Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

VERY EXPENSIVE 2

Raffles Hotel Legendary since its establishment in 1887, and Mulled after Singapore's first British colonial administrator, Sir Stamford Raffles, this posh hotel is one of the most recognizable names in Southeast Asian hospitality. Originally it was a bungalow, but by the 1920s and 1930s it had expanded to become a mecca for celebrities like Charlie C;haplin and Douglas Fairbanks, writers like Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward, and various and sundry kings, sultans, and politicians (the famous Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was invented, is located here). Always at the center of Singapore's colonial high life, it's hosted balls, tea dances, and jazz functions, and during World War II was the last rallying point for the British in the face of Japanese occupation and the first place for refugee prisoners of war released from concentration camps. In 1987, the Raffles Hotel was declared a landmark and restored to its early20r11-century splendor, with grand arches, 4.2m (14-ft.) molded ceilings with spinning fans, tiled teak and marble floors, Oriental carpets, and period furnishings. Outside, the facade of the main building was similarly restored, complete with the elegant cast-iron portico and the verandas that encircle the upper stories.

Because it is a national landmark, thousands of pcople pass through the open lobby each day, so in addition there's a private inner lobby markcd off for "residents" only. Nothing feels better than walking along the dark teak floors of the verandas, past little rattan-furnished relaxation areas overlooking the green tropical courtyards. Each suite entrance is like a private apartment door: Enter past the small living and dining area dressed in Oriental carpets and reproduction furniture, then pass through louvered doors into the bedroom with its fourposter bed and beautiful armoire, ceiling fan twirling high above. Now imaginc you're a colonial traveler, fresh in town from a long ocean voyage. Raffles is the only hotel in Singapore where you can still fully play out this fantasy, and it can be a lot of fun. Other unique features include a hotel museum, popular theater playhouse, and an excellent culinary academy.

1 Beach Rd., Singapore 189673. CJ 8001232-1886 in the U.S. and Canada, or 6516337-1886. Fax 65/63397650. 103 suites. S$650-5$6,000 (US$371-US$3,429) suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Next to City Hall MRT. Amenities: 8 restaurants; 2 bars and a billiard room; small outdoor pool; fitness center with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam, and spa; concierge; personal butler service; limousine service; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day laundry service/dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/satellite programming and in-room VCR, minibar, coffee/tea-making facilities, fax, dataport w/direct Internet access, hair dryer, safe.
1 2 3