The Raffles Story
1887
Raffles Hotel Singapore opens, offering 10 rooms in an old bungalow-style building overlooking the beach and the South China Sea. It soon becomes - and remains - the most fabled hotel in the Far East, with a guest list that reads like a Who’s Who.
1989
Raffles International Ltd was formed as the hotel management arm of Raffles Holdings Limited to redevelop and manage Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
1991
Raffles Hotel, Singapore reopens on 16 September after a complete restoration that lasted 2 ½ years, looking much as it did in 1915 during its elegant first heydays.
1997
Raffles reopens two landmark hotels in Cambodia – Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap.
2006
Raffles takes its expansion to the Middle East with the opening of Raffles Dubai.
2007
The Royal Monceau is bought by QDHP and its management is assigned to Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
2010
Raffles Makkah palace opens, strengthening the brand's presence in Middle East. The Royal Monceau reopens after 2 years of intense renovation led by the French designer Phillippe Starck.
2011
Raffles settled in the home to natural wonders, Seychelles by opening on the remote island of Praslin: it is the first Raffles property to open in the Indian Ocean.
2012
Raffles & Fairmont Makati complex opens its doors. It is the first Luxury hotel to open in the central business district in 18 years.
2013
Raffles opens its largest property in China’s southern tropical Island of Hainan - it remains until now the only luxury property of the island, situated adjacent to two championship golf courses at Clearwater Bay Golf Club.
2014
Raffles Istanbul opens in the heart of the Zorlu center, a stylish and luxurious address offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
2015
Jakarta’s golden triangle welcomes its first Raffles property, blending an elegant Indonesian aesthetic design with modern technology and supreme comfort.
2016
Accor takes over FRHI’ and strengthens its portfolio in the ultimate luxury segment with Raffles.
2018
Opening of the third European destination of Raffles, Raffles Europejski Warsaw in a neo-renaissance palace from 1857 built by Enrico Marconi.
2019
Raffles expands its portfolio to include Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, a peaceful haven in the crystalline Indian Ocean; and Raffles Shenzhen, a glamorous icon where the business district meets the city bay. Raffles Singapore reopens, the return of Raffles’ legendary flagship.
2020
Opening of Raffles Bali: a collection of 32 exquisite pool villas in tropical hillside gardens with captivating views over Jimbaran Bay. A tranquil retreat for emotional wellbeing that elevates the art of individual care and attention
2021
Raffles Udaipur and Raffles The Palm Dubai arrive, bringing fresh perspectives on favourite destinations. Raffles Udaipur is an architectural marvel immersed in a serene natural setting; Raffles the Palm Dubai a majestic palace crafted by masters, at the heart of Dubai’s social scene.
2022
Raffles Singapore’s Resident Historian, Leslie Danker, celebrates his Golden Jubilee, the longest-serving member of the Raffles community. Mr Danker’s 50-year career led him from maintenance supervisor to ‘accidental historian’, enthralling guests with nostalgic anecdotes of our rich history.
Raffles Gala Events
Raffles Green initiatives
Awards
Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ philosophy of delivering emotional luxury, thoughtful, welcoming and graceful service has put its hotels and resorts in the spotlight time and time again. Recent awards include: