Mindy H.
Yelp
I love history, and the Raffles Hotel is a definite must visit site for any History Buff while in Singapore. I was lucky to even be able to visit the hotel as it is currently undergoing a careful three phase restoration process. In Dec of 2017 it will be fully closed to the public.
As visitors we weren't allowed into the main lobby of the hotel, but you could peak in from the windows and catch a glimpse of the opulent historic space and colonial design. As a visitor you are allowed to walk around the grounds of the hotel, and visit other spaces such as the Bar & Billiard room, and gift shop. The grounds are breathtaking and take you back in time to 1887 when the hotel first opened. Definitely worth an exploration. The hotel was built by the Sarkies Brothers who named it after Singapore's founder Sir Stamford Raffles.
The other thing you must try here is the Singapore Sling. The Singapore Sling, regarded as the national drink of the country, was first created in 1915 by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Hotel in the Long Bar. During the restoration it is being served in the Bar & Billiard room, which is a fantastic historic space itself. Upon walking into the Billiard room you are greeted by an ancient looking billiard table, which you can actually still play at. Our group was seated at a long table and provided a menu of various cocktail and food items. We were all here for the same thing, the Singapore Sling. Yes, it's touristy, 31 SGD, but it's definitely worth it! A bag of unshelled peanuts is at each table and you can drop the shells on the ground as you eat them. It felt so wrong to do that in such a beautiful historic space. The Singapore Sling was worth every penny. I enjoyed every sip. It wasn't too sweet, refreshing, and well balanced. I only wish the glass was included with the purchase. If you want the glass, you have to pay an additional amount. No thank you!
While you are sipping your 31 SGD drink don't miss reading the history of the space. The Singapore Sling was originally created for the ladies. At the time it was created in 1915, it was not ladylike for women to consume alcohol in public. Thus, Ngiam saw an opportunity to create a cocktail that looked like fruit juice, but was infused with gin and other liquors. Making it a socially acceptable libation for the womenfolk of that era.
TIP: You don't pay your server for the bill. You take it to the register at the front and pay for it there.