Raffles Hotel

This is one of the oldest hotels in Singapore, building is very elegant, you can sightsee it for free just walking around through its corridors. Toilet is free as well, so take advantage of this opportunity to pee in such an exquisite interior.

The hotel has a timeless, elegant charm, and simply walking through the property feels like stepping into a different era. The colonial-style architecture, high ceilings, and beautifully maintained gardens create a calm and luxurious ambiance. Despite being located in the heart of the city, the hotel feels surprisingly quiet and relaxed.

I could not possibly have had higher expectations when I went to the ICONIC Raffles Hotel in Singapore!! I guess it’s because of that, that I felt disproportionately disappointed by the minor glitches when I arrived (and they were minor). As soon as one member of staff learnt that I was having a lukewarm experience, it’s almost as if they flicked a button and made EVERYTHING absolutely faultless. The building? ICONIC, you can feel the luxury and legacy from the drive way until you exit from any side! The finishes? Faultless. Absolutely nothing was held back or compromised on. The food? The best there is on offer in these parts of the world. We were so captivated that Dad and I joined the history tour of the property! Both of us are super glad we did! I would highly recommend this offering whether you’re staying at the hotel or not. Nazir, the Resident Historian, is a wealth of knowledge and a great story teller! We were well looked after. This hotel is a bucket list experience and one that shouldn’t be missed. A special mention of David Lampe, the senior executive who made sure we would be back!!

Raffles Hotel remains a rare example of a colonial-era building that has preserved both its architectural integrity and atmosphere. The proportions, materials, and level of detail create an experience that feels immersive rather than staged. I recommend booking afternoon tea as the best way to experience the hotel from within. It allows time to sit, observe, and appreciate the architecture, the rhythm of the place, and the continuity of service traditions. The experience is deliberately unhurried, focused on continuity rather than spectacle. In that sense, time does seem to slow down. For visitors interested in history, architecture, or heritage hospitality, Raffles offers a meaningful and reflective experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review for Raffles Hotel (Long Bar Visit Only) I visited Raffles purely to try the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, and it was such a memorable experience that I ended up staying longer just to enjoy the atmosphere and observe on the history and journey of the bar. The staff were highly competent, warm, and welcoming, and the whole experience felt polished without being pretentious. A special mention must go to the iconic turbaned Indian doorman, who greeted me with great professionalism and directed me to the Long Bar — a genuine ambassador of Raffles hospitality. Even though Raffles is known for its exclusivity and longstanding reputation, it still manages to welcome the everyday visitor with ease. Whether you’re a guest, a tourist, or simply someone wanting to enjoy a drink and explore the heritage, the experience feels inclusive and effortlessly refined. Raffles is steeped in history, impeccably presented, and absolutely worth a visit — even if it’s just for that one legendary cocktail.

Iconic and historic hotel in Singapore. While the architecture is beautiful, getting around and finding banquet hall was pretty challenging. It can get warm in the afternoon.

I did not stay overnight at Raffles, but the day I spent there is one I will never forget. High tea in the Tiffin Room, the Heritage Tour through one of the world’s most iconic hotels, and a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar made it the perfect way to experience Singapore’s most famous address. We began with high tea in the Tiffin Room, surrounded by polished silver, soft lighting, and that quiet sense of occasion that makes you slow down and savour the moment. The tiers of delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and little sweets were as beautiful as they were delicious. It felt like being part of a timeless ritual that Raffles has perfected over generations. After tea came the Heritage Tour, which was easily the highlight of the day. Our guide, Roslee, was extraordinary. He did not just recite facts. He told stories. He shared how Raffles was the first hotel in Singapore to have electricity, its own bar, a freezer for ice cream, and even outdoor movie screenings long before anyone else. He had a gift for making history come alive, full of warmth, humour, and pride. You could see how much he loved the place, and by the end of the tour, so did we. We finished in the Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling. It is one of those things you have to do once in your life. Sitting there, surrounded by the energy of travellers from around the world, sipping that famous pink cocktail, it felt like being part of something that connects past and present in the best possible way. Raffles is more than a hotel. It is a celebration of history, elegance, and people who care deeply about keeping tradition alive. Even without staying overnight, the experience left me smiling all the way back to my hotel.

