Perfecting an Icon

PERFECTING AN ICON

Raffles has magically improved on the luxury hotel experience with the reopening of its iconic Singapore property

First opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore is one of the world’s few remaining great 19th-century hotels. Now a designated National Monument of Singapore, it has withstood decades of historical events and witnessed the evolution of the city’s industry and commerce. Fast forward to today, and Raffles Singapore has just completed a complex-wide restoration. Contemporary all-suite accommodations, energetic new dining experiences, a luxury retail arcade, and top-class event venues make Raffles Singapore the place to meet, spend time, shop and celebrate.

The hotel is already visited by guests from every continent, but the addition of three new suite categories means that Raffles Singapore is set to serve an even broader array of savvy international clientele. The open and airy Studio Suites feature high ceilings, a King or two-Queen bed option, and a veranda, located in the Main Building of the hotel. Best suited to long stays, the new Residence Suites are a true home away from home, with options of either one or two bedrooms with a small kitchenette, as well as dining and entertaining areas. And the Promenade Suites, which face Beach Road, contain a King-size bed in a separate bedroom and a parlor.

Food aficionados and cocktail connoisseurs can be confident of their satisfaction in the range of options now on offer at Raffles Singapore. Chef Alain Ducasse helms BBR, formerly the much-loved Bar & Billiard Room, with a focus on shareable fare with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Other iconic spots have also been revitalized: Embraced in brass, Writers Bar is perfect for enjoying craft cocktails and conversation, and, once it officially opens later in 2019, the lush and languorous Raffles Courtyard is set to become a society staple. Soon to open is Butcher’s Block, an ode to the finest cuts of single-source meats.

This national treasure of Singapore offers an unparalleled experience with its perfect blend of contemporary ambience and old-world charm, all epitomized in the Raffles Singapore mantra: Service like a gentle breeze; perfectly attentive, perfectly discreet.

This national treasure of Singapore offers an unparalleled experience with its perfect blend of contemporary ambience and old-world charm, all epitomized in the Raffles Singapore mantra: Service like a gentle breeze; perfectly attentive, perfectly discreet.

Jennifer Tan, director of talent and culture whose experiences are a testament to Raffles Hotel’s excellence, affirms, “It doesn’t feel like I’ve been working at Raffles for 19 years as there’s never been a dull moment.” Key to that is the culture of the organisation, which, instead of being defined by a few leaders, has been crafted collectively by its 500 full-time and permanent part-time employees.

The offices and workstations of Raffles Hotel employees may have been refurbished with spanking new facilities, furniture and lounges to match their newly designed uniforms. Without the foundation of a values-driven culture that informs a company’s DNA, however, the surface-level embellishments are meaningless. Raffles Hotel understands this, and thus emphasises on basing the staff’s work ethic on the company’s values. A healthy workplace culture not only sets the stage for good work but also determines how patrons are treated. As such, it’s mandatory for all employees at the Raffles Hotel to go through an orientation on the hotel, and the Accor and Raffles brand.

Part of the process is the Heartist® Journey, “our cultural transformation journey with the objective to provide our guests and colleagues with exceptional experiences that will turn them into raving fans,” says Jennifer. Through this programme, the staff will learn how to create a stellar, comfortable experience that makes guests feel welcome and heart-warmed, as well as pick up skills on creating the optimal employee experience, where each employee feels valued and part of the team.