Raffles Singapore Reopens After Restoration
Singapore's 1887 landmark returns with 115 suites, a Champalimaud-led interior scheme and new dining from Anne-Sophie Pic, Alain Ducasse and Jereme Leung.
Raffles Singapore officially reopened on 1 August 2019, completing a three-phase restoration that began in February 2017. Owned by Katara Hospitality and operated by Accor’s Raffles brand, the hotel on Beach Road first opened in 1887 and was declared a National Monument in 1987.
The work was led by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud with the architecture firm Aedas. It was the property’s first major restoration since the one carried out between 1989 and 1991, which also closed the hotel for around two and a half years.
The all-suite hotel now counts 115 suites, up from 103, across nine categories: State Room, Courtyard, Palm Court, Personality, Residence, Promenade, Grand Hotel, Presidential and Studio. The Raffles Butler service remains part of every stay.
Dining was the other major change. Three-Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic of Maison Pic in Valence brought La Dame de Pic to the dining room of the Main Building, Alain Ducasse opened the Mediterranean grill BBR by Alain Ducasse, and Jereme Leung took Level 3 of the Raffles Arcade for yì by Jereme Leung, a contemporary Chinese restaurant focused on seasonal, single-sourced ingredients. A steakhouse, Butcher’s Block, was also added in the Arcade.
The historic venues returned too. The Tiffin Room, serving North Indian cuisine since 1892, reopened alongside the Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling, an expanded Writers Bar, the Raffles Courtyard and afternoon tea in The Lobby. The Raffles Boutique was refitted and the Raffles Arcade given a new line-up of retailers.
General manager Christian Westbeld said at the reopening that the restored hotel “will provide an experience like no other.” The reopening announcement is on Accor’s press site.