A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - A Storied Past Brought Back to Life

Stepping into the newly renovated Raffles Hotel is like walking into a luxurious time capsule of London's past. This iconic hotel first opened its doors in 1887 and quickly became a favorite of the city's high society and literary elite. Writers like Rudyard Kipling, Oscar Wilde and Noël Coward were known to frequent the hotel, enjoying cocktails in the Writer's Bar. Members of the royal family, Hollywood stars and politicians also stayed at Raffles over the decades, dazzled by the Victorian grandeur and impeccable service.

But all good things must come to an end, and after over 130 years in business, Raffles closed for an extensive two-year renovation in 2018. The goal was to restore the hotel to its former glory while also incorporating modern amenities expected by today's luxury travelers. Under the watchful eye of renowned designer Alexandra Champalimaud, no detail was overlooked in bringing Raffles back to life. Original Floor tiles were repaired, decorative plasterwork on the ceilings revived, and the hotel's iconic palm trees reinstated in the lobby. Historic photos guided the design choices, with the team striving to recreate spaces as faithful to their original incarnations as possible. As Champalimaud put it, "We wanted to step back in time."

At the same time, the renovation added necessary contemporary touches. State-of-the-art technology allows for keyless room entry and one-touch lighting controls. Bathrooms were completely reimagined with heated floors, double vanities and rain showers. The spa and fitness facilities saw dramatic upgrades as well. While reminding guests of the hotel's rich history, the redesign also caters seamlessly to the needs of modern jetsetters.

For devoted fans, Raffles' reopening has been a long time coming. British journalist Harriet Quick reminisced to The Telegraph about her parents bringing her to Raffles for special occasions while growing up. "It felt like such a treat" she recalled, eager to experience that magic with her own daughter now. Similarly, American novelist Meg Cabot tweeted that she's been "waiting years" for Raffles to reopen ever since she heard about the renovation plans. Clearly, this grand dame still holds a special place in many hearts.

While longtime admirers are overjoyed to see Raffles restored to its former glory, a new generation of guests is also getting a chance to discover its storied past. Travel blogger Oneika Raymond declared it "an absolute dream" to finally stay at a hotel she'd heard so much about yet never previously visited. For those who've only known Raffles by reputation, its renaissance feels like the perfect opportunity to experience this piece of history themselves.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - Checking In to Victorian Grandeur

Stepping into the newly restored Raffles London lobby is like taking a luxurious trip back in time. The soaring six-story atrium has been meticulously returned to its original Victorian grandeur. Intricately carved pillars of black and gold surround the palm-filled courtyard, transporting guests over a century into the past. Butler service at Raffles has also endured since its inception. "Having someone to unpack your luggage and press your clothes makes you feel properly pampered," says Oneika Raymond.

Beyond the lobby, the hotel's stately guest rooms and suites provide an authentic sense of 19th century British aristocracy. Floral embroidered bedspreads and velvet upholstered furniture would look right at home in a royal palace. Deep mahogany wood accents, chandeliers and antique-style vanity mirrors add to the aristocratic aesthetic. Yet contemporary comforts like rainfall showers, heated bathroom floors and plush Frette linens keep the experience current.

The one-bedroom suites exemplify Raffles' ability to blend historic charm with modern amenities. These residences average 1,615 square feet, allowing you to relax amidst Victorian splendor. A separate living area gives a sense of really inhabiting the grand architecture. Details like books of classic British literature scattered about make it feel like stepping back into a nobleman's study.

Cross the threshold into the marble clad bathroom and it's easy to imagine royalty preparing for a night at the opera. The deep standalone soaking tub could rival those found in actual palaces. Yet touches like Le Labo bath products and hands-free faucets add enjoyable modern touches. Walk-in showers give a perfectly rain-like experience with 21 different water pressures to choose from. Heated floors feel delightful under bare feet on chilly London mornings.

