Review: Raffles Hotel Singapore – Luxury Travel Expert

November 26, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a wonderful holiday in Singapore. You can read my trip reports here:

Today: Review of Raffles Hotel Singapore

Few hotels in the world can claim such legendary status as Raffles Singapore, a name synonymous with timeless elegance, colonial grandeur, and world-class hospitality. Steeped in over a century of history, this luxury 5-star hotel has become more than just a place to stay—it’s a national monument and one of the most famous luxury hotels in Asia. Staying at Raffles is an immersion into Singapore’s rich past, where heritage architecture, palm-lined courtyards, and gracious service create an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and refined. From the moment you step under its white portico and are greeted by uniformed doormen, you sense that Raffles is not merely a hotel—it’s a living legend, lovingly preserved and thoughtfully reimagined for the modern age.

Raffles Singapore features in my list of the top 10 best luxury hotels in Singapore.

Have you ever stayed at Raffles Singapore? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

I made a YouTube video with full tour of Raffles Singapore, which you can watch here:

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Perfectly positioned in Singapore’s Civic District, Raffles Singapore offers the best of both worlds: a tranquil sanctuary surrounded by the city’s most vibrant attractions. Occupying an entire city block in the heart of downtown, the hotel places guests within walking distance of Marina Bay, Orchard Road, and the National Gallery, while the Raffles City Shopping Center sits just next door for convenient luxury shopping. Despite its prime central location, the moment you step inside the property, the hum of the city fades away, replaced by the rustling of palm fronds and the gentle scent of orchids. Its central setting makes it an ideal base for exploring Singapore’s landmarks, from Gardens by the Bay to the Singapore River. Business travelers will find the Marina Bay Financial Centre just a short drive away, while leisure guests can enjoy effortless access to fine dining, heritage trails, and cultural attractions—all without sacrificing peace or privacy.

First opened in 1887 by the visionary Sarkies Brothers, Raffles Singapore quickly earned its reputation as one of the most distinguished hotels in the Far East. The hotel began as a modest ten-room bungalow in 1887 and soon became one of the most celebrated hotels in the Far East, welcoming royalty, writers, and adventurers from around the world. As Singapore transformed into a global metropolis, the hotel stood as a steadfast witness to wars, milestones, and cultural change, though its survival was not always assured. Once nearly torn down in favor of modern skyscrapers, Raffles was saved when the Singapore government declared it a national monument in 1987—the same year it celebrated its centennial anniversary. Its most recent revival followed its 2015 acquisition by Accor, when a visibly aging Raffles underwent a thoughtful restoration led by Aedas and renowned designer Alexandra Champalimaud, whose portfolio includes icons like New York’s Plaza and London’s Dorchester. When the hotel reopened in 2019, it emerged renewed yet familiar, preserving its 19th-century soul while embracing modern luxury—continuing its legacy as one of the world’s great heritage hotels.

The instantly recognizable white façade of Raffles Singapore stands as an enduring icon of colonial elegance, a visual landmark that captures the imagination of travelers long before they step inside. Framed by lush tropical greenery, sweeping lawns, and palm-lined walkways, the hotel’s neoclassical architecture – distinguished by arched verandas, tall plantation shutters, fluted columns, and delicate wrought-iron balustrades – radiates timeless beauty from every angle. The crisp, whitewashed walls reflect the tropical sunlight during the day and take on a soft, golden glow at dusk, creating a striking silhouette against Singapore’s sleek, modern skyline. It’s no surprise that this façade is one of the most photographed and recognizable buildings in Singapore, frequently appearing in films, travel magazines, and postcards that celebrate Singapore’s heritage. The hotel’s meticulous preservation of its exterior, maintained with unwavering dedication, is a testament to its commitment to history.

