Katara Hospitality, global hotel owner, developer and operator based in Qatar, has marked the official reopening of Raffles Hotel Singapore, a flagship property within Accor, the world’s leading augmented hospitality group.
Developed with the aim to celebrate with Singapore and the global community, the official reopening of Raffles Hotel Singapore began in the presence of guests from Singapore’s business and cultural community. The iconic hotel marked the start of a new chapter with a traditional lion dance ritual, followed by a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony.
On this occasion, Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani, chairman of Katara Hospitality, said: “Raffles Singapore represents a true hospitality jewel in our portfolio of iconic hotels. It is the ultimate in luxurious hospitality, built on many, many years of tradition and innovation. The property has undergone a meticulous and sensitive restoration that marries contemporary design with the hotel’s colonial architectural style, ensuring that this remains as one of Singapore’s historic landmarks.
“Katara Hospitality’s vision is to build and to develop a portfolio of leading hotels in key destinations around the world. We are proud of what has been achieved together with our partner, Accor. Raffles Singapore is a true reflection of our vision that ensures the heritage of such iconic properties continues around the world.”
The restoration led by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud was also supported by Aedas Singapore, a leading global architecture and design firm. "Together, the designers created a refreshed social haven that delivers a compelling mix of culture, beauty and gentility. Exquisite new suite categories, vibrant lifestyle experiences and exclusive dining concepts are designed for international visitors and Singaporeans to meet, stay, shop, dine and celebrate," Katara Hospitality said in a statement on Sunday.
Discerning travellers can expect "new levels of unrivalled comfort and inimitable service with enhanced suite experience, brought to life by the fabled Raffles Butlers, while enjoying the new and reimagined spaces at Raffles Singapore".
Sebastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor, added: “We are very pleased to partner with Katara Hospitality, the owners of Raffles Singapore, for the iconic property’s official return to the city – refreshed, reimagined and revitalised.”
An "exciting line-up of captivating performances by recognised local and international acts, unique suite activities and curated culinary experiences" were presented all around the property.
The Raffles Reopening Festival featured performances by beloved homegrown singer Kit Chan, indie-pop band The Sam Willows, singer and songwriter Inch Chua, and musician Jeremy Monteiro, who performed with a jazz quartet and singer Alemay Fernandez.
The guests indulged in fine gourmet experiences through tasting portions from menus of the Grand Lobby, Tiffin Room, La Dame de Pic, BBR by Alain Ducasse, Burger & Lobster and Raffles Courtyard throughout the event. As part of the hotel’s reopening celebrations and inclusiveness, Raffles Hotel Singapore donated the proceeds raised from the festival to non-profit organisation, Community Chest Singapore, benefiting about 80 charities.
Andrew Humphries, acting CEO of Katara Hospitality, said: “For more than a century, this historic architectural gem has provided exceptional hospitality and hosted dignitaries and celebrities, as well as business and leisure travellers. The legendary Raffles Singapore epitomises the opulence and impeccable service standards characteristic of Singapore hospitality; we look forward to continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence.”
Christian Westbeld, general manager of Raffles Hotel Singapore, added: “We look forward to the next chapter of our illustrious history and to continue delivering the legendary Raffles service with our elevated and enhanced Raffles experiences and offerings.”
The revitalised Raffles Singapore offers luxurious all-suite accommodations across distinct suite categories: State Room Suites, Courtyard Suites, Palm Court Suites, Personality Suites, Residence Suites, Promenade Suites, Grand Hotel Suites and Presidential Suites.
Residence, Promenade and Studio suites are the three latest additions to the hotel’s existing line-up. The total suite count increases from 103 suites to 115.
The Raffles Arcade has been newly outfitted with a Raffles Boutique and various bespoke retail brands. Guests and locals will also delight in exploring the worldly restaurants at Raffles Singapore, including restaurant collaborations with chef Anne-Sophie Pic of the three-Michelin star Maison Pic in Valence, France; French master chef Alain Ducasse; and chef Jereme Leung, known for his innovative Chinese cooking.
First opened in 1887, and declared a National Monument a century later by the Singaporean government in 1987, Raffles Singapore has through the years gained both local and international recognition as an oasis for the well-travelled.
