After 4 days on the Eastern and Oriental travelling down from Bangkok we were used to exceptional service levels - Raffles met that standard. I really love this place. The staff are perfect - the rooms large with exceptional bed linen and even a pillow menu and the whole ambience sophisticated with beautiful flower arrangements and historic furniture.

The rooms are large with high ceilings leading into a twin basin bath room which in turn leads on into the bath and shower room. There is no scrimping on space or anything else for that matter. Luxurious bath robes, fluffy towels, fruit, water and a butler that solves any unexpected problem that might occur.

On the first night we ate in the seafood restaurant in the courtyard. It was very warm and the menu is a little limited but the food itself was delicious even if expensive. Most evenings we spent in the Long Bar – they do a variety of Singapore Slings my favourite being the Winter version with a vanilla content which I preferred to the red ones. The Band was great with the lead singer being a Tina Turner/ Amy Winehouse cross. Opening their second set with Baker Street showed how talented the Sax player was and guitar easily coped with the slow version of Layla.

On leaving our pick up was messed up. Reception was great in trying to sort it all out as they had been in suggesting things to do. Life is too short to go back to many places but not long enough to return to Raffles too often. Perfect

Our stay at the Raffles was essentially perfect.

The rooms are spectacular, with extraordinarily high ceilings, a separate sitting room, marble filled bathroom with an wonderful soaker tub, and the highest quality linens, soaps, furniture you'll find. They have spared no expense, and it shows.

My only (slight) complaint with the room would be that the water from the shower would sometimes run out into the washroom, making the floor wet. But don't worry! A quick call to the butler and a new, dry bath mat is delivered.

The rooms are very quiet despite the road noise and music outside in the courtyard. The beds are spectacular; I have never slept so well.

The location is good, with easy access to the subway and a short taxi ride to many restaurants, bars and the water area.

The service at this hotel was simply the best I have ever experienced. Whether checking in, or eating in the lovely Tiffen Room for breakfast, the staff were warm and welcoming, always willing to accommodate with a smile.

I used the gym a few times, and to warn you, it is quite small. Also, it is warmer than I would have liked it to be, but the quip meant is relatively new. Also, the pool area is a little oasis in the heart of the city, with palm trees and perfectly warm water. There is also a bar out there too.

I spent a good amount of time reading the newspaper in the public areas on the second and third floor of the lobby. It is a wonderfully relaxing environment, and there is often piano music floating up from below. What a great experience!

My only advice would be to skip the Singapore Sling at the long bar, which is quite small and exceptionally expensive. However, if you must, go in the evening when the band plays. The lead singer sounds like Amy Winehouse. Fantastic!

You won't go wrong with the Raffles!

Haviing spent 4 days on the Easternand Oriental Express Train from Bangkok to Singapore we spent 1 night at the famous Raffles. It os a sheer delight and so very mich the Grand dame of old Colonial hotels . We were fortunate enough to be afforded an upgrade to a palm court suite and it was sheer luxury - from the size of the rooms , the free welcome Singapore Slings brought to the room to the welcme card , fresh fruit and water . Nothing is too much trouble and the staff are so attentive - I got lost on the way back to my room and to be met by a member of staff who remembered my name and personally escorted was amazing !
The pool area on the top floor is small but quiet and the fact they bring you water,cold scented towels and iced fresh fruit - it's the little touches in a lace like this .We had a set of 3 Spa treatments for guys ,which wereoitstanding and Alan is an amazing masseur ! The afternoon 'Tiffin' in the Tiffin room was good value and worth doing. For me the only slight disappointment was the restaurants - I really wanted to eat in their fine dining restaurant and was shocked that it closes on a Sunday evening ( as were another couple we chatted too!) we opted for their seafood restaurant- the Courtyard. It was completely outdoors , but with no fans, misting or A/c be prepared to get moist ! The choice of dishes was very small ( 5 starters/ 5 mains ) and when we asked for just a plain green salad it was not possible ( we had to have a full chicken ceaser !) - which seemed strange as on the breakfast buffet they had laid out a full salad bar ( which nobody touched ! ) even though it's a seafood restaurant I would have expected some other add-ons/ choice for those who want a blend of food. The prices were extremely high here with a 2 course meal and wine ( no dessert / coffee or pre dinner drinks ) it was S$350 !
Overall I would return - just for the staff !

The history of this hotel is so fascinating that I had wanted to stay here since my last visit to Singapore a few years ago. The hotel itself, antique decor & furniture, service and food are all exceptional. However, it could really use some updates in the tech department, specifically the small old tv and 90s phone. Also, it would have been nice if jacuzzis were hot instead of freezing. Other than those two things, perfect. Not by any means cheap though.