Weather :

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Landmark

Entry Fee : No Entry Fee

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

The Raffles Hotel, Singapore Overview

One of the most famous and iconic hotels in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel is on the top of almost every visitor’s to-visit list in Singapore. Located in the Colonial District of Singapore, it is claimed to be one of the world's last majestic 19th century hotels.

Having served as a landmark of Singapore for over a century, the Raffles Hotel boasts of 15 restaurants and bars including the Long Bar where the renowned cocktail Singapore Sling was made. This historic structure epitomizes luxury through its graceful architecture while the tropical gardens flanked around the hotel add to its refined setting.

The lobby of the main building is open for the public whereas the museum is located on the 3rd floor. Club your visit to the Raffles Hotel with a visit to the historic Raffles Landing Site.

Read More on The Raffles Hotel

Highlight of Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel is home to some globally known iconic restaurants as well as bars, including the Tiffin Room and the Long Bar which was the favourite spot of many celebrities, including Somerset Maugham, the famous English novelist and playwright. This bar is also where the national cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. Other famous restaurants here include a Chinese restaurant Yi by Masterchef Jereme Leung, a Mediterranean-themed BBR run by the French legend Alain Ducasse; and Le Dame Pic by the Michelin-awarded chef Anne Sophie Pic.

The Raffles Boutique at the newly renovated Raffles Hotel Singapore Arcade is also a star highlight of the hotel. In fact, visitors actually look forward to buying a variety of mementoes and souvenirs, including those related to Singapore Sling, from the Boutique. 

The colourful guest list of the hotel is also a highlight of the hotel in itself. Charlie Chaplin, Queen Elizabeth II, George Bush, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Michael Jackson and Rudyard Kipling are just some of the renowned people who have stayed at the hotel. 

Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Long Bar where the famous Singapore Sling cocktail was invented (Source)

Architecture of Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is known to draw inspiration from local culture and traditions, and then fuse it artistically with a modern luxurious hotel experience. This approach is reflected in their design details, events as well as exhibitions, and this is what makes the hotel stand out. 

The new main building, which was designed by R. A. J. Bidwell of Swan & MacLaren and was completed in 1899, was acclaimed worldwide for its architectural grandeur. An exemplary case of neo-Renaissance architecture, the hotel boasted of having marble floors in the dining room, with powered ceiling fans and electric lights. Tropical touches such as high ceilings and extensive verandahs were also added to the building. 

In 1989, when the hotel was renovated to the height of its glory and prestige, it was adorned with decorative plasterwork complete with timber staircases, teakwood floors, and handmade carpets. Till date, the hotel continues to stand as a heritage icon, renowned not just for its intriguing history and awe-striking guest list, but also for its architecture!

Raffles Hotel Singapore
The stately Raffles Hotel (Source)

How to Reach Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is located on Beach Road and is easily accessible from all parts of Singapore. It is just a 10-minute train ride away from the famous shopping district, the Orchard Road, and a 5-minute walk from the City Hall MRT Station. 

Bus: Bus lines 100, 106 and 961 all stop near the Raffles Hotel, from where one can then walk to the hotel. 

MRT: Get down at any of the following stations and then walk to reach the final destination. 
  • Get down at Beach Rd - Raffles Hotel (01611) and then walk for 136 meters to reach the hotel. 
  • Alight at Beach Rd - Opp Raffles Hotel (01619), and walk for around 173 meters. 
  • Get down at the Esplanade (CC3) MRT Station, which is 192 meters or a 3-minute walk away from the hotel. 
  • Get down at the Bras Basah Rd - Raffles Hotel (02049) and walk for 200 meters to the hotel. 
  • Get off at the Taxi Stand C16 - Bras Basah Rd (The Fairmont) Station, which is 206 meters away from the Raffles Hotel. 

Singapore Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

The Raffles Hotel Reviews

Your rating

Have a Question on The Raffles Hotel?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.