Malaysia Hotels [Archive] - SkyscraperCity

rizalhakim

December 23rd, 2008, 04:49 AM

Penang hotels boom
By WINNIE YEOH

GEORGE TOWN: Hotels in Penang are enjoying huge bookings, thanks largely to the recent problems in Thailand. Many foreigners have abandoned plans to go to Bangkok and decided to soak up the sun here instead.

Rooms in many hotels here are either fully or 90% booked since last month and the trend is expected to continue until early next year as foreigners holidaying on the island have indicated that they would stay until the end of winter back home.

Penang Hoteliers Association chairman Datuk Lim Mee Lee said members enjoyed brisk business since the start of school holidays and experienced almost full houses following the recent political turmoil in Bangkok.

“We usually enjoy about 80% room occupancy rate during the year-end holiday but this time it crossed 90% and on certain days reached 95%,” he said.

Lim, who is also Malaysia Budget Hotel Association Penang Chapter chairman, said the island was still a preferred alternative holiday destination for local and foreign tourists who would otherwise head for Thailand and other neighbouring countries.

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Sun, sand and surf: Foreign tourists enjoying their holiday at a resort in Penang Monday.

It has been reported that Thailand’s economy could slow sharply in the fourth quarter due to the long-running political crisis and global economic problems.

The seven-day shutdown of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the domestic Don Muang Airport also battered the country’s tourism industry and stranded more than 300,000 travellers.

Copthorne Orchid Hotel sales and marketing director Carol Wong said business was booming following the Bangkok incident.

“Year-end season is always good for hotels in Penang and we have recorded an increase after what happened in Bangkok. We can’t determine the increase accurately but I would say it’s about five to 10%,” she said, adding that the trend was expected to continue until after the Chinese New Year in January.

Paradise Sandy Beach Resort general manager Jeff De Zilva said the hotel also reported an increase with tourists from Bangkok coming into the country by buses at the height of the political turmoil.

“Some of them extended their stay and there are some who wanted to return. They enjoyed their stay here as English is widely spoken and the people are courteous,” he said.

rizalhakim

December 23rd, 2008, 04:52 AM

Hotel unveils new look

kuantan.regency.hyatt.com
KUANTAN: Hyatt Regency Resort Kuantan recently launched its new look with the reopening of its main lobby and its refurbished Italian Bistro and Fun Pub.

The main lobby, overlooking the South China Seas now boasts a spacious reception area with a blend of contemporary and traditional designs.

Group check-in process is more convenient with a separate multi-purpose and hospitality desk.

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Exclusive: A private dining area at the bistro

Located on the same level is the newly enhanced Italian Bistro.

Guests can enjoy indoor or al fresco dining experience with sea view.

The bistro also features a live kitchen, a private dining area for up to 20 persons and a cigar lounge for aficionados.

The Fun Pub re-opened with a new design featuring international live entertainment and the latest hits.

It also offered a wide selection of cocktails, long drinks and snacks, while the central island bar has a huge display of speciality drinks and single malt whiskies.

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Funky: The refurbished Italian Bistro with open kitchen.

“We are thrilled about the reopening of the hotel’s main lobby area as well as our newly enhanced Fun Pub, Veranda Lounge and Italian Bistro.

“The indigenous design of the lobby area evokes a sense of welcome for both leisure and business guests while ensuring a smoother check-in and check-out process,” resort general manager Hendrik Eising said.

Public relations manager Sallehuddin Nazir said in conjunction with the re-opening and to usher in the New Year, the resort would be launching its new executive suites and luxury rooms soon.

rizalhakim

December 23rd, 2008, 05:11 AM

Three treats for Christmas
Jassmine Shadiqe
EXPERIENCE the many “Colours of Christmas” and the “Strike 12” New Year’s Eve bash at Sofitel Palm Resort, Senai.

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FESTIVE CHEER: Celebrate Christmas with Sofitel Palm Resort at Ishwara Asian Brasserie and Terrace, the Grill at Cocomo and Xin Shan Long Chinese Restaurant offering traditional dishes with a modern twist.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Tuesday/Stories/20081222204653/insidepix3?display=small
YULETIDE SWEETS: Many traditional desserts are also available.
Sofitel’s three restaurants — outlets - Ishwara Asian Brasserie and Terrace, the Grill at Cocomo and Xin Shan Long Chinese Restaurant — are set to impress diners with a combination of traditional and creative cuisine to end 2008 and welcome see in the New Year 2009.

Ishwara Asian Brasserie and Terrace offers an international buffet fare for Christmas Eve Dinner (6.30pm and 10.30pm) and Christmas Day Brunch (10.30am and 2.30pm) for RM55++ for adults and RM35++ for children.

Among the array of dishes are salmon mousse, Christmas yule log, Christmas pudding and traditional roasts such as including roast turkey with cranberry sauce, prime rib of beef, leg of lamb and many more.

Priced from RM35.00++ per child and from RM55++ per adult, Accompany your meal with a fine selection variety of salads and Christmas cookies to complete your with festive cheer.

