Raffles Hotel, Singapore
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.…
