Started out as 10-room colonial bungalow, the original location was by the seaside, although continued reclamation means that the site is presently some 500 m away from the shore. No asians were permitted until 1930s.At the start of the Japanese invasion, it was common folklore that say the Japanese soldiers encountered the guests of the Raffles Hotel dancing one final waltz. During World War II, the Raffles was renamed Syonan Ryokan (湘南旅館 shōnan ryokan), incorporating Syonan ("Light of the South"), the Japanese name for occupied Singapore, and ryokan, the name for a traditional Japanese inn. More than 300 Japanese troops committed suicide in the hotel using grenades following the liberation of Singapore.
The common sight of Sikh bell boys in front of the hotel.
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