A day in the life: Christian Westbeld at Raffles Hotel Singapore
The seasoned hospitality chief reveals how the legendary hotel maintains its status as a beacon of luxury while embracing sustainability and social responsibility
AS DEW-KISSED LAWNS GLISTEN IN the gentle light and tropical birds flit between the lush greenery, the soft clatter of silverware against fine china fills the air, accompanied by the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the inviting scent of pastries.
It’s morning at Raffles Hotel Singapore, and Christian Westbeld begins another day at the helm of one of the world’s most renowned luxury establishments. “No two days are ever the same in the world of luxury hospitality,” says Westbeld, a fact that continues to excite and drive him.
The seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of experience joined Raffles as executive assistant manager in 2009 and became managing director in May 2021 after steering the hotel through a major restoration and the Covid-19 pandemic.
On rare mornings when he arrives before the hotel’s senior resident historian, Leslie Danker, Westbeld relishes their brief encounters. These moments offer him a unique opportunity to gain new insights into Singapore’s “Grande Dame”, as Danker shares updates on the day’s VIP guests and occasionally reveals a previously unknown tidbit about the hotel’s rich history.
It’s a small but significant ritual that sets the tone for the day ahead, reminding Westbeld of the weight of tradition that rests on his shoulders.
As the morning unfolds, Westbeld embarks on his daily walk-around, a crucial part of his routine that allows him to engage with as many colleagues as possible. This hands-on approach ensures that all areas of the hotel are prepared for another busy day – a necessity, as Raffles knows no true low season.
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“We’re constantly plugged in,” Westbeld notes, “and it’s important to stay energised and motivated at all times.”
During these walks, Westbeld and his team pay meticulous attention to the physical appearance of the property. Every detail, from a slightly misaligned piece of furniture to a scuff on a wall, is noted and addressed promptly. This dedication to perfection is what keeps Raffles at the pinnacle of luxury hospitality.
As the day progresses, Westbeld’s schedule fills with a mix of operational meetings, strategic planning sessions, and engagements with partners and stakeholders. Yet, he always makes time for impromptu interactions with guests and staff, understanding that these personal touches are what set Raffles apart.
Not just a hotel
“Raffles is not just a hotel,” Westbeld explains, “It’s a timeless experience and destination.” This philosophy is evident in every aspect of the hotel’s operations, from its meticulous preservation of colonial-era architecture to its cutting-edge sustainability initiatives.
The Raffles approach to service is equally nuanced. “Our service ethos is about anticipating guests’ needs before they arise. And maybe even before the guests know it themselves,” Westbeld says.
This level of intuition is cultivated through rigorous training that goes beyond traditional hospitality skills. Raffles butlers, for instance, are trained not just in service protocols but in the art of storytelling and cultural sensitivity.
And when it comes to management, diversity is key for Westbeld. He believes that a leadership team reflecting a range of perspectives and cultural backgrounds strengthens the hotel’s ability to anticipate global trends and create inclusive experiences for guests from all walks of life.
This pursuit of exceptional service extends to the hotel’s handling of high-profile events and VIP guests. Westbeld oversees a team that conducts extensive pre-arrival preparations, ensuring everything from stringent security measures to bespoke itineraries tailored to each guest’s preferences.
“The level of attention ensures that every guest, no matter how distinguished, feels truly at home at Raffles,” he notes.
Purpose-led partnerships
But Westbeld’s vision for Raffles extends beyond its walls. Through programmes such as SkillsFuture Queen Bee, the hotel provides mentorship and training not just for its own team but for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the broader hospitality industry.
This devotion to community development is a point of pride for Westbeld, who sees it as an essential part of Raffles’ role in Singapore’s hospitality landscape.
The hotel also engages in meaningful partnerships with local schools, offering students exposure to the hospitality sector through internships and learning journeys. For example, the hotel partnered with St Patrick’s School to give Secondary Three students hands-on experience in areas such as customer service, housekeeping, and food and beverage service.
In addition to its educational initiatives, Raffles has a deep collaboration with Community Chest Singapore through the Shop for Good programme. This partnership involves a dedicated retail space at Raffles Boutique where selected Community Chest social service agencies exhibit and sell handcrafted merchandise made by their beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, its collaboration with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, where public and exclusive performances are staged, reflects the hotel’s active role in preserving and celebrating Singapore’s vibrant heritage while making a positive social impact.
Maintaining its edge in the culinary space, the hotel has joined forces with chef Andre Chiang to unveil a signature, as-yet-unnamed restaurant in late 2025. This comes fresh off Chiang’s stint in the 2024 Writer’s Residency Programme. Set within the hotel’s main building – once the elegant stage for opulent dinners and dignitary gatherings – the upcoming concept marks a bold new chapter.
A balancing act
As the day winds down, Westbeld often finds himself reflecting on the delicate balance Raffles strikes between heritage and innovation. The hotel’s restoration project, completed in 2019, exemplifies this balance. While preserving its colonial grandeur, the renovation incorporated state-of-the-art technology and sustainability initiatives.
“Heritage is not about preservation, it’s about evolution with integrity,” Westbeld muses. Take the iconic Singapore Sling, for example. In 2018, the classic cocktail was updated with new craft ingredients to suit modern palates. The use of ecoSPIRITS – a low-waste, low-carbon distribution system for premium beverages – in its preparation underscores Raffles’ sustainability-first mindset.
This conviction is further emphasised by the hotel’s participation in the ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, which plants a tree in the rainforests of Kalimantan or Sumatra for every 25 Singapore Slings ordered.
As night falls over Singapore, Westbeld’s day is far from over. There are always guests to greet, events to oversee, and plans to be made for the future. But as he walks through the hotel’s lush gardens or pauses in its historic Long Bar, he’s reminded of why he chose this path.
“True luxury is responsible luxury,” he reflects, encapsulating the ethos that guides Raffles Hotel Singapore into the future while honouring its storied past.
In an industry where luxury is often measured by excess, Raffles Hotel Singapore offers a refreshing take under Westbeld’s leadership – one that celebrates heritage, community, and sustainability alongside impeccable service and lavish accommodation. It’s a delicate balance, but one that Westbeld and his team nurture daily, ensuring Singapore’s Grande Dame continues to captivate and inspire for generations to come.
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