There are a few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located _ and none more so than Raffles in Singapore. Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore, Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 and soon became the oasis for intrepid travellers from around the world. As famous writer Somerset Maugham described, the hotel embodies ñall the fables of the exotic East.î Through their stories, The Long Bar, the Palm Court and the Bar & Billiard Room with its tiger, became familiar to people who had never even been to Singapore. Whilst preserving its atmospheric teak verandahs, gleaming white colonial faade and magnificently dressed doormen, Raffles Hotel Singaporeis very much part of the modern, vibrant city of Singapore. It is now the proud flagship of the twelve strong Raffles Hotels & Resorts.