The Raffles Singapore, arguably Asia’s most famous hotel, has unveiled plans to undertake a major restoration programme.
The luxury hotel, which was opened by the Sarkies Brothers in 1887, will embark on a three-phase renovation and refurbishment project in early 2017, incorporating most areas of the property. This will see the Raffles close in late 2017 for at least three months, before a grand reopening in the second quarter of 2018.
“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,” said Diana Banks, vice president of the Raffles brand. “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.”
The project will be led by Aedas Singapore, the architecture and design firm which handled the restoration of the London Coliseum. The interiors will be handled by Alexandra Champalimaud, who has previously worked with The Dorchester in London and Waldorf Astoria in New York.
The first phase of the project will begin in January 2017, when the Raffles Hotel Arcade, which houses shops, event spaces and F&B outlets, will be restored. Other areas of the property will operate as normal during this period, but the famous Long Bar – home of the Singapore Sling cocktail – will close temporarily.
Phase two, which is due to begin in mid-2017, will see work start on the main hotel building and lobby, as well some of the suites. Following that, Raffles Singapore will close for the third and final phase at the end of 2017, before the new-look hotel is officially unveiled in Q2 2018.
This project will mark the first major restoration of the Raffles since 1989, when it closed for two and a half years. Declared a National Monument by the Singaporean government, the classic colonial-style hotel now features 103 suites. It was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
Comments are closed.