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The Original Raffles Hotel in Singapore

Where: 1 Beach Road, Singapore, Singapore, 189673

The Raffles that started it all turned 120-years-old yesterday.

The Raffles Singapore is hands-down the best luxury hotel in town. Sure the decor, according to some reviewers, may be a little dated but there's so much history incorporated into this sprawling hotel along with attentive service, spacious rooms, good views and a crazy amount of dining options.

The 103 suite, three storey hotel stands on the site of the original 10 bedroom bungalow that opened as a hotel in 1887, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the British founder of Singapore. It was restored in 1989-1991, retaining its distinctive colonial flavour as one of Singapore's few remaining historic buildings. It has counted royalty, heads of state, authors and film stars among its guests....Many a tourist has cooled off in the Long Bar with a Singapore Sling, the cocktail invented there in 1915.

Another tourist trap at the hotel is the Bar & Billards room where Singapore's last tiger was shot and killed there in 1902. Which actually might be the hotel's only problem. Since there is so much history here, it's a must-see for tourists whether they stay here or not. So that might be a turn-off when booking. That and the $600 rack rate.

Related Stories:
· Raffles Singapore reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Singapore's Raffles Hotel hits 120 years [Nine MSN]