What began as a modest bungalow in 1887 has since transformed into one of Singapore’s most iconic heritage hotels, named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Declared a national monument in 1987, it remains the only hotel in the country to hold such recognition.
Stepping through its grand lobby is like entering another era, where globetrotters, dignitaries, and cultural icons once mingled in timeless glamour.
During our two-night stay, we were welcomed into a beautifully restored Palm Court Suite overlooking a lush courtyard. The space struck a perfect balance between colonial charm and contemporary comfort, with airy white-washed walls framed by intricate detailing, polished hardwood floors, and refined modern furnishings. A spacious parlour, four-poster bed, walk-in wardrobe, and marble-clad bathroom made the suite both indulgent and inviting. The thoughtful touch of locally made Omno toiletries was a delightful nod to sustainable Singaporean craftsmanship, something not often seen in hotels of this calibre.
From the very first moment, the service felt personal and deeply attentive. Our butler introduced us to the suite and surprised us with a chocolate tasting board from Mr. Bucket - a playful, indulgent gesture that set the tone for the days ahead. Complimentary in-room snacks and non-alcoholic beverages further enhanced the sense of hospitality, allowing us to ease into the experience in true comfort.
Dining was an adventure in itself. At Butcher’s Block, Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao - born in Hawaii and shaped by a life immersed in farming, fishing, and cooking - presented a wood-fire tasting menu that told his personal story while embracing Singaporean influences. Each dish was paired with outstanding wines and, for those who prefer alternatives, some of the most imaginative non-alcoholic creations we’ve ever tried: sparkling teas with champagne-like finesse, distilled apple concoctions, and more. This was more than a meal, it was a culinary journey where nothing goes to waste, and every cut and ingredient finds purpose. Whether or not you’re staying at the hotel, it’s an experience worth seeking out.
Breakfast the next morning was a generous yet refined affair at the Tiffin Room, where a buffet of artisanal breads, yoghurts, cold cuts, and fresh salads complemented à la carte favourites. The standout was the laksa, served in a perfectly sized portion that captured all the richness of the dish without overwhelming.
Wellbeing is woven into the fabric of the property, and a visit to the spa was an essential highlight. Nestled in serene gardens, the sanctuary offers treatments inspired by Asian wellness philosophies. The “Rescue and Release” massage, a 60-minute ritual targeting shoulder tension, left us deeply relaxed, while access to the private sauna, whirlpool, and steam facilities rounded off the morning in complete tranquillity.
What makes the experience unforgettable is not only the service and setting, but the atmosphere itself. The colonial character, peaceful courtyards, and gentle birdsong create a rhythm that feels far removed from the bustle of the city. It’s a rare and restorative environment, and one that stays with you long after departure.
During our time here, we also had the opportunity to undergo the hotel’s Heritage Tour, led by its Historian Roslee, who has been working at the hotel for the last 30 years - a common theme at this hotel where most of its employees have been with the hotel for decades.
During this one-and-a-half-hour tour, guests are taken from the renowned entrance where they’re taken through a moment in time when the hotel was first established before being led throughout the entire property where you start to develop a true appreciation for the significance that it bears. Finally, the tour ends back at the lobby where Roslee takes guests down a memory lane trip by opening three important relics that belong to the hotel.
One of them is a very old vinyl player, where you can still hear the cracks in between songs as the record player spins around, then there’s the big grandfather clock built in the 1800’s and still standing proud today. Finally, a very grand Calliope, an American musical instrument that produces sound by sending compressed air through large whistles.
Of course the Raffles experience wouldn’t be complete without a visit to their renowned Long, where the Singapore Sling, widely regarded as the national drink, was first mixed in 1915. Today, the rich, earthy decor of the two-storey bar is inspired by Malaysian life in the 1920’s. Think gleaming countertops and decorative motifs.
In keeping with the jovial atmosphere, guests are invited to brush peanut shells off the bar and onto the floor - the only place in Singapore where littering is encouraged. This unique custom dates back to the 1900s, when rubber and plantation owners from Malaya would often gather at the bar on weekends. As peanuts were offered to them, they would casually brush the shells onto the ground and over time, this casual habit evolved into a beloved tradition that continues to this day.
Guests are encouraged to book early, as this place gets full very quickly.
To round off our last evening, we had the most appetising Indian cuisine at The Tiffin Room - apparently one of the best Northern Indian cuisines in the city and the oldest Indian restaurant in Singapore, serving up the golden age delicacies of the maharajahs since 1892. We went for their Tiffin menu which includes two appetisers and two mains put together lavishly and served in stainless steel tiffins, where your server unlocks it and takes each dish out one by one.
To stay at Raffles Singapore is to experience more than just a hotel - it is to step into a living legend. Every moment, from the gracious service to the storied spaces, carries with it a sense of heritage and timeless charm that few properties in the world can offer. What began as a modest bungalow has evolved into a sanctuary of culture, hospitality, and history, yet it continues to reinvent itself for the modern traveller without ever losing its soul. Whether it’s sipping a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, wandering around the tranquil courtyards, or retracing the footsteps of dignitaries and dreamers on the Heritage Tour, Raffles is more than a place to stay, it is an unforgettable chapter in Singapore’s story, one that lingers long after the final farewell.
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