Things to do & Places to see in Singapore

Raffles Hotel

Easily the most famous hotel in Singapore, Raffles Hotel practically sums up Singapore’s vibrant colonial history. Named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, and originally the residence of an Arab trader, Mohammed Alsagoff, the building later became part of an enterprise of colonial lodgings belonging to the well-known Sarkies Brothers.

Designed by R. A. J. Bidwell of Swan and MacLaren, the hotel opened on 1 December 1887 with 10 rooms spread across two wings. With its garden setting and classical architecture, the hotel has since morphed into an icon where famous names in literature such as Somerset Maugham, Herman Hesse and Rudyard Kipling have stayed in one of its many rooms that come complete with public verandas for inspiration – one of the first in Singapore back then.

Raffles Hotel’s The Long Bar is also home to the legendary Singapore Sling, originally concocted by Ngiam Tong Boon, one of its bartenders. Today, Raffles Hotel continues to enchant with its majestic suites as well as choice restaurants and bars, fashion boutiques, arts space Jubilee Hall, and lifestyle picks like spas. For an all-encompassing experience amid an old-world setting, make a visit to the Raffles Hotel and discover Singapore’s most famous heritage gem.