If you prefer a the charms of rustic elegance, the Grill at Cocomo offers you a classy wine and dine atmosphere, with a five-course set dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Tempting the palate highlights include are chicken liver pate with avocado timbale, sautéed sea scallops with fresh blueberry vinaigrette, consommé of chicken infused with saffron and served with loin of duck, and traditional Christmas specialties at RM140++ per person.

Local palates will find a For those seeking local flavours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, there is a satisfying selection of oriental flavours at Xin Shan Long Chinese Restaurant. for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner.

With There is Hong Kong dim sum combinations, dried scallops with Szechuan smoked duck, steamed pomfret with salted vegetables, crispy chicken with prawn paste and almond seeds, baked king prawns and much more. A table for 10 is affordably priced at RM788++.

Xin Shan Long’s uniqueness is reflected in itstheir authentically-prepared dishes presented in a modern, contemporary style. therefore aptly combining the old with the new.

If you are looking to usher in the New Year, 2009 with a sense of festivity, you will not be disappointed at the “Strike 12” New Year’s eve bash. at Sofitel Palm Resort.

Be spoilt for choices as you satisfy your appetite for an unforgettable dining experience, with a combination of over 200 buffet favourites.

http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-1713-sofitel-palm-resort-johor-bahru/index.shtml

rizalhakim

December 23rd, 2008, 06:23 AM

Pelbagai acara sempena
Krismas di A' Famosa Resort
SEREMBAN Pusat percutian A' Famosa Resort, Alor Gajah, Melaka akan mengadakan pelbagai program sempena sambutan Hari Krismas dengan menyaksikan pelbagai gimik dan kejutan kepada pengunjungnya.

Pengurus Kanan A' Famosa Resort, Aswandi Hassan dalam satu kenyataan yang dikeluarkan di sini memberitahu, lapan Santa Klaus serta 16 Santa Rina menaiki kenderaan 'buggy' yang akan menunggu pengunjung di semua restoran dan lokasi rekreasi dalam kawasan resort.

''Ia adalah sebahagian tarikan dan tanggungjawab sosial A' Famosa Resort terhadap pengunjung serta bersama-sama mereka meraikan Hari Krismas yang akan tiba tidak lama lagi," katanya.

Tambahnya, untuk memeriahkan lagi acara sambutan itu, pihaknya juga menyediakan persembahan pentas yang terdiri daripada penari ACT, pertunjukan Red Indian selain penyanyi dangdut, Shima dan Helmy The Gimmick.

''Mereka akan memberikan hiburan di pentas dalam A' Famosa Resort ini pada 24 dan 25 Disember ini. Pengunjung yang datang ke Bandar Koboi (Cowboy Town) juga akan dipertontonkan perarakan haiwan, selain persembahan bunga api lebih 15 minit," katanya.

Kata Aswandi, Helmi The Gimmick akan membuat persembahan pada pukul 11 malam pada 24 dan 25 Disember ini di Bandar Koboi, selain satu lagi persembahan pada pukul 4 petang, 25 Disember di Taman Tema Air dalam pusat percutian ini.

''Banyak lagi persembahan yang telah disediakan termasuklah sambutan di kawasan golf dan parti yang diadakan dengan harga yang berpatutan," jelasnya.

Sehubungan itu, kepada pengunjung yang berhasrat untuk melihat keunikan yang terdapat dalam A' Famosa Resort ini seperti Taman Safari (pertunjukan haiwan), karnival, taman air serta kemudahan banglo dan bilik penginapan, Aswandi memberi jaminan, di sinilah lokasi percutian yang menjanjikan keseronokan.

''Bawalah keluarga untuk bercuti di A' Famosa Resort pada bila-bila masa sahaja dan kunjungilah laman web kami www.afamosa.com atau menghubungi talian 06-552 0888 untuk mendapatkan sebarang maklumat,'' katanya.

nazrey

December 24th, 2008, 02:44 AM

Bungalow turned into a mini hotel
Wednesday December 24, 2008
Story and photos by STUART MICHAEL

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Nice: The lounge area.

THE owner of a bungalow in Jalan Desa 6/7 at Phase Six in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, has turned it into a mini hotel.

The bungalow is in a secluded end of the residential road which comprises only bungalows.

StarMetro visited the place following a tip-off from residents and found that there is no signboard indicating that it is a hotel or has rooms for rent.

The place is completely walled, with its entrance sealed by a metal gate. No one looking at it from the outside would suspect it is a hotel.

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Cosy: The dining area

The hotel operator has also advertised it on a website www.chateau.com.my, offering Internet booking for its 10 rooms, with rental from RM120 to RM200 a night.

The rooms are well furnished like those of a three-star hotel. There are also function rooms, a pool stable, a bar and lounge area with dart games and a place for viewing football matches.

When a worker was asked whether the bungalow had any “special” functions, he didn’t want to say much.

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Well laid out: The common dining area.

