Why is Raffles Singapore famous?
Home of the Singapore Sling Raffles Hotel is famous as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. The famous cocktail was created by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915.
What makes Raffles Hotel Unique?
The elegant neo Renaissance architecture and grand spaces reflected comfort and style. The Hotel also boasted Singapore's first electric lights and fans and a French chef. Raffles Hotel rapidly became a magnet for travellers and Singapore residents.
What happened to Raffles Hotel during the war?
During World War II, Raffles Hotel was renamed Syonan Ryokan (昭南旅館, shōnan ryokan), incorporating Syonan ("Light of the South"), the Japanese name for occupied Singapore, and ryokan, the name for a traditional Japanese inn. The hotel was reclaimed in 1945 during Operation Tiderace by the British Navy.
Where are the iconic Raffles hotels?
SingaporeA Singapore Icon The Singapore Sling, widely regarded as the national drink of the country, was first created in 1915 at Raffles Singapore by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.
Why do they throw peanuts on the floor at Raffles?
The tradition was to throw the nuts on the wooden floor to help with clearing the dust.
How much are rooms at Raffles?
115Raffles Singapore / Number of Rooms
Who was to blame for the fall of Singapore?
Japan's post-war estimate of civilian deaths is 5,000, but other sources place it as high as 50,000. Some revisionist historians blame Churchill for the debacle at Singapore.
Why did the British lose Singapore?
On January 31st 1942, overestimating the size of the enemy forces, the British retreated to Singapore, falling back over the causeway that separated it from the mainland. Meanwhile the Japanese swarmed south, some on stolen bicycles, through the jungle from Kota Bahru towards Singapore, which lay over 600 miles south.
Why did Japan invade Singapore?
An island city and the capital of the Straits Settlement of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had been a British colony since the 19th century. In July 1941, when Japanese troops occupied French Indochina, the Japanese telegraphed their intentions to transfer Singapore from the British to its own burgeoning empire.
How old is Raffles Hotel in Singapore?
Raffles Hotel is a Singapore landmark located at No. 1 Beach Road. Established in 1887, the award-winning colonial-era hotel with a rich history is well known for its period architecture and decor, luxurious accommodation and fine cuisine.
Where did Michael Jackson stay in Singapore?
Learn more about the King of Pop and his stay in the Sir Stamford Raffles Presidential Suite.
Who is Raffles Singapore?
Sir Stamford Raffles, in full Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, (born July 6, 1781, at sea, off Port Morant, Jam. —died July 5, 1826, London, Eng.), British East Indian administrator and founder of the port city of Singapore (1819), who was largely responsible for the creation of Britain's Far Eastern empire.
Who built the Raffles Hotel in Singapore?
Named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel was built by the Sarkies Brothers, responsible for other luxury hotels in the region during the colonial era.
When did Raffles Hotel Singapore open?
Although Raffles Hotel Singapore opened in 1887, its layout continued to evolve, with hotel wings, suites and other facilities added over the years.
Where is the Raffles Hotel?
Hark back to a golden age of elegant refinement and gracious living at Raffles Hotel Singapore, where the past reawakens to glorious life. The iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore has been home to both tall tales and famous folks like Michael Jackson and Queen Elizabeth II.
Who designed the Grand Old Dame of Hotels?
Undertaken by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, Singapore’s grand old dame of hotels has been given a new lease of life. Guests can now check in from the comfort of their hotel rooms, and the hotel’s total suite count has been increased from 103 to 115.
Is Raffles Hotel Singapore a neo Renaissance hotel?
Raffles Hotel Singapore’s neo-Renaissance architecture also features tropical touches like extensive verandahs. Enjoy excellent service from one of the oldest hotels in Singapore.
Who leased the Raffles Singapore?
WATCH NOW. The storied history of the Raffles Singapore begins with a charming beach house that Dr. Charles Emerson leased in 1878. An enterprising hotelier, Emerson converted the quaint estate into a seaside hotel. But his dreams were short-lived as he died five years later.
Where is the Raffles Hotel?
About the Location +. The Raffles Singapore is centrally located in Singapore’s vibrant Downtown Core.
Why is the Raffles Hotel named after Sir Stamford Raffles?
After an extensive renovation, the Sarkies reopened the building as the “Raffles Hotel,” which they named in honor of Singapore’s founder, Sir Stam ford Raffles . It did not take long for the Raffles Hotel to rise in popularity.
Why did the raffles hotel hold one last waltz?
