The Raffles Hotel

An iconic luxury hotel established in 1887, famous for inventing the Singapore Sling cocktail and exemplifying colonial grandeur and elegance. It's a legendary destination for experiencing Singapore's storied past and enjoying afternoon tea or cocktails in a historic ambiance.

Things to do

• Singapore Sling at the Long Bar — Enjoy the iconic cocktail that was invented at Raffles in 1915 in the historic Long Bar, where the drink's origins are celebrated with period ambiance.
• Afternoon Tea Service — Experience traditional colonial-era afternoon tea with fine china, pastries, and finger sandwiches served in the elegant tea rooms.
• Hotel Museum Tour — Explore the museum displays throughout the hotel showcasing its 137-year history, including artifacts from notable guests and the colonial period.
• Tiffin Room Fine Dining — Dine at the hotel's acclaimed restaurant featuring colonial Indian and Peranakan cuisine in an opulent setting with period décor.
• Spa and Wellness — Indulge in luxurious spa treatments within the hotel's wellness center, blending traditional Asian therapies with colonial elegance.
• Grand Lobby Exploration — Stroll through the magnificent lobby with its soaring ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and vintage furniture that evoke 19th-century grandeur.

Food to try

• Singapore Sling — The hotel's signature cocktail made with gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
• Peranakan Cuisine — Experience traditional Peranakan dishes reflecting Singapore's colonial multicultural heritage, featuring locally sourced spices and ingredients.
• High Tea with Scones and Clotted Cream — Enjoy freshly baked scones served with imported clotted cream and preserves, accompanied by premium loose-leaf teas in period dining rooms.
• Colonial-Era British Fare — Sample classic British dishes reimagined for tropical Singapore, including kedgeree and other Anglo-Indian classics from the colonial period.
• Raffles Gin Sling Pairing Menu — A curated tasting menu specifically paired with variations of the Singapore Sling and other signature cocktails crafted by the hotel's mixologists.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Code Expectations — The hotel maintains a smart casual to formal dress code, particularly for dining in signature restaurants and bars, reflecting its colonial heritage standards.
• Reservation Importance — Book experiences like afternoon tea and restaurant tables well in advance, as the hotel's limited iconic spaces are highly sought after by visitors and locals alike.
• Colonial History Appreciation — Understand that Raffles represents Singapore's colonial past; the hotel embraces this heritage while modern Singapore has moved beyond colonial governance.
• Tipping and Service Culture — While a 10% service charge may be included, additional tipping of 5-10% is appreciated for exceptional service in Singapore's hospitality culture.