Raffles Hotel Singapore's Resident Historian creates 'The Raffles Stories' to highlight the hotel's unique heritage

Resident historian of Raffles Hotel Singapore, the much-loved Leslie Danker, is its longest-serving employee and this year marks his 44th year with the co-production of 12 short videos on different aspects of Raffles Singapore's past, collectively titled The Raffles Stories.

Danker joined Raffles Singapore in 1972 as a maintenance supervisor, and later rose through the ranks to oversee the property's restoration in 1989, after which he took on roles including Chief Information Officer and Guest Relations Manager. Today, as the Resident Historian, he is a walking encyclopaedia on the hotel, continually researching its role in Singapore history, and conducting tours for guests. Quiz him on any aspect of the hotel and he will always be brimming over with information.

It was therefore apt that The Raffles Stories series be created, featuring him as the narrator sharing 12 of his favourite anecdotes about the hotel's history. The first video will debut on social media platforms on 7th April 2016 and the remainder will be uploaded over five weeks. Get to know the iconic Raffles doormen, hear about how Cad's Alley was a vantage point for the gentlemen to watch the ladies go by, and find out more about Michael Jackson's unique stay and his special visitor when he stayed in 1993.

In addition to Danker's narration, each of the 90-second long Raffles Stories will feature archival photographs and videos. All these are complemented by a fun and light-hearted soundtrack that sets the tone and recalls the Jazz Age of the Roaring 1920s.

“When I first joined Raffles Singapore in 1972, I never imagined I would stay for 44 years,” admitted Danker. “But I have and it has been a vastly rewarding experience. I hope audiences will enjoy The Raffles Stories that I helped put together. The hotel opened its doors almost 130 years ago and has collected countless anecdotes, so it was challenging to select 12 of my favourite to share. But choose I did and now, I invite you to join me in turning the page and revisiting these precious memories created within its walls.”

Discover The Raffles Stories on the Raffles Hotel Singapore Facebook page and YouTube channel, where two videos will be uploaded every week. Alternatively, visit www.campaign.sg/rafflesstories/. But do more than just watch them. Through Facebook, participate in a quiz at the end of each reel, and stand to win an attractive prize from any one of the four participating restaurants and bars within the hotel. These include a buffet lunch voucher for two in the beautiful Tiffin Room, and a bottle of Champagne and a dozen oysters at the classic Bar & Billiard Room.

It does not end there. Follow The Raffles Stories, correctly answer the questions at the end of all the 12 videos and earn 12 chances of winning a grand prize. Then, share each of the videos to “unlock” a bonus question; answer all 12 correctly and double your chances of winning that grand prize.

The aforementioned grand prize is The Raffles Experience package worth S$1,260++ (AUD1,230++)*. It comprises a one-night stay at Raffles Singapore in a Personality Suite and has an itinerary specially designed to showcase the hotel. Included is an exclusive one-hour tour with Danker, a demonstration on how to create the world famous Singapore Sling, and a three-course Set Lunch at Raffles Grill.

The Raffles Experience suite package is also available to book for those who are keen to experienceThe Raffles Stories in person. Valid from 1 March to 31 December 2016, it offers the opportunity to stay in one of Raffles Singapore's 12 exclusive Personality Suites. Each of them are named after an esteemed guest who has resided in the hotel, such as Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham and John Wayne.

“As Leslie, our treasured and unique Resident Historian, marks this impressive and major milestone in his career, it is a perfect time to launch The Raffles Stories. His contribution to the preservation of the history of Raffles Singapore has been invaluable and we all thank him very sincerely for his 44 years of service with us,” said Simon Hirst, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Singapore.

“The Raffles Stories is as much about a historian sharing his great passion for this national monument, on which he is a true expert, as it is about the hotel showcasing a selection of its countless tales and yarns – some amusing, some almost unbelievable, some cheeky. As many of these were previously only available in print, we therefore thought to use social media to presentThe Raffles Stories in a modern manner. This way, they can be shared with the world and let the Raffles story continue.”

* based on exchange rate at time of print, subject to change

For Further information:  Jane Corbett-Jones JANE CORBETT-JONES COMMUNICATIONS

T +61 (0) 417 772 783  |  jane@jcjcommunications.com 

About Raffles Hotel Singapore: Opened in 1887, Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. Till today, its architecture is perfectly preserved both inside and out, giving it an intoxicating blend of luxury, history and classic colonial design. Within its walls are 103 expansive suites, framed by polished teak verandas and white marble colonnades, clustered around lush tropical gardens. Each is serviced by the legendary Raffles butlers and offers every modern convenience necessary.

Distinctive restaurants and bars dot the Raffles, recalling the atmosphere of an elegant age. Among the most well-loved include the fine dining establishment Raffles Grill; Long Bar, where the famous Singapore Sling was created; and Writers Bar, a tribute to the novelists and travel writers, the likes of Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling just to name a few, who have become part of the hotel's legend.

Adjoining the hotel is the Raffles Hotel Arcade, which offers a broad range of facilities for visitors to enjoy. These include 40 specialty boutiques, indoor and outdoor function areas – The Ballroom and The Lawn – and theatre venue Jubilee Hall.

About Raffles Hotel & Resorts: Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The portfolio currently comprises eleven luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world: in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Philippines, Paris and Istanbul, each one is an oasis of calm and charm.

The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in key destinations scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place. However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is part of FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with more than 110 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residence clubs, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. raffles.com