Stepping into the majestic lobby at Raffles Singapore feels like entering a sanctuary of calm, sophistication, and old-world grace—a space where history and hospitality blend seamlessly. This grand, restored lobby, famed for its Victorian-era pillars, soaring skylights, and impressive high ceilings, is bathed in soft natural light that casts a warm glow across the gleaming marble floors. Elegant furnishings, polished brass accents, fresh floral arrangements, and curated artworks create an atmosphere that is both stately and inviting. At the lobby’s center, a refined lounge area hosts the hotel’s beloved afternoon tea beneath lofty ceilings and the gentle hum of conversation. At one end, the lobby’s iconic grandfather clock stands tall, keeping time just as it has for generations—a quiet guardian of the hotel’s storied past. At the other end, behind the sweeping staircase, lies the discreet check-in area, from where elevators lead guests to the upper floors and their suites, completing the transition from the lively city outside to the serene world within.

Each of the 115 spacious suites at Raffles Singapore is a flawless blend of colonial charm, understated opulence, and modern-day comfort. Each suite is organized into three distinct areas: a parlor for living and dining, a bedroom with either kingsize bed or two queen beds, and a Bianco Dolomite marble bathroom featuring a double vanity, a Victorian-style bathtub, and separate shower and toilet cabins. High ceilings, polished teakwood floors, and vintage-inspired furnishings pay homage to the hotel’s storied past, while discreet technological enhancements bring the experience into the present. Every suite also includes a private veranda—a hallmark of Raffles—offering quiet views of courtyards, gardens, or palm-lined pathways. Inside, plush king-sized beds, generous living spaces, and carefully crafted details create an atmosphere ideal for both work and relaxation. The crown jewel of every stay remains the renowned Raffles butler service—available day and night, attentive yet discreet, ensuring every detail is handled with seamless precision. Adding to this sense of welcome, guests are greeted at check-in with a curated chocolate selection prepared by the butler.

Located on the upper floor – next to the gym – and framed by lush greenery and impressive city views, the outdoor pool at Raffles Singapore offers a tranquil escape from the vibrant rhythm of the city. With elegant white loungers, shaded cabanas, and attentive staff catering to every need, the pool area exudes a sense of serene, resort-like luxury rarely found in the heart of a bustling metropolis. Guests can unwind with fresh juices, handcrafted cocktails, or a light lunch from the pool bar. Although the pool area is not expansive, its thoughtful design ensures privacy, comfort, and a feeling of exclusivity, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning swim or an afternoon soak. The surrounding greenery muffles the sounds of the city a bit, making it easy to forget that you are in the heart of Singapore. More than an amenity, the Raffles pool is a hidden sanctuary—an intimate oasis that invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor a moment of calm in the midst of urban energy.

Raffles Singapore offers both guests and visitors a beautifully layered experience within its restored colonial walkways. While many of the hotel’s manicured lawns, serene internal gardens, and private verandas are reserved exclusively for staying guests, a significant portion of the property is open to the public. These publicly accessible spaces include the open-air courtyards, elegant shopping arcades, and select restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy a taste of Raffles’ historic charm. Designer boutiques, fine jewelry houses, and artisanal specialty shops line the arcades, offering everything from handcrafted leather goods and curated fragrances to exclusive fashion collections and bespoke gifts. Within the courtyards, fountains, tropical plants, and shaded seating create inviting spaces where both guests and locals can pause, sip a coffee, or simply take in the tranquil ambiance. The architecture remains faithful to Raffles’ storied past—its verandas, shutters, arches, and colonial lines preserved in exquisite detail—while the modern retail and dining options bring contemporary sophistication.

Located along the shopping arcades, the Spa at Raffles Singapore is a tranquil sanctuary that reflects the hotel’s ethos of timeless serenity and holistic wellbeing. The spa features six private treatment rooms, each equipped with its own en-suite shower and dressing area to ensure complete privacy and comfort. Guests can choose from an extensive menu of bespoke, restorative treatments—including hydrothermal therapies, soothing massages, personalized facials, and immersive Raffles Spa journeys inspired by the wellness philosophies of Asia. After their treatment, guests may unwind in the relaxation lounge with a cup of herbal tea or visit the gender-segregated hydrothermal facilities. These include a vitality pool infused with mineral-rich Peruvian Pink Salt, a Herbal Sauna Room scented with calming botanicals, an Aromatherapy Steam Room that envelops the body in purifying salt vapour, and an Ice Fountain offering a refreshing cooling ritual. Together, these experiences create a deeply restorative escape, seamlessly blending relaxation, luxury, and the timeless spirit of Raffles.

