SINGAPORE. Legendary! Raffles Hotel.

June 2012
Another birthday! That usually means another holiday. But this time around, we were in town for a change. And the BF suggested a staycation, for this pretty significant birthday. You know, the one where the front digit turns into another number.

That’s how we found ourselves checking into Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. As the BF aptly describes it, the Raffles is an iconic establishment with old world charm in the heart of the city. My one word for it – LEGENDARY!

James Michener Personality Suite
The hotel has 12 personality suites, named after famous former guests. Guests with personalities. We stayed in the James Michener Suite, which is located on the second floor, overlooking the lawn at a very quiet part of the hotel. The wooden walkway to the suite is lined with wicker chairs, so you can just chill outside your room if you wish.

The room is beautiful! And luxurious! The furnishings include James Michener’s writing desk, as well as several copies of his book. Speaking of which, the BF presented me with a signed, limited edition copy of a Michener novel, while we were in the suite. SWEET!

He was a naughty guest Mr. Michener. He took the key with him when he checked out. Then his lovely parents sent it back to the hotel. And the establishment got it framed, and it’s on the wall in the suite.

The other thing I love about the room, is how some of the old is retained and made part of the furnishing, like the switches for lamps and fans.

Birthday Dinner & Drinks
Dinner was a buffet feast of Indian food for a party of 12 at the Tiffin Room. The restaurant was gracious enough to offer us the private dining room, and so we had a lovely party with the privacy of having an area to ourselves.

Even though it’s a buffet and you’re meant to help yourself to the food, the staff kindly brought over several dishes and went around the room asking if the dinner party wanted a tasting of what was brought to the table – fish, lamb, naan and other dishes. Dinner only went on for about two hours, as I had organized drinks for 10pm at Long Bar.

It was a group of 20 for drinks, and the staff there had set aside an area for the party. Even though it was a big group and there were other patrons in the bar on a busy Saturday evening, the service was never an issue for our party. And we stayed till the band played their last song and it was most definitely closing time.

And i’ve definitely got to mention the Raffles touch. Every where I was that day – at check-in, at the spa, at dinner and at drinks – just about every staff member we engaged with would wish me a happy birthday. Nice.

By the way, the 150 minutes of pampering from a facial and massage at the Raffles Spa is totally decadent and blissful. I’m sure that’s the main reason I was glowing the entire evening. The Raffles Spa is available only to guests staying at the Raffles Hotel. The super exclusive touch, makes it a tad extra special.

Raffles ‘Tour of Duty’
We went back to Tiffin Room during our 2-night stay. The second time was for the afternoon tea on a Sunday. It was crowded. But when you’re staying at The Raffles, I reckon there’s no way they would turn you away. The place was buzzing, there were several other birthday celebrations, and we heard the staff serenade at least two different tables, one for a 10-year old, and the other was for an adult’s birthday party. Their enthusiasm with the birthday song deliveries at each table was most definitely admirable. As for the food selection, the bread and butter pudding was absolutely delicious!

Later in the day, we stopped by at the Writers Bar for an aperitif, before heading to the Long Bar Steakhouse for dinner. I had the tasting of filet mignon, with fries & macaroni zita with melted comte.

All Good Things…
Monday morning rolled around, and it was sadly check-out day for us.

We made one more trip to the Tiffin Room, this time for breakfast. And oh-my-word the Raffles Omelette is da bomb! It has chili, herbs, Emmental cheese and for that extra kick of spice – a light dusting of masala powder. What a lovely way to start the day.

Before totally checking out of Paradise, I had a snoop around the swimming pool area. It’s truly astounding, how this iconic establishment, loaded with old world charm, is majestically situated smack in the heart of the Lion City. Yup, the BF definitely nailed the description of the LEGENDARY Raffles Hotel.