If you are looking for somewhere for a staycation in the later part of this year, why not consider the grand-daddy of Singapore luxury hotels, Raffles Hotel?
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Raffles Hotel was gazetted by the Singapore government as a national monument in 1987](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/9035813544_468370ef1d_o.jpg)
Rachel, Asher and I stayed for 3D2N over a weekend in May. It was like walking into colonial Singapore. The hotel is rich in history and every nook and cranny is filled with nostalgia. Many important people have stayed here over the years – from Queen Elizabeth II to Michael Jackson.
From now till September 2013, Raffles Hotel Singapore will be having a special suite package, available from S$550++ per suite per night for any day in the week. From September onwards, it will only be available over the weekend. The suite package is specially tailored for locals and includes a host of relaxing and tempting benefits:
- Children below the age of 12 stay (using existing bedding) and dine for free with their parents at hotel-operated restaurants (adults must dine at the restaurant)
- Welcome Singapore Slings and fruit upon arrival, while children will enjoy fruit smoothies and cookies
- Complimentary breakfast at Tiffin Room on the first morning
- Complimentary Buffet Dinner at Bar & Billard Room or Tiffin Room (once during the stay)
- Complimentary in-suite internet access
- 24-hour Butler Service
- Complimentary S$500 Raffles Hotel Arcade Shopping Discount Vouchers
- Complimentary late check-out until 6pm
- Complimentary parking
This special rate is extended to residents in Singapore, including Singapore Citizens, PRs and work pass holders. The Suite Package will be valid only during the weekend from 1 Septemember 2013 onwards.
It is a pretty attractive deal. Every Singaporean should stay at least one night at Raffles Hotel to find out why this historical icon encapsulates the epitome of hospitality. Do consider it after checking out my photos and review.
In this two-part staycation series, I will share my views on the accommodation, facilities and architecture of Raffles Hotel Singapore in this first part and dedicate the second part to food – a topic which never fails to excite Singaporeans.
Upon arriving at the hotel, checking in was a breeze with the friendly hotel staff. The hotel lobby is not sprawling, but it exudes a grandeur old world charm. The tall Sikh doorman completes the look.
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Rachel and Asher with the iconic Raffles Hotel doorman](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/9033606161_f257a8b1e9_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Check-in counter in the lobby](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9033588029_aecdaa2f27_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 A large antique standing clock](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9033588225_7c57b740fd_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The hotel lobby](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9035805136_1d01aba92c_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 From the ground floor looking up](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/9035805386_557f412d63_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Staircases leading up to the rooms](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/9035812602_380c9ebd0d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Old switches that are still working](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9054987463_c389d0edcd_o.jpg)
Rachel and I had fun inspecting all the furniture and fixtures in our room, marveling at the many remnants from colonial time like the switches and the faucets:
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Separate dining and lounge area from the bedroom](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9035791630_f156e74c22_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Plate of welcome fruits](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/9033568647_979db38eca_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 A mandarin duck decorative piece in the room. Asher wanted to play with it...](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/9033568859_6bc4e6d775_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The hotel folks prepared a Raffles doorman as a welcome gift for Asher](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9035794622_066f4cdb20_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Rachel and Asher as we checked into our suite](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9035791442_bf9915f4a1_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 View of the room from the other direction](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9035795856_5697889479_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Asher sharing his apple with the doorman](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9035795124_7eaeb29105_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Rachel by the dressing table](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/9033570495_4725fe0b34_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Asher inspecting all the large wardrobes in our suite](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9033568449_5dda514073_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The television is hidden in the middle wardrobe](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/9035796050_9fc24116a1_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Bathroom wash area and mirrors](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9033567681_16d1116667_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Nice old faucets](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/9033568237_86a7813467_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Asher getting very excited on seeing the large bathtub](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/9035792064_faa2bcbc6d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Love this vintage faucet](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9033567451_8bab43f5d3_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Even the bathroom scale is antique](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/9035792910_f9148a28cb_o.jpg)
We did a quick tour on our own around the hotel and for a while, we felt like English aristocrats, reliving colonial Singapore. Many famous writers like Somerset Maugham like to stay at Raffles Hotel while writing their books. We can understand why. The hotel is located in the city centre of modern Singapore, but yet seems to be in a different time zone of its own.
