The iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore has been confirmed for a mid-2019 reopening, and will boast refreshed interiors, layout and concierge service, revealed general manager Christian Westbeld.
Most prominently, the hotel will eliminate its front desk and check-in services from the lobby. Instead, guests will be served by dedicated butlers, who will provide services from in-suite check-in to running errands for guests.
This new concept will “revolutionise” the butler and concierge service in hospitality by providing guests “more focused, individualised and direct service”, explained Westbeld.
The hotel will have a team of 25 butlers fluent in a diverse range of languages such as English, Mandarin, Korean and Russian.
Room count will also be raised by 10 per cent from 103 to 115. Renders of the suites showed brighter colours and a more spacious and refined design, with some elements of new technology. For example, guests will have the option of operating the lights with manual switches or an iPad.
Westbeld also confirmed that accompanying these enhancements is a rise in the hotel’s room rates by some 25 to 30 per cent. Bookings are open and the hotel has already secured event reservations for August.
The hotel will also feature 10 dining establishments spread throughout the property, with overhauls done to the original restaurants such as Tiffin Room and Long Bar. The shopping arcade will also be “better integrated” into the hotel and feature 40 retail tenants, said Westbeld.
Long Bar will introduce an “elevated” and “health-conscious” recipe for the Singapore Sling, he shared, and the team hopes to craft another original beverage on the same level as the Singapore Sling.