Dining at Raffles Singapore is an immersive celebration of global cuisine, artistry, and culture, with each restaurant offering a distinct culinary journey crafted to delight even the most discerning palates:
- At Yi by Jereme Leung, acclaimed Chinese chef Jereme Leung presents contemporary Chinese cuisine elevated through artistic presentation, creative techniques, and a refined appreciation for regional flavors.
- The Tiffin Room, a cherished institution since 1892, transports guests to North India through authentic dishes served in a regal colonial setting, complete with silver tiffin carriers and the gentle elegance of white-gloved service.
- Butcher’s Block showcases a bold, contemporary wood-fire dining experience, highlighting premium cuts, smoke-infused flavors, and culinary craftsmanship.
- For a more relaxed atmosphere, Raffles Courtyard offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a breezy alfresco setting surrounded by tropical greenery and twinkling evening lights.
- The Grand Lobby continues its timeless tradition of afternoon tea, hosted beneath soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and the soft rustle of fine tableware – a cherished ritual for which Raffles is famously known, celebrated across Singapore and beyond for its elegance and indulgence.

The bars at Raffles Singapore are legendary in their own right. The Long Bar at Raffles Singapore is far more than a cocktail venue—it is a cultural landmark and a living museum of mixology. This storied bar, where the iconic Singapore Sling was created in 1915, continues to attract travelers seeking to experience its distinctive blend of nostalgia and charm. The space retains its colonial-inspired décor, with rattan fans swaying rhythmically overhead, earthy wooden furnishings, and its signature tradition of tossing peanut shells onto the floor—a quirky ritual that adds to the bar’s vibrant, relaxed atmosphere. While the original Singapore Sling remains a must-try classic, the menu also features innovative reinterpretations and contemporary creations crafted with flair. For a more intimate and refined experience, the Writers Bar next to the lobby beckons with its plush interiors, literary inspirations, and exquisitely crafted cocktails. It channels the glamour of the early 20th century, when celebrated authors and artists gathered here for quiet conversation and creative inspiration. Together, these bars reflect the soul of Raffles—rich in history, full of character, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Over its illustrious history, Raffles Singapore has welcomed an extraordinary collection of celebrities, dignitaries, writers, and cultural icons, each contributing to the hotel’s enduring legacy. Among its distinguished guests are Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, and Christian Louboutin—figures whose presence further cemented Raffles’ status as a global beacon of prestige. Literary giants such as Rudyard Kipling, Ernest Hemingway, and Somerset Maugham also found inspiration within its tranquil verandas and storied lounges. Maugham famously wrote that “Raffles stands for all the fables of the exotic East,” a sentiment that still captures the hotel’s enchanting allure today. These visits, enriched by personal stories and creative reflections, have woven a tapestry of cultural significance that transcends generations. At Raffles, history is not only preserved—it is continually written by the remarkable guests who walk its halls.