I went along with a small group to do the Heritage tour. We had a long time Singaporean employee of Raffles who was very interesting (Roslee) to show us the highlights & the history and even a took us into a room in the older parts of the hotel… which was interesting! At 1000$ a night I won’t be staying anytime soon .. Lunch was included in the 46$ tour price, which was a nice 2 course lunch. We also had a pot of Raffles Kaya jam and discounts at their many resturants & the boutique. I’d say it was a worth while activity to do… St Andrews cathedral and the National gallery are all close by.

From the moment you step into this oasis of luxury in downtown Singapore you are spoiled beyond belief. Each interaction with each employee here reminds you that this is a world class establishment. The butlers, concierges, servers, front desk, are exceptionally trained and have one purpose which is to please the guest and they do this better than just about any hotel I have ever visited. The History Tour was just incredible and the two hour Free tour with Rosalee was the highlight of my trip to Asia. Each employee is glowing with pride and it makes the guest feel honored to stay here. Mel our concierge was just so helpful and Pinkey our butler was a delight. The hotel arranged a city tour for us with Angela that was one of the best city tours we ever experienced anywhere. The food at breakfast and every restaurant is also extraordinary. The property oozes luxury, attention to detail and focused employees that aim to please.

We didn't stay at Raffles Hotel, but we did stop by in the hopes of getting a cocktail at the bar. This was a naive notion, as it turned out, and we had a rather frustrating visit. It was a rainy day, and we took a cab in, only to realize when we arrived that we were locked into paying cash. My husband went into the hotel to find an ATM, and had to travel an amazingly long distance to find one tucked away in an adjacent mall. After that, we had less than an hour to work with before packing up and heading to the airport. We thought this might be enough time for a round of drinks, but I guess the Raffles bar--called the Long Bar--is a happening tourist attraction. It's been around for over a century, and is the undisputed birthplace of the Singapore Sling. There was a line out the door at 2:30 on a Sunday afternoon. We didn't even see inside the place. We cut our losses and took a stroll around the property. The hotel really was beautiful, grand and historic and immaculately maintained. I'd love to stay at Raffles one day. Maybe I'll even get a drink while I'm there.

Old world charm from the originator of the Singapore Sling! First of all, if you don't have a reservation, expect a wait. Fortunately, for my cousin and I, we only had a 30 minute wait. (Since I had an air boot and arm brace, this is extremely important because I was able to sit down the entire wait time.) And folks who run Raffles are very serious about their reputation. Everything is emblazoned with the Raffles insignia, including the door knobs. And the service at Raffles is impeccable. No sooner than you're seated, someone is at your table taking your order.(One caveat, if you're allergic to peanuts, don't go because the bar is also famous for supplying free roasted peanuts and they're EVERYWHERE!) As for the actual Singapore Sling... Dang! That drink was off the hook! Woohoo! I could go for another one right now if I didn't have to work tomorrow. It's delicious and thank God you only need one. I say this because my cousin and I only had one Singapore Sling and our bill was about $90 US. That's pretty steep for two drinks. I chalked it up to my life time experiences bucket list. The prices are the only reason why I provided the rating that I did Otherwise, I say go for it if you have the opportunity! Bravo Raffles bar!

You have to have a Singapore Sling in Singapore. They may fine* you if you don't. The Singapore Sling was created for the ladies, an underserved clientele at the famous Raffles Hotel way back in the day. Today at $32 (Singapore) it may be the most expensive drink you ever tasted ordered but who said bragging rights come cheap? The peanuts are free, though. Eat up! *"Singapore is fine city," seems to the big joke of n the souvenir shops.

We enjoyed our stay here in a comfortable, clean well maintained suite. Our butler was very attentive and helpful. The bars were a great experience and the property is nice to just walk around. Service is good although my first impression on arriving in the evening was negative due to the lack of bell staff. No greeting when our taxi arrived and we had to remove our luggage from the taxi and carry it in ourselves. Not a good first impression. Otherwise great stay.

