Raffles Hotels & Resorts is set to refurbish its iconic Singapore hotel in a two year ‘restoration project’.
The work at Raffles Hotel Singapore will take place across three phases, starting in January when the Raffles Hotel Arcade will be transformed. This part of the hotel houses the shops, The Ballroom, The Lawn and the famous Long Bar. The latter’s signature cocktail, the Singapore Sling, will continue to be served in The Barr & Billiard Room.
The second phase of development will be in mid-2017 when the main hotel building, the lobby and some of suites will be refurbished.
The 103-suite hotel, which was declared a national monument by the Singapore Government in 1987, was last renovated between 1989 and 1991.
Raffles will close at the end of 2017 before reopening in the second quarter of 2018.
Diana Banks, vice president of the Raffles brand and luxury sales, said: “Raffles Hotel Singapore has always evolved to stay distinctive and relevant, moving with the times and adapting to the changing needs of today’s traveller. We have a rich and colourful history and are about to begin a new chapter in our ongoing story – a sensitive restoration that will enable us to continue to offer what our guests expect and value.”
Simon Hirst, general manager of the hotel, added: “This restoration is designed to ensure that we retain what is so special about Raffles – the ambiance, the service, the charm and the heritage of the hotel. We have always changed and evolved to keep in step
With the needs and expectations of our guests – this has been one of the secrets of our success for more than a century. This extraordinary undertaking will also reimagine the facilities, spaces and experiences within the hotel to delight the well-travelled and the community.”