Singapore's Raffles Hotel: An Icon Reborn | Part 2 | Full Episode
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2019
- What does it take to restore a 132-year-old heritage hotel? Hard work, plenty of surprises and a 9-month delay. This is an exclusive look at Raffles Hotel's first major overhaul in 30 years.
Filmed over 2 years, this documentary goes past the hoardings to show the sheer magnitude, unanticipated obstacles, and careful deliberation needed in restoring the Raffles Hotel. We catch up with well-loved characters from the previous episode - Bernd, the hands-on front office manager turned director of rooms; Kaeley, the affable and newly-minted executive housekeeper; and the sweet and unexpected friendship between long-time guest, Mdm Schoof, and duty manager, Roslee. We also get introduced to some new characters - Grace, the head butler in charge of steering a new team of Raffles butlers; and Kevin, the handsome chef de cuisine representing Anne-Sophie Pic, a chef with 7 Michelin stars to her name.
Miss Part 1? Watch it here: • Singapore's Raffles Ho...
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In 1961 I had the pleasure of having afternoon tea at Raffles with my late Mum. I was 18 , I am now 77. It still has a magic that is unique.
honestly, i'll probably never be able to afford going to such a luxurious hotel but it's nice to see people passionate about their job and working together as a family rather than just for the sake of keeping the hotel going. we need more people like them, these guys are unsung heroes.
I did love the old Raffles, but it has been 40 years. Last year it was closed when I was there. Seeing this you realize it did need renovations. The humidity of Singapore had affected the walls and to save old buildings you need to do this. People will still love this hotel, it's the staff who also make your stay special at any hotel. The staff look so friendly. Love it.
How lovely is Roslee? You can tell how much he loves this hotel. What a gem.
The old decor seems much more charming than the tacky new stuff
Big lie
You can give that opinion because they didn’t even show much of the old decor
@@angelhighlight5154 Big tool head speaking
@@angelhighlight5154 they have lost the colonial charm
Stayed at raffles over 20 years ago. Agreed the renovation is beautiful, and the rooms needed upgrades , but now it is not unique . It lacks what raffles was always known for ...the iconic old world charm , the rattan , the antique art and carpets , the old world chandeliers and those wonderful rose gold fans . Those are few of the things people checked in there for . The designers just lost the plot ...now it looks like so many other hotels . Sighhhh.
Excellent well made documentary.
I agree with you.
Yes destroying that wonderful marble floor was criminal. They could have fixed the age/humidity etc related structural problems while retaining the original and unique charm. Now it's just like any other luxury hotel. Sad.
god damn , should've kept the light fixtures and fans in the lobby .
The charm and magic of the old hotel....so sad to see it gone!
I like it better the way it was. Everyone wants to update everything. Somethings need to stay iconic and timeless. This was definitely a renovation with restoring the walls.
Everyone's saying that they prefer the old look but honestly the new modern look looks great 👍
So glad I could see the hotel before the renovation in 2016. Love from Germany!
I have only just come across this and the hotel is beautiful but in honesty the best thing about a successful hotel is its wonderful staff..their attention to detail and care they gave every person who walked through the doors was so wonderful to watch especially their lady who would stay 4 times a week saying welcome home to her and making her feel part of their family. This kind of attention is what stays with their guests forever ...well done team absolutely amazing people xx
Old is gold......
Gorgeous..would love to stay there one of these days. I don't think the pre-renovation was that bad, but the new version will hopefully last a long time. The attention to detail is world class.
It would have been nice if they had acknowledged the hard work that had been put in by all the trades people who made it possible.
Yes Mr. Bluecollar Embittered Man, they did. What were you watching?
They removed the old chandeliers in the lobby :( :(
Absolutely beautiful presented. It actually bought tears to my eyes. Especially the devoted staff.
You allowed us to live the journey ... What a great documentary thumbs Up
They discovered that the outer shell was crumbling. That's MUCH more serious than a simple slap up reno. That's heart attack time.
The truth is, it isn't the building that makes the hotel a 5 star. It's the STAFF!!!!!
You cannot buy class at any price. It needed a upgrade, instead they threw the baby out with the bath water. Unique character gone for ever.
What an incredible documentary of a historical iconic property Raffles in the lovely country of Singapore. It is also beautiful and awe inspiring to see the entire staff work as more than a team but a family caring with the utmost respect for all of the hotel's guest and new guest and tourist coming to see the place and enjoy it's restaurants, bars. What an example to the rest of the world and it's hospitality service. Thank you kindly. I hope that one day I can travel to Singapore and be able to stay at Raffles.
