Raffles at 130

A 16-month “sensitive restoration” of one of the Far East’s best known icons, the Raffles Hotel Singapore, begins next month as the property celebrates its 130th anniversary this year.

Since opening in 1887, the luxury 5-star hotel has greeted famous patrons through its ornate wrought-iron portico ranging from Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Johnny Depp. It was declared a National Monument in 1987.

General manager Simon Hirst said: “The Raffles has moved with the times while preserving its classic colonial architecture. For our anniversary year, it is our wish our guests will rediscover what makes the hotel so special.

“The restoration, which will take a phased approach, is a sign of the hotel adapting to the changing needs of today’s traveller while retaining what is special – our warm ambiance, the service, the charm and the heritage. The undertaking, which will take a phased approach and be completed in middle of 2018, will reimagine the facilities, spaces and experiences within the hotel to delight the well-travelled and the community.

“From enjoying a business trip or holiday to dining at our world-renowned restaurants and bars, there will be many reasons for local and international visitors alike to celebrate with us.”

www.raffles.com/singapore

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Tony Hesketh-Gardener, England

My wife, Petra, and I went to Singapore and stayed in Raffles as a 'once-off' in 2003 and have returned at least once a year ever since. It is truly iconic in every way.