Beautifully curated
curated
Venture along Warsaw’s grand Royal Route, past the Presidential Palace, and you will discover the majestic, neo-renaissance hotel Raffles Europejski Warsaw. Designed by Italian architect Enrico Marconi in 1857, this enigmatic building first attracted the city’s artists, poets and writers – including Józef Chełmoński, Antoni Piotrowski, Adam Chmielowski and Stanisław Witkiewicz - had their own studios in Hotel Europejski. Over 160 years later, thanks to careful restoration, the hotel has reignited its reputation as an artistic haven and an oasis for the well-traveled.
But what exactly can discerning guests expect while visiting this luxurious landmark? And how does the experience live up to the hotel's rich artistic history?
Inside Raffles Europejski Warsaw, the emphasis is on championing local craftsmanship and talent. Works by established and emerging Polish artists hang on the wall; bespoke furniture and lighting is courtesy of local designers and the restaurant offers a taste of fine Polish and international cuisine. Like all Raffles hotels, the past is reimagined and reinvented with a twist of understated, modern luxury.
This fusion of “heritage” and “haute” dates back to 1887, when the Armenian-born Sarkies brothers opened Raffles Singapore. With its Colonial-style architecture, the hotel became an instant icon and oasis in the bustling city. “Raffles Hotel stands for all the fables of the exotic East,” author Somerset Maugham wrote during the playful 1920s and 30s, when Raffles hosted society’s elite. The world-famous Singapore Sling cocktail was also born at the iconic Long Bar for the most discerning ladies who wanted to sneak something stronger into their drink.
Raffles Singapore has since been declared a national treasure by the country’s government. A 1903 brochure describes the hotel as having “all the modern luxuries” after electrical lights and fans were unveiled — hailing it as the destination for Singaporean society.
Notable guests include Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward and Elizabeth Taylor. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have enjoyed luxurious seclusion in its famous Presidential Suite. Raffles' beautiful yet understated modernity travels well: from Dubai, Seychelles, Cambodia and Paris, to Hainan, Makati and now Warsaw. But, what appears to set Raffles apart is the investment in — and attention to — replicating real cultural experiences. Whether it’s Michelin-starred French cuisine of the Champs-Élysées in Paris or soaking in the largest outdoor pool in the Seychelles, Raffles’ take on each destination is faithful yet unique.
The first thing a guest remembers — and the last they forget — is Raffles’ iconic and welcoming doormen. In Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, Cambodia, it is known as “The Grand Welcome.” Doormen welcome guests — or residents as they are formally known — in the uniform inspired by the Palace’s Royal Guards, where the silk pantaloons change color each day according to the Royal Palace’s “observance of the days of the week.” From this first moment of welcome, Raffles’ guests arrive as guests, leave as friends and will certainly return as family.
Visitors to Raffles Dubai are greeted by staff in local dress, against a backdrop of hieroglyph-inscribed pillars, plush ottoman-style sofas, mashrabiya panels and stunning floor to ceiling water features. There is something immensely appealing about the contrast between Raffles’ grand surroundings and its discreet and intuitive service which is subtle like a gentle breeze. A Raffles guest once said of his Raffles Butler, “that you don’t notice when he is there, but you miss him when you leave.”
This enduring passion for art has long been a part of Raffles’ appeal. The hotel group’s tradition of preserving heritage items and curating local art is present in the design of each of the 12 hotels.
In Paris, the global heart of art and culture, Le Royal Monceau has an art concierge who curates in-house exhibitions, and arranges bespoke art experiences for guests in collaboration with the Paris art scene. Julie Eugène, resident Art Concierge, explains, “In 2008 the hotel closed for a significant refurbishment. The idea of [designer] Philippe Starck was to create a new kind of luxury hotel dedicated to contemporary art. It was really important that the hotel involves itself in the Parisian art scene especially.”
And this destination art ethos extends across the group: the towering Raffles Jakarta is a beacon on the famous Indonesian skyline, sitting above the bustle of Kuningan. The hotel is exclusively linked to the Ciputra Artpreneur Center, a landmark dedicated to the celebration of art and theater. But it’s the design inspiration that is exceptional. Drawn from celebrated Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan’s famous works — celebrating his signature fluidity of movement and use of vibrant colors — art installations throughout the hotel showcase subjects from Gunawan’s paintings which capture nature at its best.
