Named after the founder of modern day Singapore, the Raffles Hotel was founded by the Sankier Brothers in 1887.. Prior to that however, it was originally started as a privately owned beach house in the early 1830's. As the beach house began to expand, it became known as the Emerson Hotel. This establishment closed in 1883, at which time the Raffles Institute used it as a boarding house. Four years later, the Sankier Brothers bought it. The Raffles continued to expand several times over the years. During the early years of the new century, the hotel became a popular gathering spot on Sundays for gentlemen to enjoy a drink. At the time, it was considered inappropriate for women to consume alcohol in public. Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boom saw an opportunity to allow women to drink alcohol disguised as a fruit drink. Thus, the Singapore Sling, now considered the national drink of the country, was created. The Long Bar, where Boom introduced his new concoction, was often frequented by celebrities such as Somerset Maugham. The Raffles was designated a National Monument in 1987.
Established in 1887 by the Sankier Brothers, the Raffles is a colonial style hotel.
Walking into the main lobby, one can quickly determine that this is not a run-of-the-mill establishment.
In 1915, bartender Ngiam Tong Boom created the Singapore Sling here in the Long Bar...
...where celebrities, such as Somerset Maugham, frequently spent time.
The Singapore Sling is considered the national drink of the country.
Several spots throughout the hotel are set up for relaxing, having light refreshments, and/or gossiping, such as this lounge...
....or this outdoor courtyard.
Even the Breakfast Room emotes a sense of luxury.
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