So, let me explain. Originally, the plan was for me to continue immediately from Singapore to Frankfurt with Lufthansa without stopover. I figured it would be nice to catch another flight with the B 747-8i, which I’ve only ever flown on twice, even if it meant having to fly Lufthansa. But then some time in spring, Lufthansa informed me of an aircraft change, and that the flight would be operated by a B 747-400 with no First Class cabin. In Lufthansa’s classic style, I was informed that a) they could only rebook me on SWISS, but b) that the flight to Zürich was already full on the same date, so c) I would have to spend the night in Singapore, and d) any additional costs I incurred as a result were totally and utterly my problem and not their’s.

I figured I wasn’t going to let this hiccup ruin my vacation. I’ve been looking for an excuse to stay at the legendary Raffles Hotel for a while now anyway – so there you go. As the Maltese proverb goes, the rose emerges from thorns.

The Hotel

The original hotel is a fairly small building on three stories surrounded by a lush garden. The hotel’s long history makes it a popular tourist attraction in Singapore. However, the hotel manages the crowds well, and there are areas that are simply out of bounds for non-residents, to give guests more privacy.

The building is in the elegant colonial style and is kept in pristine condition. I arrive at Raffles Hotel from Changi at around 21h50. There’s a lady from reception standing outside the main entrance talking to the Sikh doorman. She takes one look at me and says, “Hello Mr. A, and welcome to the Raffles Hotel. We’ve been expecting you”. I have no idea how she did that, and when I ask, she doesn’t give me a proper answer. Fair enough, but I’m quite impressed. This pretty much sets the tone for my stay at Raffles Hotel.

The Room

Once we’re done with the formalities, she escorts me up to my room on the first floor. She tells me the butler will be coming shortly to introduce himself. The door opens to a long hallway with a credenza on one side. What is immediately striking about the room are the high ceilings.

The room opens up at the end of the hall. There is a small welcome note and two cups on the table by the window. By this time, the butler has arrived. He explains that as a Diamond member, the welcome drink will be a Singapore Sling (what else) and I should ring to let him know when I’d like to have it. He also shows me the menu of artisanal local pralines that are the welcome gift. Similarly, I should let him know when I feel like something sweet, and he will bring the box for me to choose.

The minibar is located in what looks like an old valise like the ones they used to use in the days of the great Ocean Liners. In the minibar is a Nespresso machine and a kettle. The drinks and snacks in the minibar are complimentary and replenished daily.

The attention to detail in the room is simply amazing and very charming. For example, there is a small case with postcards, stationary and a writing pen.

The bed is lovely. It’s a good size and has perfect firmness, ensuring excellent support but without creating pressure points.

On the bedside table I have a small leather tray to place things like a watch or a mobile phone. There’s also a glass and a bottle of still water. Oh yes, and they have the sexiest slippers that are very comfortable.

The walk-in wardrobe leads off from the bedroom and is located right before the bathroom.

The bathroom itself is gorgeous. It has twin sinks and a separate bath and walk-in shower. The fixtures are new, but have been chosen in keeping with the hotel’s grand colonial style.

The cosmetics are by a brand I don’t know, but they smell heavenly. The hotel also provides shaving kits, dental kits, etc.

In the bathroom too there are these little charming details, for example this book stand for you to read while you’re having a bath.

My room also has a balcony overlooking the courtyard. It’s very nice to sit here and slowly unwind after the long flight from Sydney, until eventually the sounds of the city lull me to sleep and I head inside to go to bed.

Dining

There are several restaurants in the hotel. The breakfast is served in the lobby lounge, where can also sit outside. In the morning the humidity doesn’t feel so bad, and after three weeks in slightly fresh Australia, it’s nice to sit outside in the warmth.

There is à la carte dining available as well as an extensive buffet. I order the fluffy pancakes with strawberries and cream, which are very nice.

The buffet is quite simply amazing and contains all sorts of delights that are nicely displayed. I notice that there are hardly any Asian options available from the buffet.

I also have afternoon tea at the hotel, which is also served in the lobby and is a truly memorable experience. However, I did not take any pictures of the afternoon tea. But I can highly recommend it. It comes with a choice of savoury, plain, or raisin scones. The scones as well as the sandwiches are replenished on request.

Conclusion

On the day of my departure, there‘s a knock at the door. When I open, the butler hands me two key rings as a farewell gift with a note from him and the other butlers. Apart from the fact that I think it‘s a nice gesture for them to gift me the key rings. I greatly appreciate that they took the trouble to add the name of my travel companion and address the note to us both.

The Raffles Hotel is a remarkable hotel. My stay was a truly memorable experience and a very enjoyable. The amenities and services provided are on a par with The Peninsula in Hong Kong, and the hotel’s attention to detail is nothing short of impressive. I think I‘m going to have to come back.