Raffles Hotel to shut for renovation

Singapore’s historic Raffles Hotel said yesterday it would shut for several months from the end of next year for renovations to the popular tourist landmark.Restoration of the 129-year-old hotel, declared a national monument in 1987, will be done in three phases beginning with the shopping arcade in January, the hotel’s management said at a news conference. Work will start on the main hotel building and lobby in mid-2017 before the hotel shuts completely at the end of the year, reopening in mid-2018.Management would not say how much the overhaul of the 103-suite hotel will cost.“We have a rich and colourful history and are about to begin a new chapter in our ongoing story — a sensitive restoration that will enable us to continue to offer what our guests expect and value,” said Diana Banks, vice president of Raffles Brand.