Raffles Hotel Singapore 1887
Situated in the heart of the business and civic district, Raffles Singapore is a veritable oasis in the city. The hotel was built by Armenian hoteliers, the Sarkies Brothers and it opened its doors in 1887. The Raffles Hotel was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore. Today, it is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world, and the flagship property of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
A century after its opening, the hotel was declared a National Monument by the Singapore Government. Its colonial architecture stand out from the contemporary style of its surrounding neighbours in the business and civic district. Through the decades, liveried Sikh doormen have welcomed some of the most famous personalities, from writers to celebrities, politicians and members of royalty. Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling and Michael Jackson are among those who have succumbed to the charms of the Raffles.
Today, nothing much has changed with esteemed guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, George Bush, Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin still choosing to put up at the hotel. No visit to Singapore is complete without a stay at this iconic all-suite luxury Singapore hotel. Each suite features period furnishings, lofty 14-foot ceilings and modern conveniences expected of a 21st-century hotel. Raffles butlers, legendary for their charming and graceful service are available to fulfil requests both ordinary and extraordinary. 14 restaurants and bars offers a unique menu prepared using only the freshest of ingredients. Among the most well-loved include the fine dining establishment Raffles Grill; Long Bar, where the famous Singapore Sling was created; and Writers Bar, a tribute to the novelists and travel writers, who have become part of the hotel’s legend.
Raffles Singapore among Southeast Asia’s most distinguished holiday destinations since the 1880s
Historical image of Raffles Hotel
The storied history of the Raffles Singapore begins with a charming beach house that Dr. Charles Emerson leased in 1878. An enterprising hotelier, Emerson converted the quaint estate into a seaside hotel. But his dreams were short-lived as he died five years later. As such, the hotel closed shortly thereafter. It was not until the arrival of the famous Sarkies Brothers that the little hotel would see life again. Proprietors of the wildly successful Eastern & Oriental hotel in Penang, the Sarkies had long sought to open a luxurious hotel in Singapore. Thus, in September of 1887, the brothers settled on the old Emerson Hotel as the site of their new establishment. After an extensive renovation, the Sarkies reopened the building as the “Raffles Hotel,” which they named in honor of Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles.
It did not take long for the Raffles Hotel to rise in popularity. Within the first decade of opening, the Sarkies added three new buildings onto the existing structure in an attempt to meet the demand for more accommodations. The number of available rooms exploded from 10 to 75 in a matter of years. Soon, the Raffles Hotels boasted a veranda, a ballroom, and a billiards hall. The Sarkies also outfitted each guestroom with the finest amenities for the era, including electric-powered lights and ceiling fans. By the late 1890s, the desire among travelers to stay at the Raffles Hotel grew to such an extent that the brothers realized they had to expand upon the original building once more. They hired the talented architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell to rebuild the space in 1899. What Bidwell achieved was nothing short of a masterpiece. When the hotel debuted after the construction, it’s new, brilliant Neo-Renaissance-style architecture met with thunderous applause. By the turn of the century, the Raffles Hotel had emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most preeminent destinations. As it grew in importance, a number of famous luminaries began to spend considerable amounts of time at the Raffles Hotel. Among its earliest visitors was Joseph Conrad, who would later write the novel Heart of Darkness. Not long thereafter, Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, resided at the hotel. Kipling would use his time at the Raffles Hotel as the inspiration for his story, “Feed at Raffles.” Other wealthy clients quickly followed in their footsteps, driven by the hotel’s high-quality hospitality, lavish accommodations, and proximity to the beach. Individuals like W. Somerset Maugham began to regularly visit the hotel. Rumor has it that many of the conversations that Maugham overheard while staying at the Raffles Hotel spawned many of his fascinating stories.