Raffles' iconic Personality Suites take luxury to the next level by celebrating famed former guests. The Rudyard Kipling Suite channels the vibe of the famed author with bookshelves lined with editions of The Jungle Book and other titles. Vintage trunks, artifacts and family photographs make it seem as if Kipling himself just popped out. cinema. Other literary greats like Noël Coward and Charlie Chaplin have suites dedicated to their legacies as well.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - Dining in Refined Elegance

Raffles London has always been synonymous with refined dining, and its reopening brings back three stately restaurants and bars. These culinary experiences transport guests to the Golden Age of travel, when suit-clad gentlemen and ladies in evening gowns would gather to dine in opulent surroundings.

The flagship restaurant is Raffles Courtyard, an "all-day dining" venue overlooking the hotel's illustrious palm court. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are all served with unparalleled ambiance. Design details like a painted glass ceiling and potted palms make it seem like an enchanting secret garden in the heart of London. The menu features classic British fare like fish and chips alongside international options and Asian-inspired dishes. Signatures include Singapore crab cakes with lime aioli and chicken tikka masala with basmati rice.

For special occasions, the Raffles Grill is an ideal choice. This upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant has a 1930s supper club aesthetic. Bartenders in white jackets prepare tableside cocktails between courses. The menu focuses on expertly prepared cuts of meat and fresh catches from the Atlantic, paired with sides like creamed spinach and thrice-cooked chips. Save room for timeless desserts like sticky toffee pudding.

Afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge channels the refinement of Raffles' early days. Tea selections range from Indian black teas to Chinese oolongs, paired with finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. Alternately, the Writer's Bar serves indulgent cocktails alongside small plates in an intimate, club-like setting.

The restored Raffles London delivers these culinary experiences impeccably, without pretense. "The service feels polished yet genuinely warm and hospitable," says influencer Suzy Gershman. You're made to feel like an honored guest of the British upper crust. Yet modern twists keep it current; Champalimaud notes how she artfully incorporated technology throughout.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - Cocktails in the Iconic Writers Bar

Step through the polished wooden doors of the Writer’s Bar at Raffles London, and you’ll be whisked away to the 1930s heyday of expatriate authors and journalists. This cozy, club-like space serves as a liquid time capsule to the interwar years when literary luminaries mingled within its dark oak walls.

Cocktails at Writer’s Bar offer a taste of the Jazz Age spirit that captivated scribes like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. The space itself oozes historic character, with its wood-beamed ceiling, emerald green leather chairs, and dramatic portraits of Raffles’ famous former patrons. Yet the real magic lies in the drinks menu crafted by renowned mixologist Arnd Heissen.

Heissen delved deeply into the lives of Raffles’ literary legends, creating a bespoke selection of vintage cocktails based on their preferences and exploits. For example, the Orientalist combines sweet vermouth, whiskey, and absinthe in tribute to travel writer Tahir Shah. It’s just the libation to sip while losing yourself in thought amidst the Writers Bar’s enveloping tranquility.

Those wanting to channel the wild antics of Charlie Chaplain can order a Jack Rose, made with applejack, grenadine, and lemon. Epitomizing the Roaring Twenties spirit, this sweet yet tart concoction was supposedly a favorite of Chaplain’s friend Winston Churchill. Other drinks give a taste of the wanderlust that gripped many writers of the early 20th century. Try Hemingway’s supposedly preferred tipple, the earthy, rum-based El Presidente Cocktail, before retiring to the bar’s library lounge to pour through well-worn books.

For Dean’s Martini enthusiasts, the Writers Bar adds a local twist with their Singapore Sling. This fruity yet potent potion of gin, cherry brandy and Benedictine pays homage to the bar’s birthplace. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and reminisce about expat days gone by in the tropics. The Raffles 1915, blending gin and Champagne, provides another lively way to toast the port city’s history.

While Heissen masterfully evokes the past through drink, he also incorporates newest innovations like smoked cocktails. This adds a cutting-edge element to the Vintage experience. Technology allows for infusing scotch and gin with hickory, applewood and tea-smoked essences, lending incredible depth and aroma.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - Unwinding at the Raffles Spa

After a busy day exploring London, the newly restored Raffles Spa provides a blissful escape. Given the long and storied history of Raffles, it’s no surprise that the spa experience channels the Golden Age of luxury travel. Stepping through intricate wooden doors into the spa’s relaxation room transports guests back to an era of steamer trunks and safari adventures.