Afternoon Tea is a delight comparable to none. Delicious sandwiches accompanied by divine treats. Tea choices are abundant and even a tasting was provided. A gorgeous space spilling with greenery adds to the atmosphere. For an experience you can absolutely rely on I recommend this highly!

The absolute most luxurious hotel I've ever stayed in! I was fortunate to stay at Raffles Singapore- truly one of the best hotels in the world. I arrived in Singapore at 7 am and the hotel was very generous and let me check in at 10 am. I'm so lucky! The suite was exquisitely decorated in colonial style, high ceilings, white marble bathroom. The room had all of the features on an iPad, I can summon the butler, order room service, turn off the lights, television, open the curtains - absolutely the best. I was so impressed with the staff. Take the hotel tour with Leslie, the historian who has been with the hotel for 52 years. The afternoon tea was great, the breakfast also had Chinese dim sum and Indonesian food. As a hotel guest, I received the blue fabric slippers, the nicest pair I've ever taken from a hotel. My stay at Raffles was so memorable and magical, and I cannot wait to return. I recommend splurging at Raffles - you will never want to leave!

We went for the afternoon High Tea and it was beautiful, delicious and filling! They also had a Vegan set which was delicious. Sage and Bernard were two staff members who made our experience so lovely, as they were friendly and offered up additional recommendations of things to do and see in SG. We ordered the Rogue Opera and Casablanca teas and both were delicious and delicate, so they went well with the food. The sandwiches and cakes were all delicious, but I LOVED the scones - plain, raisin, and bacon & cheddar - and the cream and rose jam were perfect. We also got a glass of champagne and it was a nice touch. Definitely something I will do next time I am back!

Service at raffles is amazing. But I guess it should be considering how much it cost per night. It does come with free breakfast for 2 each room.their breakfast at mireo is the better one for sure. Quality is amazing compared to the buffet breakfast at the higher floor of the hotel which is shared with Fairmont. Their room which are suite styles are spacious and clean. Only thing I wish is they were in bgc instead. Makati is kind of dirty and polluted outside. But aside from that, there isn't much you can find about this hotel to nitpick on. Definitely highly recommend if you can afford it.

It was very pristine and beautiful. It was a very elegant hotel and we were able to walk around but not enter we were not guests. There is shopping and food around so it was nice to explore.

The best hotel in Singapore. period. Stunning architecture from the British Raj era, with exemplary service as well. Have dined at 3 of the restaurants on site, and our experiences have been great. The decorations put up during Christmas are also some of the best in Singapore.

We waited in a very long line to have a seat in the famous Raffles Bar and have a Singapore Sling. A waste of time and the biggest rip-off ever. About $35 for a tall glass of ice with roughly three sips of the actual drink. We wanted to go into actual hotel and check out the historic lobby but the security guard stopped us because we were not registered guests. (And never will be with that kind of attitude). Since when is a hotel lobby not open to the public? Snobbiest place I have ever encountered.

There are many fine hotels to stay in while in Singapore and I chose Raffles because of its history as well as an enjoyable stay in the past. Raffles doesn't have the generic cookie cutter feel of many of the larger new(er) hotels and that is also part of its charm. The architecture is beautiful, the location is good and the staff is welcoming and really - the greeting from the doorman while pulling up from the taxi never gets old. Perhaps because I am a hotel guest I was able to make last minute dinner reservations without a problem. I booked a fairly large room and though the room's balcony doesn't have much of a view, I still like the quiet and peace it provides. The rooms are comfortable and spacious and recently remodeled. Raffles is a great hotel choice while in Singapore.

