Raffles Hotel Singapore: Pricing, Dress Code & History 2025

Raffles Hotel Singapore opened in 1887 as a colonial luxury property and has since become a designated national monument. The hotel, which reopened after a two-year renovation in 2019, features 115 suites that blend heritage architecture with contemporary amenities (Raffles Singapore). This guide answers the most common questions about dress code, pricing, history, and visiting the hotel, based on official information and verified guest reviews.

Last checked: 2026-06-18

Founded: 1887 by the Sarkies Brothers ·
Location: 1 Beach Road, Singapore ·
Ownership: AccorHotels group (since 2019) ·
Renovation completed: 2019

Key facts

Single‑entity specs

Can you wear jeans to Raffles?

Yes, jeans are generally allowed at Raffles Hotel Singapore as long as they are neat and presentable. The official dress code for the Grand Lobby – where Afternoon Tea is served – is described as “Casual Chic” (Raffles Singapore – The Grand Lobby). The hotel encourages gentlemen to wear collared shirts, trousers, and appropriate footwear, but does not explicitly ban jeans. Dress shorts are permitted during lunch.

Raffles dress code for men

For men, the standard expectation across the property’s more formal venues is a collared shirt and long trousers. Jeans that are tidy and without rips are accepted in practice, as noted by multiple guest reviews on TripAdvisor. The Long Bar, home of the Singapore Sling, is more relaxed: visitors have reported being admitted in shorts and sandals as long as the overall look is tidy (Facebook visitor Q&A).

Raffles dress code for women

Women visiting the Grand Lobby for Afternoon Tea are expected to follow the same Casual Chic standard. Sundresses, skirts, blouses, and smart-casual footwear are common. The hotel does not enforce a strict ban on shorts for women, but practical experience – as seen in forum discussions – suggests that neat shorts are acceptable, especially during the daytime (TripAdvisor forum).

The bottom line: Raffles is upscale but not rigid. Jeans, shorts, and casual wear are fine in most public areas; only the Grand Lobby and fine-dining restaurants ask for a slightly dressier look.

How much is a night at Raffles Hotel Singapore?

Standard suite rates at Raffles Hotel Singapore typically range from $500 to $800 SGD per night, according to the hotel’s own pricing band and aggregated guest data on TripAdvisor. Rates vary significantly by suite type, season, and booking channel. Entry-level suites (Courtyard or Palm Court Suites) tend to sit near the lower end of that range, while larger suites and those with special views can exceed $1,000 SGD per night.

Standard suite price range

In a documented promotional stay from August 2021, a guest paid approximately $1,235.85 SGD for two nights under a “Book one night, enjoy the second night on us” offer, implying an effective rate of just over $600 SGD per night (Satu Kosong Travels). This example illustrates that promotional packages can bring the nightly cost closer to the lower bound, while rack rates often run higher.

Off-season vs peak season rates

Singapore’s peak tourist periods – such as the year-end holidays, Chinese New Year, and major events – can push suite rates upward. Off-season stays (typically February–March and September–October) sometimes yield lower prices or additional perks. The Raffles Singapore official site occasionally lists special packages that combine accommodation with dining credits or late checkout, which can improve value.

The trade-off: You can often book a night for under $600 SGD with a promotion, but the standard walk‑in price for a Courtyard Suite is closer to $700–$800 SGD.

How much is afternoon tea at Raffles Singapore?

Afternoon tea at The Grand Lobby costs between $88 and $128 SGD per person, depending on the menu tier and any added enhancements (such as champagne or premium tea selections). The official Raffles Singapore – The Grand Lobby page confirms that reservations are required and that the dress code is Casual Chic.

Afternoon tea menu options

The standard offering includes a three‑tiered stand with finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of petit fours. Guests can choose from a range of TWG teas or upgrade to a sparkling tea package. The $128 SGD tier typically includes a glass of champagne.

Price per person

The $88–$128 SGD range is per person, and service charge and GST are not always included in quoted prices, so the final bill may be slightly higher. Reviews on TripAdvisor and The Walking Critic praise the experience for its setting and service but note that it is among the pricier afternoon teas in Singapore.

What was filmed at Raffles Singapore?

At least three films have used Raffles Hotel Singapore as a setting. The most famous is Crazy Rich Asians (2018), which filmed scenes in the hotel’s lobby and corridors. The BBC series The Singapore Grip (2020) also shot on location, and an earlier film, Paradise Road (1997), includes the hotel as a backdrop. These productions are confirmed by travel writers and editorial profiles, including Tablet Hotels, which describes Raffles as “the stuff of legends” and notes its frequent use as a filming location.

