One of the highlights of our visit to Singapore was a tour of the iconic Raffles Hotel. The Raffles is often mentioned at the top of any list of tourist attractions in Singapore; however, many areas of the hotel are for guests only and off limits to tourists. Raffles Senior Sales Manager, Tetyana Polunina, gave us our tour and hosted us for lunch in the Tiffin Room. It was such a pleasure to learn about her fascinating career in the hotel business – she was as equally impressive as the hotel itself! Even though we didn’t stay at the Raffles this trip, we were fortunate enough to go behind the “veil” and experience this historic hotel up close and personal.
Central casting couldn’t have found a more perfect doorman than this…
The guests’ entrance…
and lobby are breathtaking…
Many of the rooms open to the Palm Court…
Old school bells for service…
A typical room…classic colonial elegance…
We were able to visit the Presidential Suite – where heads of state, royalty and rock stars have slept (Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Will and Kate and Michael Jackson just to name drop a few). We even saw the royal loo – not too shabby, but out of respect, I will refrain from sharing my photo!
The Tiffin Room is famous for its curry buffet, which was delicious.
The gorgeous Raffles Grill
No visit to the Raffles would be complete without stopping into two legendary places (both open to the public)…
The infamous Long Bar…
where the Singapore Sling was created.I have waxed poetically about the Long Bar here before, sharing with all of you the story about my father and about our son, Carter, toasting the grandfather he never knew. I was thrilled to have the chance to toast his memory with a Singapore Sling (or two) once again on this trip.
There is just something about the Long Bar…maybe it is the peanuts with shells on the floor, or the wicker fans slowly moving back and forth on the ceiling, or the dark wood bar where they shake up all those Singapore Slings, or maybe it is the legends of those who have enjoyed a drink or two at the bar before – Ernest Hemingway, Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling…and my father…
And don’t miss, the Raffles Gift Shop, set amongst the luxury shops in Raffles Arcade:
Seriously…BEST hotel gift shop ever…
I loved this vignette…the whole store had that “feel” to it…
I bought these luggage stickers (including two sets that are part of my giveaway this week)
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse inside the storied Raffles Hotel. It is a “must visit” in Singapore, whether you decide to stay there or not. Thank you to Tetyana for our tour and the tasty lunch…and thank you to Raffles for keeping this historic hotel as it always has been – it is a true treasure of Singapore.
(Most of these photos are mine, but in a few cases my photos did not turn out and I used ones from the Virtuoso website. It is probably pretty obvious which are which!)
W H A T G O R G E O U S places you have stayed in, Sandy! Top-notch hospitality and lush surroundings – I don't think I've ever stayed in a place so grand….youth hostels for me! But this is a once-in-a-lifetime treat and I hope to get it once in my life!
Happy day! Anita
So beautiful Sandy…such an elegant hotel, feels like a throwback to a more elegant genteel time. And the iconic Long Bar….how fun would it be to visit? The Presidential Suite is not too shabby:) Beautiful highlights….truly the trip of a lifetime!
Sandy… What a gorgeous hotel!! Thanks for the tour. Enjoy your week.
I love the old school glamour of the place. The rooms look amazing!
Wow! That is like a trip back into an old fabulous movie! So wonderful, K
Absolutely beautiful! Makes me want to go to Singapore. Perhaps some day. . . .
Hi Sandy,
Wow, what a beautiful place! The dinning areas are gorgeous as are the rooms. Thanks for sharing 🙂 and Happy Wednesday! xxL
These pictures have such a strong atmosphere. They're really striking!
http://awayfromthesafeharbor.blogspot.com
What a most fantastic place, the history seems to call out from every photo. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful place to visit.. . . now to fill the piggy bank and make a trip.
What a thrill to see the "inside" of the hotel. Just love the connection with the hotel, the Singapore Sling, your dad, Carter…..what a full circle moment for you, Sandy.
If my Carter sticks with his Mandarin….I might be needing to plan a trip to that part of the world one day! So happy to have all your notes!
xoxo Elizabeth
Hi Sandy, Love the picture of the doorman. What a place! Thanks so much for this wonderful post!
Kind regards,
Nancy (Stonecrop Sister)
Gorgeous photos, Sandy! I feel like I just had a mini getaway! xo
This will surely be a stop for me next time I go to Singapore!