I have watched a lot of these famous fancy hotels but this one is just gorgeous but the staff are just lovely and really care!💘
I honestly really hoped that Raffles hotel would be restored and not renovated since there’s not that many hotels that aren’t modernised anymore
38:38. I though i'll never hear a French chef say "too much butter" in my life.
I would never imagine to hear a French Chef speaking Singlish too.
I guess that's why she's a world renowned 7 Michelin star chef.
as bocuse would say "plus de beurre....de beurre!"
julia child would be rolling in her grave :)
not a fan of the new carpets and new lightings in the room, but awesome video production nonetheless, keep up the good work CNA!
I hate the new carpet/rug too. Low-end products compared to the previous ones.
I am glad I got to see the restoration and when it was completed. The temporary place to have a Singapore Sling on Seay could not replace the Long Bar. I was so happy to enjoy at the Long Bar when it reopened.
I had always dreamnt of staying there , another dream crushed, it now just looks like so many other hotels ,,,
Beautiful :) I think they did manage to preserve the old world charm but in a glistening new shell . A refined homage to the original design sensibility:)
Thank you CNA!! missed it on TV...
We stayed here in 1983, I wished I took more photos of the inside, lots of the garden & my daughter in the pool
Enjoyed this very much. Both parts (one and two) were beauifully film along with sharing the personal journeys of its staff and the visiting residents.
there is so many negative comments on the change :-(
we should be more accepting and appreciative of the new Raffles as we move forward into the 21st century. the charm and passion of Raffles IS still there, it is just new and different and we need some time to adjust to. i miss the keys though and i cant wait for this year's christmas tree when I come back to Singapore later during the year
Such emphasis is made about the fact that the smallest detail is looked at, but the new chandelier in the foyer has one light that is not working!
Stayed there before 2019, love it especially the verandah area. I really like sitting outside the room in the morning enjoying a cup of hot coffee. Simple pleasure but a memorable one. I would love to go back there again.
Bravo to those workmen what a job!
First class documentary.Very good,best and superb.I am awaiting more documentary like this.Thank you..
This was a project to destroy a beautiful hotel. The new interior decoration is in bad taste. I would love to stay at the old hotel. Hotels like this new, are everywhere, like the old are not! I am extremely sad for what they have done!
Well nothing lasts forever
It's over 130 years old
Technically the british people who did the engineering on this are not even alive anymore
They have to change it for safety reasons.
If it collapses on the people living in their would be disastrous
Yes sad for us Singaporeans but we must accept that it's too old and we have to preserve what we can to honour sir Stamford raffles.
I think that the attitude of designers and architects today is that anything representing colonialism is just not acceptable in these times of PC culture - I'm surprised it was not bulldozed - yes, very sad. But I love Singapore and I love Raffles - it is what it is.
This is a very good and touching story of restoration for this iconic hotel, I remember I had dinner there in 2014 and it was great. I can feel the emotions of the guests and staff, I also cry.
Congratulations to the Reborn of Raffles Hotel, unfortunately the start of the pandemic in 2020 has a negative impact on the entire travel and hospitality industry. Hopefully the tourism industry will recover soon and travel bans will end soon following the vaccines that have been implemented around the world.
Loved seeing the old and the new Raffles - how beautiful it is!
Luxury hotel dan report... ❤❤❤
I stayed recently - the update is fantastic. But most importantly the staff are the best rained in the World. Didn't find the bed too comfy though!
Wonderful production !
Sad to see history paused but what a fabulous ending of luxury but most of all the dedication of staff . Well done it's incredible.
Thank you for sharing this peak into such a lovely world ❤
Well done..looking splendid in all it’s glory…what an amazing feat..ready to go for another century..I would certainly like to visit one day to see for myself this icon in the hotel industry..happy days to Raffles…🎉❤🎉
32:39 the balloon dropped! :o
Sacrilege . Wow I must say it goes together with that other bit of kitch they built in Singapore. Now just trying to remember the name !! AHH yes I got it Marina Bay Sands . The first time I set foot in raffles was in 1964 , and seen many upgrades
But this time they managed to engineer the
Whole feeling and ambiance out of the most
Famous hotel in this part of South East Asia.
An absolutely brilliant hotel before and after the latest renovation.
