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Raffles Hotel: Icon of Romance and Adventure in Singapore

02.17.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

Raffles Hotel began life in 1887 as a sad looking bungalow called the beach house. Today the hotel is a landmark of elegance and sophistication, and every real traveler longs for a visit. The hotel was named after Sir Stamford Raffles who was said to be the father of modern Singapore. The hotel has attracted a notable list of celebrities, among them Noel Coward, Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. One rather strange tale claims that the last wild tiger in Singapore was captured at Raffles, after it hid under a billiard table. The famous Singapore Sling was created in the bar. nnIn 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.nnCraftsmen refurbished and restored over 400 pieces of furniture to be used in the hotel. Little brass plates identify these pieces are original to Raffles.nnIn addition, more than 8,000 pieces of silver and historical china, some dating back to the era of the Hotel’s founding, have been inventoried and dated as to the period of use. The historical pieces are used where appropriate and form the basis of historical displays throughout the Hotel and the adjoining facilities.nnTo dine at Raffles is to step into the past. Raffles Grill is famous for its elegance and sophisticated menu. The Tiffin Room acts as the main dining room and breakfast is served here. The Writers Bar remembers the many authors who have made Raffles their home away from home. Legend has it that Noel Coward completed “Private Lives” at a table in the Palm Court.nnA 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.nnIt 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. nnRoom rates begin at 512.00 SGD (about 336.00 at today’s rate of exchange).

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