Raffles Hotel, Singapore

From the moment that the turbaned doorkeeper helps you out of your car and welcomes you, you are made to feel that all the hotel cares about is your individual needs and preferences. The rooms, surroundings food and service are all superb and with your own butler ready to be summoned at the touch of a button,what else could one desire? I have visited the Raffles over a 45-year period - it remains superb and unique.

Although Raffles has consistently won awards for hospitality and service for decades, it is no doubt one of the world's best hotels. Ideally situated in central Singapore, with very close access to the various shopping malls & museums and other 'colonial' historic sites. Initial impressions were very favourable, from the pleasant door staff, reception staff who not only checked me in, but showed me to the suite and checked that I was totally satisfied with the rooms. Large bedroom, dining room, dressing room and bath/shower/toilet room on a first floor balcony overlooking the tropically planted courtyard gardens. Rooms were imaculate, serviced several times a day, fruit bowl replenished whenever it ran low (not charged for), slippers, dressing gowns all supplied. Breakfasts were a multiple choice included in the price, I never used any of the other restaurants so can't comment, bars were pleasant and attentative staff. But can it really justify the prices!

In Singapore, it's the only hotel that has 24h pool. The SPA of the Raffles starts from 8:00, the earliest. We slept at the pool side like refugees, but so welcomed like VIP. Served mint-tea by the SPA. I satisfied all. We stayed 26 hours for a stay. The room with high and high roof is calm and comfortable. The breakfast buffet is totally satisfied.

We spent 4 days with our adult children to celebrate a special occasion and could easily have spent the whole time in the hotel. Bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. We found the Raffles museum on the third floor really interesting. Loved the valet service for morning coffee served at the table on the veranda outside our rooms. Try the jacuzzi!

The hotel was luxerious and comfortable, thanks to the charming concierge whom provided me with an excellent stay. The hotel has tea rooms and shops open to tourists however, those places are well seperated from the rooms so you will have no worries about noises. Also, try a glass of singapore sling at the Long Bar during your stay as it is one of the things that make the hotel famous for and enjoy your night by throwing the peanut shells on the wooden floor!

Eating in here is very expensive - we ate at Steakhouse which was fantastic but very pricey - however they did accomodate the children and allowed them to eat off the children's menu.