Katara-owned Singapore hotel set for restoration

Katara Hospitality-owned Raffles Hotel Singapore is set to embark on a restoration programme from January 2017, which will be conducted over three phases.

The first phase of the programme will begin in January 2017 and see the Raffles Hotel Arcade undergo restoration works while other areas of the property operate as normal.

The Raffles Hotel Arcade houses 40 regional and speciality shops, indoor and outdoor function areas including the ballroom and the lawn and a variety of restaurants and bars including Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling. The Singapore Sling will continue to be served at the hotel’s Bar & Billiard Room during the first and second phases of restoration.

Phase two will begin in mid-2017 when restoration efforts will commence on the main hotel building and lobby as well as a portion of the hotel suites. Following that, Raffles Hotel Singapore will close for the final phase near the end of 2017 before a grand reopening in the second quarter of 2018.

“Raffles Hotel Singapore has always evolved to stay distinctive and relevant, moving with the times and adapting to the changing needs of today’s traveller. 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, Raffles brand, Raffles Hotels and Resorts in a press statement.

The restoration project will be led by Aedas Singapore, and the interiors of the project will be handled by designer Alexandra Champalimaud.

Raffles Hotel Singapore general manager Simon Hirst commented: "This restoration is designed to ensure that we retain what is so special about Raffles Hotel Singapore – the ambiance, the service, the charm and the heritage of the hotel.

"By introducing new experiences for our guests while respecting the history and heritage of the hotel, we want to ensure that this hotel continues to remain at the epicentre of Singapore’s social and cultural scene."

Declared a National Monument by the Singapore Government in 1987, the last restoration of the hotel was conducted from 1989 to 1991 where the hotel closed for two-and-a-half years. 

“We are pleased to embark on the meticulous restoration of Raffles Hotel Singapore, a distinctive hotel that is emblematic of Katara Hospitality’s commitment to creating extraordinary experiences on the backdrop of iconic heritage hotels and unsurpassed service to our esteemed guests,” said Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, CEO, Katara Hospitality.