In Toxic Cruise Cocktail, Rachel and family kick off their cruise holiday by staying overnight at the famous Raffles Hotel. Here, Rachel encounters a bombastic man named Bigham who creates an unpleasant atmosphere. Bigham turns out to be an old friend of Rachel’s father, Brendan Prince. There the mystery begins!
Raffles Hotel is an iconic and historic luxury hotel located in Singapore. It is one of the most famous and prestigious hotels in the world, known for its colonial architecture, impeccable service, and rich history:
- Raffles Hotel was built in 1887 by Armenian hoteliers, the Sarkies Brothers. The hotel is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the city’s colonial past.
- Architecture: The hotel features distinctive colonial architecture with a blend of Victorian and Moorish influences. The main building is white and adorned with tropical gardens, creating a unique and elegant atmosphere.
- The Long Bar and the Singapore Sling: Raffles Hotel is famous for being the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, a cocktail created by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the early 20th century. The Long Bar at Raffles is where visitors can enjoy this iconic drink. Rachel and family spend an hour or so in the Long Bar sampling Singapore Slings when they meet fellow cruisers.
- Guests and Cultural Significance: The hotel has hosted numerous celebrities, dignitaries, and royalty over the years, contributing to its cultural significance. Writers such as Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling have stayed at Raffles, adding to its literary allure. I couldn’t send Rachel to Singapore without including a stay at Raffles, it wouldn’t have seemed right. I visited the hotel during a three month SE Asian tour in 1982. My uncle asked me to visit as he’d been there for a while during WWII.
- Restaurants and Dining: Raffles Hotel offers a range of dining options, including fine dining restaurants serving international and local cuisine. The hotel is known for its elegant afternoon teas and lavish Sunday brunches. Rachel and family dine in the Butcher’s Block during their overnight stay and because of Rachel’s sleuthing reputation, Carlos quips about its name.
- Accommodations: Raffles Hotel provides luxurious accommodations, including suites and rooms designed to reflect the hotel’s colonial heritage. Each room is tastefully decorated with a blend of modern amenities and classic style.
- Restoration and Renovation: The hotel was closed for a time while it underwent a significant restoration in recent years to preserve its historic charm while updating facilities to meet modern standards.
- Shopping Arcade: Raffles Hotel is home to a shopping arcade that offers a selection of boutiques and stores, providing guests with the opportunity to indulge in luxury shopping.
- Events and Celebrations: Raffles Hotel is a popular venue for events, weddings, and celebrations due to its opulent settings and impeccable service.
Raffles Hotel is not just a place to stay but an experience that encapsulates the essence of luxury, history, and Singapore’s colonial past. It remains a symbol of the city’s heritage and is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in its rich history and culture.
Many of my readers have emailed to say they have stayed at the hotel on their travels and that they were able to reminisce while reading the first chapter of Toxic Cruise Cocktail.
Toxic Cruise Cocktail is Book 13 in the Rachel Prince Mystery series and is available for Kindle, in paperback, hardback and will soon be in large print.
