Sa-fe.org editor-in-chief Richard Barnes reports on “the Grand Dame” – Raffles Singapore – the flagship of what is now the “global” Raffles Hotel brand – part of the Accor group, inspiring many in the business with its style and character, a landmark in Singapore, and named as one of the top five hotels in the world.
We decided to spotlight Raffles in particular and Singapore more generally, as Muslim travellers feel very welcome and comfortable here, thanks to the country’s strong culture of religious respect, excellent public safety, and clear legal protection for freedom of worship, combined with abundant halal dining options, mosques, and prayer facilities throughout the city.
This sense of ease is further reinforced by Singapore’s position at the heart of a region with deep-rooted Muslim culture, bordered by Malaysia and Indonesia — the world’s largest Muslim-majority country — making Islamic traditions and sensitivities a natural part of the wider cultural landscape.
Arab tourists are increasingly seeking out Southeast Asia for its combination of safety, luxury experiences and culturally sensitive hospitality, contributing to a steady rise in inbound visitation to regional hubs like Singapore.
With greater air connectivity and a growing emphasis on halal-friendly services and high-end offerings, Saudi outbound travel to destinations such as Singapore is expected to continue expanding as part of broader Gulf leisure tourism trends. Singapore is a great starting point for any travels to the region.
Spotlight on Raffles – the Grand Dame of Singapore
Over the decades, as an Aussie living in Europe, I have regularly broken-up the trip with a stopover in Singapore, and have also frequently attended trade fairs in this extraordinary “city-state”. Indeed, I was lucky to be here in 2019 during the official reopening of this iconic hotel, following its extensive refit.
At that time, Accor Group CEO Sébastien Bazin addressed the teams at the hotel: “All of you here, next to me, we do the exact same job, in a different position. I am no better and no worse than any of you. The one thing you have to do… you are my smile, and the smile of Singapore. It is through your hands that every day you are going to give that little bit of emotional, memorable experience, through soft hands, soft skin… smiling. That’s what people remember.“
Bazin: “The best hotel on the planet”
Bazin received a huge round of applause when he stated, “This is the best hotel on the planet. When you come into this property, the first thing that happens to you is a sense of humility. You are in the hands of something much larger than any of us individually. You pay respect to 132 years. There is only one wish. To make sure that people in 100 years will have the same amount of emotion, the same experience… and you being with me polishing that diamond. Don’t ever cut it. Leave it as it is.”
When I asked Mr Bazin, after his speech, what qualities he thought gave the Raffles his title of “best in the world”, he said, “Longevity, purity, grandiose… it is something very rare. It is exceptional beauty that is very elegant; there is nothing flashy. It doesn’t impress people. You just believe you are entering something in which you have to be very careful. It is like a diamond.”
The meticulous restoration led by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud was also supported by Aedas, a leading global architecture and design firm. Together, the designers created a refreshed social haven that delivers a compelling mix of culture, beauty and gentility.
At that time, I told myself I just HAD to come back and stay. In December 2025, I finally had the chance to do so, as I stayed at Raffles as a stop-over coming back from Australia to Europe with my wife and grandson.
A Storied Past and Timeless Ambience
From the moment you arrive, Raffles envelops you in Old World ambiance and storied history. Indeed, upon their arrival at the hotel, guests are greeted by turbaned Sikh doormen with a gracious bow – an instantly reassuring sign that some traditions at Raffles Hotel Singapore remain unchanged. Crossing the threshold into the grand lobby, from which polished teak wood verandas overlook lush courtyards, the modern city’s bustle simply evaporates.
The hotel’s gleaming white neo-Renaissance façade, first completed in 1899, looks every bit the grand monument it is – Raffles was declared a National Monument in 1987 for its cultural and architectural significance. First opened in 1887 as a ten-room bungalow by the Armenian-born Sarkies Brothers, Raffles quickly became “one of the best addresses in Singapore”, attracting globetrotting writers, royals and adventurers. A young seaman named Joseph Conrad was among its earliest guests in the 1890s.
As the hotel’s fame grew, new wings were added – including the Palm Court wing in 1894 – and by the turn of the century Raffles had transformed into the iconic grand hotel that still stands today. Though the shoreline has since shifted due to land reclamation (Beach Road is no longer on the beach), one can easily imagine the days when sea breezes carried the promise of adventure through Raffles’ tropical gardens.
A Life Intertwined
One of the great privileges of staying at Raffles Singapore is the opportunity to encounter its living memory: Leslie Danker, the hotel’s resident historian. At 86, Danker is not only a repository of extraordinary knowledge, but also a captivating storyteller whose passion for Raffles is infectious. With more than half a century spent working within the hotel’s walls, he has witnessed – and helped preserve – many of the defining chapters of its history.
Danker is the author of A Life Intertwined, widely regarded as the most authoritative chronicle of Raffles Singapore.
The book traces the hotel’s evolution from a modest seaside bungalow in the late 19th century into one of the world’s most iconic grand hotels, weaving together architectural history, social change and personal anecdotes. What makes the book particularly compelling is its human dimension: beyond dates and events, Danker brings to life the personalities, staff members and guests who shaped Raffles across generations.
During my first meeting with him at the hotel’s official reopening in 2019, and again during my recent stay in December 2025, Danker spoke with warmth and humour about moments that have become legend. His stories make clear that Raffles is not frozen in time – it is a place that has constantly adapted while remaining true to its essence.
Historic tours led by Danker, beginning with the extraordinary “hall of fame” are among the hotel’s most enriching experiences.
Walking through the corridors with him, one begins to see Raffles not simply as a luxury hotel, but as a living witness to Singapore’s transformation. His book and his presence ensure that the heritage of Raffles is not merely displayed, but genuinely understood – passed on through narrative, memory and human connection.
Writers in particular have long been enchanted by this place. The literary icon, W. Somerset Maugham, practically made Raffles his second home in the 1920s. His portrait graces the hotel’s extensive hall of fame, and a personal letter of his hangs in one suite alongside the immortal line: “Raffles Hotel stands for all the fables of the Exotic East”.
Maugham’s quote, printed on vintage matchboxes and echoed in countless travelogues, captures the mystique that still infuses the hotel’s atmosphere. It’s easy to slip into nostalgia here – sipping a delicious cocktail under a slow-moving ceiling fan, you might imagine colonial planters or wayfarers from a century ago doing just the same. Raffles cherishes this history and “captures in amber the feeling of its literary past,” as one writer observed, yet the hotel is also writing “a new chapter” that embraces the needs of today’s luxury traveller.
According to Raffles Managing Director Christian Westbeld, “Raffles hotel is built on years of heritage, iconic architecture, charm, story-telling, community leadership, and a reputation for continuously reinventing ourselves. No other hotel in this part of the world is so closely connected to its destination and community as Raffles.”
Speaking of the massive restoration project launched by Katara Hospitality, owners of the property, Westbeld said, “At the heart of this plan was a vision to preserve what Raffles Hotel stands for; at the same time to elevate comfort levels of guests and create unparalleled levels of service and luxury.”
That balance of heritage and modernity becomes apparent as you explore. Marble colonnades and balustrades gleam as white as ever, painstakingly restored in the hotel’s 2017–2019 renovation. The restoration was a “sensitive, three-phased” project that updated Raffles’ infrastructure without erasing its soul. It even added a few new flourishes: in the lobby, I was immediately drawn to a dazzling new chandelier inspired by a lotus flower, composed of over 8,000 crystals, now sparkling where once punkahs (ceiling fans) might have swayed.
Yet the familiar touchstones remain: the liveried doormen in their immaculate white uniforms and turbans, the serene gardens occupying nearly half the estate, and the breezy verandas where afternoon light dances through tropical foliage. Raffles still feels like an oasis elegantly apart from the busy streets outside – “a true oasis of peace tucked away from Singapore’s liveliness,” as it was recently described.
I enjoyed how the polished teak corridors and verdant palms naturally cool the equatorial heat. In the historic Bar & Billiard Room, now repurposed as a restaurant, one can almost hear echoes of the past – this is the very room where, according to legend, the last tiger in Singapore was cornered under the floorboards in 1902!
All-Suite Luxury: “Any Raffles Room Is a Suite”
Entering our suite, we immediately understood why Raffles has only suites – no mere “rooms” here. Following the renovation, the hotel offers 115 suites (up from 103 before) across nine categories. Every suite is sumptuous, blending colonial charm with contemporary comfort. High ceilings, polished dark wood floors and louvered shutters on tall windows evoked the 19th-century heritage, while discreet modern updates ensured five-star comfort.
The interior décor featured a soothing palette of ivory, deep blue and brushed gold, with vintage-style ceiling fans spinning overhead. It was an “understated and elegant” design scheme that “contained by louvred shutters” the world outside, creating a cocoon of calm. Yet behind the classic look, everything was state-of-the-art: blackout blinds tucked into the crown moulding, and an iPad on the nightstand to control lighting, climate and even to book a spa treatment. The marble bathroom was spacious and included a claw-foot Victorian tub and separate rain-shower, accented by Peranakan-inspired tile motifs on the floor – a lovely nod to local Straits Chinese heritage amid the luxury.
