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We are thinking of going to Singapore on 15Jan01 and staying at Raffles. We got an excellent rate but is still pretty pricey..any input? Thanks......Judy

Hi Judy - We haven't stayed there but just stayed at the Ritz in Singapore last month. We considered both but the rate for Raffles when we went was over $300. We got the Ritz for $200 and had a view of the marina and the skyline. It was amazing. We went over to the Raffles and it was very nice. Very colonial. If the price you got is over $300, I'd skip it based on what I saw. Try for the Ritz at $200. If you can get Raffles for under $300 it may be worth it just to stay there once. If you like all the history stuff and whatnot. Be prepared for very, very thick air. It's difficult to breath sometimes. Especially if you're like us and from a desert area with very dry air. Singapore is also more expensive than most other SEA nations around. We arrived after spending 10 days in Thailand and were used to their prices. Singapore has some things that are a decent deal but other things will give you sticker shock! Taxis in Singapore are certainly a better deal than large cities in the US but they are about double the price of taxi rides in Bangkok. Let me know if you have any other questions. We only spent 3 days in Singapore but managed to see a few things. Lynn :-)

Judy - Not that there is any wrong with staying at Raffles - it just isn't needed. As Lynn suggests - she stayed at the Ritz Carlton (about a ten minute walk from Raffles) - she spent only 2/3's of the money and had a view of Marina and city skyline. You will not have such a view at Raffles. You can also get the same view of the Marina and city skyline for even less than the cost of the Ritz. The Oriental, The Pan Pacific, and the Marina Mandarin, as well as the Ritz Carlton are all located in the same area. The four hotels are side by side and are all within the same 10 minute walk to Raffles. I stayed at Marina Mandarin and had a wonderful room (high floor - views etc) and only paid 200 Singapore dollars. I spent an afternoon at Raffles. Shopping, lunch, a drink or two, and walking about the hotel taking pictures. I got the thrill of being in the place - just didnt sleep there. Michael

I'd agree with posts above regarding the Raffles. There are other hotels in the same area that are very nice but a good deal less expensive. In addition to the hotels mentioned by Michael, I would recommend the Westin Stamford and Westin Plaza directly across the street from the Raffles. These hotels were ususally my home base while in Singapore. To get a taste of the raffles, you might want to go there for dinner. This is what I usually did with my companions while in the city. The dining room is elegant and pricey, but worth it for one meal. Be sure to make reservations though.

All, Just departed on Friday from the Ritz-Carlton in Singapore. It truly is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at in Asia. For a little extra more, stay on the club level. The views from the club lounge are amazing and the food/drinks are well worth it. I agree with all of the posts here. Raffles is nice (nice enough for a few camera shots) but overrated and expensive. In the Marina area, you have the marina mandarin, the ritz, the oriental. Much better deals for your money.

Judy, You may want to e-mail Associated Tours (http://www.associatedtours.com.sg/ ... and e-mail [email protected] <[email protected]>). They are a large tour whoelsaler and retailer in Singpaore, and have been in business since 1976. They do offer good rates at Raffles, as well as provide other travel related services (e.g. sight seeing, gorund transportation, etc.). Good luck.

Judy We have stayed at both and my husband & I are divided as to which is better. The Ritz-Carlton (my husband's favourite) really is an amazing hotel! It is also excellent value and the bathrooms are to die for. You really would struggle to find something wrong with the place! Raffles however, is a wonderful experience. The rooms (even suites) are smaller then at the Ritz-Carlton, and yes it is very expensive - but there is something very very special about it. You really do get treated like royalty. I love the old colonial feel to it. And a swim in the rooftop poo, at about 3am (jetlag) is unbeatable. If money is an issue - then you cannot go wrong with the Ritz-Carlton. But I definitely prefer Raffles because you can stay in alrage luxury hotel anywhere in the world, Raffles really is a one-off.

Go for it! Stay at Raffles. It is unlike any hotel you will stay at and for the extra money, it is a unique experience. Most other hotels in Singapore are the sometimes stuffy business person's hotel. Raffles caters to a different crowd. If you have time in Singapore, check out the night safari at the zoo. they let the animals roam around without any restrictions as you pass by them in a tram. Really neat. Its about a $20 cab ride from the hotel.

Thank you all for your responses about Raffles! On your suggestions, we have reservation at the Ritz Carlton on the club floor for less than Raffles. Thanks again......Judy