Actually the hotel's policy of no tripod within the private area is understandable. Who is going to be responsible if the tripod accidently causes hurt to their guests or anyone who happens to be in the premise? What if the tripod accidently drops and breaks the tiles or marbles or glass, etc... To us the probability is very small but it IS possible.
When one is seen taking photos with tripod at the carpark, there is bound to be others thinking that they can bring in a tripod into the hotel, garden, etc...
Anyway I have been to Raffles regularly and I find the staff there are reasonable and very friendly to anyone, young or old, rich or poor, any race, etc... Kowtow to the management!
While I was a guest in a 5-star hotel in Shanghai, I was rudely stopped by a staff to STOP any photographing in the lobby (which is really simple and plain). The reason is that other guests (who may be VIPs) will not like it.... I accepted the explanation readily (which is reasonable).