Raffles Hotel: the very name evokes grandeur, romance, and intrigue in the mysterious orient. Opened in 1887, the hotel has grown from its original bungalow to a magnificent palace of Georgian and tropical splendor. Named for the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel has become one of the worlds most iconic and beloved Grand Hotels. Host to a long list of notables, the hotel was a favorite stopping place for Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, and Joseph Conrad, among others. Myth and legends abound about Raffles. One that is true is that the last tiger in Singapore was tracked to Raffles, and captured beneath one of the billiard tables. It's hard to imagine a time when that was possible. Another icon, the Singapore Sling, was invented at Raffles.
In 1989, Raffles Hotel closed for two and a half years for a $160 million renovation. Reopened on 16 September 1991, the restored Raffles Hotel features 103 suites, each with hardwood floors, fourteen foot ceilings, overhead fans, central air conditioning and all the other amenities expected of a Grand Hotel. The furnishings throughout reflect the style and ambience of the Hotel's early heyday.
Craftsmen refurbished and restored over 400 pieces of furniture to be used in the hotel. Little brass plates identify these pieces are original to Raffles.
In the same spirit, more that 8,000 items of china and silver have been categorized and dated. Some go back to the founding era of the hotel. The items are used wherever appropriate, and some pieces are used in displays.
The distinctive restaurants and bars within Raffles Hotel recall the atmosphere of a bygone era. The Tiffin Room, adjacent to the lobby, continues as the traditional main dining area. Raffles Grill, the elegant fine dining room, provides a clear view through to the Palm Court while Writers Bar continues to pay tribute to the novelists and travel writers who have become part of the Raffles Hotel legend.
A favorite spot is the Bar and Billiard room. Masculine in flavor, it looks much as it did at the turn of the century. It features two lovely antique billiard tables. One is original to the hotel, while the second is from Government House.
It wouldn't be Raffles without a tropical garden. Raffles garden provides a private oasis within the city. To sit on the verandah and enjoy a birds song, or the breeze in a nearby palm is to journey back to a simpler time.
Rates begin at 512.00 SGD (about 336.00 at today's rate of exchange)
In 1989, Raffles Hotel closed for two and a half years for a $160 million renovation. Reopened on 16 September 1991, the restored Raffles Hotel features 103 suites, each with hardwood floors, fourteen foot ceilings, overhead fans, central air conditioning and all the other amenities expected of a Grand Hotel. The furnishings throughout reflect the style and ambience of the Hotel's early heyday.
Craftsmen refurbished and restored over 400 pieces of furniture to be used in the hotel. Little brass plates identify these pieces are original to Raffles.
In the same spirit, more that 8,000 items of china and silver have been categorized and dated. Some go back to the founding era of the hotel. The items are used wherever appropriate, and some pieces are used in displays.
The distinctive restaurants and bars within Raffles Hotel recall the atmosphere of a bygone era. The Tiffin Room, adjacent to the lobby, continues as the traditional main dining area. Raffles Grill, the elegant fine dining room, provides a clear view through to the Palm Court while Writers Bar continues to pay tribute to the novelists and travel writers who have become part of the Raffles Hotel legend.
A favorite spot is the Bar and Billiard room. Masculine in flavor, it looks much as it did at the turn of the century. It features two lovely antique billiard tables. One is original to the hotel, while the second is from Government House.
It wouldn't be Raffles without a tropical garden. Raffles garden provides a private oasis within the city. To sit on the verandah and enjoy a birds song, or the breeze in a nearby palm is to journey back to a simpler time.
Rates begin at 512.00 SGD (about 336.00 at today's rate of exchange)
About the Author:
Chris Linch is an internet marketer who operates a travel website that can help you save money. Click here for the cheapest hotels.
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