One of Raffles’ unique charms is that many suites are individually themed. The hotel’s 12 “Personality Suites” pay tribute to famous guests from its long history. In each, you’ll find memorabilia and books related to that luminary. Walking down the Palm Court hallway, you might notice suite plaques for names like Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Pablo Neruda, Noel Coward, James Michener, and of course Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling.
As a guest, it’s delightfully humbling to realize you’re staying in the same halls that once hosted these legends. The personalisation goes as far as an in-suite setup: for example, in the Somerset Maugham suite, a framed letter and vintage photos recall the author’s stays. In the Elizabeth Taylor suite (yes, the Hollywood starlet stayed here twice), a glamorous portrait of Taylor and other mementos adorn the walls.
Presidential Suites — Features & Amenities
The two largest suites, the Presidential Suites, carry historical names – one is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel’s namesake, and another after the Sarkies Brothers who founded the hotel.
Sarkies Brothers Suite
Overview & Personality
- Named after the influential Sarkies brothers, founders of Raffles Singapore.
- One of the hotel’s most legendary spaces, often sought after by dignitaries and high-profile guests.
Space & Layout
- Approx. 260 m² / 2,800 ft² of total space.
- Separate living room, formal dining room, and private verandah.
- One or two bedrooms available by configuration.
- Elegant foyer and reception area – perfect for hosting or working.
Living & Dining
- Spacious salon with plush seating and media console.
- Formal dining area for up to 6–8 guests.
- Private pantry / wet bar with beverage station and espresso machine.
- Dining service available by Raffles Butler on request.
Sleeping Quarters
- King-sized bed with luxury linens and plush mattress.
- Integrated wardrobes and dressing area.
- Ambient lighting scenes controlled by smart panels.
Bathrooms
- Large marble bathrooms with separate tub and rain shower.
- Dual basins with premium toiletries.
- Warm lighting and soft textiles for a spa-like feel.
Technology & Connectivity
- High-speed Wi-Fi.
- Smart TV with international channels.
- Integrated sound system.
- USB and wireless charging ports.
Verandah & Views
- Private outdoor space overlooking Palm Court gardens.
- Seating perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or morning coffee.
- Tropical greenery provides calm privacy.
Service & Personalisation
- Dedicated 24-hour Raffles Butler assigned for all needs.
- In-suite check-in/out, pressing, packing/unpacking.
- Personalised stationery and event planning support.
Sir Stamford Raffles Suite
Overview & Personality
- Named in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.
- Reflects a more stately, classic colonial aesthetic with refined grandeur.
Space & Layout
- Similar size to Sarkies Suite (approx. 260 m²).
- Elegant living room / study that can double as a private business lounge.
- Formal dining area with seating for up to 6–8 guests.
- Large private verandah with courtyard or street views.
Living & Dining
- Chesterfield and contemporary sofas arranged for conversation.
- Rich world-mapped artwork and period accents.
- Curated coffee and tea bar with Raffles signature blends.
Sleeping Quarters
- King bed with customised pillows and top-tier mattress.
- Separate reading nook with armchairs and side table.
Bathrooms
- Dual vanity areas.
- Rain shower and a deep soaking tub.
- Premium bathroom amenities and plush robes.
Technology & Connectivity
- Multi-region entertainment system.
- Digital room control panel for lights, blinds and temperature.
- Business desk and printing support if required.
Verandah & Views
- Tranquil retreat space.
- Outdoor seating and quick access to fresh air.
Service & Personalisation
- 24-hour personal Raffles Butler service.
- Private menu tasting opportunities for suite guests.
- Arrangements for bespoke experiences, from custom cocktails to private tours.
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Why these suites are particularly well suited to luxury Middle Eastern travellers
For discerning travellers from the Gulf and the wider Middle East, luxury is defined not by ostentation, but by space, privacy, discretion and personalisation. The Presidential Suites at Raffles Singapore respond precisely to these expectations.
Space and privacy are paramount. With more than 260 m² of living space, multiple reception areas and private verandahs, the suites function as true private residences rather than hotel accommodations.
This is particularly valued by families, multi-generational travellers and high-profile guests seeking calm, controlled environments within a major city.
Family-centric comfort is another defining factor. Flexible two-bedroom configurations, separate living and dining rooms, and the ability to host private meals in-suite allow families to spend time together without compromising comfort or dignity. The suites easily accommodate extended stays, children, and visiting guests.