The opulent Raffle Hotel with a colonial style finishing is one of the original hotels dating back to 1887 that is still standing. Home to The Long Bar, legendary for its iconic drink- - the Singapore Sling, made famous by a Hainanese Chinese bartender. The bar itself was designed in the 1920s inspired by Malaysian plantations. Wicker fans adorns the ceiling with dark woods and comfy seatings scattered throughout making way for a casual atmosphere. Complimentary peanuts are offered and the best seats in the house are at the bar where you can observe the bartenders doing what they do best! For you history buffs- - the drink was originally crafted at a time when it was not socially acceptable for women to consume libation in public thus inspired the inventor to create a drink which cleverly disguises the alcoholic beverage as a fruit juice. And as they say, "The rest is history." While the drink comes with a high price tag and isn't anything fancy or even impressive, it's almost a "rite of passage" when visiting Singapore. It's refreshing with a nice balance of sweet and sour. If you enjoy fruity drinks, this one's for you! This historical site is a must see attraction on your tourist feat. A wait is to be expected but, it's well worth it! A great place to get out of the heat and enjoy the ambiance while sipping on your "Gin & Juice."

One of the highlights of my trip to Singapore! Everything about the hotel is absolutely immaculate and stunning, and the service offered absolutely amazing. My brother and I came here for their afternoon high tea. The interior is amazing, and we were sat immediately for our reservation in the pristine lobby. Service was quick, and we were served our teas and champagne immediately. It was some inaugural event for the hotel, so they had a reserve champagne specifically for this event that we had the pleasure of trying. It was delicious, as were the teas we ordered: the jasmine green and Maori blue. When the food platter came, we were stunned. I've been to many teas, but I've never been to one in which so much food was served. We both immediately regretted having breakfast, but we powered through our sandwiches, scones, and pastries. My plate was an absolute mess as I wanted to try everything but couldn't finish it all, but I have no shame. The food and drinks were impressive, service out of the world, and the location stunning! Highly recommend the tea here as well as a stay!

Wonderful place for ambiance and hospitality. It's one of more expensive places I've been to but it does stand uniquely in Singapore's history. Go to the Long Bar (on the second floor) to have a Singapore Sling, created here. Also pricey drink but worth it

Aloha from Honolulu and this review has been a long time coming. I am writing this for Liana at the Raffles Hotel Gift Shop.... She deserves high kudos and thanks from a grateful shopper! Liana had the most professional demeanor and helped me acquire almost 15 polo shirts and T shirts and some wonderful Raffles Hotel gifts as well. Her exceptional service was Five Stars and more... and she made wonderful suggestions that made my shopping seamless. As a returning overseas Singaporean, living in Honolulu, I obviously overbought but was extremely happy with my purchases and what made this visit extremely gratifying and memorable was the fact that with all my purchases, I had to catch a cab back to my home in Bukit Timah. After I left Raffles and was waiting for a cab, minutes went by with no sign of a ride... and somehow, Liana spotted me waiting and she came out of the Raffles Hotel Gift Shop to help me with all my shopping bags and best of all, she kindly offered to help order me a ride via my Gojek app and I felt like an Angel had just helped me. She even waited until my ride arrived. My experience at the Raffles was awesome thanks to Liana and I really would like Management to highlight what an exceptional employee Liana is. After my mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine in SINGAPORE in mid September, 2021, I was so appreciative of Liana's help with my shopping needs, her sweet demeanor and most of all, her caring attitude. Exceptional service! Well done, dear Liana. With much Alohas, Serene

My fiance and I had a 4 hour layover in Singapore. Last time we were in Singapore in Oct 2018, the Raffles Hotel was unfortunately closed for renovation. So, we had to make it this time to try the LEGENDARY SINGAPORE SLING!!! The Long Bar is where it's famous for, but by reading the reviews on TripAdvisor, the whole process sounded awful. Instead, my fiance and I made a reservation at the bar downstairs, called Raffles Courtyard. This was a beautiful outdoor bar with comfy couches and umbrellas, a nice alternate bar that also serves the Singapore Sling! It was quiet for a Saturday night at around 7pm. Also, I don't even think that we would've needed the reservation. It came out to $25 USD per sling, but it was damn good and worth it in my opinion. Gave us both a good buzz to Changi Airport! Also, they give you a fun card that talks about the history of the Singapore Sling. Basically back in the day, it was not socially acceptable for women to be caught drinking alcohol. The bartenders at Raffles Hotel decided to make a drink that disguised the alcohol, that was fruity and feminine, thus creating the Singapore Sling. If you are curious about the Singapore Sling, you need to come here and get the Singapore Sling!!!!

