Raffles Hotel of Modern Singapore

Raffles Hotel, founded by the four Armenian Sarkies brothers, first opened in a rather sombre-looking old bungalow, the 10-room colonial bungalow which was the forerunner of today’s hotel opened on 1st December 1887.

Raffles Hotel was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Over the years the raffles hotel has evolved into one of the world’s most beloved grand hotels and was declared a National Monument in 1987.

The original location was by the sea, although continued reclamation means it is currently some 500 meters from the shore. It boasted Singapore’s first electric lights and was a magnet for travelers and Singapore residents alike. The raffles hotel expanded over the years until the Great Depression when it went into receivership.

Raffles Hotel survived World War II and served towards the end as a transit camp for prisoners of war. In 1989 the raffles hotel closed for an extensive, $160 million renovation and reopened in 1991.

Today the Raffles Hotel is an international landmark, a grand historic hotel that is still a glittering social venue, just as it was in its heyday. Raffles hotel has a theater, museum, over 65 arcade shops, and numerous food and beverage outlets.