Discretion and personalised service are central to the experience. The legendary Raffles Butler service offers round-the-clock, highly discreet assistance, from bespoke dining arrangements and itinerary planning to cultural considerations such as privacy preferences, prayer timings and customised schedules — all delivered quietly and intuitively.
Cultural sensitivity further enhances the appeal. Halal dining options can be arranged seamlessly, alcohol-free alternatives are readily available, and the hotel’s long experience welcoming Middle Eastern guests ensures an atmosphere of respect and understanding rather than adaptation.
Finally, prestige without ostentation defines these suites. Staying in a Presidential Suite at Raffles Singapore is not about display; it is about inhabiting a piece of living history, enjoying understated elegance, and accessing a level of hospitality that aligns naturally with Middle Eastern concepts of generosity, dignity and refined living.
“Thinking about others first rather than yourself…”
No matter the category – from State Room Suites (entry-level, in the historic front building) to Courtyard and Palm Court Suites, all the way to Grand Hotel or Presidential Suites – every accommodation at Raffles feels special and steeped in character.
And all come with the hotel’s most famous amenity: the Raffles Butler service. Raffles introduced 24-hour butler service decades ago, and it remains “a signature service offered by the hotel”, with highly trained butlers who “attend to your every need”.
As Hotel Manager Thomas Goval told an interviewer recently, hospitality at its best means “thinking about others first rather than yourself,” and finding joy in “seeing others being happy.”
At Raffles, that ethos truly permeates the staff. Throughout our stay, every interaction felt sincere and personalised. It’s no surprise that Raffles Singapore walked away with “Best Service” honours in the 2025 Tatler Best of Singapore awards.
This level of care reflects the leadership of people like Goval, a French-born hotelier handpicked to helm Raffles Singapore in 2024. (Goval came from the renowned Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland under the same ownership; at just 34, he even earned recognition as a “Next Generation Hotelier of the Year 2026” for his forward-thinking approach.)
Walking around the property, I noted Goval mingling with guests and staff – a reassuring, hands-on presence ensuring that Raffles’ day-to-day operations run like a well-oiled, and very elegant, machine.
Food & Drink: Tradition Meets Innovation
If Raffles is a sanctuary for the weary traveller, it is equally a paradise for the culinary enthusiast. The hotel’s dining offerings are so varied and excellent that you could conceivably eat every meal on-site and never be bored. During our stay, we had the pleasure of dining at Yì by Jereme Leung, the hotel’s contemporary Chinese restaurant. https://www.yi-restaurant.com.sg/
Helmed by celebrity MasterChef Jereme Leung, Yì (meaning “art” in Mandarin) is located in a gorgeous space within the Raffles Arcade. The restaurant delivers cuisine that takes guests on an exploration voyage to China’s vastly diverse cultural regions, rather than concentrating on just one, as many Chinese restaurants do.
The Sichuan Spicy Chicken and the Fried Beetroot Rice with Crab Meat, Conpoy, Asparagus & Egg White were particularly delicious. Chef Leung grew up in Singapore – perhaps that’s why his menu here feels like a heartfelt homage to Chinese-Singaporean heritage. While I didn’t get to meet Chef Leung in person, his presence is felt through the meticulous culinary artistry.
Mornings begin in the Tiffin Room, Raffles’ classic dining hall that has been serving guests since 1892. Beneath its lofty ceilings and whirring fans, the Tiffin Room lays out a sumptuous breakfast spread. We savoured tropical fruits, freshly baked pastries, and made-to-order local dishes like Malaysian laksa – a flavourful nod to Singapore’s melting-pot cuisine. By night, the Tiffin Room transforms back into its original identity: a North Indian specialty restaurant.
For lunch, visitors can step into Raffles Courtyard, an open-air terrace bar sheltered by frangipani trees, for a taste of the hotel’s lighter fare. The Courtyard offers a refreshing seafood menu – ice-cold oysters, chili crab cakes, ceviche – perfect in the tropical humidity. It was a delight to sit outside with a chilled drink, listening to the gurgle of the courtyard fountain, imagining colonial ladies and gentlemen taking tea in this very spot generations ago.
Afternoon Tea at Raffles is a ritual not to miss. Each afternoon in the Grand Lobby, tiered silver stands appear bearing scones, finger sandwiches, and confections, all part of the famous Raffles Afternoon Tea service. Seated under the lobby’s grand chandelier with live harp music drifting through, we were treated to the special Christmas afternoon tea, with finely prepared bite-sized morsels combining exquisite flavours.