The Oldest Hotel in Singapore recently renovated and reopened with a grand event on October 18,2019- which also happened to be our wedding anniversary. We got a tour of the suite style rooms, toured the luxury watch shop, had a signature Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, tried some tasty bites at a couple of the restaurants, and checked out the historic images and archives in the gift shop. While we didn't stay overnight- it was certainly worth a day trip to explore the many offerings inside the hotel. I highly recommend it as part of an historic and iconic look at where Singapore has been in the past and how it's looking to the future.

Oh my where to begin.. This was.. The most.. Amazing.. Culinary experience of my life so far. One of my friends is a personal chef and this has been on her bucket list for some time. It is a beautiful hotel with elegant clean crisp white as the main color palate contrasted by lush tropical vegetation, you feel as though you've stepped into a resort paradise. We didn't stay at the hotel unfortunately but we made reservations for their Sunday Carving Champagne Brunch. There are two types of champagne brunch options to choose from which increases based on the quality of the champagne. There is also a champagne- less option for around a 100.00 if you just want to eat until you can't see straight. The menu is unreal, it features an unbelievable mountain.. Yes, mountain, of unique gourmet cheeses. Another room boasts its own mountain of desserts. Then if you explore further the massive dining room is covered in tables displaying beautifully arranged seafood ( including lobster and oysters), an unending wall of meat carvings and delicious sides (by the way Nebraska was representing with an Omaha beef tenderloin woo woo!), and artistically arranged tables of fresh breads, tropical fruits, and salads. One of the most impressive parts of my experience was the treatment I received concerning my gluten allergy. Eating out is difficult for me in general, but eating at a buffet is particularly stressful as I have to inquire about ingredients of so many different dishes and it can be challenging to find someone who can really assure me of the food safety. I was very apprehensive at paying the price for this buffet and then being very limited on my options. When our server found out about my allergy they brought over one of the chefs who walked me around to each station and showed me all of the amazing options I had, which was easily around 80% of the room! There were a couple dishes I really wanted to try and he made them special for me sans gluten and brought them to the table. I have never been so impressed with a restaurant.. Ever. If you're a fellow foodie and happen to find yourself in Singapore you can't miss this place. Make sure you give a proud 'braska 'merica shout out if you try the Omaha beef tenderloin!

The service needed to be better. We wanted to check out Tiffin Room and while walking across the lobby to the restaurant, a staff hurried up to us to ask where we were headed. I said Tiffin Room, he asked if we had a reservation. I said no, then he said we would not be allowed in because of our attire. Basically need long pants for men. Fair enough, but why was there a need for the guy to intercept us? It made us felt like there was an issue with us, and I was with a friend who came in from the UK. Never had I felt so disappointed with the service. In the end we went to Bar & Billiards Room as my friend wanted to dine at Raffles Hotel and the service was the usual Raffles Hotel's standard. I must say that was probably one of the last times I dined at Raffles Hotel as I have since try to avoid it where possible. Also the washrooms in the public areas certainly need an overhaul of the plumbing system. An old problem but still prevalent till now, even on my recent visit. But do visit the mini museum as it is very interesting to see how the area used to be before land reclamation works. And the Singapore Sling at Long Bar is still the best.

Hotel has some great shops and nice staff.

This place is the original place for the Singapore Sling, so be prepared to wait for a table or try to book in advance as it's packed full of tourists. It's worth going at least once if you're traveling to singapore, or as a local I guess it's a good place to take friends visiting town. Expect to pay top dollar for this place but it's more for the experience of it (and to learn the history of the sling too).

