When going on a holiday, one of the most important things that one needs to carefully consider is where to stay while on holiday. In Singapore, the best and most luxurious hotel that travelers from all over the world often stay in is Raffles Hotel – Singapore.
Location
Raffles Hotel – Singapore is located at 1 Beach Road, right in the heart of the country’s bustling central business district.
Getting There
The hotel is only twenty minutes away from the Changi Airport by car or taxi and just two minutes off Orchard Road, the famous shopping strip in Singapore, via the Mass Rapid Transit or MRT train.
What to See
Raffles Hotel – Singapore has world-class amenities and facilities that make every stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Each suite is equipped with everything that every traveler would need to make them feel as if this is their home away from home.
But other than its luxurious suites, guests can also enjoy spa treatments, the outdoor swimming pool and poolside bar, fitness center and dine in one of the hotels restaurants.
Particularly interesting is Raffles Orchard where you can dine al fresco amidst lush greeneries.
For shopping, you won’t have to go far. At the Arcade, Raffles Hotel – Singapore has several boutiques carrying some of the fashion industries leading names in the likes of Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
For a bit of walk down memory lane, visit the hotel’s museum that houses some memorabilia from the year 1880 up to the year 1939. These items include china, silverware, postcards, letters and photos.
Brief History
Raffles Hotel – Singapore started out as a ten-room bungalow, established by four brothers of Armenian descent in 1887. At that time, no Asian guests were allowed to stay in the hotel.
In WWII during the Japanese occupation, the hotel’s name was “Syonan Ryokan.” It was later used as a transit base for POWs. Although Singapore experienced tragedy during the Second World War, Raffles Hotel – Singapore survived and in the year 1987, the Singaporean government declared Raffles Hotel as a National Monument.
In the year 1989, Raffles Hotel – Singapore was closed down so renovations can be made. It re-opened in 1991 with more suites and upgraded facilities.
The hotel has provided accommodations for a good number of famous people such as W. Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, Queen Elizabeth II, Jean Harlow, Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé.
Cost
Accommodations at Raffles Hotel – Singapore are world-class hence; expect to pay quite a hefty price to stay in one of its rooms. Rooms start at SGD 621 up to SGD 900 a night.
While this may seem pricey, you may just be able to get a good deal if you book your rooms earlier than your scheduled trip. You may also check out packaged deals or special offers to get considerable discounts.
Other Information
It is in the hotel that the famous Singapore Sling, a cocktail that was concocted in the early 1900s by a simple bartender working at the Long Bar located in the hotel.