Raffles Istanbul’s stunning interiors are based on “The Dream of Istanbul,” an ethereal play of blue and green hues, accentuated by hand-woven Turkish carpets and panoramic views of the Bosphorus, making it the place to propose. And of course, if you propose here, a Raffles Seychelles honeymoon will be on your horizon ...
The Raffles Butler service
In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its inimitable legendary service. At Raffles Istanbul, it’s called “emotional luxury” — that feeling of being sumptuously pampered and perfectly understood, of your personal needs being anticipated and met. One butler explained, “A guest might find the fruit bowl filled more generously with grapes as it was observed to be their favourite choice. Or if a guest is left-handed, we'll ensure the room is subtly rearranged to suit.” This level of attention to detail requires the best mentoring possible: some butlers are sent to the Royal Palace to finish their training.
Beyond the Singapore Sling
Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created the famous pineapple and cherry brandy cocktail in 1915. It was disguised to look like fruit punch so that well-heeled ladies could enjoy a discreet drink. The Long Bar has welcomed international dignitaries, royalty and global luminaries over its illustrious history, from Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner to Charlie Chaplin. This familiarity grows connections: in 1947 Australian Doris Geddes became a hotel resident for 30 years. She recalled the bar’s lively spirit, “Noël Coward used to drop in with his four friends. He loved that very English undercurrent of nonsense that was always going on.” The Long Bar’s iconic design and interior features are now a mainstay of all Raffles hotels, creating a new societal hub in every destination it goes.
Raffles historian Leslie Danker explains the enduring love affair that guests have with Raffles Singapore: “My relationship with Raffles Hotel is like a love story. Before I started working I only admired its exterior. But after I joined, I found out more about its beautiful architecture and the events that took place here and began to form an attachment. It’s like falling in love, where you get to know the person better over time,” he says. “And once you fall in love, it’s forever.”
Europejski Warsaw
Singapore
Cambodia
Jakarta
Dubai
Istanbul
Raffles Paris
Makkah Palace
Hotel D'Angkor
Hainan
Makati
Seychelles
Raffles Europejski Warsaw
More than 160 years since its 19th century heyday, Hotel Europejski has been lovingly restored and reinvented as Raffles Europejski Warsaw, reclaiming its place at the heart of Poland’s artistic metropolis.
Under the skillful guidance of renowned local curators Anda Rottenberg and Barbara Piwowarska, the hotel resonates with the artistic soul of the Polish nation from times of endurance and exile to bespoke pieces made this year to celebrate the country’s 100th anniversary since regaining independence. The hotel houses one of Poland’s largest collection of Polish contemporary art.
With views over the magnificent Piłsudski Square, Raffles Europejski Warsaw is perfectly placed along the Royal Route, and a leisurely walk from the beautifully restored Old Town.
The 106 guest quarters are a tribute to the artistic heritage of Raffles Europejski Warsaw, where the urban blueprint of 19th century Warsaw graces the floors through its woven carpets, and over 450 pieces of original Polish art are displayed, complementing the stunning skyline of Warsaw etched into the magnificent marble walls of the bathrooms.
Indulge in a lavish treatment as you admire the 1961 ”Abduction of Europa” mosaic by Krystyna Kozłowska which now hangs in the lobby of the Raffles Spa. Enjoy a taste of the hotel's culinary expertise, at the Europejski Grill, re-imagined with a modern twist. And while the new is brought in, the old has not been forgotten. Lourse Warszawa Patisserie pays homage to the illustrious history of the hotel where a café of the same name was a well known haunt of the artists, writers and poets of the day. And adjacent, a Humidor — the most exclusive in Warsaw — awaits the connoisseur of fine cigars and single malts.
Raffles Singapore
Raffles Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. With its signature Colonial-architecture, this hotel is more than a national treasure — it’s a distinctive wellspring of calm in the bustling city, and a romantic nod to travellers of yesteryear. It is also the birthplace of the legendary Raffles service.
The world-famous Singapore Sling was born at the hotel’s iconic Long Bar. Invented as a cocktail for those most discerning ladies wanting to sneak something stronger into their drink, this is a cocktail that is now enjoyed by all. No visit to Singapore is complete without a visit to Raffles; and no visit to Raffles is complete without having a Singapore Sling.
Raffles Singapore is the flagship property of Raffles Hotels & Resorts. Its century-old colonial charm and heritage, together with its famous patrons, make it one of the most memorable places to stay in the world.