3 stars for afternoon tea and a bit of a disappointing experience. I've dined at Raffles before in the Long Bar Grill and the Brunch and they've been five star. Was looking forward to this and was with a colleague who had never been to Raffles. I had explained how I'd loved previous visits so excitement was building. First, despite having reservations for the 4.30 seating (ends at 5.30), we didn't get seated till 4.45. We got our afternoon tea stands but we had to flag down someone to get our tea (around 5pm). Then staff were thin on the ground at 5.30 so I had to fetch someone to top up the hot water. I ordered the gluten free tea - for any other coeliacs then its a bit dry due to the sandwiches and not wow. The buffet items are off limits apart from the fruit. Gluten free will always be problematic but I compared this to the Peninsula in HK which was stellar five star! So I was disappointed. Service wasn't what I was used to from Raffles and for $62++ Singapore then not a cheap treat. Wouldn't bother doing again.

Great property, but we didn't stay here. It doesn't hurt to check it out. The "Long Bar" is pretty cool, I highly recommend their Singapore sling, it's a bit pricey ($25) but it's worth it. My husband ordered it twice, it's that good....Great experienced I can't complain. Will definitely come back when we visit again.

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.

A MUST to go when visiting Singapore! Afternoon Tea in the Grand Lobby was great fun, the sandwiches, tea and cakes are delicious. Also, my boyfriend enjoyed shopping at the Raffles Boutique - not the cheapest, but an awesome place to buy souvenirs! This was my experience couple of years ago and May be in 2022 I would visit again

If you have a World-Wide Pub Crawl Bucket List, you need to add the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel to the list. I'm not a fan of fancy cocktails, so the Singapore Sling was not much more than a passing fancy to try. But, the yard of Tiger Beer I had was FANTASTIC. The long fluted glass with the glass bulb at the end is obviously a sobriety test. A few too many beers and you'll find yourself staring down a golden wave of beer heading straight up your nose or all over your shirt. Do yourself a favor, even if it's just taking advantage of a day or two stopover in Singapore and head to the Long Bar.

Opened in 1899, it was named after Singapore's founder Sir Stamford Raffles. Managed by Raffles International, it is known for its luxurious accommodation and superb restaurants. The hotel houses a tropical garden courtyard, museum and Victorian-style theatre. Raffles Hotel has a shopping arcade housing boutique brands. The third floor of the arcade houses the Raffles Hotel Museum and Jubilee Hall. I haven't stayed at the Raffles, but I came here to admire the architecture, shop, and enjoy a Singapore Sling at their really cool Colonial (Long) Bar.

This place is so overrated I can't believe people flock to it so much. If you have only a little time in Singapore this is not the place to spend it. Visit a food court instead. You can get a ton of great food for around $5.00 and the food courts are so clean. Raffles is dark, and expensive and does little to introduce you to the diverse and beautiful Singaporean culture. It was only on my third visit to Singapore that I actually went. I only went because a friend had to try the Singapore sling. For $15 you can try this drink which is not unique. Reminds me of a wine cooler. I guess this is for the tourist that wants to tell people they experience Singapore without having to be inconvenienced by going out, taking public transport, and trying new food. At least it's cool (temp wise) so gives you a break from the humidity. If you have a week in Singapore, sure, check it out, but if only a short stopover, try something else.

You've just made an 8pm check-in. Jetlag is about to set in and you're in need of dinner that's not a catered buffet, and maybe a massage. Yet time is limited and you want to take in as much of the Singapore experience as the hours will allow. Look no further than the Raffles Hotel. Established in 1887 and named after Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel is one of Southeast Asia's most prominent colonial-era landmarks. The airy garden-house architecture blends Chinese and Indian elements often found throughout the turn-of-the-century British Empire - truly a step back in time. The garden courtyard is home more than 50,000 plants, first-rate restaurants, a museum illustrating the hotel's vast history, and a Victorian-style theatre. At Raffles you can dine in style at the Royal China and to get your fill of their signature lobster noodles and crispy duck in pancake. Or take a table outdoors at the Raffles Courtyard and let your imagination drift back to the era when Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Rudyard Kipling whiled away their time in the Raffles elegance. While you're enjoying Singapore's signature black-pepper crab, look up and try to envisage in which room W. Somerset Maugham took up residence to write his seminal works. Set your soul at ease with a drink in the regal Long Bar, the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, and follow that with a good rubdown at the Raffles Spa, where you will be set right for a good night's rest. If you have an extra day on your hands, cross the street and take a gander at the historic former Catholic convent Chijmes, now home to some of Singapore's most vibrant nightlife (a meal at Lei Garden is a must). Or take a stroll down Seah and Purvis Streets for that taste of old-town Singapore - a dish of Hainanese chicken rice at Yet Con is an antidote to the opulence of Raffles, but give it a try if you want to get it on with the locals!