It feels like stepping back to a more gracious era. And yet, a keen eye notices modern touches even here, like the subtly trendy twists in some pastries (think yuzu éclairs alongside classic Victoria sponge cake) and the fact that some fellow patrons were capturing the moment on smartphones. Raffles cherishes tradition, but it’s very much in tune with the present.
The iconic Singapore Sling
Of course, no stay at Raffles is complete without paying homage to its most famous invention: the Singapore Sling. The cocktail was created here in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, and over a century later, sipping a Sling at the Long Bar remains almost a rite of passage. The Long Bar, located on the second floor of the Arcade, has been restored to its 1920s plantation-style glory – complete with rattan fans, tiled floors, and yes, the tradition of tossing peanut shells on the floor is alive and well.
The atmosphere was lively, and the crunch of peanut shells underfoot with each step is a sensory memory one doesn’t forget easily. While purists might argue the cocktail is a bit sweet, in that setting – sweating glass in hand, colonial-era décor all around – it tasted like history. Even Thomas Goval, the hotel manager, admits he vividly remembers his first Singapore Sling at Raffles as a guest years ago. “For example, I vividly remember its signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling,” he said, calling Raffles “a magnificent hotel” that he already knew well before taking up his post. I raised my glass to that sentiment.
Mr Goval told me the “virgin” Singapore Sling is absolutely delicious and refreshing – perfect for Middle Eastern visitors. It can be served this way either at the bar on in your suite.
If the Long Bar is rowdy and iconic, the Writers’ Bar, not far from the entrance of the hotel, is Raffles’ hidden gem for a nightcap. This intimate lounge, tucked off the lobby, honours the literary greats who frequented the hotel – the walls are lined with books and vintage typewriters, and cocktails are named after famous novels. Unlike the boisterous Long Bar, the adults-only Writers Bar is hushed and refined.
Surrounded by hardcover books and portraits of authors, with a pianist gently playing in the background, visitors are transported to a bygone era of gentlemen in smoking jackets discussing prose. It’s touches like this that make Raffles much more than just another luxury hotel; it’s an experience, steeped in cultural heritage.
Practical Info
After a few days ensconced in Raffles Hotel Singapore’s embrace, I came to appreciate why this property remains the benchmark for luxury in Asia – and increasingly, the world. In 2025, Raffles Singapore was ranked No. 5 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list, and it has collected a slew of recent accolades, from “Best Heritage Hotel” to “Best Hotel Service,” affirming its status.
Awards and honours aside, the true magic of Raffles lies in how it makes you feel as a guest. Despite its grandeur and fame, the hotel exudes a warm, almost home-like intimacy. Perhaps it’s the genuine smiles of the staff at every turn, or the sense of history in every polished teak plank or brass light switch, or simply the knowledge that you’re sleeping under the same roof that sheltered adventurers and celebrities over the past 138 years. For me, it was all of the above.
Raffles Hotel Singapore is located at 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673 – in the heart of the city’s Civic District, walking distance from attractions like the National Gallery and Marina Bay. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive (≈16 km) from Changi Airport.
All rooms are suites; categories range from State Room Suites to two grand Presidential Suites. Rates are commensurate with the luxury (starting around $2,000 per night for entry-level suites, and climbing higher for specialty suites).
Check-in time is 14:00 and check-out is 12:00. Reservations are highly recommended for the popular dining venues and the Afternoon Tea in the Grand Lobby.
Hotel guests have priority access to the Long Bar – a perk, since the queue for a Singapore Sling can get long with outside visitors.
Facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, a world-class Raffles Spa and fitness center, and over 40 boutique shops in the Raffles Arcade (don’t miss the Raffles Boutique for souvenirs and its small History Gallery).
The hotel’s concierge (contact at concierge.singapore@raffles.com) can arrange everything from airport transfers to guided city tours.
Dress code is smart casual in most eateries (with appropriate attire required at the fine-dining restaurants).
In sum, Raffles Hotel Singapore delivers an experience that is “timeless, yet contemporary” – where you can lose yourself in the romance of the past without sacrificing any modern comforts. From the luxurious all-suite accommodations to the impeccable service and vibrant dining scene, every facet of Raffles has been thoughtfully crafted to uphold its legend. It’s often said that “if you have only one night in Singapore, spend it at Raffles.”
After our stay, I wholeheartedly agree. Raffles isn’t just a place to sleep – it’s where history, luxury and heartfelt hospitality come together, creating memories as enduring as the hotel’s own fabled story.
Indeed, there are very few hotels in the world that are destinations unto themselves. This is one of them.
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