Discover why the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore should be at the center of your luxury Singapore vacation with insider tips from a luxury travel advisor.
In a world of ever-changing luxury travel trends, some experiences remain timeless. The legendary Raffles Hotel Singapore stands as a testament to enduring elegance, offering today’s discerning travelers a blend of colonial charm and contemporary luxury that has captivated visitors for over 130 years.
After a meticulous two-year restoration, this grande dame of Singapore has reclaimed her place as the crown jewel of Asian hospitality. Join us as we explore this iconic property and discover why it should be the centerpiece of your next luxury Singapore vacation.
The Historic Legacy of Raffles Hotel Singapore
When Armenian hoteliers the Sarkies Brothers opened Raffles in 1887, they could hardly have imagined their modest 10-room bungalow would evolve into one of the world’s most celebrated luxury hotels. Named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel quickly became a beacon of luxury in Southeast Asia.
Throughout its storied history, Raffles Singapore has welcomed literary giants (Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham), Hollywood royalty (Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin), and actual royalty (Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). Each has contributed to the hotel’s rich tapestry of stories and cemented its reputation as Singapore’s most famous hotel.
The hotel’s most recent renovation, completed in 2019, represents the most ambitious restoration in its history. The $250 million project presented a monumental challenge: preserving the soul of a colonial-era icon while meeting the expectations of today’s luxury travelers. The spectacular result has earned rave reviews from travel publications worldwide.
Inside Raffles Singapore: Luxury Accommodations and Amenities
From the moment you arrive at Raffles Singapore, you’re transported to another era. Immaculately dressed Sikh doormen, a tradition since the early 1900s, welcome you beneath the hotel’s striking white façade. The grand lobby, with its soaring ceilings and gleaming marble floors, sets the tone for the refined luxury that awaits.
Suite Accommodations at Raffles Hotel
Raffles Singapore offers exclusively suite accommodations—no standard rooms here. The 115 suites span various categories, from the lead-in State Room Suites to the magnificent Presidential Suites. All feature:
- Soaring 14-foot ceilings
- Polished teakwood floors
- Hand-selected antiques and artworks
- Separate living areas
- Verandahs overlooking lush gardens or the city
- Personal butler service available 24/7
The redesign by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud masterfully balances heritage details with contemporary comfort. Original architectural elements stand alongside modern technology and luxurious amenities, creating spaces that feel both timeless and relevant.
Exceptional Dining at Raffles Singapore
Raffles Singapore’s dining options represent a gastronomic journey spanning continents, cuisines and libations. Perhaps most iconic is the Long Bar, birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. This pink gin-based cocktail was created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon and remains the hotel’s signature libation. The tradition of discarding peanut shells on the floor—the only place in pristine Singapore where “littering” is encouraged—adds to its unique character and makes it a must-visit during any Raffles Singapore stay.
Raffles Spa and Exclusive Experiences
The Raffles Spa provides a sanctuary of calm amid the urban energy of Singapore. Treatment rooms for couples and individuals, featuring natural light and garden views, create the perfect setting for bespoke therapies using exclusive products from Biologique Recherche and Aromatherapy Associates.
Beyond spa treatments, Raffles offers unique experiences that connect guests with the hotel’s heritage:
- Resident historian tours revealing hidden stories behind the hotel’s façade
- Mixology classes to master the perfect Singapore Sling
- Writer’s residency experiences in homage to the literary luminaries who have stayed here
Top Luxury Attractions in Singapore Beyond Raffles Hotel
While Raffles provides every reason to remain ensconced in its elegant embrace, Singapore itself offers luxury experiences worthy of exploration. This remarkable city-state has transformed from a colonial outpost to one of the world’s most forward-thinking destinations, all while preserving its multicultural heritage.
Gardens by the Bay: Singapore’s Horticultural Wonder
Perhaps Singapore’s most recognizable modern landmark, Gardens by the Bay is a horticultural wonderland spanning 250 acres. The iconic Supertree Grove features 18 vertical gardens that tower up to 16 stories high, connected by aerial walkways offering spectacular views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline.
Don’t miss the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories. The Cloud Forest houses one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls (35 meters), while the Flower Dome recreates the cool-dry climate of Mediterranean regions, showcasing unusual flora from five continents.
For an exclusive experience, arrange a private tour with a botanist, followed by dinner at Pollen, overlooking the Flower Dome’s Mediterranean garden. This VIP experience offers insights into Singapore’s commitment to becoming a “city in a garden” and represents the perfect luxury addition to any Singapore itinerary.
Marina Bay Sands: Luxury Shopping and Entertainment
This integrated resort complex has become synonymous with Singapore’s skyline. The SkyPark, perched atop three 55-story hotel towers, features the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the city.
For luxury shoppers, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands houses the world’s largest collection of designer boutiques under one roof, including floating pavilions accessed by private sampan rides through an indoor canal. From Chanel to Louis Vuitton, the most prestigious luxury brands have flagship stores here, making it a premier destination for high-end shopping in Singapore.
