singapore Dry Gin, combined with fresh pineapple and lime juices, and 100% pomegranate juice, offering a refreshing and rich fruit flavor.

Dining at Raffles is a journey through its rich heritage. Breakfast is served in the charming Tiffin Room, where the Kaya Toast is highly recommended for Korean guests. This dish features crispy kaya toast dipped in soft-boiled eggs with a hint of soy sauce, paired with rich coffee, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The signature omelet, filled with cheese, onions, cilantro, and red chili, along with fluffy pancakes drenched in maple syrup, are also excellent choices.

Lunch and dinner offerings traverse classic and modern culinary landscapes. The Tiffin Room, which has been part of the hotel since 1892, serves traditional copper tiffin meals, allowing guests to experience the dining culture of North Indian Maharajas, complete with a chef grinding spices on-site.

Recently opened in March, '1887 by Andre' collaborates with star chef Andre Chiang to weave Raffles' history into its culinary offerings. A standout dish is the meticulously recreated 'turtle soup' from a century-old menu, made with chicken and fish. Notably, the performance of carving beef from the historic 'silver beef wagon,' buried during World War II to protect it from Japanese looting, adds a vivid historical touch to the dining experience.

Leading the modern high-end culinary scene, Butcher's Block chef Jordan Keao showcases zero-waste cooking using all parts of the meat, inspired by Hawaiian indigenous philosophy. The fine dining Chinese restaurant, Yi by Jeremy Young, features an impressive installation of 1,000 paper cards, providing a stunning photo opportunity, while the dramatic entrance leads to a visually and gastronomically overwhelming dish of gold-leaf roasted duck.

The culinary journey culminates at the Writers Bar, a tribute to literary giants like Somerset Maugham. Here, guests can savor another masterpiece created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the 'Million Dollar' cocktail, which evokes the inspiration enjoyed by great writers of the past.

With 139 years of history, Raffles Hotel is filled with intriguing anecdotes. In 1902, a wild tiger that escaped from a nearby circus took refuge under the 'Bar and Billiard Room' before being shot by a drunken school principal with his fourth shot. This dramatic tale is now commemorated with tiger souvenirs in the gift shop.

The legendary visit of pop icon Michael Jackson in 1993 remains a topic of conversation. Staying in the presidential suite on the third floor, he created a spectacle by having breakfast with an orangutan named 'Ah Meng,' brought to him after a canceled zoo visit.

The hotel's 'Hall of Fame' features over 140 framed photographs of notable figures, including Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Nelson Mandela, George Bush, Queen Elizabeth, and Jackie Chan, showcasing its rich heritage akin to a museum. Guests can also find photos of Korean actors Lee Jin-wook and Park Sung-hoon.

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