Raffles Hotel
As much a historical landmark as it is a luxury hotel, The Raffles, which opened in 1887, is one of the most famous heritage properties in the world. If you've got your tourist hat on, grab a seat at the Long Bar and order a Singapore Sling at the very place one was first concocted in 1915; lounge in the Writers Bar, named after famous literary guests like Rudyard Kipling; or book a high tea in the Tiffin Room, for a deliciously colonial experience (there is a dress code: close-toed shoes and collars for gentlemen are a must). Kipling famously described the hotel as “a place where the food is as excellent as the rooms are bad” but if you’re a fan of high ceilings, large windows, elegant period furniture and an overall feeling of luxury and comfort then you will probably disagree with him. Business travellers will appreciate the dedicated package, which includes an airport transfer, laundry pressing of up to three items of clothing, local calls and a 24-hour butler service. Being within walking distance of both City Hall Station and Haji Lane/Arab Quarter, it is an ideal location for experiencing major attractions as well as local hotspots.
Location
The City Hall area is where culture, entertainment, business and shopping meet. Set in the heart of the Civic District, it teems with national and cultural institutions noted for their architecture and heritage. Spend a leisurely day museum hopping (from the nation’s oldest, the National Museum of Singapore, to the newest, National Gallery Singapore, which opens late 2015); and gazing at gazetted monuments such as Chijmes and Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.
1 Beach Rd, Singapore
