For the last few years we've made a habit of an annual trip to Singapore for a week or so in October. Every time we've looked longingly at the Raffles and said that 'one of these years' we'd stay there. This year we took the plunge and we're so very glad we did.
We've never stayed in a hotel where we were made to feel so welcome, or where we felt so very at home before. From a hand written note of welcome from Mr Hirst the general manager, a fascinating tour of the hotel by Mr Roslee, the efficient friendly and helpful butler team and the amazing attitude of all the staff, many of whom seemed to know us by the end of our week's stay, we really couldn't ever ask for better.
The suites are wonderful - we stayed in a 'Courtyard' suite - and they're amazingly comfortable and spacious, furnished in a lovely period style in keeping with the hotel's restoration to it's 1915 condition. There is something charming about a hotel suite whose front door opens onto fresh air and a verandah rather than a gloomy corridor leading to a lift lobby. So much nicer to 'phone for a pot of coffee than make it from the usual 'instant' sachets in most hotels.
Our booking included breakfast in the Tiffin Room, which is highly recommended. We also indulged in High Tea there and a lunch in the Billiard Room, all of which will be fond memories of our stay.
In summary, when we booked the Raffles we intended it to be a one-off treat and a lifetime experience. It was certainly the latter, but suffice to say we've already started talking about a return visit next year.