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Fancy a little shopping?](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/9035802076_5f46d69b4f_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Locked gate for hotel residents only to access the second floor and above](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9035802348_a1165a21da_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Staircase leading up to our room on the second floor](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/9035802534_74f2f432b2_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Lounge area for guests to do some reading](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9035802762_b7e81ed122_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Rachel enjoying reading the newspaper in the quaint surrounding.](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/9033579411_defea0ec77_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Internet and computer access](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/9033577737_9c2f8ee367_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 There is always the lift if you do not want to walk up and down the stairs](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/9035803504_13fde3f678_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Rachel slowly strolling down the wall of fame in Raffles Hotel](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9033578359_05df3f78a2_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Our current prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Ho Ching](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/9035803864_a58f54146a_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Blast from the past](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/9033578789_01ac23c040_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Layout of the Raffles Hotel Singapore at the very beginning](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/9035804462_93bc2f3756_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 An old poster](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/9033579679_a935cb1f1e_o.jpg)
Here are some shots I took on a tour around the hotel with the hotel’s historian:
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Interior of Raffles Grill restaurant](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/9035810816_96e18a75d4_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The chandeliers caught my eyes](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/9035811240_ddee88f97f_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The wine cellar](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9033586649_45c593b810_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Raffles grill is named after this silver grill, dug up after the Japanese occupation](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9033586929_c22e072540_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Every corner in this hotel is beautiful](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/9035812192_74ea28d422_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Bar near the lobby](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/9035812396_04488e76d0_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Vintage stained glasses](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/9033588711_c0efd6b3b2_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Area to sit around and drink tea](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/9033589075_febbde6df0_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Bar & Billard Room. We are standing around the antique billard table.](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9033589343_9990cb7f0f_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Antique billard table and set-up](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9033589877_297736d4f4_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Old billard score table](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/9033590127_f97501fdfd_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Dining area in the converted Bar & Billard Room](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/9035814676_0d356aa9ee_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 An outdoor fountain](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9035815396_661ac76ccb_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Jubilee Theatre](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9035816602_c0ee151e33_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 It is dark in the theatre.](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9035816784_e6ee30354a_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 An interesting wall mural. I am not too sure durians grow this way...](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9035817132_c467711e51_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Another wall mural - there are many of these](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9033592675_34c8b13c17_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Entering the ballroom where many wedding ceremonies are held](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/9033592879_de75e2a43f_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Inside the ballroom](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/9035818034_70116f4979_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 A bar on the ground floor](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/9033593965_dbe6962f0d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 A bust of Sir Stamford Raffles](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/9035819150_d28b80be4e_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Here is another venue in the hotel for weddings and other events](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/9035819400_86ce32c51c_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 I like walking down these rows after rows of white columns](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/9033594831_4817b605c1_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 At the third floor of the hotel](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/9033601039_cf8ab50f6c_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 View from third floor down](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/9033601327_e09dbcd796_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Lounge area on the third floor, just outside the presidential suites](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9035826856_eb4d5865d0_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 An old piano](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/9035829282_7a94cd0ed2_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 A closer look at the piano](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/9035829632_093bd11f6f_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 I could get used to this](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/9035830514_1a0069ac02_o.jpg)
We had the privilege to visit the Sir Stamford Raffles Suites, one of the two Presidential Suites in the hotel. Each of these two suites comprise a parlour, dining room, two bedrooms, pantry and private balcony. The cost is from S$10,000 a night:
