The iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore – owned by Katara Hospitality, Qatar-based global hotel owner, developer and operator and managed by Accor – saw an official reopening in the presence of guests from Singapore’s business and cultural community recently.
The event began with a traditional lion dance ritual, followed by a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony. Speaking at the grand reopening ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality said: “Raffles Singapore represents a true hospitality jewel in our portfolio of iconic hotels. It is the ultimate in luxurious hospitality, built on many, many years of tradition and innovation. The property has undergone a meticulous and sensitive restoration that marries contemporary design with the hotel’s colonial architectural style, ensuring that this remains as one of Singapore’s historic landmarks.”
He also spoke of Katara Hospitality’s vision to build and to develop a portfolio of leading hotels in key destinations around the world. “We are proud of what has been achieved together with our partner, Accor. Raffles Singapore is a true reflection of our vision that ensures the heritage of such iconic properties continues around the world” said His Excellency.
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO Accor also spoke on the occasion and said: “We are very pleased to partner with Katara Hospitality, the owners of Raffles Singapore for the iconic property’s official return to the city – refreshed, reimagined and revitalised. This is where it all started and faithful to its roots, Raffles Singapore reinvents emotional luxury. As the hotel concludes its restoration and embarks on the next chapter, the return of this flagship property to Raffles Hotels and Resorts paves the way for the expansion of the brand as we deliver this same level of unparalleled service and sublime experiences to new destinations in cities such as Udaipur, London and Boston.”
The Raffles Reopening Festival included performances by beloved musicians, while the guests indulged in fine gourmet experiences through tasting portions from an array of menus throughout the event. As part of the celebrations, the hotel also donated the proceeds raised from the festival to non-profit organisation, Community Chest Singapore, benefitting about 80 charities.
Resplendent Restoration
Opened in 1887, the hotel was declared a National Monument on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. This national treasure has now been meticulously restored again by well-known interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, supported by Aedas Singapore, a leading global architecture and design firm.
The revitalised Raffles Singapore offers luxurious all-suite accommodations, across nine distinct suite categories: State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites. Residence, Promenade and Studio suites, are the three latest additions to the hotel’s existing line-up. The total suite count increases from 103 suites to 115 suites.
The Raffles Arcade has been newly outfitted with a charming Raffles Boutique and various bespoke retail brands. Guests and locals will also delight in exploring the worldly restaurants and bars at Raffles Singapore, including restaurant collaborations with Chef Anne-Sophie Pic, of the three-Michelin star Maison Pic in Valence, France; venerable French Master Chef Alain Ducasse; and Chef Jereme Leung, known for his innovative Chinese cooking. At the refreshed Long Bar, travellers will continue to enjoy the hotel’s most famous cocktail, the original Singapore Sling, along with the timeless tradition of tossing peanut shells on the floor.
Discerning travellers can expect new levels of unrivalled comfort and inimitable service with enhanced suite experience, brought to life by the fabled Raffles Butlers while enjoying the new and reimagined spaces at Raffles Singapore.