As far as I know, this is the oldest standing hotel in Singapore. Definitely a must see spot if you visit. Signature drink is the Singapore Sling. Dropped by here during a business trip. Lots of history here.

Our experience here was so fun and amazing to be sure! Also had our very first 'Singapore Sling's' Seeing the traditional guard outside was very cool! He must have been pushing seven feet tall... I would love to go again someday. Years ago I sold my sculpture to an art gallery in Singapore.

Best Sunday brunch ! make reservation first! people line up for getting in.... Best selection of many kinds of main course, sea food and 48 sorts of desert! Paster Bar, most of all~ the pan seared Fois Gras !! all you can eat! for only $158, adding $20 more you can get Champagne, Singapore Sling, white wine, red wine and dessert wine all you can drink!! the varieties of desert is unforgettable! Service impecable!

Where time has stopped and the elegance of the past lives on. What a nice hotel!! Definitely a gem of Asia and it is so nice to see they have maintained it over the century. Come experience the hand crafted English architecture and vaulted ceilings. Play billiards on the grand tables and have a Singapore beer to complete the amazing bar experience. I'll come back and bring the family. Enjoy!

We paid $173.00 for one Singapore sling to share and afternoon tea. So should you? You shouldn't. Service was FAIR-GOOD, not great. The room? Too many people [somewhat] crowded together, pretty, though, in an 1880 way.The food? Forgettable. Tiny, tiny sandwiches at our table, along with [you guessed it] tiny little sweets. The buffet [meaning: you go get you own tiny food varieties] is nondescript [so English old boy] except, perhaps, for the Bread & Butter Pudding with Vanilla sauce. Oh, and make sure you flag down the employees to get items, they're very busy.Perhaps you'll have to get your own. You've been warned

Raffles Hotel is a 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station and Raffles City Shopping Centre. Raffles Hotel Singapore for us, was a must visit Hotel. This iconic luxury restored hotel offers a wonderful range of dining options, including French, Western, Asian, Chinese and fusion cuisines are available at the hotel. The legendary Singapore Sling is available at the hotel's Long Bar. The Tiffin Room, adjacent to the lobby, continues as the traditional main dining area. The Raffles Grill is an elegant fine dining room, while the Writers Bar continues to pay tribute to the novelists and travel writers who have become part of the Raffles Hotel legend. Also you can enjoy outside dining/drinking in a well arranged relaxing Alfresco area. The service was excellent as we enjoyed a beautiful well made lunch. Very memorable visit.

Went to get a singapore sling and the wait was 45 minutes without fans or air conditioning. Not worth it.

I visited the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore on 4/5/2013. While I did not stay the night here (I had a suite on the cruse ship Pacific Princess). I did have lunch at the Royal China and a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, both of which are inside the Raffles Hotel. Simply a lovely hotel. Plus, I took photos.

My first memory of Raffles Hotel was a date in my secondary school days. The guy treated me and my (then) best friend to egg tarts and we all felt it was a big deal. I mean, secondary school students 'dining' in a five-star hotel? All I remembered was the classic architecture and the part where I didn't have to pay. Many years later, I'm back again. This time for a girl's night out at a musical called 'Girl Talk', which was held in the Jubilee Hall. We stepped into Raffles Hotel and went up to the white staircases taking us up to Jubilee Hall. Once inside, I looked all around and decided to like the place. It was a charming place, decorated in Victorian theatre style. At the back of the hall was the balcony on top, it reminded me of the theatres of old Shakespearean plays in London. The audience seats weren't filled entirely; I think it has a capacity of a few hundred people. Would be a nice place for intimate showcases and ceremonies.

