Intelligence Squared Hotels with History | Raffles Hotel, Singapore, with Richard E. Grant and Jules Perowne
Sep 25, 2025
Discover the fascinating transformation of Raffles Hotel from a 10-room beach bungalow to a luxurious landmark in Singapore. Learn how the Sarkis brothers, with their Armenian roots, pioneered this iconic destination amidst changing global travel dynamics. Explore Raffles' rich literary history, hosting legends like Kipling and Maugham, and uncover quirky hotel folklore like the tiger incident. Plus, enjoy insights into the legendary Singapore Sling's creation and the hotel's unique check-in experience. Raffles continues to be a symbol of hospitality and culture.
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War Occupation And Hidden Silver
- During WWII the Japanese occupied Raffles and renamed it Siyunan Ryokan.
- Staff reportedly held a final waltz and buried silverware to protect hotel treasures.
A Literary Sanctuary
- Raffles became a magnet for literary figures like Conrad, Kipling and Somerset Maugham.
- The hotel honours them with named suites and preserved letters.
Celebrity Moments And Surreal Requests
- Postwar Raffles hosted Hollywood stars including Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson.
- Jackson's 1993 visit drew crowds and unusual requests, like meeting the famous orangutan Ah Meng poolside.
