The Raffles' Hotel

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

Three Armenian brothers: Tigran, Aviet and Arshak built and established the Raffles Hotel which opened on 18 November 1896. Since then, Raffles Hotel has been the scene for many a grand soiree and an inspiration setting for famous writers. During the colonial period, the hotel was a symbol of colonialism for Europeans patronized it and natives were discreetly excluded.

During the Japanese Occupation, Raffles Hotel was used by the Japanese Imperial Army Headquarters for the Transport and Supplies Section and as rooms for senior Japanese officers. The hotel was then known as Syonan Hotel.

After the war, the hotel became a transit point for allied army personnel as well as those rescued from internment camps. In 1946, Raffles Hotel reopened to a rapidly changing Singapore. It was a time when British colonialism presence was fading and new modern hotels were springing up. Finding itself out of its element, Raffles Hotel went into decline.

In 1989, Raffles Hotel underwent a thorough restoration, reopening in 1991 as an exclusive all-suite boutique hotel.

It was gazetted a national monument on 3 June 1995.

OUR TRAVELOGUE:

Poor Boon was however prohibited entry due to his inadequate dressing.

The interior hall of The Raffles' Hotel



The fountain at the porch of The Raffles Hotel


The Writers' Bar

Writers' Bar was established on 1st December 1887. It played host to famous novelists like Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and more..

The Bar really provides a quiet and pleasant ambience to enjoy the afternoon, sipping tea. This is especially so with their big comfortable sofa couches which you will soon find your head drooping...

The Grandfather's Clock

An old clock soon caught our eyes. Situated at the main lobby of Raffles, it has been carefully restored. The clock is faithfully wound each morning by the concierge staff. Each evening when the clock chimes 8, the pianist will follow a Raffles' tradition by playing the melodious tune by Noel Coward - "I'll see you again"...

Reluctantly we left our shade and cooling air con, we accidentally saw a couple of trishaw riders and thought about how interesting a picture that would seem.. A drastic contrast between the riders and the posh Raffles' Hotel.

A picture of the trishaw rider

We then sneaked a shot but was unfortunately caught by a ferocious trishaw rider who rained us with profanities at the top of his voice...