Change is good. But in IMHO the restoration is absurd. It doesn’t have the same ambience. I prefer the old, antiques and classy Raffles. 😏
I agree with you, some of the charm has been lost; but this is what the 5-star traveler is demanding today. Raffles must meet the demands of the market.
Stunning. Love every element
What a beautiful restoration at a magical place! I can only dream of one day visiting.
Much of the old charm is missing
Beautiful remake of an already legendary hotel. Even the new uniforms are so smart and stylish!! I wish I could return to Asia to experience even one night there. But perhaps for another lifetime!
Brilliant loved the show both parts
Wish I could go stay there. It's just beautiful, and OMG, the staff! I love them all 🥰
Well done for all the staff from Raffles Hotel, it got there in the end!👏
I Am Speechless and in Awe!!!...The Staff should be given Gold Medals 💖
🥇🏅🎖️
Feeling nostalgic.
Fabulous!
Looking very very nice...
nice video, I like it , much !! it very hotelier, more and more.. Enggaged!!
Love the new Raffles ❤️. Reminds me of old dutch building at my hometown, Semarang.
Old? Dutch? I think the furniture reminds you more of IKEA.
Vinny your response is rude and unnecessary.
BRAVO !
After the renovation, this hotel has lost its tropical (colonial) vibes: sky-high-areca trees, timber decors, ceiling fans...The new decor is not distinguishable from other hotels...What a shame!
Yea.. totally agree. I understand old historic building needs to be repair but I prefer the old decor before the renovation.
I recall drinking Singapore Slings whilst seated in a high-backed ratton and reed peackock chair in the 1970s. Looks ghastly now.
Colonial and tropical are not to be used synonymously. Both are different styles in design. What are you talking about? Also, the hotel still retains a lot of its old chairs (seem to be reupholstered) and some wooden furniture. Even the original timber stairs are restored. Any trees taken down in Singapore needs to be approved by NEA. The palm trees are still there. The ceiling fans in Tiffin Room is gone because the whole area is with AC and the fans are no longer needed. Simple. It's a shame people who have not been to the restored hotel always like to complain.
I agree! It's beautiful, but it's too stark. It's lacking the warmth of the old place and they really should have stayed, at least somewhat, with that old style. The upgrades are awesome, though, and the landscaping was beautiful.
@@shopgirl6183lol i think you are overreacting a bit
Interesting. I would have liked though to see more of the interiors of the renovated hotel and less of the staff. I have been to this iconic hotel in the past and I agree that it was time for a thorough check up of its structure considering the unforgiving humid climate of Singapore. I think the new decoration respects the historic character of this iconic building and nothing over the top was forced upon it. Raffles is now updated to the requirements of a 5 stars hotel. Well done.
You could smell the new paint ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊 love the chandelier😊
I love Roslee. He's such a sweetheart. I'd love to work with him 🙂
He looks a bit like Mr Bean!
Bern looks like Nick Carter of the back street boys : )
I first stayed at Raffles in c1985. The hotel at that time was sadly in need of renovation, but I really enjoyed my stay, in the Somerset Maugham suite at the time. When living in Singapore in the late 1990s I dined there frequently. I had the pleasure of staying there again quite recently. I have to say the most recent renovations are very tasteful. I totally disagree with the negative comments posted here regarding bad taste in the improvements. It’s still the Queen of good taste and faithfully maintains its historic mage.
Love it...
43:43 ahhh I’m so glad he made his way back home❤
Wow 🤩. Oh my gosh its soooo beautiful ❤️
Now it just looks like a Hilton
It looks magnificet
prestigious !
They killed Raffles with the obscene redevelopment and tacky decor!
Looks so beautiful hotel ......need to make reservation ......later on
Wonderful to see all the different religions come together to bless the hotel.
Old decor still better
I loved Bernd the much ❤❤
I love the old one
A bit too minimalist with the lack of detail, but still quite tasteful, and classy
Grand Hotels are one of my greatest passions in life! I have a list of about 10 Hotels in the World that I am willing to pay the high cost to stay. Hopefully, I will live long enough to do it! The Raffles Hotel is in the Top 3 on my list. I just know I have to make it happen somehow.
I'm sure the new furniture and decor weren't cheap, as some posters suggest. And "bad taste" is so subjective (and pretentious) as to be meaningless as a criticism. Any comparisons to IKEA are just foolish. BUT...I think in trying to be modern, the designers have gone for a design that is going to look very dated very quickly. I doubt they will be able to go another thirty years before they have to renovate again. The new look is very of-the-moment. I think they'd have been better off to stick with "timeless."