The Raffles brand, now a celebrated part of the Accor luxury portfolio, represents the pinnacle of refined global hospitality—a lineage built on elegance, heritage, and unmatched service. From Raffles Paris and Raffles Doha to Raffles Udaipur and other distinguished properties around the world, each hotel embraces the same philosophy: to offer guests not just a place to stay, but a profound sense of belonging, cultural connection, and narrative. Central to this reputation is the famed Raffles butler service, a hallmark of the brand that emphasizes thoughtful, personalized attention delivered with grace and discretion. Yet, despite the brand’s international presence, Raffles Singapore remains its crown jewel—the birthplace of an approach to hospitality that has shaped luxury for more than a century. Here, the essence of Raffles is most vividly experienced: a timeless blending of heritage, architectural beauty, warm service, and the art of making every guest feel like part of the hotel’s living story.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Raffles Singapore is unquestionably one of the most iconic hotels in the world, and its pricing reflects that exclusivity. Room rates, dining experiences, and spa treatments all sit firmly at the very top end of the luxury spectrum. While many guests feel the experience justifies the cost—particularly given the property’s history, service standards, and heritage preservation—travelers seeking more budget-friendly options may find the overall spend significantly higher than at other luxury hotels in the city. In truth, Raffles is one of only two true ultra-luxury hotels in Singapore: Capella Singapore offers comparable refinement but is located on Sentosa rather than in the city center. The upcoming Aman Singapore will likely become the third property to rival Raffles and Capella at this level. For now, Raffles Singapore remains in a category of its own, and its pricing naturally reflects that.

Because Raffles occupies an entire city block and maintains its original colonial layout, navigating the property can occasionally feel less straightforward than in a modern tower-style hotel. The hotel’s long corridors, interconnected courtyards, and meandering arcades can feel like a labyrinth – easy to get lost in, especially during the first day or two. Some guests may find the layout less convenient than the compact efficiency of a high-rise property. Yet for many, this sense of wandering through a maze of heritage spaces is part of the hotel’s enduring charm, offering moments of discovery and a feeling of stepping back into a more leisurely, elegant era.

Because parts of the hotel—such as the arcades, exterior courtyards, and the Long Bar—are open to the public, these areas can become busy, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. Guests looking for a completely secluded environment may find the increased foot traffic less private compared to fully exclusive resorts. That said, guest-only zones at Raffles Singapore main very quiet and meticulously maintained.

Some suites, due to the constraints of the original heritage architecture, feature bedrooms or bathrooms with limited natural light or windows that face inward toward courtyards rather than the outdoors. While this can feel less airy compared to the sweeping skyline views offered by modern high-rise hotels, it is a natural compromise that comes with preserving the integrity and character of a 19th-century building.

MY VERDICT

Layout: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 8/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 9/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 10/10
Wow factor: 10/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: very good 8.8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Raffles Singapore through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent hotel credit utilized during stay
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Raffles Singapore (and/or receive many free perks).

Room tip: Raffles Singapore offers a wide variety of suites. Here is how to pick the best suite for you:
- If you want garden view and tranquility, go for the Palm Court Suites.
- If you prioritise heritage & space, the State Room and Residence Suites are excellent.
- If it’s a special occasion (and you have money to burn), the Presidential Suite is unmatched.
- If you want good value within luxury, the Courtyard Suite offers a balanced choice.

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Singapore is generally from February to April, when the weather is relatively drier and more comfortable compared to other months. Although Singapore has a tropical climate year-round, this period usually offers more sunshine and fewer heavy showers, making outdoor activities and sightseeing easier. The rainy season, especially from November to January, can bring frequent downpours and cloudier days, while June to September may occasionally experience haze from regional forest fires. Despite this, Singapore remains a good destination at any time, as its attractions, transportation, and food scene are well suited for all weather conditions. Ultimately, the ideal time depends on whether you prefer clearer skies, local festivals, or simply the convenience of traveling during a quieter period.

HOW TO GET THERE

Raffles Singapore is located in the City Hall area at 1 Beach Road, right in the historic downtown core. If you are arriving from Changi Airport, you can reach the hotel by taking the MRT East–West Line to City Hall Station and walking for about five minutes. You may also take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly from the airport, which usually takes around twenty minutes depending on traffic. If you are already in the city, the most convenient approach is to use the MRT and exit at either City Hall or Esplanade Station, both of which are within easy walking distance of the hotel. The property is well known and easily recognized, so taxis can take you there simply by name. If you tell me your starting point, I can give you more precise directions.

PHOTOS

Below is a selection of my photos from Raffles Singapore. To view additional images, including breakfast and dinner at the various restaurants, click here.