Raffles Hotel...A taste of the finer things

 Video: Ha Sisters get the Raffles treatment.

Raffles Hotel is an All-Suites hotel.

And while Marina Bay Sands hotel is also a luxury hotel, it has over 2000 rooms, is immensely popular because of its location and amenities (such as the Infinity Pool on the Roof top, which is accessible only to residents of the Hotel).

However, some anecdotal testimony suggests that because of the huge number of people that MBS can cater for (2,975 rooms), the service and attention one might receive may be less... attentive.

At Raffles with only 115 suites, the check-in is more personal and warm.

After seeing the Ha sisters video (above), I booked a staycation at Raffles. At check-in, a staff met us a the door, as did the concierge and porter to take our luggage and bring them to our rooms later. The staff seated us at a sofa, while he checked us in. It was the most friendly and pampered check-in we ever received!

We had a butler assigned to us, and we were offered 6 chocolate bonbons from Mr Bucket. My daughter was thrilled (as would most 10 year olds). We also got an inkling of the Long Bar experience when our complimentary welcome drinks were Singapore Slings (choice of a non-alcoholic version if preferred), with a small (sample size) gunny sack of peanuts.

Three of the bonbons. We ate the other three before I thought to take a picture. I have no photographer's instinct. 

As for me, i was intrigued by the Gryphon tea in the fridge. They look pricey and were complimentary. Over the next two days, I tried the Earl Grey with Lavender, and the Oriental with Lychee. I decided I liked them.

As we explored the room, we discovered a Dyson hair-dryer. As I was already balding, I would not risk blowing away what few strands of hair I still have. But my wife was going to try it. 

She loved it, as it was very fast (it is called "supersonic"!). But she said she wouldn't buy one cos it was about $600 (Singapore dollars). 

Breakfast was included and was at the Tiffin Room. you get a choice of a prepared breakfast set (they would take your order), and there is also an all-you-can-eat breakfast spread with juice, cereal, pastries, bread, and cold cuts. And of course coffee and tea from your server. You can also order off-menu items. My daughter just wanted simple toast and we got that for her.

We explored the historic building of Raffles Hotel, but did not sign up for the history tour (which the Ha Sisters took - see video), as we wanted to look around ourselves.

Do remember to take a photo with the impressively uniformed doorman. He's an icon. We forgot to take a picture. Sigh. No photographer's instinct.