Raffles Hotel Singapore's new Grand Ballroom will be able to accommodate over 300 guests in the former historic Jubilee Hall theatre, with subtle design motifs and techniques recalling the heritage of the space.
SINGAPORE – Raffles Hotel Singaporehas entered into the second phase in its careful and sensitive three-phase restoration. Some new lifestyle and social experiences that guests can look forward to when the hotel re-opens in middle of 2018 include a new 300-guest Grand Ballroom – formerly the Jubilee Hall theatre –, a new spa in the Arcade, as well as refreshed dining concepts that will build on the charm and heritage of the hotel, offering guests an elevated level of sophistication and refinement.
Raffles Hotel Singapore’s new Grand Ballroom will be able to accommodate over 300 guests in the former historic Jubilee Hall theatre, with subtle design motifs and techniques recalling the heritage of the space. The introduction of the Grand Ballroom will enable guests to choose from two ballrooms in different areas of the hotel – with the former ballroom becoming the secondary ballroom due to its smaller capacity.
“The restoration of Raffles is a careful and sensitive project, designed to retain what is so important about Raffles – our architecture, our heritage, our service and the unique feeling of being somewhere very special,” said Ronald Dooremalen, Hotel Manager, Raffles Hotel Singapore. “We will be presenting new spaces and experiences, enhancing comfort and splendour for the discerning traveller, and inviting the community to enjoy our newly opened bars, courtyards and social areas; spaces designed to make Raffles the place to meet, spend time, shop and celebrate.”
Award-winning interior designer, Alexandra Champalimaud, who has worked with many high profile luxury hotels around the world, conceptualised the design of the Grand Ballroom, along with the rest of the hotel’s interiors.
She said, “We have included sophisticated Victorian details whispering to the heritage of the space along with nods to Singapore’s culture. In order to tell the legacy story of the theatre, we added finely curated motifs and techniques that speak to its history, along with iconic lighting elements to provide an added layer of luxury. Stunning chandeliers and signature gold Venetian light fixtures with elegant coffers, which light the room beautifully, can be found within the space along with custom upholstered wall panels that speak to Singapore’s culture.”
Phase Two of the restoration has commenced on 13 August 2017, and involves restoration works on some of the hotel suites and the hotel’s main building. During this time, the Raffles Gift Shop and 24-hour in-suite dining will continue to be available while the check-in experience will be presented in East India Rooms. All dining experiences, including the Singapore Sling, will be served at Bar & Billiard Room. A selection of suites continues to be available during this period and guests staying at Raffles will be able to enjoy facilities such as fitness centre and swimming pool at sister property, Fairmont Singapore that is located just across the street from Raffles.
In addition, Raffles Singapore’s renowned mooncakes will also continue to be available this year. Meticulously handcrafted by the Raffles masterchefs, choose from a selection of classic baked mooncakes or snow-skin favourites like Signature Champagne Truffle and Ganache Snow-Skin Mooncake, Raffles Cognac Truffle, Dark Chocolate Crunchy Pearl, Earl Grey Tea and Chocolate Pearl Truffle or this year’s new flavour, Strawberry Yoghurt and Crunchy White Chocolate Pearl Snow-Skin Mooncake. The mooncakes can be reserved online from now till 25 September 2017 at www.rafflesmooncake.com, and will be available for collection or purchase at the Martini Bar, Bar & Billiard Room from 20 August to 4 October 2017, 9AM – 8PM daily.
Other key updates to the restoration of Raffles Hotel Singapore include:
New Raffles Hotel spa
Raffles Hotel Singapore will unveil a new spa which will be located within the Raffles Arcade, presenting a holistic sanctuary to hotel guests and members of the public. The new spa will feature separate lounge areas for ladies and gentlemen and will offer unique restorative treatments as well as a private area with its own treatment room and facilities that will cater to special celebrations.
New dining concepts and reimagined spaces
Raffles Hotel Singapore will present at least three new dining concepts while existing restaurants and bars will be reimagined to add new excitement to Singapore’s dining scene and enhancing the overall dining experience of guests and the community.
The popular Long Bar and well-loved Tiffin Room will remain; their respective spaces will be refreshed and updated in order to evolve and remain relevant. Writer’s Bar, Raffles’ tribute to the literary luminaries who have stayed at the iconic hotel, will be enlarged and elevated to a full bar.
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