A brand new spa and ballroom will be launched at the Raffles Hotel Singapore, as part of the property’s extensive on-going restoration.
The famous hotel, which was opened by the Sarkies Brothers in 1887, embarked on a three-phase refurbishment project in early 2017. The first phase of this project is now complete and the Raffles is expected to close in late 2017 for at least three months, before a grand reopening in the second quarter of 2018.
When it relaunches, the hotel will feature a new 300-pax Grand Ballroom, formerly called the Jubilee Hall theatre, and a new spa in the Raffles Arcade, as well as revamped F&B outlets that will “build on the charm and heritage of the hotel”.
The introduction of the Grand Ballroom will enable event organisers to choose from two ballrooms in different areas of the hotel – with the former ballroom becoming the secondary space due to its smaller capacity.
The new spa will feature separate lounge areas for men and women and a private area with its own treatment room and facilities.
“The restoration of Raffles is a careful and sensitive project, designed to retain what is so important about Raffles – our architecture, our heritage, our service and the unique feeling of being somewhere very special,” said Ronald Dooremalen, hotel manager of the Raffles Singapore.
“We will be presenting new spaces and experiences, enhancing comfort and splendour for the discerning traveller, and inviting the community to enjoy our newly-opened bars, courtyards and social areas.”
Phase two of the project commenced on 13 August 2017 and involves the restoration of some of the hotel’s suites and the main building. During this time, check-ins will be conducted in the East India Rooms and all F&B will be served at the Bar & Billiard Room. The Long Bar, which is the home of the Singapore Sling, and the Writer’s Bar will be among those renovated.
Guests will be offered the use of the fitness centre and swimming pool at the nearby Fairmont Singapore hotel.
This project marks the first major restoration of the Raffles since 1989, when it closed for two and a half years. Declared a National Monument by the Singaporean government, the classic colonial-style hotel now features 103 suites. It was named after British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
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