Raffles Singapore

This was our third stay here, arriving early pm and getting the usual friendly reception Check in was efficient and our room was ready. We were given a detailed review of our room and the hotel facilities. The only thing that was missing was about the room lighting which was a combination of switches and i-pad controls. The room overlooked the courtyard but was quite and had all you could need. The hotel has gone through a refurbishment but none of the charm and elegance has changed. There are some changes, the Billiard Bar is now an Italian based restaurant, the Raffles Grill is now a French based restaurant. We wanted to go tp the latter but on the first night it was fully booked and closed the next night (Sunday). Due us being there on Chinese New Year most of the restaurants in the hotel and nearby were, not unsurprisingly, fully booked. So for our two nights we took the "in room" dinning option. This was served on the terrace outside the room. Most rooms have a shared terrace but there are gates which can only be operated by guests so there is very little disturbance. Nice food and wine, with care full presentation, and a quite atmosphere to enjoy, whilst still enjoying the Raffles experience. Having arrived early pm we went to the Long Bar for a late pm drink but there was a queue, so we went to the guest only Pool Bar. Service here was slightly down on the Raffles standard but it was pleasant enough and to be in fresh air after a 12 hour flight. Breakfast is in the Tiffin Room. This was not too busy at 07.00 but is likely to be busy later. This has a large cold buffet as well as the hot menu service. All fine and plenty of choice. The second day we booked a table at the Long Bar, which guests can do. This is far more popular than when we first came. However most people come for one Singapore Sling and leave so the queue does move. Of course a guest who having a booked table you do go to the front, which is a slight embarrassment, but one I can cope with! The entrance has moved (as part of the refurbishment?) which allows people to queue on a flat area and not on steps. We spent a wonderful 3 hours here, just enjoying the atmosphere, Singapore Slings and Tiger Beers and throwing peanuts husks all around. The only sad thing is the windows now do not allow the Tree Sparrows in to feed on the peanuts. Raffles is not to everyone's budget but at least visit and have a drink in the Long Bar.

The hotel is absolutely beautiful and as far as we are concerned nothing in Singapore comes close to it We saw all the photos before we came but you really have to see it to truly appreciate how beautifully it has been renovated It is spotless. The staff and service excellent We are checking out soon and will be very sad to say goodbye

Expensive but I got a good deal for a 3-night stay and have been wanting to stay here for a number of years. It has a brilliant reputation for a reason and of course has had it's fair share of A-list celebrities stay there whose photos are on a brag board. Being built in colonial style everything is dark timber, painted solid plaster walls and sumptuous furnishings. My room was as big as my 2-bedroom unit in Australia! The bathroom had 2 sinks, a bath and a decent size shower that you could have a party in. When you arrive you get taken to your room and every guest gets a butler service. If you want your laces tied or help to find something in your case nothing's too much trouble. The butler shows you how things work and where everything is. I had a twin-share room as I was sharing with my mum but there were two large beds, two wardrobes and a tv. There was a parlour which had a couch, small table with a couple of chairs and a second tv. Each room has two entrances which makes the potential for getting lost very high! There were two iPads in the room controlling everything from the tv to the lights. The curtains were on motorised tracks which was handy. The breakfast was to die for. There was virtually nothing they didn't serve up including a lot of savoury things that westerners wouldn't generally be used to. One thing I found missing was bread though. There were lots of things out on display that you could help yourself to but if you wanted dishes like Eggs Benedict or pancakes you had to order them. I got a credit of $USD100 to use and wanted to spend it on the high tea but it was booked out so when I was checking out the staff member said that we still had to spend it. She suggested that we could go stupid in the gift shop to use it up so I did. It has a number of shops that you can check out. Whisky, hats and jewellery are some of the items on offer. I would highly recommend this hotel if you want to spoil yourself and can afford it.