Singapore’s most famous hotel was opened by a couple of Armenian brothers in 1887 with 10 bungalow-style rooms overlooking the South China Sea. It was named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles and one of the earliest guests was Rudyard Kipling, who stayed there in 1888. Although it no longer overlooks the sea due to land reclamation, this luxury hotel continues to attract Hollywood stars and royalty. It is also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, created in 1915 by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. He deliberately chose grenadine and cherry liqueur to give this gin-based cocktail a rosy colour as etiquette dictated women could not consume alcohol in public, so (alcoholic) fruit juices were a good alternative!
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Tips
- Head upstairs to the Long Bar to sample a Singapore Sling - this rustic bar will take you back to a bygone era with the palm leaf fans on the ceiling. It’s the only place in Singapore where you can litter, so don’t hesitate to throw those monkey nut shells on the floor!
- Combine your trip to Raffles with a walk down Orchard Road or a visit to Marina Bay.