Raffles Hotel Singapore Secures 17th Position in World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026

Raffles Hotel Singapore, a landmark property long synonymous with the city-state's hospitality, has once again been recognised on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 list, securing the 17th position. The announcement, dating to Wednesday, September 16, 2026, confirms the enduring allure of this venerable establishment, which remains the sole Singaporean hotel to achieve a top-50 placement.

According to Mingli Seet of Time Out Singapore, the hotel's placement at 17th represents a move from its fifth-place ranking in the previous year. Despite this adjustment, Mingli Seet suggests that its continued inclusion on such a distinguished global roster is a noteworthy accomplishment. They observe that the property, founded in 1887, has consistently evolved, notably through a significant restoration completed in 2019. This extensive refurbishment introduced new dining venues, bars, and communal courtyards, all while assiduously preserving the colonial architectural integrity and the hallmark 'old-school service' for which it is renowned.

The article further reports on Raffles' recent focus on culinary enhancements, highlighting the March 2026 return of celebrated chef André Chiang to Singapore. His new establishment, 1887 by André, now occupies the hotel’s historic formal dining room. Mingli Seet describes how this restaurant draws inspiration from the hotel’s extensive archives and Singapore’s culinary heritage, deftly merging traditional flavours with classical French techniques.

Time Out Singapore recounts the rich history of the Raffles Hotel itself. Opened initially as a modest ten-room property by the Armenian Sarkies brothers, it gradually expanded to become one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks, ultimately being gazetted as a National Monument in 1987. Its distinguished guest registry has included literary figures such as Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, alongside celebrated personalities like Somerset Maugham, Elizabeth Taylor, and Charlie Chaplin. The iconic Singapore Sling cocktail was famously conceived at the hotel’s Long Bar in 1915.

Our take: The sustained presence of Raffles Hotel Singapore on global 'best of' lists, even with a shift in ranking, speaks to the singular nature of its offering within the luxury hospitality landscape. While newer, often more avant-garde properties frequently vie for top spots, Raffles' commitment to preserving its colonial grandeur, coupled with strategic culinary updates, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of its discerning clientele. The recent culinary partnership with Chef André Chiang represents a significant investment in elevating its gastronomic credentials, ensuring the hotel remains relevant without compromising its storied heritage. This balancing act, between reverence for the past and a measured embrace of the contemporary, is a lesson in enduring luxury branding.