James Clendon The layout and everything is good though I feel, and it’s a lot easier and quicker to do a re-furb which can even be done bit by bit. So personally I think it’ll be aright for awhile now especially considering they fixed all the damp etc that would’ve made huge decay and issues in the future if it wasn’t discovered now.
so they'll do another restore in 30 year. Not the end of the world.
you really are an idiot
Actually, the designer is Alexandra Champalimaud, who specifically designed in mind to pay homage and respect to Raffles Hotel's history and they even introduced some Peranakan elements, that are especially unique to Singapore/Malaysia/Straits Chinese. The black and white colonial style of the lobby is very timeless, and it will stay in style for a very very very long time to come, from a designer's perspective. Some of the more avant-garde lamps at the restaurants may be a tad too modern, but I trust they work for the restaurants' theme and style, and the restaurants may go through rotation regardless. I would suggest to just Google photos to look at the entire restoration or view the hotel in person before commenting.
I hope one day i'll be there..RHSG.icon reborn
Past and present British splendors at their best. Hong Kong should follow it roots.
Their original roots are chinese lol
@@Probanot - I was talking about Arts and Styles.
Swind Pendulum why would it be? 😂😂
I consider myself lucky for having had the opportunity to stay in hotels like Galle Face, Colombo; Strand Hotel, Yongon; E&O, Georgetown; Oriental, Bangkok; Metropole, Hanoi and the Manila Hotel, Manila. Never in the Raffles, though. Perhaps because I was resident in Singapore. It is still on my to do list.
Super
awsome where hotel in Singapore ...
It is the iconic 130-year-old Raffles Hotel, at 1, Beach Road, Singapore.
Nearest MRT station : City Hall MRT.
Welcome to Singapore!🌿💮🌷
From Raffles Hotel to Ming Palace Hotel upgraded to 21st century technology & fittings. Lobby chandelier is soooooo made in PRC. Yucksss !!
it made by Presioca, a luxury brand for chandelier from Czech Republic.
@@crafael. looks modern but still tacky tho. Sorry
The front desk manager is handsome af!
Man, if you paid attention they reopened towards the end of summer, 2019 I think - right in time for COVID to start ramping up. I hope they didn't lose too much business / clients / staff.
I'm crying. They ruined that beautiful hotel. WHY do they have to ruin everything and make it "modern?" Crying.
@TDAKS exactly. People has lost appreciation for anything of value.
well it's about them bringing new people in. They don't care about the old ones. Just like the movies
@@antr7493 yall are dramatic damn
Took them at least 3 years to do this 1 hotel series👏
I understand they wanted modernised, but instead of rivaling or perhaps exceeding the colonial splendor of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, they wound up with something closer to the Oberoi. Not a disaster by any means, but they could have done better. What does look horrendous is that chandelier in the Grand Lobby.
One of my closest friends met her future husband there 39 years ago.
To me it is too white and shiny. Just like any modern hotel anywhere. I will never forget the old Raffles with it’s beautiful swimming pool on the roof. We never got to see that. In the warm nights you could swim and float and look up at the stars. Then lie on beds at the poolside in the warm air of Singapore then go back into the pool. I have never experienced anything like that. And the massage you could get before swimming. That was not mentioned in either blogs but to me that was the best memory of all.
All that work and then covid hits world.
Talk of a bad timing
Mdm Schoof has a serious Raffles hotel fever nagl
Wow, I don’t know what everyone is complaining and being so judgemental about. I absolutely love it! Maybe the chandelier isn’t my personal taste, but everything else was beautiful. I loved how they still kept the white as the true backdrop of the hotel. Quite frankly the dark furniture of before, the Persian rugs and all were just too dark and old fashioned to me. I wouldn’t have been happy staying there at all. I still love that there are old style things mind, just not the overwhelming sense of of how out-dated and worn out some of the thing were looking. I know a lot of people like antiques, but that was truly an over abundance of them.
Hi Rachel
Persian rugs will never be old fashioned. They are class. If not for looks then for other reasons I will not list here. I suggest a history lesson, and a general expanding of your general knowledge.
Raffles should have taken over another historic building to host guests during the renovation. Would take less strain on the restoration work, and if it works out, they would have two locations.