Saturday, June 11, 2011

Raffles Hotel

When you mention Singapore, the first thing most people think of is 'Raffles Hotel'. 
Raffles Hotel is a colonial style hotel and is one of the world's most famous hotels.  The Hotel opened in 1899 and was named after Singapore's founder Sir Stamford Raffles.  
Here are some interesting history facts:
- Asians were not permitted as Hotel guests until 1930
- During the Great Depression in 1931, the Hotel went into Receivership
- During World War 11, the use of the Hotel was a transit camp for prisioners of war
- In 1987, the government declared the Hotel a National Monument
- In 1989, the hotel closed for extensive renovations costing S$160 million
- The Hotel re-opened on 16 Sept 1991 restored to the grand style of its heyday in 1915
- The Singapore Sling was invented at The Long Bar
- Hugh Jackson is on the list of famous visitors and guests of the Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is famous for it's luxurious accommodation, superb restaurants and Afternoon High Tea.  The Hotel is surrounded by tropical garden courtyards, a boutique shopping arcade including the wonderfully exclusive gift shop where I snuck in a few photo's before being politely 'told'.    










With love from Singa,
Sue.

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