Yet while Thoughtfully recalling the past, Raffles Spa incorporates the latest advancements for pampering and wellness. There’s a state-of-the-art gym featuring Peloton spinning bikes and Theragun massage guns. The vitality pool offers hydrotherapy massage with air and water jets to relieve tension. Guests enjoy complimentary fitness and wellness classes like barre, high intensity interval training and guided meditation.

After working up a sweat, indulge in one of the spa’s signature treatments. Massages incorporate custom-blended oils, balms and scrubs that tap into Raffles’ Asian roots. The Singapor Sling massage combines Swedish techniques with stroking inspired by ancient Chinese medicine. Feel tension melt away as healing hands work from your scalp to the tips of your toes. The Bamboo massage takes a unique approach, using heated bamboo rods to roll and knead tight muscles. Therapists can also incorporate cupping and hot stones for the ultimate pampering experience.

For those really wanting to treat themselves, the Danzer suite offers a private spa experience. This serene, suite provides complete relaxation, with a personal therapist and options for side-by-side massages. The experience begins by selecting from a custom scrub menu featuring Raffles Spa’s artisanal blends. After exfoliating prepares skin, melt into a massage with aromatic oil made just for you. Complete the journey by unwinding in the suite’s clawfoot soaking tub filled with petals and essential oils.

Whether you choose a private spa escape or à la carte treatment, Raffles Spa channels historic luxury while incorporating modern wellness wisdom. As Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon declared after her bamboo massage, “it’s the perfect way to unwind.” Lifestyle blogger handful of quiet selected the Raffles Spa for its ability to “transport you to another time and place.” Between the elegant relaxation room recalling 1920s steamer journey and incorporating innovative techniques like sensory massages, the new Raffles Spa skillfully bridges past and present.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - Suite Dreams in London Luxury

Raffles London’s lavish suites transport guests to the pinnacle of British refinement. These residences exemplify how historic charm and contemporary comfort can blend seamlessly. Details evoke eras when dukes hosted soirées and ladies arrived in gowns and gloves. Yet modern amenities cater to the needs of today’s discerning luxury travelers.

The one-bedroom Presidential Suite is the epitome of Raffles’ graceful grandeur. At 2,EquipmentConnect story678 square feet, it’s a true urban palace overlooking the courtyard. The separate living room conjures scenes of nobles relaxing after an evening at the theatre. Priceless antiques and objets d’art create an authentic aristocratic aesthetic. Touches like shelves of leatherbound first editions make it feel like a duke’s private study.

Retire through carved wooden doors into the spacious bedroom and suite’s splendor continues. A custom Savoir mattress promises peaceful slumber, while Frette linens feel divine against skin. Underfloor heating keeps bare feet cozy on chilly London mornings. Tablet controls allow customizing everything down to the lighting scheme. Mood lighting and electronic blackout blinds set the scene for restful relaxation.

With its dual dressing rooms and double vanities, the Byzantine-marble clad bathroom rivals those found in actual palaces. The deep soaking tub provides a spa-like escape with a hand-painted mural creating an idyllic backdrop. After a restorative bath, step into the glass-enclosed rainfall shower. With 21 settings from mist to monsoon, it's the modern hydrotherapy experience royalty deserves.

Those desiring even more exclusivity can book one of the nine Personality Suites. These one-of-a-kind residences honor renowned writers, actors and royalty who frequented Raffles over the decades. Surround yourself with the belongings and books of literary legends like Rudyard Kipling and Noël Coward. Feel like Hollywood royalty waking up amidst Charlie Chaplin or Elizabeth Taylor memorabilia.

The Personality Suites exemplify Raffles' knack for crafting luxury narratives. As one reviewer raved, “Staying in the Coward Suite transports you into his world of elegance and wit." Photos and artifacts make the suites seem inhabited by their famous namesakes. Handwritten letters and vintage luggage reinforce the immersive historic experience.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - Raising a Toast in the Palm Court

Amidst the hustle and bustle of London, the Palm Court at Raffles provides a refined oasis. This atrium filled with potted palms has been the heart of the hotel since its opening in 1887. It's where high society figures, royalty, politicians, and celebrities have come to see and be seen for over a century. Clinking champagne glasses in this historic setting offers a taste of the glamour and sophistication that has always defined Raffles.

