Article from BTNews 5 AUGUST 2019
Raffles No 1 returns to market
Singapore has been celebrating the reopening last week of the original Raffles Hotel, now a flagship property within the Accor group, after a major renovation carried out in three phases starting in February 2017.
Opened in 1887 and declared a national monument by the Singapore government a century later, the hotel (below) has gained international recognition and is a treasure among Singaporeans for its historical significance and unique heritage.
General manager Christian Westbeld said: “There are few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities where they are located and none more so than this one. The newly-restored Raffles will provide an experience like no other.”
The restoration has increased the number of suites from103 to 115, spread across nine categories, of which three – Residence, Promenade and Studio – are new, blending with new and reimagined public spaces including the Raffles Arcade.
Westbeld added: “Raffles Singapore is one of the world’s few remaining great 19th-century hotels and its restoration has been carefully designed to preserve its unique historic charm.
“It has also been about creating extraordinary experiences for our esteemed guests – a dedicated commitment from all of us at Raffles Singapore and also from our owner, Katara Hospitality.”
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John Davidson, France
Great! A glass in the gardens in the evening (a Singapore Sling was once my choice) was always great. And what happened to Gall Face in Colombo? And didn't they handle the renovation of Le Grand in Siem Reap? One of my favourite hotels. Stayed there often, when visiting the temples.