Movies set at the hotel

Beyond the three mentioned, the hotel’s colonial architecture and tropical gardens make it a recurring choice for period pieces set in Southeast Asia. The property’s official history does not list every production, but guest reviews and travel articles often mention sightings of film crews during renovation years.

TV shows filmed on site

In addition to films, Raffles has appeared in travel documentaries and cooking shows. The YouTube review notes that the hotel’s bar and billiards room have been featured in historical pieces about the British colonial era.

Can you go to Raffles in Singapore for a drink?

Yes, non‑guests can visit the Long Bar, the hotel’s most famous drinking venue, without a reservation at the hotel. The Long Bar is the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, and walk‑ins are generally welcome as long as the bar is not at capacity. A cocktail there typically costs around $20–$30 SGD, based on recent guest reports and menu pricing from the hotel’s official site (drink prices are not published on the website but are consistently reported in forums). For those interested in luxury accommodations, the Готель Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur offers a unique experience.

Bar access for non‑guests

No hotel stay is required to enjoy the Long Bar or the Writers Bar. binary you may be asked to sign in at the hotel entrance, but access is not restricted. The Raffles Singapore official site encourages visitors to explore the public areas, and the dress code is tidy casual – jeans and sneakers are fine in the Long Bar.

Signature cocktails and price

The original Singapore Sling (gin, cherry liqueur, lime, pineapple, and a hint of Benedictine) is the signature drink. Other cocktails range from $18 to $32 SGD. A Singapore Sling at the Long Bar is about $25 SGD. The bar also serves non‑alcoholic versions and a selection of beers and wines.

Why this matters: If you’re on a sightseeing day in the civic district, popping into the Long Bar for a Sling is a quick, inexpensive way to experience the hotel’s atmosphere without paying for a room or a meal.

Pricing overview

The table below gives a snapshot of typical prices at Raffles Hotel Singapore, based on the latest available data from the official site and guest reviews.

Editorial note: All prices exclude 10% service charge and 9% GST unless stated. Drink prices are approximate; actual menus at the bar may vary.

Location and how to get there

Raffles Hotel Singapore is located at 1 Beach Road, in the historic Civic District. The nearest MRT station is City Hall (about a five‑minute walk via Raffles City Shopping Centre). The hotel is also a short walk from the Singapore River and the Esplanade. Taxis and ride‑hailing apps like Grab and Gojek operate throughout the city; the hotel has a porte‑cochère for drop‑offs.

Alternative high‑end hotels in Singapore

If Raffles is fully booked or you are exploring other luxury options, these properties offer similar levels of service and heritage:

• Marina Bay Sands – Integrated resort with iconic infinity pool, located in the Marina Bay area. Known for its modern luxury and shopping mall.
• The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, a restored colonial building with a similar heritage feel.
• Capella Singapore – Resort on Sentosa Island, offering private villas and a more secluded tropical setting.

Each competes for the same luxury traveler but differs in architecture, location, and pricing. Raffles remains the most historically significant of the group.

Reader context

Currency: Prices listed are in Singapore dollars (SGD, S$). At the time of writing, S$1 is roughly US$0.74. Time zone: Singapore is UTC+8, with no daylight saving. Climate: The city is tropical, with high humidity year‑round. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended, especially if you plan to walk between venues.

Timeline of Raffles Hotel Singapore

• 1887 – The hotel opens as a luxury property, named after Sir Stamford Raffles (YouTube hotel review).
• 2019 – Major restoration completed; the hotel reopens with refurbished suites and updated dining outlets (YouTube hotel review).
• 2021 – A promotional stay documented under a “Book one night, enjoy the second night on us” offer shows a two‑night price of S$1,235.85 (Satu Kosong Travels).

“Raffles hotel in Singapore is the stuff of legends.”

– Tablet Hotels editorial description, Travel publication

“Fresh from a two year facelift, Raffles is currently one of the greatest places in Singapore to stay – as well as to dine.”

– Narrator, YouTube hotel reviewer

Related reading: Millennium Hotel: History, Ownership, and Top Properties ? Luxury Hotel Concierge: Role, Salary & What They Really Do

For those curious about the iconic cocktail, our guide to the Singapore Sling at Raffles covers its cost, dress code, and fascinating history.

Frequently asked questions about Raffles Hotel Singapore

Sources

The following sources were used in researching this article:

• Raffles Singapore – official website
• Raffles Singapore – The Grand Lobby dress code
• YouTube – Raffles Hotel Singapore Review
• Tablet Hotels – Raffles Hotel Singapore profile
• TripAdvisor – Raffles Hotel reviews and pricing
• Satu Kosong Travels – Hotel Review
• The Walking Critic – Raffles Hotel Review
• TripAdvisor forum – Would I find Raffles uncomfortably posh?