Yet, storm clouds were brewing on the horizon for the Raffles Hotel. When the Great Depression hit at the end of the 1920s, the hotel endured extreme financial hardships. The last surviving Sarkies brother eventually had to file for bankruptcy, as the business left him several million dollars in debt. Under new ownership, the Raffles Hotel recovered somewhat until the outbreak of the Second World War. Trouble rematerialized with the Japanese invasion and subsequent occupation of Singapore. As the Japanese Imperial Army descended upon the city, the hotel’s staff desperately set about saving as many of its assets as they could protect. They even buried the business’s supply of silver within its famous Palm Court. Legend has it that the Raffles Hotel held one last waltz to distract the Japanese soldiers while the silver was hidden in their midst. Fortunately, the Raffles Hotel became prosperous once more with the end of the war. Reverting to private ownership, the building quickly resumed its place as Singapore’s primer luxury hotel. Many international celebrities returned to the Raffles Hotel, including Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ava Gardner. Its magnificence reached new heights in 1967 when Guy Green filmed much of Pretty Polly inside the building. For its historical significance, the government of Singapore declared the Raffles Hotel a National Monument in the 1980s. Celebrated today as the Raffles Singapore, the Raffles Hotel is now a cherished member of AccorHotels. Now a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, the Raffles Hotel Singapore is among the most prestigious hotels throughout the entire world.
Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel is a British colonial-style luxury hotel in Singapore. It was established by Armenian hoteliers, the Sarkies Brothers, in 1887. The hotel was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. It is the flagship property of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, and is managed by AccorHotels after Accor acquired FRHI Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is owned by Qatar-based, government-owned Katara Hospitality.
Raffles Hotel Singapore started as a privately owned beach house built in the early 1830s. It first became Emerson's Hotel when Dr. Charles Emerson leased the building in 1878. Upon his death in 1883, the hotel closed, and the Raffles Institution stepped in to use the building as a boarding house until Dr. Emerson's lease expired in September 1887. Almost immediately after the first lease expired, the Sarkies Brothers leased the property from Syed Mohamed Alsagoff, its owner, with the intention of turning it into a high-end hotel. A few months later, on 1 December 1887, the ten-room Raffles Hotel opened. Its proximity to the beach and its reputation for high standards in services and accommodations made the hotel popular with wealthy clientele. Within the hotel's first decade, three new buildings were added on to the original beach house. First, a pair of two-story wings were completed in 1890, each containing 22 guest suites. Soon afterward, the Sarkies Brothers leased a neighboring building at No. 3 Beach Road, renovated it, and in 1894, the Palm Court Wing was completed. The new additions brought the hotel's total guest rooms to 75.
A few years later, a new main building was constructed on the site of the original beach house. Designed by architect Regent Alfred John Bidwell of Swan and Maclaren, it was completed in 1899. The new main building offered numerous state-of-the-art (for the time) features, including powered ceiling fans and electric lights. In fact, the Raffles Hotel was the first hotel in the region to have electric lights. The hotel continued to expand over the years with the addition of wings, a veranda, a ballroom, a bar and billiards room, as well as other buildings and rooms. In 1902, a tiger that had escaped from a nearby circus was shot in a storage place under the Bar & Billiards room, which was originally constructed at an elevation. The Great Depression spelled trouble for Raffles Hotel and, in 1931, the Sarkies Brothers declared bankruptcy. In 1933, the financial troubles were resolved, and a public company called Raffles Hotel Ltd. was established, taking over from the Sarkies.
Raffles History
Raffles has begun writing a new chapter as an extensive restoration, sensitive to the heritage buildings’ striking façades and features, breathes new life into the storied hotel. Immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind ambience. Savour the carefully restored splendour and enhanced comforts. Experience Raffles’ legendary service as you enjoy newly opened bars, restaurants and boutiques. Explore graceful courtyards and relax in cosy social spaces.
No stay in the Lion City would be complete without a visit to this iconic hotel. Shortly following its opening in 1887, Raffles was seen as a beacon and haven for world travellers, arriving from all shores to experience its exquisite combination of grandeur and charm. Staying here became a rite of passage among adventurers, with “See you at Raffles” their signature parting shot.
Today, the hotel continues to embody regal elegance and Old World appeal. In a city where modern buildings compete to touch the sky, this beautifully preserved colonial-style treasure – declared a National Monument in 1987– takes pride of place in the vibrant civic and business district.
Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, the hotel has welcomed countless legendary names throughout its history. Writers, movie stars, dignitaries, journalists… They all found inspiration and conviviality here. Among the many luminaries were Rudyard Kipling, Elizabeth Taylor, Somerset Maugham, Ava Gardner and Noel Coward. At a time when global travel was a luxury available to only a select few, the stories these personalities shared – both facts and fables – contributed to Raffles’ renown. Thanks to them and myriad other guests over the decades, the Long Bar’s Singapore Sling gained international fame, along with exciting tales – such as the one involving a tiger in the Bar & Billiard Room. Intricately woven into the hotel are lush tropical gardens. Occupying more than a quarter of the entire estate, they provide soothing contrast to the urban hustle and bustle. It is not uncommon to hear the delightful melodies of singing birds beyond the verandahs and the rustle of palm leaves in the breeze. You are in an oasis of exquisite tranquillity. Welcome to Raffles Singapore.
10 Surprising Facts About Raffles Singapore
The famous Raffles facade
The history of Raffles has been subject to a procession of literary work, and even a cartoon or two, that attempt to capture the venue’s beauty.
However, there’s a lot more than meets the eye to this luxurious hotel. Here are 10 facts you might not know about Raffles:
- It’s about to get a face lift - In a bid to retain the historical beauty of the hotel, Raffles will be undergoing a careful restoration program that will be conducted in three phases.
- Speaking of facelifts - The last restoration began in 1989 and took two and a half years to complete. It cost (SGD) 160 million ($116 million) and was conducted by a South Korean construction firm, Ssangyong Engineering and Construction.
- Raffles entices many a guest...including tigers - History buffs may have heard of the time a tiger came to tea in the luxurious Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles.
- It wasn’t the last tiger to be seen at Raffles, though - A live tiger was photographed on top of a Raffles billiard table as part of the hotel’s centennial celebrations.
- One of the first guests - Was, according to the hotel, author Joseph Conrad, who was a seaman at the time.
- Much like any historical beauty, it has a song made in its honor - Composers and chansonniers have often looked to beauty for inspiration for their next tune. Therefore, it was only a matter of time that the pearly white halls of Raffles would also be epitomized in song.
- The origins of the Singapore Sling, to this day, remains under contention - The official story is as follows: Hainanese bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created the Million Dollar Cocktail and Singapore Sling at the now famous Long Bar.
- It was the back drop to the ultimate age of innocence film - Pretty Polly, Guy Green’s rendition of the short story, Pretty Polly Barlow by Noël Coward, was shot at Raffles.
- Rudyard Kipling had a thing or two to say about it - Raffles was immortalized in the work of nobel prize winner, Rudyard Kipling. In his 1889 book, From Sea To Sea, Kipling describes the hotel as “a place called Raffles Hotel, where the food is excellent and the rooms are bad.”
- They mean it when they say it is a national treasure - Raffles Hotel was given the honor of being designated as a national monument by the Singapore Government in 1987,
HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT RAFFLES HOTEL
In its heyday in the late 1800s to early 1900s, Raffles Hotel was a high society nexus of the British and the well-heeled. But today, after being closed for more than two years for a major restoration, everyone is invited to schmooze, linger and savour a slice of Singapore's living heritage. From the get-go, you will feel as if you have stepped out of your taxi into a time warp: granite gravel instead of asphalt is retained at the driveway to the lobby entrance to hark back to the days when horse-drawn carriages formed the main mode of transportation.
When you look up at the imposing facade, you are overwhelmed by a sense of history that seems to come alive before your very eyes. All the pomp and pageantry of this British outpost was a guiding rubric in the architecture of this more than 132-year-old building, which was leased in 1887 by a group of Armenian brothers called the Sarkies. Your first point of contact with all things luxe and escapist is when the towering, turbaned Narajan Singh opens the door of your Comfort taxi. "Welcome to the Raffles, Madam," he intones in a deep baritone. He has been with the hotel since early 1992 and is today its brand ambassador.
Only Sikhs with a mandatory height requirement of 1.9m have been employed as Raffles doormen since the establishment of the hotel and so ubiquitous is Mr Singh's image that it is even to be found in the Raffles Boutique, emblazoned on souvenir plushies, keychains and umbrellas. When you think about how Mr Singh has greeted, with the same benevolence, the likes of royalty such as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, you feel nothing short of special. His thick beard, piercing eyes and military-inspired uniform with epaulettes and full regalia set the tone for your dalliance with Singapore history. Apart from majestic ficus trees with burgeoning girths that could have been growing here even before 1887, when the building was re-imagined as a grand hotel, and myriad palm trees and flowering shrubs of every tropical stripe, you will also see the grand dame's distinctively British architectural features such as its pilasters, Corinthian capitals and fluted columns in the cavernous lobby space and throughout the building's palisades.
Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel is a Singapore landmark located at No.1 Beach Road. Established in 1887, the award-winning colonial-era hotel with a rich history is well known for its period architecture and decor, luxurious accommodation and fine cuisine. The hotel is particularly known for its popular Tiffin Room buffet2 and for the Singapore Sling cocktail created in 1915. Raffles Hotel was first gazetted as a natioal monument in 1987 and again in 1995. Raffles Hotel began as Beach House, a private home built in the 1830s by Robert Scott. In 1878, Charles Emmerson leased the building and opened Emmerson’s Hotel. After his sudden death in 1883, the hotel closed.4 On 1 January 1884, it reopened as Hotel Des Indes, owned by a “W. F. Van Erp”. Later on, Raffles Boarding School took up tenancy until its expiry in September 1887.
The Armenian Sarkies brothers Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak (who joined later), already established hoteliers at the time, then leased the building from its owner, the wealthy Arab merchant Syed Mohamed Alsagoff, and announced their intention to turn it into a hotel offering fine accommodation and cuisine. On 1 December 1887, Raffles Hotel commenced operations as a 10-room hotel. While the facilities in its early years were still under development, its prime seafront location near town made it very popular with European residents and travellers. Under the Sarkies brothers, Raffles Hotel grew as a commercial enterprise and became known as a first-class establishment that attracted guests of stature. Tigran Sarkies, in particular, was closely involved in the hotel’s development. He established the popular Raffles Tiffin Rooms at Commercial Square (today’s Raffles Place) and undertook major building projects, adding three buildings to the original Beach House in the hotel’s first decade. A pair of two-storey wings containing 22 new suites was completed in 1890, followed by a new Billiard Room located at the junction of Beach Road and Bras Basah Road. In 1892, the brothers leased the site at No. 3 Beach Road and built the Palm Court Wing, which was completed in 1894.
The main building of the hotel was designed by Regent Alfred John Bidwell of the architecture firm Swan & Maclaren and built on the site of the original Beach House. Completed in 1899, it was considered a state-of-the-art building at the time. It was designed with tropical architectural features such as high ceilings and extensive verandahs, and also included modern conveniences like powered ceiling fans and electric lights. The Dining Room, which featured pillars and a white Carrara marble floor, could seat up to 500 people.15 In 1904, the Bras Basah Wing was added16 and the ballroom opened in 1920. The Grill Room, which joined the main dining room, was opened in 1923. Unfortunately, with the onset of the Great Depression, the Sarkies brothers accumulated debts of $3.5 million and by 1931 were declared bankrupt. However, the hotel survived and was incorporated in 1933 as Raffles Hotel Limited.
Raffles Singapore celebrates 100 years of the Singapore Sling
Singapore Sling 100 years and still going strong
A century is a long time by any standards, which makes the Singapore Sling’s enduring popularity — first concocted at the Long Bar in Raffles Singapore in 1915 — that much more impressive.
Widely regarded as the national drink of the country, it was the brainchild of bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. Primarily a gin-based cocktail, the Singapore Sling also contains pineapple juice as the main ingredient, along with grenadine, lime juice and Dom Benedictine. Giving it the pretty pink hue are cherry brandy and Cointreau, which Ngiam deliberately chose.
The reason was less apparent. Following the turn of the century in colonial Singapore, Raffles Singapore was the gathering place for the community and Long Bar was the watering hole. Unfortunately for the ladies, etiquette dictated they could not consume alcohol in public, and for the sake of public modesty, fruit juices and teas were their preferred beverage. This didn’t stop the drink from gaining international acclaim, and a century later it is enjoyed across the globe, from New York to London, Paris, Tokyo and Shanghai. So it’s no surprise that Raffles Singapore is celebrating the Singapore Sling Centennial Anniversary with a series of promotions and educational initiatives starting in June.
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