Iconic Raffles Singapore reopens after two-year renovation

The iconic Raffles Singapore has reopened for guest stays following more than two years of renovation work across its guest rooms and public spaces. The iconic property closed for the project in February 2017.

It was the first Raffles hotel, opened in 1887 as a ten-room bungalow by two brothers from Armenia. Over the twentieth century it became the city-state’s best-known hotel, and in 1987 it was designated a national monument by the government. It was last renovated shortly after.

Today it has a resident historian who has created a series of videos featuring key moments from its past (early guests included the writers Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling).

The new works were led by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, architecture and design firm Aedas, lighting consultants Tino Kwan and restoration and research consultants Studio Lapis.

The hotel’s suite count has increased from 103 to 115, while new categories have been added; it now offers State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites.

The Raffles Arcade, a collection of shops and “lifestyle spaces”, has a new gift shop, spa and retail brands as well as a history gallery featuring archive pictures and stories.

The restaurant line-up now includes Mediterranean grill BBR by chef Alain Ducasse, steakhouse Butcher’s Block, three-Michelin star chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s La Dame de Pic, Chinese restaurant 兿 yì by Jereme Leung, and classic Indian restaurant Tiffin Room.

In July the hotel reopened its famed Long Bar, a popular tourist spot thanks to its invention of the Singapore Sling, and the Grand Lobby, which has a daily afternoon tea service.