Singapore’s Cultural Treasures: Heritage Amid Modernity
Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry is evident in its preserved ethnic enclaves:
- Chinatown – Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and explore the area’s excellent food scene
- Little India – Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, sounds, and spices of Indian culture
- Kampong Glam – Discover the Sultan Mosque and trendy Haji Lane in the Malay-Arab quarter
The National Gallery Singapore houses the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art within two beautifully restored national monuments. The museum offers private tours with art historians for discerning visitors interested in deepening their understanding of the region’s artistic heritage.
Singapore’s World-Class Culinary Scene
Singapore’s food scene ranges from humble hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. The city boasts over 50 Michelin-starred establishments, including:
- Odette – Chef Julien Royer’s three-Michelin-starred modern French restaurant at the National Gallery
- Restaurant Zén – The Singapore outpost of Stockholm’s acclaimed Restaurant Frantzén
- Burnt Ends – Modern Australian barbecue elevated to fine dining
For a quintessentially Singaporean experience, visit a hawker center with a private food guide who can navigate the overwhelming array of options and explain the cultural significance of various dishes. This blend of high and street food creates Singapore’s unique culinary identity and makes it one of Asia’s most exciting food destinations.
Best Time to Visit Raffles Singapore
Singapore’s equatorial location means consistently warm temperatures year-round, hovering between 75-90°F (24-32°C). While rain can fall in any month, the northeast monsoon (November to January) brings the heaviest rainfall.
The ideal visiting periods are:
- February to April: Post-monsoon with slightly lower humidity
- May to August: Perfect for shopping with the Great Singapore Sale
- September to October: Shoulder season with good weather and fewer tourists
Plan your visit around Singapore’s colorful festivals for an enhanced cultural experience:
- Chinese New Year (January/February)
- Singapore Food Festival (July)
- Singapore Grand Prix (September)
- Christmas and New Year celebrations (December)
Frequently Asked Questions About Raffles Hotel Singapore
How many nights should I stay at Raffles Singapore? For first-time visitors to Singapore, we recommend a minimum three-night stay at Raffles to fully appreciate the hotel and explore Singapore’s highlights. This allows time to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, dine at its renowned restaurants, and experience the city’s top attractions without rushing.
What is the dress code at Raffles Singapore? Raffles maintains an elegant atmosphere with a smart casual dress code in most areas. For fine dining restaurants like La Dame de Pic, smart elegant attire is recommended. The Long Bar maintains a more relaxed atmosphere, though beachwear and flip-flops are not permitted in any public areas.
Is Raffles Singapore family-friendly? Yes, Raffles welcomes families and offers special amenities for younger guests. However, the quiet, refined atmosphere is best suited to families with older children who can appreciate the hotel’s historical significance and maintain appropriate decorum in public spaces.
How far is Raffles Singapore from main attractions? Raffles enjoys a central location, within walking distance of Marina Bay (15 minutes) and a short drive to Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and other major attractions. Its position in the Colonial District places guests in the heart of Singapore’s historical center.
Experience Timeless Luxury at Raffles Singapore
Singapore represents a remarkable balance between preserving heritage and embracing the future, and nowhere embodies this better than Raffles Hotel Singapore. A stay here offers more than luxury accommodations—it provides a connection to history while enjoying thoroughly modern comforts.
As Singapore continues to evolve as a global luxury destination, Raffles remains its beating heart—a timeless icon in a city that never stops reinventing itself. Whether you’re sipping a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, exploring the cutting-edge architecture of Marina Bay, or discovering the authentic flavors of Singapore’s diverse cultures, this destination offers a luxury experience unlike any other in Asia.
Booking Your Raffles Singapore Experience: Why Use a Luxury Travel Advisor
Singapore epitomizes the phrase “luxury in the details.” While seemingly straightforward to navigate, the true luxury experience in Singapore lies in exclusive access, insider knowledge, and seamless logistics. Here’s how booking through Ana White Luxury Travel enhances your Singapore experience:
Personalized Singapore Luxury Itinerary Design
Singapore offers incredible diversity in a compact space. I create bespoke Singapore itineraries that balance:
- Iconic experiences and hidden gems
- Cultural immersion and contemporary luxury
- Active exploration and relaxation
- Public and exclusive access to key attractions
A well-designed Singapore luxury itinerary maximizes your time while maintaining a relaxed pace that allows for spontaneous discoveries.
Seamless Multi-Destination Asian Journeys
Singapore serves as the perfect starting point, ending point, or midway break for broader Asian journeys. I can design seamless multi-destination itineraries that might include:
- Combining Singapore with Thailand’s luxury beach resorts
- Adding Singapore as a civilized break during extensive travel in Indonesia
- Using Singapore as a launching point for luxury cruises through Southeast Asia
Contact Ana White Luxury Travel today to begin planning your perfect Singapore getaway, centered around the incomparable legend that is Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Ana White is the founder of Ana White Luxury Travel, specializing in creating extraordinary travel experiences throughout the globe. For inquiries about luxury travel to Singapore or other destinations, contact ana@anawhiteluxurytravel.com