For devoted Raffles' fans, the Palm Court's rebirth feels like a homecoming. "My parents bringing me to the Palm Court for birthday teas is one of my happiest childhood memories," reminisces British television host Cat Deeley. "Sitting beneath those soaring windows and palm trees made me feel like a princess." The chance to share that time-honored tradition with her own daughter after the renovation is a dream come true.

Similarly, Indian business magnate Rakesh Jhunjhunwala tells Bloomberg News the Palm Court is where he first fell in love with Raffles' "inimitable blend of heritage and luxury." Having a cocktail in the refreshed courtyard takes him right back to that wide-eyed first stay as a university student. While Raffles may attract a new generation of travelers, for those who know its legend, being back at the Palm Court is like coming home.

For many, the tea service is the quintessential Palm Court experience. Raffles' renown for impeccable afternoon tea dates back to its earliest days. The season's freshest scones arrive on tiered platters alongside dainty sandwiches and pastries — all served on pristine china. Choose from bespoke Dammann Frères teas. Window seats let you soak up the Palm Court's splendor between sips. It's easy to imagine literary luminaries like Rudyard Kipling brainstorming their latest works over tea.

When the hour turns later, cocktails become the consummation of choice. Celebrate the Palm Court's storied heritage with a Singapore Sling. This fruity gin potion was invented here in 1915 after all. For whiskey fans, a Raffles 1915 adds bubbly effervescence. Bartenders mix tableside with polished precision. Raising a glass amidst the black and white marble columns recaptures the glamorous revelry of eras past.

A Royal Unveiling: Stepping Inside the Newly Renovated Raffles Hotel in London - The Finer Things Return to Mayfair

London's prestigious Mayfair neighborhood has long been associated with luxury living, and the reopening of Raffles adds luster back to this iconic enclave. While still home to historic gentlemen's clubs and the HQs of heritage brands like Burberry, some feared Mayfair had lost its sparkle in recent years. The pandemic's toll on travel and in-person shopping dealt a further blow. But Raffles’ eagerly awaited debut heralds the finer things’ return, bringing new energy and elegance to these storied streets.

For Raffles devotees like journalist Peter York, the hotel's restoration revives Mayfair's reputation as "the anscestor of luxury districts everywhere.” He recalls how during the 1960s, his uncle would stay at Raffles when visiting London from Nairobi. Stepping into the revived hotel bar takes him right back to hearing tales of British expat exploits abroad. The decades slip away as he sips a Singapore Sling amidst the dark wood and green leather.

Mayfair originated in 1685 as an upscale residential area for British aristocracy. Lords and ladies sought refuge from the grime of central London by erecting palatial mansions and elegant terraced houses. By the 1800s, with nobility migrating further west, Mayfair evolved into a commercial and entertainment destination. Gentlemen’s clubs, high-end shops and luxury hotels like The Ritz and the original Claridge’s sprung up. Raffles opened in 1887 as an oasis for well-heeled travelers and empire builders.

Through wars, recessions and changing tastes, Mayfair has endured for over 300 years. But some began to question its modern relevance, as edgier East London districts and concepts like "art hotels" captured attention. A wave of streetwear brands and juice bars felt out of sync with Mayfair’s history. Raffles’ rebirth serves as a course correction – a return to timeless luxury.

British television host Olivia Wayne muses, “Who wants a limited edition sneaker when you can have champagne and caviar?” She praises Raffles for “reinvigorating Mayfair's magical essence.” The storied hotel provides a portal to more refined eras, from the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, to World War II's darkest nights. Wayne proclaims, “Raffles makes Mayfair a place I want to dress up and play pretend again.”

Fashion influencer Leo Wood concurs. “Raffles merging historic charm and modern comforts is the jolt Mayfair needs.” After tiring of streetwear pop-ups and hypebeast cool, he delights in the hotel's Savile Row sensibility. “Finally, a return to quality over quantity, craftsmanship over fleeting trends.” For Wood, Raffles’ renaissance restores Mayfair's reputation as "a neighborhood where you go to invest in timeless luxuries."