Currently closed for restoration, the hotel will reopen towards the end of 2018 with exquisite new suite categories, vibrant lifestyle experiences and refreshed dining concepts. The restoration is designed to make Raffles Singapore the place to meet, spend time, shop and celebrate. All the while retaining what makes Raffles so special – the ambience, the service, the charm and the heritage.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia
90-year-old Art Deco and French Colonial style is reinterpreted in a contemporary way at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia. This is a hotel where elegant history and a vibrant present live side by side, just as they do in Phnom Penh.
The hotel sits on a tranquil tree-lined street, a stone’s throw from the National Library, and minutes away from the temple hill Wat Phnom and the riverfront.
To enhance this stunning piece of Cambodia’s heritage, a new extension was done beautifully and sensitively. Local artisans were commissioned to recreate painted ceilings, decorative beaten copper crests and sculptures. And outside, two swimming pools sit in a private courtyard with a frangipani-lined tropical garden. Even with 173 rooms, this hotel retains an intimate feel that guests might expect from a boutique hotel.
Hotel Le Royal is a grand old dame — a Raffles classic, with intuitive service and flawless attention to detail — making it the perfect haven after exploring the bustle of this “water city.”
Raffles Jakarta
At the core of this thriving Indonesian city, Raffles Jakarta stands out from the hustle and bustle as a beacon of calm and luxury inside the golden triangle.
This is a new destination for entrepreneurs and culture seekers. Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan’s work is celebrated throughout the hotel, where design inspiration draws from his famous work.
The hotel is also connected to Lotte Shopping Avenue for shopping, dining and entertainment, and the Ciputra Artpreneur Center — a must-see art gallery and theater complex where the legacy of Hendra Gunawan’s art comes to life.
This cultural heritage is evident throughout the hotel’s restaurants and bars. The Writers Bar, a re-interpretation of the much-loved Raffles Singapore haven, overflows with Indonesian art, history and literature. And for al fresco relaxation, guests can enjoy poolside dining and cocktails in the lush tropical gardens.
An elegant aesthetic design, combined with outstanding views and exquisite comforts, makes Raffles Jakarta’s 173 sumptuous rooms and suites the ideal place to unwind and indulge in striking surrounds.
Raffles Dubai
Raffles Dubai is a stunning landmark hotel. Its distinctive pyramid shape, blending Asian style with an Egyptian aesthetic, rises from the desert and delivers a luxurious retreat that provides impeccable service in sophisticated style.
Starting at a generous 70 square meters, the rooms are outfitted with walk-in showers, sitting areas and balconies or terraces. And the suites themselves are stunning at night, with views from the private balconies that stretch towards the horizon.
Hotel guests have a choice of an incredible seven restaurants and bars, with many more to explore in nearby Wafi Mall. With lush private gardens, an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and the exceptional Raffles Spa, this hotel offers plenty of ways to laze the day away after the buzz of sightseeing.
Here, the famously impeccable Raffles Butler Service is intuitive, discreet and, in fact, award winning.
Raffles Istanbul
A wonderfully sleek and modern hotel, Raffles Istanbul offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus from almost every room.
Sitting on the European side of the city, in the Besiktas district, it is well connected to all that the city has to offer. Guests can experience the unique energy of Istanbul before retreating to the luxury of this sumptuous home away from home.
Each of its 185 rooms is fitted with understated ethereal hues of blue and green, accented by hand-woven Turkish textiles and contemporary art.
As a beacon of modern Turkey, the hotel is also attached to the Zorlu Center — a contemporary bazaar with luxury brands and a performing arts center boasting world-class entertainment.
Raffles Spa, one of the largest in Istanbul, offers everything from Turkish baths to eastern massages and the hotel offers a variety of world class dining experiences. Raffles Istanbul is truly a haven of unparalleled comfort, luxury and service.
Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris
A short stroll from the majestic Champs Elysees, the iconic Arc de Triomphe and the beautiful Parc Monceau — the perfectly Parisian Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris surely has one of the grandest and most picturesque settings in town.
This stunning hotel is both a sumptuous retreat from the buzz of the metropolis and a delightfully vibrant celebration of Parisian art, food and culture. Built at the end of the roaring twenties, the hotel became a hot spot for artists from around the world who came to create and collaborate in the heart of this remarkable city.
