kayeb

I have just gotten an amazing deal on flights to Singapore and am going for 3 days. My dilemma is whether to stay at Raffles or Raffles Plaza. We are two guys in our early twenties, and we can get Raffles for US$200/night or Raffles Plaza for US$100/night. I am very tempted by Raffles as we get a free double upgrade to an 800 sq ft room, someone please reassure me that we will love Raffles, and that it isn't too stuff, too old, or too much like grand central station, also is the Four Seasons different to any other Four Seasons, and is the Ritz Carlton not slightly out of the way, aaaaah help.

Myszka

I was in Singapore last year and it was great. We stayed at the Four Seasons and this Four Seasons was the best of any Four Seasons I have ever spent time. The service unbelievable. It is rated as the best of the Four Seasons' hotels. We 'd stay there again immediately. We visited the Raffle's Hotel and did not stay there because of my parents, who had said much of the air conditioning was not working when they stayed there. (It is very hot in Singapore now) High tea is really something there, though. Do go to see the Night Safari at the zoo, that was fun. Have a great trip. Myszka in Tokyo

Kathie

Hotels in SIngapore are very luxurious. You'll be wowed no matter which of these you choose. That said, Raffles Hotel is certainly the "Grande Dame" of Singapore. It has old world elegance. If you'd be uncomfortable with that, choose one of the other hotels. It's hard to beat the location of Raffles or Raffles Plaza. You want to be as close as possible to an MRT station. You can get almost everywhere on the clean, efficient subway system.

pleasants

CONCERNING RAFFLES QUERRY

I have a passion for grand hotels, and finally discovered Raffles three years ago. as I couldn't get a very good rate, I was really afraid it wasn't going to live up to its hype, half expecting it to be living on its reputation. It was WONDERFUL. Believe me, I have been to some of the very best in the world, and this was my most satisfying hotel experience. It is not stuffy, and it is real luxury and out of the ordinary. Every room is a suite, and service is impeccable. email me directly, and I'd be happy to answer any more questions and show you some photos from my stay there. but above all, I'd really be interested in how you got that $200 rate, as I'm thinking of returning later this year. Frank
[email protected]

DMG

If you too have a passion for grand old hotels, the Raffles would be great. I preferred to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Singapore. We upgraded to the Club level, had a tremendous corner room with the largest bathroom and five food"presentations" each day for less than $200 (and that was in January before SARS). The Service was outstanding and the pool are was beautiful. That being said, our friends who were with us preferred the unique atmosphere of their room at Raffles.

linwein

For US$200, stay at the Raffles Hotel. The stupid new owners (which is the govt owned Raffles Intl Hldgs) renamed the Westin Plaza "Raffles Plaza" which confuses many a tourist/taxi driver. The Raffles Plaza ( not to be confused with Plaza Hotel which has no relation to the NY PLaza) is just an ordinary 5 star tower block hotel whereas the Raffles Hotel is the best of the colonial architecture hotels in the region.All rooms are suites dressed in
1920s opulent decor.

Cicerone

Much as I love the Raffles Hotel, I would have to say that two guys in their 20s might enjoy the Ritz more. It is very modern and hip. The rooms are sleek and streamlined, and many have bathtubs looking out over the bay or the city. Very cool bars and great pool area. The Raffles will have a slightly older crowd. Both hotels are beautiful, the Raffles in the colonial mode, and the Ritz in the 21st century mode. One thing I recall about Raffles is that there are no windows in the rooms or all the rooms have an interior courtyard view, but maybe I am dreaming. The Ritz would have outstanding views as it is a high-rise, while the Raffles is about 4 stories.

FYI, the Ritz is not out of the way at all, it is further out toward the water from the Raffles.

Raffles Plaza is a high rise (actually 2 high rises, the Stamford Hotel is the taller of the two) across the street from the Raffles Hotel. It used to be a Westin and used to be very nice, but I don't think it has been kept up very well. I would say the Raffles and the Ritz would be superior to Raffles Plaza. There are a number of bars and restaurants located on the top two floors of the Stamford hotel with great views over the city and sea.

The Four Seasons is an excellent hotel, but I think it is out of the way for anything other than shopping on Orchard Road, and it is at the very end of that area so is not that convenient.