The Raffles Hotel - An Introduction

 When considering the magnificent luxury hotels of the world, Raffles joins the top of the list. Outstanding in every way, it oozes an old-world charm difficult to find these days. We are enjoying the privilege of staying there for five nights along with our companions, Bob and Sheree.

        Raffles came into being in 1887 as a ten-room high-end hotel. Named after the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, the hotel became a destination for the wealthy travelers of the day. As the years passed, there were numerous expansions and renovations. Today, the hotel consists of 115 suites, numerous restaurants and bars, and many shops in the arcade.

    The hotel has been recognized as a national monument. We knew we had entered a different world when we were greeted in the expansive lobby by live harp music. The list of famous people who have visited Raffles is long. It includes but is certainly not limited to Somerset Maugham, Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin, Joseph Conrad, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Rudyard Kipling, Noel Coward, André Malraux, and James Michener.

We arrived at Changi Airport at 5:45 AM. It was a long flight, but we had all slept several hours on the plane. Customs was a breeze and our driver was waiting for us. Check in went smoothly at the hotel and in a little while, we introduced to our amazing rooms in the Palm Court Suite. Jessica was ready to explore, and the rest of us were ready to sleep!