RAFFLES HOTEL STAYCATION REVIEW

Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Hotel in Singapore is a part of Singapore history. From the very first time I arrived in Singapore as a backpacker (too many years back to count), I have always wanted to stay at this luxurious building. Well, with no place to travel to outside of Singapore, this seemed the most logical place to spend my staycation in Singapore.

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Raffles Hotel Singapore History

The history of Raffles hotel stems back to 1878 when it was a privately owned beach house, later becoming the iconic Raffles Institution in 1887. In steps, the Sarkies Brothers in 1887 and a true Singapore treasure is born.

Back before Singapore began to reclaim the land, the hotel was a ten-room hotel located on Beach Road and within walking distance to the beach. 

The Raffles Hotel was named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who was the founder of the port city of Singapore and signed a treaty with Sultan Hussein Shan of Johor in 1819, which established a connection between Britain and far east Asia. 

Raffles Hotel Singapur is known for the Sikh Doormen which have become ambassadors for the hotel. With their beautifully well-presented uniform which includes the famous white turbans, they are there to greet each hotel guest as you arrive. Back in 1904, putting his life on the line, one doorman chased a wild boar, wrestling it to the ground and saving the day!

Raffles Hotel Today

Raffles Singapore today still has the charm of yesteryear. With its colonial architecture and beautifully manicured gardens, Raffles will always be an experience in itself.  

Singapore has many options for staycations, but there is nothing like Raffles. From the minute you walk through its iconic doors, the experience begins. Walking in from busy Beach road, you can leave it all behind and quickly slot into a weekend of relaxation at Raffles Hotel, and you don’t even need to leave the hotel grounds. 

Today after many upgrades and renovations, Raffles hotel is as beautiful as ever. With many staycations deals to choose from, the hotel opens up to a weekend of luxury and pampering, to make your Singapore hotel experience precisely what you expect.

What you should know before you go

Check out the cost of Raffles Hotel Singapore prices here. There have been some great packages offered lately that include everything from tours to dinner packages.

• With your Raffles Hotel Singapore booking, you will receive an email almost immediately. Remember to try and mention you are staying at the hotel when booking restaurants, tours and spa treatments. Otherwise, let the concierge know when they call you before your stay, they too can book on your behalf.

• Pack appropriate clothes as some restaurants have a dress code so that I would check before each reservation. You can find all of the information on Raffles website.

• During 2020 you will need to book in for everything before you arrive, this includes the gym and swimming pool. This new rule makes the experience even better as you will be guaranteed a sun lounge and excellent service.

Singapore Raffles – The Suite Life Staycation Review

Raffles brought out the Suite Life Staycation package early in the year. It has made your stay in a suite at Raffles less a dream and more a reality as the deal includes the second night at half price, which is a considerable saving! 

Packages also include early check-in and late check-out and a tour by the hotel Historian and author Leslie Danker (which I have just finished reading his book, and is excellent for those who love history as much as I do). His book “a life intertwined” which you can pick up at the raffles hotel arcade in Raffles Boutique. 

Alternatively, book one of the other Raffles hotel Suite packages. The Suite Life packages change frequently, so each season brings something new. 

Whether you book The Palm Court Suite or The Courtyard Suite, they are all amazing! With beautiful dark wooden floors, comfortable Four post bed, amazing marble bathrooms and of course the butler service with each suite. 

I can not fault the service at Raffles Hotel, all staff members were excellent, and nothing was ever too much trouble. 

THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR STAYCATION AT RAFFLES

Dining at Raffles Hotel

There are many restaurants in the Raffles hotel to choose from during your stay. Each restaurant in Raffles Hotel is different and will cater to every type of guest’s taste. 

Restaurants at Raffles Hotel

• Butchers Block
• Tiffin Room
• Raffles Courtyard
• The Grand Lobby
• BBR by Alain Ducasse (temporarily closed)
• Burgers and Lobsters 
• La-Dame-De-Pic-Raffles-Singapore
• Yì by Jereme Leung

My Raffles Hotel Singapore Restaurants Recommendations

Breakfast at Raffles Hotel

The Grand Lobby

There is no better way to start the day then an experience in The Grand Lobby. Breakfast during Covid19 is safe, with al-la carte meals, both Western and Asian, to choose; it is hard to decide which avenue to go. The best part about it, you can have both! 

Brunch at Raffles Hotel

Raffles Courtyard 

Sit outside in the delightful courtyard, if the weather is right (and it was perfect on the weekend we arrived) sit under the umbrellas and enjoy the new weekend brunch menu from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm. Mondays to Fridays Opening hours are from 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm. 

