Design concept: Raffles Hotel Singapore

Our latest TOPHOTELDESIGN exclusive looks into the 2019-completed renovation of the legendary Raffles Hotel Singapore, one of South-East Asia’s most famous landmarks.

Bringing together the expertise of several top design studios, the reinvention of the Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ property paid tribute to its storied past while laying the groundwork for a new chapter of ‘emotional luxury’.

A design-led revamp

In the summer of 2019, Raffles Hotel Singapore, which is owned by Katara Hospitality, emerged from a sensitive three-phased restoration that began in early 2017. This flagship Accor property was brought into the 21st century with the addition of newly designed spaces that retained the hotel’s distinct heritage and architecture.

This historic restoration was led by Champalimaud Design and supported by Aedas in Singapore. Together, the duo set out to create a refreshed social haven fusing culture and beauty, with Hassell in Singapore and Studio Lapis also making significant contributions. In addition, digital equipment supplier DigiValet and kitchen equipment supplier Andy Mannhart had important parts to play in bringing the ambitious scheme to life.

First opened in 1887, the heritage property was declared a National Monument in 1987. Prior to this recent transformation, the last restoration took place between 1989 and 1991.

New suites and dining concepts

Owing to the latest makeover, the hotel is now home to new suite categories, bringing the total number of suites from 103 to 115, as well as exciting new dining concepts that attract visitors from around the world.

Guests can dine at restaurants created in collaboration with acclaimed chefs Anne-Sophie Pic, Alain Ducasse and Jereme Leung. The legendary Long Bar has also been given a fresh lease of life, retaining the original Singapore Sling cocktail along with the tradition of throwing empty peanut shells on the floor.

The all-suite accommodation here spans nine categories: State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Studio Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites. On top of this, the Raffles Arcade has benefitted from the inclusion of a Raffles Boutique along with outlets for various other bespoke retail brands.

For more info about this scheme, and to view an extensive gallery of hi-res images, check out Raffles Hotel Singapore’s project page on the TOPHOTELDESIGN website.