Legend has it that the Raffles Hotel held one last waltz to distract the Japanese soldiers while the silver was hidden in their midst. Fortunately, the Raffles Hotel became prosperous once more with the end of the war.
What style of architecture is Raffles Hotel?
When the hotel debuted after the construction, it’s new, brilliant Neo-Renaissance-style architecture met with thunderous applause. By the turn of the century, the Raffles Hotel had emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most preeminent destinations.
What was Singapore known for in the 19th century?
Singapore gradually became one of the region’s most prominent ports, especially after the discovery of rubber plants on several nearby islands.
Is the Raffles Hotel a National Monument?
For its historical significance, the government of Singapore declared the Raffles Hotel a National Monument in the 1980s. Celebrated today as the Raffles Singapore, the Raffles Hotel is now a cherished member of AccorHotels. Now a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, the Raffles Hotel Singapore is among the most prestigious hotels throughout ...
Who are the founders of Raffles Hotel?
In multi-cultural Singapore, it is not surprising that the visionary founders of Raffles Hotel were a quartet of enterprising Armenian brothers; Martin, Tigran, Aviet and Arshak Sarkies. Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 in a rather somber-looking old bungalow known as Beach House.
When was Raffles Hotel opened?
Preparations were under way to open The Strand Rangoon. Raffles Hotel originally opened in 1887, based on a bungalow by a certain Captain Dare. Its current dimensions with the elegant main building were reached in 1889/90.
How far away is Raffles from the water?
Land reclamation finally robbed her of her place beside the shore. Today she is about 500 meters away from the water. * when reopened on 18th November 1899, after extensive expansion, Raffles had the largest dining room in the East with 700 square metres, saeting 500. Part of it makes up today´s Lobby and Tiffin Room.
How many rooms did Raffles have?
Raffles now became the unimpeachable number one in the colony. After further renovations the hotel had 120 rooms. 1937: Singapore´s Kallang Airport opened as one of the most modern airports in the world. In the same year the march of the "Rising Sun" continued.
Why is Singapore called Singa Pura?
HISTORY IN DETAIL: Singapore is called Singa Pura because - as legend has it - a prince, Nila Utama, landed on the island between 700 and 1.300 AD. Shortly after his arrival he saw an animal. Under the impression that this beast was a lion he called the place Singa Pura (Singa Pura = Lion City).
What does Singgah mean?
This legend seems to be floored by a less romantic theory: Singgah means stopover and Pura stands for city. 1819, February 6th: Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles signed the treaty with the new Sultan of Johore to establish a trading post in Singapore for the British East India Company.
When did Singapore become a controlled country?
By June, the island had a population of more than 5.000. 1822: Raffles installed a committee that drew the basic plans for a controlled development of Singapore. 1823: Great Britain put Singapore under control of the govenor-general of India and appointed a new resident, John Crawfurd.
When did the Raffles Singapore open?
Visiting Singapore today it is almost impossible to imagine that the Raffles, now well inland, opened its door in 1887 to the South China Sea. When the Sarkies Brothers, founders of other legendary hotels in Asia like The Strand in Yangon, ...
What is the oldest hotel in Asia?
The story of Raffles Singapore, the oldest hotel in Asia. by Mar September 13, 2017. Written by Mar. As the Raffles Singapore closes for its second major renovation in 2017, 130 years after its opening, an icon of the hospitality industry fades behind the construction walls filled with historical anecdotes, interesting facts and glamour.
What is the most magnificent hotel in the East of the Suez Canal?
The most magnificent hotel of the East. Raffles Hotel. When the Raffles Singapore opened the Bras Basah wing in 1904 that it became “the most magnificent hotel East of the Suez Canal”, a title that it has maintained until today. The hotel’s expansion also brought a few modernities to Singapore for the first time, like electric lights and fans.
Where was the last tiger killed in Singapore?
The last tiger in Singapore was killed at the Bar & Billiard Room at Raffles Singapore. The most magnificent hotel of the East. The birthplace of the Singapore Sing. The Raffles Singapore: A Japanese Inn. The longest list of celebrities and royalty of any other hotel.
When did the Long Bar open?
The Long Bar only opened in 1960s as a counter to the ballroom and moved to its last location in 1989 after the hotel’s first restoration. Raffles gin. The cocktail is so iconic that, for its 100th anniversary, a special Raffles 1915 gin was created.
Why is Raffles Hotel so popular?
Raffles Hotel became a tourist attraction because of its reputation as a historic hotel, though it encountered competition from more modern hotels that had sprung up along Orchard Road. By the 1970s, some of the hotel’s former glory had faded and its buildings were in need of refurbishment.24. Restoration.