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The walkway leading to the presidential suites on the third floor](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9033600827_c5c552b4f3_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Ready to step into the suite?](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/9035825308_27937ddb4d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The sofa area](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/9035820154_746b1a978d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 One happy little boy spotted](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/9033598439_368dbafcea_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 I like this lounge chair](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/9033602835_74e06d56a9_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Camel motif](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/9035828246_e76ffb99d8_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Me in the Sir Stamford Raffles Presidential Suite](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/9033603391_2cacb5e20b_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Everything in the room seems to be antique furniture](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/9033602625_c947467d46_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 One of the toilets](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9033595321_43824c84a8_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Dining area](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/9035820808_132eb6e63a_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Dining table](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9035820560_40454d54c1_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 It is so huge there is a corridor](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/9033595919_3f66b59aff_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Bedroom 1](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9035821226_5b055d8ef0_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Vintage wardrobe, bookshelf and such](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/9035821372_5ec6eb9da2_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 View of the first bedroom from another angle](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/9035821590_ecbb68c89d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Posing by the study table](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/9033598927_19edd23dfd_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The room is really huge](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/9035824880_df2e135c1a_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Attached bathroom in bedroom 1](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/9033596731_f3b5b55ef8_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Bedroom 2](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/9035822114_20d1e86916_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Me laying back to relax](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9033598721_851f820271_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Wash basins in the bathroom](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/9033597253_29e56f13bb_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Functioning vintage switches](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/9033597665_7d24abe5bc_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Kitchen area](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/9035823156_c42c28de9f_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Giant fridge tucked in a corner as it's modern appearance do not gel so well with the overall interior design](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/9035823344_7792c5ea25_o.jpg)
Rachel also tried out a Swedish massage at its Raffles Spa on the last day. The spa has customised its version of the relaxing massage by offering three combinations of aromatherapy oils to go with it. There’s a lavender one, which is supposed to be relaxing, a bergamot one, which is invigorating, and a cypress one, which is detoxifying. She went with the last one and fell asleep during the massage.
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The bathroom in Amrita Spa](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/9033605945_8a8e629471_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Spa products](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9035840184_04b4bec3b3_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The masseur](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/9035839132_a9512a48fe_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 The spa and massage room](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9035839294_9f6134724b_o.jpg)
The spa is luxurious without being overtly opulent and there is a row of deck chairs on the verandah facing the Swissotel Stamford Hotel. Just the spot to curl up with a magazine on a sleepy, rainy day.
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Place to sit and laze after the spa](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/9035839546_5ed9400107_o.jpg)
I brought Asher to the open-air rooftop swimming pool for a swim:
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Raffles Hotel rooftop swimming pool](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9033609771_f137757724_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 Asher and I](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/9033610585_88f475082d_o.jpg)
![Summer Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore - Part 1 of 2 There was a full moon that night](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9033609623_19bb6824df_o.jpg)
Initially, we thought we will probably wander off the hotel to do some shopping nearby. In the end, we spent most of our time exploring the hotel itself!
I am ending this post with a video from the Ninja Girls, a group of Japanese bloggers who also stayed at Raffles Hotel during the same period when I was staying there with my family:
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8fuz0CgwLus”]
To read all my blog posts on Raffles Hotel, click here.
There are a few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than Raffles in Singapore.
Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 and soon became the haunt of intrepid travellers from around the world. Regular guests included Noel Coward, Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham, who describe the hotel as embodying “all the fables of the exotic East.” Through their stories, The Long Bar, the Palm Court and the Bar & Billiard Room with its tiger, became familiar to people who had never even been to Singapore.
While preserving its atmospheric teak verandahs, gleaming white colonial facade and magnificent Gieves & Hawkes-clad doormen, Raffles is very much part of the modern, vibrant city of Singapore. It is now the proud flagship of the nine strong Raffles Hotel & Resorts.
Hi! Your pictures are lovely! 😀 Your post really got me interested. For the staycation package, is there a min 2 nights requirement?
Hi Amelia, no I checked with the PR, one night stay is okay too. 🙂
Hi ALvin, what offer did you get ? Short and Suite? or Rise and Shine? I am thnking of bringing mom and dad to this , coz they have an extra bed ? or was it on request ? appreciate…..