Stunningly transformed by designer Philippe Starck, the hotel is entirely dedicated to the celebration of art, with in-house exhibitions and its own art concierge. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris is the personification of elegant service in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Raffles Makkah Palace
This stunning all-suite hotel has no equal. With an incredible location boasting truly breathtaking views of the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, Raffles Makkah Palace in Saudi Arabia is an unparalleled vantage point from which to explore the holy site and beyond.
This magnificent residential experience draws inspiration from the heritage, culture and faith of the Middle East, offering easy access to King Abdulaziz Gate, the main entrance to the Grand Mosque.
The generous suites — all of which overlook the holy site – boast separate living and dining spaces, underpinned by Raffles’ incredible attention to detail.
Guests will be spoiled for choice with an incredible array of dining options. Al Majlis boasts Levantine specialties, while Al Qasr features delectable international choices including Arabic, Indian, Moroccan and western cuisine. There’s even an ice cream parlor with custom designed Teppanyaki ice cream dishes.
Raffles Makkah Palace is truly one of the world’s great hotels; an opulent and elegant refuge and certainly an experience of a lifetime.
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor
Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor has been a true landmark hotel in Cambodia since the hotel first opened its doors in 1932 to the first wave of travelers keen to see the world-famous Angkor Temples.
With 15 acres of garden, one of Cambodia’s most iconic swimming pools, and incredible original features – such as a unique timber elevator — the hotel offers the sumptuous splendor of a bygone era to travellers exploring Siem Reap.
Located in the heart of the Old French Quarter, eight kilometers from the Angkor Wat temple complex, The Grand Hotel D’Angkor is the perfect place to explore this incredible UNESCO world heritage city and surrounds.
A hotel built on Raffles signature welcome and service, this iconic hotel is a dreamy step back in time to the days of luxury travel and adventure with all the heart that Cambodia has to offer.
Raffles Hainan
Raffles Hainan is a veritable Garden of Eden. The views from this stunning hotel stretch out forever over the deep blue, tropical waters of Clearwater Bay. The hotel is the perfect spot for those wanting respite, as well as those looking to take advantage of the championship golf course right next door.
The hotel itself is a Balinese-style tropical paradise filled with artisanal stone sculptures, lush palm trees and immaculate lawns. With three swimming pools, six restaurants and bars, plus the Raffles signature spa, travellers can enjoy absolute relaxation or set upon the gorgeous sandy beach for an afternoon of sun and surf in total privacy.
The beachside rooms are a generous 80 square meters, all with gorgeous sea views across the glittering bay. In “Hawaii of the East” style, Raffles Hainan provides unparalleled comfort and service in the South China Sea. It’s no wonder it was named Luxury Travel Guides’ 2018 Luxury Contemporary hotel of the year.
Raffles Makati
In the heart of the central business district, this 30-story architectural and art-filled masterpiece exudes intimacy and luxury. Set in the thriving Philippines capital of Manila, Raffles Makati is the best place to explore all the best of Filipino culture.
With no less than 1,600 commissioned works — Filipino art fills the halls and the 32 large suites and residences of this hotel. As such, there is a dedicated art concierge on hand to help guests experience the collection through bespoke tours. But it is the fusion of contemporary sophistication and old-world charm which gives the hotel the unmistakable Raffles essence of understated elegance and calm.
Raffles Makati offers a range of dining and leisure areas — including the signature Long Bar and Writers Bar. The Mireio restaurant on the ninth floor offers particularly stunning views across the city.
A sanctuary at the center of this buzzing metropolis, Raffles Makati stands as a graceful and sumptuous stop for discerning travellers.
Raffles Seychelles
A few steps from the pristine coastline of Anse Takamaka on the island of Praslin, Raffles Seychelles is an idyllic and private slice of heaven.
86 contemporary villas dot the hillside, providing some of the most spacious accommodation in the Seychelles. Each villa features a plunge pool, a private outdoor pavilion and a balcony to enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean, white sand coastline and lush green hillside.
The hotel has two pools, one of which is a 40-meter infinity, the largest in the Seychelles. There is also a lovely stretch of private beach for those looking to relax in the sand. With three restaurants, a beach bar, and two lounges — including a rooftop shisha spot — there are plenty of onsite offerings in which to indulge.
But the crowning glory might just be the stunning Spa. Each of the 12 treatment pavilions showcase spectacular views that make this a haven of peace and rejuvenation.
Only 15 minutes by plane or helicopter from Mahé island (or a scenic 55 minutes by ferry), and a million miles from the office, this hotel is perfect for those wanting adventure and luxury that is far from the ordinary.