Lunch at Raffles Hotel

Burgers and Lobsters

I was worried that this place was a little overrated and that I would be hugely disappointed because the thought of a lobster roll was enough to have me queuing up for days if need be. 

So I was pleasantly surprised that the laid back feel of this Burgers and Lobsters was precisely opposite to the fantastic meal that was presented in front of me. From the lobster tail to the truffle fries, this place gets a big thumbs up from me. Order the combo for two, and then you get to taste a little bit of everything. Book ahead of time because it is always busy. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday: 11 am – 9:30 pm.

High Tea at Raffles Hotel Singapore 

The Grand Lobby

Be transported back in time with this beautiful afternoon tea where the old world charm meets modern-day Singapore. Who can say no to the delicious flavours of Singapore sling tea combined with Vienna Sandwiches and lobster crostini? 

High tea raffles hotel Singapore is a favourite for many, which is why you need to make a reservation in advance. Raffles hotel high tea Singapore is one for the bucket list.

Raffles Heritage Evening

The Grand Lobby

If sitting back and enjoying the evening without the fuss is your thing, well you won’t be disappointed. The staff could not do enough during our dinner here, from tapas to dessert, everything was delicious and beautifully presented. 

The Grand Lobby transforms from High Tea to evening meal beautifully and why not sip a Singapore Sling and enjoy what this beautiful hotel has to offer. 

Dinner at Raffles Hotel 

Tiffin Room

The Tiffin Room is part of Raffles Hotel History since 1892. The North Indian Cusine beautifully presented in tiffin boxes is something special. From the delicious flavours to the dining experience Tiffin Room is a must on your list on your weekend at Raffles Hotel Singapore. Open Daily for Breakfast: 7:00am – 10:30am, Lunch: 12:00pm to 2:00pm and Dinner: 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Where to enjoy a Singapore Sling 

Singapore Sling is as iconic as the hotel itself! I have taken many visitors to the Long Bar to not only drink the delicious cocktail but to enjoy the experience of the Long Bar itself. 

Due to Covid19, both the Long Bar and the Writers Bar are temporarily closed! Which is a shame because the experience is just as good as the drink itself. However, you can still order one – phew! And although I was sceptical at first, it tastes as good in other places too.

You can still order your Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel from either the Grand Lobby or Raffles Courtyard, and yes, it even comes in its famous cocktail glass. If you wish to purchase an iconic glass, they can be found at the Raffles Boutique. If you plan to relive the experience at home, why not buy the Singapore Sling mixture, cocktail glass and groundnuts!!

Other things to during your staycation at Raffles Singapore 

Raffles Spa

If you are planning on a weekend of relaxation, then ensure you call ahead and make a booking at the Raffles Spa. If a little self-indulgence is on the cards, then book early for a couples massage. Step into pure luxury between the Opening hours of 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, from Wednesday to Sunday.

Raffles Pool

Remember to book your pool slot ahead of time, because they do book up fast. It doesn’t matter if it is raining during your space, the umbrellas will keep you dry as you sip champagne and watch others brave the pool. Service is impressive with few people by the pool, and a sunbed is positively guaranteed. 

Raffles Arcade Singapore

Wander around this Raffles arcade, and you will find many hidden gems! From world-class hairdressers to Michelin Star restaurants, this little area of Raffles Hotel will tantalise lots of different types of taste buds whether you are looking for a souvenir in Raffles Boutique or stopping by for a taste of your finest whiskey. You will find a hidden gem tucked around every corner you turn.

Tours from Raffles Hotel

While you are on a staycation at Raffles hotel, why not play the tourist in your backyard? There are all types of tours you can arrange from the hotel, however here are my recommendations.

Trishaw Uncle tours

As Uncle is a sign of both respect and endearment, this tour was so much fun! Trishaw Uncle tours arrive at Raffles Hotel dressed in their brightly coloured shirts and pull up in their trishaws. These uncles are lovely, although they aren’t bursting with energy (I wouldn’t be at their age either), they instead slow, which makes the ride relaxing! 

Although they aren’t delivering all the history themselves, they are instead playing a recording as you ride past essential landmarks.

Lets Go Tours Singapore

There are many types of tours you can do with Lets Go Tours Singapore however we chose the bike tour. The tour started at 830am, and our tour guide had us back in the lobby by 1030am. Our guide was knowledgable about both the area and the history of the neighbourhoods. Although I have lived here for a few years, there was so much I learnt on this fascinating tour. 

 

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