The Raffles hotel harkens to colonial time in Singapore. It's old school in every way. Top notch service. A must stop place for a Singapore Sling.

I've heard mixed reviews about this place, but having a Singapore Sling here is apparently one of the things that one should do when they are in Singapore - much like having high tea at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. Now that I've done it all I can say is that I don't need to do it again. Sure this hotel has a lot of colonial charm to the place and the gardens are quite lovely, but I must say that there are much better bars in Singapore (and cheaper) to spend your time and money. I found the service to be really slow - it took them 15 minutes to get me my drink, and another fifteen minutes to present me with my bill ($40.00 including GST and service charge) and then had the audacity to ask me for a tip. Okay, being Australian I generally don't tip, and when we do it is to put money in the tip jar, however I am more than happy to give a little extra for good service - something that I certainly didn't get here. Sure, I doubt my review is going to change anybody's mind about coming here, but as far as I am concerned, once is enough.

BEST MOON CAKES IVE EVER HAD!!! Their moji-like texture and filling with the hard shelled chocolate inside is absolutely delicious! Best way to satisfy my sweet tooth cravings! My absolute favorite was the IRISH COFFEE! The filling isn't too sweet for me and its just sooo unique. Their most popular is the CHAMPAGNE which is pretty good too, although I think its a little too sweet for me. They also have other flavors, for instance their new favorite is EARL GREY. I only got to sample this one so that might be why I thought the tea flavor wasn't as strong as I hoped. I haven't stayed at this hotel but I definitely recommend stocking up on these moon cakes and eating at The Halia!!

A visit to the world renowned Raffles Hotel in Singapore is a must on any trip to this country. The hotel is named after Stamford Raffles who founded the city of Singapore back in the 1800s. This place exudes British colonialism and is super fascinating since you really get a taste for this cultural and historical marriage when visiting. Really a piece of Singapore's tangible history. I personally haven't actually stayed at The Raffles here in Singapore (yet), specifically because there are other super nice hotels in the area for about half the cost. Well, you can find rates as cheap as $600 a night which honestly isn't THAT expensive for a hotel of this caliber. I did however make my way over to the hotel to walk around and to indulge in a famous Singapore Sling at their hotel bar. Definitely a bucket list item worth checking off!

One of the most important landmarks in Singapore. The Raffles hotel. Situation around city hall. Its a great place to enjoy your Singapore Sling. This is THE place where it was invented. So head down to the Long Bar to enjoy this amazing cocktail. I can attest to this fact. Its really the BEST place where you can find this.

I treated myself to one night at Raffles at the end of my 5-day business/pleasure trip to Singapore. I spent the first 4 nights at the Grand Pacific, which was very poor value for the money. Raffles was everything I'd hoped it would be - sophisticated, colonial elegance, but with all the modern conveniences. My bathroom was a bit dated and in need of refurbishment, but the room was airy and comfortable. What stands out most of all is the service. The staff is uber-attentive and willing to cater to your every need from the moment you first walk into the lobby. Everyone I came across was super helpful. Although I paid as much for one night here (out of pocket) as I did for 3 nights at the Grand Pacific (on the company's money), I feel like I got good value for my money. I'll just have to convince the bean counters at my company to let me stay here at their expense on my next trip to Singapore!

Refreshingly cool.  The gazebo bar is a great alternative to the Long Bar a short skip away.  Great oasis in the rain - which it can do here!  Fresh pours and strong drinks.  Peaceful retreat if your looking for a place to hang out with friends.  Definitely a piece of history here!

Five stars for old school elegance, subtract stars for old school bathrooms. Tiffin room is apparently THE place to go for tea, standard 3 tiered tray, individual pots of tea served in mediocre tea pots, plenty of food including dim sum. All edible, none particularly outstanding. Desserts served were very reminiscent of bad Las Vegas buffets. Everything in Singapore seems to be expensive so no complaints there. Staff very kind and good tempered but seemed new/green and unaware.

Haven't stayed in the hotel but make sure I get to the bar every trip to have a traditional Singapore sling.