Today is the day Raffles Hotel Singapore officially reopens its doors. The heritage property’s most recent restoration works started in February 2017, marking the first time the hotel closed for a revamp since its last makeover from 1989 to 1991.
Now that it’s finally welcoming visitors for stays this month, you’re probably wondering what to expect. Well, the refreshed look, led by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, includes new suite categories, “lifestyle experiences”, and dining concepts. With its suite count up from 103 to 115, the all-suite accommodations adds Residence, Promenade, and Studio options to its existing line-up.
Each one features teakwood floors, verandah spaces, and Peranakan-tiled ensuite bathrooms, and guests are free to nibble on the welcome fruit platter, take advantage of the complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar, and have their whims attended to by the Raffles Butlers.
The six Studio Suites find their home in the main building above the Grand Lobby, with high ceilings and view of the Palm Garden, while the five Residence Suites are tucked away in the Raffles Arcade and consist of a living and dining area, an office space, and a powder room. They’re also named after famed local cinemas in the 1900s as a nod to the past when the hotel’s neighborhood was called “The Place of Cinemas.”
In the two Promenade Suites overlooking Beach Road, guests can lounge around in the bedroom, dressing room, and parlor space, and make the most of the 24-hour check-in and check-out services.
As you’ve probably heard by now, the hotel’s shopping arcade opened last month with new tenants and fresh looks for its event spaces. Besides new facilities like Jubilee Ballroom and The Lawn, shops like Raffles Boutique, The AC Boutique, and Xuan: The Palace Museum now find their home at the arcade, too.
On the F&B side, signature Raffles concepts return with a slight makeover. There’s Tiffin Room and its patterned wood and mirror wall panelling; Long Bar, with its plantation-inspired decor and the iconic Singapore Sling; Grand Lobby, which now serves afternoon tea; and Writers Bar, now expanded to a full bar with cocktails, wines, and spirits.
For more casual vibes, Ah Teng’s Cafe is nestled within Raffles Boutique, and Raffles Courtyard is a lush, alfresco bar/lounge serving tropical drinks and local bites.
The only new restaurant currently open, La Dame de Pic is Ann-Sophie Pic’s Asian debut. Arriving on our shores backed by seven Michelin stars, the chef will present a range of seasonal set menus said to be influenced by Valence and Southeast Asia.
Coming to the hotel in early September, yì by Jereme Leung is the celebrity chef’s homecoming concept, where he’ll plate up Cantonese and contemporary Chinese dishes using seasonal ingredients. Then, in mid-September, look out for the launch of BBR (Bar & Billiard Room) by alain ducasse, a Mediterranean grill that’ll bring back the indulgent Raffles Sunday Brunch.
Last but not least, Butcher’s Block opens in early October, offering cuts of single sourced meats displayed in a glass meat cooler next to the open kitchen. Chefs will also offer recommendations to visitors based on their tastes and preferences.
Debuting way back in 1887, the hotel was declared to be a National Monument by the government a century later, and is known to be the place where the classic Singapore Sling was created.
