Review: Ascott Raffles Place

A Grand Revival in the Heart of Singapore: Staying at Ascott Raffles Place

Tucked into the beating heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, where the steel-and-glass skyline tells the story of progress, Ascott Raffles Place Singapore quietly holds its own—a living narrative carved in marble, brass, and time.

Once the Asia Insurance Building, Southeast Asia’s tallest tower in the 1950s and a bold symbol of post-war ambition, this heritage icon has been exquisitely reimagined as a sanctuary of understated elegance. Today, it is Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, a luxe residence that offers more than just a stay—it offers a story.

Where Heritage Breathes Through Luxury

From the moment you arrive, there’s a palpable sense of history and heritage. The Art Deco façade—unmistakably distinct among the CBD’s modern high-rises—offers a welcome contrast: quiet, poised, and richly storied. The S$60 million restoration undertaken by The Ascott Limited is nothing short of masterful, breathing new life into a cultural monument while preserving the bones of its architectural brilliance.

The attention to detail is astounding. Step inside and you’re greeted not just by staff but by legacy: a 15-storey brass mail chute, polished to gleam like new; Travertine marble cladding, meticulously restored piece by piece; and Nero Portaro Italian marble walkways, framing the perimeter with such elegance they appear to float beneath your feet.

Even the crown atop the building, installed in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, remains intact—quietly regal and luminously symbolic.

Suites That Whisper Luxury

Each of the 146 suites at Ascott Raffles Place is a composition of modern sophistication and timeless grace. Designed by world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, the interiors feel both intimate and expansive. High ceilings and generous layouts invite long stays, while curated touches—like custom furniture, natural wood textures, and the delicate retro motif that now adorns everything from air-conditioning grilles to staff cufflinks—bridge past and present with poetic fluidity.

Whether it’s the plush bedding, the sleek in-room kitchenette, or the panoramic views of the surrounding business district, the overall experience is quietly opulent. Nothing feels excessive. Everything feels intentional.

A Masterpiece of Modern Living: The Ascott Way

More than a residence, Ascott Raffles Place Singapore is part of a broader lifestyle philosophy crafted by Ascott, a brand renowned for elevating the way we live, travel, and experience the world. Ascott is not just about providing a place to stay—it is about celebrating the art of living.

With a deep appreciation for life’s finer elements, the Ascott brand weaves together aesthetics, culture, and comfort, creating immersive experiences that speak to the modern-day highflyer. Here, every stay is a curated masterpiece, where timeless elegance is brought to life through thoughtful design and sensorial experiences that linger long after checkout.

Living Through the Arts

At the heart of the brand’s ethos is a deep integration of the arts—be it visual, performing, couture, or culinary. Through Ascott Soiree, guests are invited to explore this world firsthand with in-residence programmes that are as enriching as they are engaging.

During our stay, we had the chance to attend a Marquage Painting workshop with artist Lydia Syiariel, where classic leather pieces became personalized canvases of expression. The tactile process of painting bespoke designs onto leather goods was both meditative and inspiring—a true reminder that luxury lies in the details and the personal.

This enriching layer of programming transforms a stay at Ascott Raffles Place Singapore into more than just a luxurious interlude—it becomes a personal journey into artistry, identity, and indulgence. Through every brushstroke, scent, and sip, Ascott brings the world’s cultural richness to your doorstep, reminding us that true hospitality is both elegant and experiential.

Accommodation at Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

Step into a world where historic grandeur and modern elegance blend in seamless harmony. At Ascott Raffles Place Singapore, each of the 146 thoughtfully curated suites offers an elevated sense of home—private, spacious, and filled with quiet luxury. Whether you’re a global executive, seasoned traveller, or cultured guest seeking a distinctive experience, these residences offer sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Flooded with natural light through expansive windows, the suites offer views of Singapore’s ever-evolving skyline, a striking contrast to the building’s timeless Art Deco façade. Inside, the interiors reflect a design sensibility rooted in comfort and sophistication, with carefully chosen furnishings and soft, tactile finishes.

Seven Refined Room Types:

Studio Cutler Suite
Studio Cutler Suite with Balcony
One-Bedroom Collyer Suite
One-Bedroom Brown Suite
One-Bedroom Finlayson Suite
Two-Bedroom Malcolm Suite
Two-Bedroom Elizabeth Suite

Each suite is designed to function as both a private haven and an inspiring space to work, unwind, and entertain.

Residence Features Include:

Fully-equipped kitchen with hob, hood, microwave, refrigerator, toaster, dishwasher, and oven (in Two-Bedroom suites)
Nespresso coffee machine and electric kettle for your morning rituals
Glassware, crockery, cutlery, and utensils for dining in
Washer-dryer, steam iron, and hairdryer for long-stay comfort
LED TV with selected cable channels and a Bose audio system
High-speed Wi-Fi, IDD telephone, and voicemail facilities
Full air-conditioning, offering quiet, efficient climate control

These amenities allow guests to experience the best of both worlds—the autonomy of a well-appointed apartment with the finesse of a luxury hotel.

Beyond the Suite: Amenities That Inspire and Empower

Ascott Raffles Place Singapore goes beyond just a stay—it offers a complete lifestyle experience. Designed for the discerning guest who values wellness, productivity, and community, the property offers a range of facilities that elevate everyday living.

Health & Recreation:

24-hour fitness centre with modern equipment
Infinity swimming pool offering a serene respite amid the city
Residents’ lounge for quiet reflection or relaxed socialising
Residents’ programmes curated to enrich and engage

For the Business Traveller:

Teleconference and meeting facilities with audio-visual support
Business centre services, from printing to secretarial support
Courier handling and on-site administrative assistance

Whether you’re closing international deals or simply indulging in a long weekend of leisure, every touchpoint is crafted to cater to the dynamic rhythms of modern living.

A Location for the Discerning Explorer

With Raffles Place MRT Station just steps away, guests are perfectly positioned to explore Singapore’s cultural and culinary treasures. Yet the location’s real magic lies in the contrast it offers: a retreat from the high energy of the CBD, yet within arm’s reach of the city’s most iconic experiences.

For business travelers, the convenience is unmatched. For leisure seekers, it’s a central launchpad into the city’s rich fabric of art, food, and architecture.

The Luxury of Legacy

What sets Ascott Raffles Place Singapore apart isn’t just its amenities or its polished service—it’s the way it gracefully carries its history. It is rare, in a city racing toward the future, to find a place so rooted in the past and yet so flawlessly adapted to the now.

This is not just a hotel. This is Singapore’s past and present in perfect harmony—a stay that feels like stepping into a beautifully told story, with you at the centre.

Ascott Raffles Place Singapore
2 Finlayson Green, Singapore 049247
Tel +65 6577 1688
Email Address: enquiry.singapore@the-ascott.com
Website: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascott-the-residence/singapore/ascott-raffles-place-singapore