Raffles Hotel Historical Building, Singapore
The Raffles Hotel stands as a significant historical landmark in Singapore, representing the essence of the city and drawing countless visitors. This luxurious colonial-style hotel was founded by Armenian hoteliers known as the Sarkies Brothers on December 1, 1887. It was named in honor of Sir Stamford Raffles, the British statesman who laid the foundations of the city. In 1987, a century after it first opened, Singapore designated Raffles Hotel a National Monument for its historical importance.
Throughout its existence, the hotel has welcomed prominent individuals from around the world. Notable guests have included renowned figures like Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham, Elizabeth Taylor, and Karl Lagerfield. It has also left a mark on local history, as it was the location where the last tiger in Singapore met its end. The hotel's Long Bar is renowned as the birthplace of the iconic national cocktail, the Singapore Sling, and its lobby is a celebrated venue for New Year's Eve festivities.
In its early years, the hotel introduced innovative features like powered ceiling fans and electric lighting. Over time, it expanded with wings, a veranda, ballroom, bar, billiards room, and more. During World War II, as Japanese forces took over Singapore in February 1942, hotel guests had a final waltz, and staff discreetly buried silver items, including the beef trolley, in the Palm Court. The hotel was renamed Syonan Ryokan under Japanese rule but was later retaken by the British in 1945.
In 1989 and 2017, the hotel underwent extensive renovations to restore its 1915 grandeur. All guest rooms became suites, the Long Bar moved to a nearby shopping arcade, rooms were updated for comfort and soundproofing, more suites were added, and modern technology was integrated. Food and beverage outlets were revamped, the Writer's Bar got its own space, and the Jubilee Theatre became a stunning ballroom.
Today, the Raffles Hotel shopping arcade boasts 40 specialty boutiques and is home to most of the hotel's restaurants. Additionally, a lush tropical garden graces the premises, adding to the hotel's charm and appeal.
Throughout its existence, the hotel has welcomed prominent individuals from around the world. Notable guests have included renowned figures like Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham, Elizabeth Taylor, and Karl Lagerfield. It has also left a mark on local history, as it was the location where the last tiger in Singapore met its end. The hotel's Long Bar is renowned as the birthplace of the iconic national cocktail, the Singapore Sling, and its lobby is a celebrated venue for New Year's Eve festivities.
In its early years, the hotel introduced innovative features like powered ceiling fans and electric lighting. Over time, it expanded with wings, a veranda, ballroom, bar, billiards room, and more. During World War II, as Japanese forces took over Singapore in February 1942, hotel guests had a final waltz, and staff discreetly buried silver items, including the beef trolley, in the Palm Court. The hotel was renamed Syonan Ryokan under Japanese rule but was later retaken by the British in 1945.
In 1989 and 2017, the hotel underwent extensive renovations to restore its 1915 grandeur. All guest rooms became suites, the Long Bar moved to a nearby shopping arcade, rooms were updated for comfort and soundproofing, more suites were added, and modern technology was integrated. Food and beverage outlets were revamped, the Writer's Bar got its own space, and the Jubilee Theatre became a stunning ballroom.
Today, the Raffles Hotel shopping arcade boasts 40 specialty boutiques and is home to most of the hotel's restaurants. Additionally, a lush tropical garden graces the premises, adding to the hotel's charm and appeal.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Singapore. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Raffles Hotel Historical Building on Map
Sight Name: Raffles Hotel Historical Building
Sight Location: Singapore, Singapore (See walking tours in Singapore)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Singapore, Singapore (See walking tours in Singapore)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Singapore, Singapore
Create Your Own Walk in Singapore
Creating your own self-guided walk in Singapore is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Singapore Introduction Walking Tour
Malay legend has it that a long time ago the Sumatran prince, who sought shelter from a storm, ended up on the island of Temasek where he saw a strange animal believed to be a lion. He then founded a city there and named it Singapura which in Sanskrit means the 鈥淟ion City鈥�. In the 14th century, Singapura found itself 鈥渂etween a rock and a hard place鈥� when the neighboring realms of Thailand... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Colonial District Walking Tour
Singapore emerged as the British India Company's trading post in Southeast Asia in the early 19th century. The Colonial District of Singapore, also known as the Civic District, is a historical gem reflecting the island nation's colonial past. Spread across the banks of the Singapore River, the European-style buildings in the area attest to that period.
One prominent landmark here is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One prominent landmark here is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Chinatown Walking Tour
Ethnic Chinese make up the majority of the Singaporean population. Therefore, it's no wonder that Chinatown is one of the top tourist destinations in the city. This vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood is steeped in history and tradition and is home to several iconic landmarks.
Undoubtedly, the most prominent of them is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, housing a sacred relic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Undoubtedly, the most prominent of them is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, housing a sacred relic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Guide to Singapore: 15 Souvenirs to Bring Home
Known as one of the Four Asian Tigers (or Dragons), Singapore is a thriving metropolis and one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in Asia. Home to multi-ethnic community, the city carefully preserves and proudly exhibits its colorful identity, manifested - among other forms - in the...
12 Singapore Foods You Should Not Miss
Food is a national passion for Singaporeans. Locals think and talk about food incessantly, often thinking nothing of travelling for miles across the island and queuing for hours just to taste one of their favourite dishes.
Singaporeans abroad will bemoan being parted from their favourite foods,...