What is Raffles Hotel?
Raffles Hotel is a Singapore landmark located at No.1 Beach Road.1 Established in 1887, the award-winning colonial-era hotel with a rich history is well known for its period architecture and decor, luxurious accommodation and fine cuisine. The hotel is particularly known for its popular Tiffin Room buffet2 and for the Singapore Sling cocktail ...
What was the name of the hotel that attracted guests of stature?
Under the Sarkies brothers, Raffles Hotel grew as a commercial enterprise and became known as a first-class establishment that attracted guests of stature.11.
What animal was under the hotel's billiard room?
In addition, the hotel has seen some more unusual visitors including a python and a wild boar.39 In a well-known incident in 1902, early one morning an escaped circus tiger found its way under the hotel’s Billiard Room, which stood on stilts at the time.
What year was the Ballroom in the Ballroom restored?
Taking 1915 as the benchmark year, the restoration process involved replacing the 1920s ballroom with the original cast-iron portico; repairing decorative plasterwork; and reinstating the large timber staircase.
Why did the Singapore hotel face challenges?
During the 1950s and ’60s, the hotel faced new challenges due to changing political, economic and social circumstances. With the withdrawal of the British colonial administration, the Singapore government actively promoted tourism to earn revenue.
When was Raffles Hotel built?
Origins. Raffles Hotel began as Beach House, a private home built in the 1830s by Robert Scott. In 1878, Charles Emmerson leased the building and opened Emmerson’s Hotel. After his sudden death in 1883, the hotel closed.4 On 1 January 1884, it reopened as Hotel Des Indes, owned by a “W. F. Van Erp”.5 Later on, Raffles Boarding School took up ...
Who immortalized Raffles Hotel?
The film maintains a 7.1/10 on IMDB. 9. Rudyard Kipling had a thing or two to say about it. Raffles was immortalized in the work of nobel prize winner, Rudyard Kipling. In his 1889 book, From Sea To Sea, Kipling describes the hotel as “a place called Raffles Hotel, where the food is excellent and the rooms are bad.”.
What is the facade of Raffles?
The history of Raffles has been subject to a procession of literary work, and even a cartoon or two, that attempt to capture the venue’s beauty. However, there’s a lot more than meets the eye to this luxurious hotel. Here are 10 facts you might not know about Raffles.
How much did the last restoration of the tigers cost?
The last restoration began in 1989 and took two and a half years to complete. It cost (SGD) 160 million ($116 million) and was conducted by a South Korean construction firm, Ssangyong Engineering and Construction. 3. Raffles entices many a guest...including tigers.
When will raffles be restored?
The first phase will begin in February 2017 and will focus on the hotel’s arcade. The second will begin next August and is set to work on the main lobby, along with a few guest suites.
Is there a tiger at raffles?
4. It wasn’t the last tiger to be seen at Raffles, though. Raffles recently celebrated 125 years (Photo by Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images). A live tiger was photographed on top of a Raffles billiard table as part of the hotel’s centennial celebrations.
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Overview
History
Raffles Hotel Singapore started as a privately owned beach house built in the early 1830s. It first became Emerson's Hotel when Dr. Charles Emerson leased the building in 1878. Upon his death in 1883, the hotel closed, and the Raffles Institution stepped in to use the building as a boarding house until Dr. Emerson's lease expired in September 1887.
Arcade
Raffles Hotel has a shopping arcade with 40 speciality boutiques. The arcade also houses most of the hotel's restaurants.
In popular culture
• Raffles is the setting for Ryū Murakami's novel and its film adaptation titled Raffles Hotel. The film was shot on location.
• The hotel was featured as a Japanese stronghold in Medal of Honor: Rising Sun.
• The hotel was where Nick and Rachel stayed when they arrived in Singapore in Crazy Rich Asians.
See also
• Stamford House, formerly leased as an annex for Raffles Hotel.
• Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Strand Hotel, other prominent hotels established by the Sarkies Brothers.
Further reading
• Augustin, Andreas (1988). The Raffles treasury : secrets of a grand old lady (4th rev. ed.). Singapore: A. Augustin. ISBN 9971-84-786-8. OCLC 53620216.
• Andreas Augustin, Raffles, The Most Famous Hotels in the World. London/Singapore/Vienna, (1986)
• Chefs of Raffles Hotel, The Raffles Hotel Cookbook. Butterworth-Heinemann (2003). ISBN 978-981-4068-58-1
External links
• Geographic data related to Raffles Hotel at OpenStreetMap
• Raffles Hotel timeline