RAFFLES, THE MOST ICONIC HOTEL IN SINGAPORE, REOPENS AFTER TWO-YEAR RENOVATION

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Raffles Singapore, the 19th-century landmark, has been upgraded to feature new designer suites, an expanded butler program, and Michelin-starred chefs.

From Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor to William and Kate and the cast of Crazy Rich Asians, they’ve all experienced Singapore’s most iconic hotel. Originally opened in 1887, on what was then beachfront property (but is now, after several decades of land reclamation work, in the heart of downtown), Raffles Singapore is not just a landmarked symbol of the city, but also the flagship of the Raffles brand, and the epitome of a grand dame hotel.

The iconic property closed for the project in February 2017.

The new works were led by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, architecture and design firm Aedas, lighting consultants Tino Kwan and restoration and research consultants Studio Lapis.

The hotel’s suite count has increased from 103 to 115, while new categories have been added; it now offers State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites.

The Raffles Arcade, a collection of shops and “lifestyle spaces”, has a new gift shop, spa and retail brands as well as a history gallery featuring archive pictures and stories.

The restaurant line-up now includes Mediterranean grill BBR by chef Alain Ducasse, steakhouse Butcher’s Block, three-Michelin star chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s La Dame de Pic, Chinese restaurant 兿 yì by Jereme Leung, and classic Indian restaurant Tiffin Room.

In July the hotel reopened its famed Long Bar, a popular tourist spot thanks to its invention of the Singapore Sling, and the Grand Lobby, which has a daily afternoon tea service.