The original iron cast verandah at the front of the Main
Building was removed in 1919 to make way for an extension. The structure, complete with
the lovely stained glass, has been faithfully reconstructed.
The lobby features three magnificent Persian rugs, hand woven
by master craftsman Saber in the early 1930s. The Hotel has acquired a collection of 700
pieces of Oriental carpets which are used to their best advantage in suites, state-rooms
and public areas.
Built in 1904, the Bras Basah Wing of Raffles Hotel was
re-established as Raffles Inc. Housing what was agreed to be 18 of "the most
commodious State Rooms" in the East, it continues to extend to corporate travellers,
a welcome replete with much of its historic charm.
The Singapore Sling and Million Dollar Cocktail which were
created at the Long Bar at Raffles in 1915 continue to be served at this bar, the Bar
& Billiard Room, Writers Bar and Raffles Cafe-Coffee & Wine Bar.
Legend has it that in 1902, a tiger was shot under the
billiard table.
The Bar & Billiard Room, which was first established in
1986 and converted in 1917 into a two-storey building housing rooms and offices, is
restored to its 1910 appearance. Two billiard tables, each over a hundred years old, take
pride of place along with many other original Raffles Hotel furniture.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the Hotel was a mecca for celebrities
such as Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Faibanks; for writers like Somerset
Maugham, Joseph Conrad and Noel Coward; and for sultans and statesmen. Rumour has it that
Michael Jackson visited Raffles Hotel before too.
The gardens and courtyards occupy over a quarter of the
estate. There are more than 50, 000 plants from a total of 82 species of trees, palms,
ferns, flowering plants and shrubs. The Palm Court retains its tropical charm and is a
garden for residents. The Palm Garden features a beautiful ornamental cast iron fountain
that dates back to the 1890s. The Lawn, an outdoor function area, is flanked by a timber
pavilion and a lily pond.
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