A hotel with nearly 140 years of history has once again made it onto the list of the world's top hotels. Raffles Hotel Singapore, which opened in 1887, has maintained its reputation by preserving its historic building and service while continuously adding new offerings in gastronomy and wellness.
On September 15, Raffles Hotel Singapore was ranked 17th in the 'World's 50 Best Hotels 2026' announced in Paris. It is the only hotel from Singapore to make the top 50 this year.
This ranking, now in its fourth year, is determined by a vote from over 800 experts, including hoteliers, travel journalists, and business travelers, who comprise the '50 Best Hotels Academy.' The Academy divides the world into 13 regions and rotates 25% of its voting members each year.
Raffles' history is intertwined with the history of Singapore's hotel industry. The hotel began operations in 1887, and its iconic white Neoclassical main building was completed in 1899. The Singapore government designated the hotel as a national monument in 1987, marking its 100th anniversary.
The hotel has a rich narrative, having hosted literary figures such as Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, and Somerset Maugham, contributing to Raffles' unique literary tradition. The 'Singapore Sling,' now a signature cocktail of Singapore, was also created at Raffles' Long Bar.
However, Raffles has not solely relied on its history. The hotel has undergone renovations to adapt to changing times. It closed for extensive restoration in 1989 and reopened in 1991, followed by another major renovation that began in 2017.
The most recent turning point came in 2019, when the hotel reopened in August after nearly two years of work. While preserving the architectural and atmospheric essence, it added new restaurants, bars, courtyards, and commercial and social spaces. Currently, all 115 rooms are suites, with no standard rooms available.
The way Raffles conveys its nearly 140-year history to today's guests is also evolving. In April, renowned chef André Chiang returned to Singapore's fine dining scene with '1887 by André,' named after the year the hotel first opened.
'1887 by André' is a space that interprets the hotel's history through cuisine. Chiang sourced ingredients from records at Raffles and Singapore's culinary heritage, blending French cooking techniques with local food and culture in the hotel's historic formal dining room.
The results have been swift. '1887 by André' received two stars from the Michelin Guide this year and was also selected for the 'Opening of the Year Award.' This initiative to reinterpret the hotel's 19th-century history into a 2026 culinary experience has become another competitive edge.
Raffles' signature butler service continues to thrive. While maintaining the core elements of its 115 suites, architecture, and butler service, the hotel adapts its culinary, wellness, and cultural offerings to meet contemporary standards.
The transformation that began in Singapore has also led to new spaces. Last year, 'Raffles Sentosa Singapore,' the second Raffles in Singapore, opened on Sentosa Island. This all-villa resort features 62 private pool villas nestled in a lush tropical hillside. Raffles has expanded its reach from a heritage hotel in the city center to a luxury resort destination.
Jasmine Hall, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of Raffles Hotel Singapore, commented on the recent recognition, saying, "This result reflects our efforts to evolve steadily over nearly 140 years in line with changing times. Our role is to harmoniously present historical heritage and traditional service with modern experiences for a new generation."
The competitiveness of a hotel that has survived for nearly 140 years cannot be explained solely by 'preservation.' While maintaining the core structure of the building and service, it has adapted its content to the times. Following the major restoration in 2019, the introduction of '1887 by André' this year has enhanced its culinary competitiveness. This is why Raffles continues to be recognized in global hotel rankings without relying solely on its past glory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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