The iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore will close for 18 months for renovation

THE historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore will begin a multi-phase renovation early next year, and is slated to close until June 2018.

The facelift will take place in three phases, and will begin with the shopping arcade. The arcade features some 40 shops and restaurants, and includes Long Bar, the birthplace of the now-iconic Singapore Sling.

The Straits Times reported that some tenants at the hotel are unhappy about having to vacate their premises at short notice. To add fuel to the fire, they have to vacate two weeks sky of Chinese New Year, a period when sales often skyrocket.

Mrs Fong Loo Fern, managing director of tailoring business CYC The Custom Shop, told the Singapore national: “I agree that the hotel is due for a restoration as it is getting tired. But I am just so disappointed with the way this issue has been handled.”

Raffles’ general manager said in response, “We have been actively speaking to our tenants individually, listening to their concerns, to discuss their needs and plans.”

Despite its five-star status, the hotel has copped criticism lately about its apparent lack of lustre and shine. Tenants in the shopping arcade have made clear their disappointment about the poor maintenance.

Mr Goh Kim Tuan, general manager of Kim.T Fine Jewellers and Artsseni by Kim T, told Straits Times in April, “The Raffles Singapore used to be spotless and staying here was a dream. But now, it’s just not that any more.”

He added, “The floors are stained and the toilets are terrible. And the gardens are not fabulous anymore. You should respect the building. Don’t treat it like your backyard.”

According to Travel Weekly, the property last underwent a major renovation between 1989 and 1991, and was acquired by AccorHotels early this year.

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Source: travelwireasia.com