While in Singapore last week for ITB Asia at Marina Bay Sands, we were treated to something truly special—a rare, behind-the-scenes VIP tour of the legendary Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Alongside Regional Director for Asia Catherine Stevens and CEO Pete McKeon, our team had the privilege of exploring one of the world’s most iconic hotels in ways few ever get to experience.
An Icon of Grandeur and Grace
From the moment we arrived, it was clear we weren’t just stepping into a hotel—we were stepping into history. The team was escorted through Raffles’ famously discreet private entrance, used by heads of state, A-list celebrities, and royalty seeking privacy and anonymity during their stay.
We toured the opulent Presidential Suite, a palatial two-bedroom space that regularly hosts dignitaries and Hollywood movie stars alike. With soaring ceilings, antique furnishings, and a private veranda overlooking Palm Court, it was a true masterclass in luxury. Even the standard guest rooms are fortified with bulletproof glass and ultra-heavy security doors—a quiet testament to the hotel’s emphasis on safety and discretion for high-profile guests.
A Taste of Raffles
After completing the room tours, we began the afternoon with a stop at the gorgeous rooftop pool—a tranquil oasis that feels worlds away from the urban buzz. From there, we made our way to one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks: the world-famous Long Bar.
Home of the original Singapore Sling, the Long Bar is a must-visit for anyone visiting the city. With its plantation-style décor, slow-spinning ceiling fans, and colonial-era charm, the atmosphere is as legendary as the cocktail itself. Of course, no visit would be complete without joining in the quirky tradition of tossing peanut shells onto the floor—a practice as famous as the drinks.
Next came the leafy Courtyard Bar, followed by a wander through the elegantly restored Billiard Room, where time seems to stand still. We capped off the experience with a private cocktail tasting at the Writers Bar—once frequented by literary legends Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Today, it's one of the most refined bars in Singapore, and the perfect place to end a truly unforgettable afternoon.
A Storied Past
Our tour also uncovered a lesser-known side of Raffles: its pivotal role during World War II. As Japanese forces advanced on Singapore in 1942, British expats and officers gathered at the hotel for one final act of defiance—dressing for dinner, ordering champagne, and toasting the Empire as the invasion loomed.
When Japanese troops entered, they reportedly found the guests calmly drinking in the lobby—a surreal display of composure in the face of surrender. Raffles was soon seized and renamed Syonan Ryokan, while staff are said to have buried the hotel’s silverware in the Palm Court to protect it from looting.
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