However, according to the worker, the owner is a Singaporean and the owner’s wife is the one running the place.

The worker also said the bungalow could cater for private functions of up to about 100 people at any one time.

According to Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) public relations director Mohd Zin Masaod, a hotel cannot be located at a residential area.

“In fact, we were tipped off by the public last week and will investigate this matter. As far as we are concerned, the hotel is illegal,” Zin said.

“Previously, the bungalow owner did not follow building by-laws and we have issued him a few compounds.

“Now he has turned his bungalow into a boarding place and renting out rooms,’’ he said.

nazrey

December 26th, 2008, 03:56 PM

Hyatt Johor Bahru
by edx01
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rizalhakim

December 30th, 2008, 05:34 AM

Golf resort rated among top five
THE Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort's Plantation Course in Pasir Gudang, Johor Baru, has picked up another award.

http://www.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Tuesday/Stories/2437223/insidepix1?display=small
AWARD-WINNING: Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort has three 18-hole championship golf courses with comprehensive country club facilities, including guest rooms and villas.
It was rated among the top five golf resorts in Malaysia by the Asian Golf Monthly magazine in an online poll which drew more than 15,000 entries from all over the world.

Prior to this, the Max Wexler-designed course had received numerous accolades. This included being named among the top 20 golf courses in Malaysia in 2007/2008 by Golf Malaysia readers' poll, rated among the top 10 golf courses in Malaysia 2005/2006 by Asian Golf Monthly readers' poll, rated among the top 20 golf courses in Malaysia 2005/ 2006 by Golf Malaysia readers' poll and among the top seven golf courses in the country by the US Golf Digest in 1999.

"We are indeed delighted by this latest recognition and we will continue to strive for improvement," said the resort's general manager, Khoo Peck Khoon.

The Tanjong Puteri Golf Resort, which was opened in 1999, has three 18-hole championship golf courses with comprehensive country club facilities, including guest rooms and villas.

It is located within the rapidly growing Pasir Gudang area under the Iskandar Malaysia project.

www.tpgr.com

rizalhakim

December 30th, 2008, 08:00 AM

Tanjung Rhu an unpolished gem
By LEONG HUNG YEE

http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/tanjung/japan/images/hotel00.jpg

TANJUNG Rhu Resort is an “unpolished gem”, says newly appointed general manager Nigel Fisher.

“This resort is like a diamond in the rough that just needs some polishing to shine. I see myself as the polisher. That is what I see my job here,” he told StarBizWeek in an interview.

Managed and run by Signforce Sdn Bhd, Tanjung Rhu Resort is a luxurious vacation place on Langkawi Island.

The 136-room resort is located in a private nature sanctuary surrounded with about 1,100 acres of greenery, limestone crags, tropical forest and a 2.5km sandy white private beach.

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Nigel Fisher
Fisher said the resort was known for its tranquility and greenery.

“Many of our guests are returning customers. They like our resort and many return for a holiday year after year and they tell their friends about it,” he said, adding that some guests even knew some staff members by name due to their frequent visits.

‘’We plan to overhaul and improve the resort to enhance visitors’ experience,” Fisher said.

“Our rooms might not be the most modern in terms of colour scheme. We are undertaking some refurbishments to make it (the resort) more contemporary and improve on other things as well,” he added.

Fisher said the refurbishment was on a room by room basis, taking four to five days per room, to avoid having to turn guests away.

The refurbishment has gone unnoticed as the noise level is kept low and the dust contained in the work areas.

Four or five blocks would be refurbished by Christmas and the remaining blocks would be ready by mid-2009. Part of the overhaul includes landscaping the gardens to give a fresh feel to the whole place.

He declined to disclose the investment involved but said it would be a significant amount. Besides the refurbishment, the resort’s chefs are working on a new menu and new activity programmes and excursion trips are in the works.

Fisher, who has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, said it was not tough to manage the resort, nor was it a breeze.

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A view of Tanjung Rhu Resort

“It is not just about selling rooms, it is about giving guests a hassle-free holiday,” he said.“We assure our guests a seamless transfer from the airport to the resort and once you arrive, you do not sit around in the lobby as you will check in immediately to your room,” Fisher said.

“Tanjung Rhu Resort has a great name to uphold and we are doing our best to provide guests a great holiday experience,” he added.

Guests typically stay for one to three weeks.

Resort occupancy, however, has dipped due to the economic slowdown.

“The year started well for us but business has slowed somewhat towards year-end. I guess everyone is feeling the slowdown,” said Fisher.

www.tanjungrhu.com.my

rizalhakim

December 30th, 2008, 08:34 AM

Hotels goes through rebranding
By Jack Wong

KUCHING: International hotels Holiday Inn Kuching and Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching will be renamed under a rebranding exercise.

They will take the new name of Grand Margherita Hotel and River*side Majestic Hotel respectively on Dec 31.

Sarawak State Economic Develop*ment Corporation (SEDC) and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corpo*ra*tion (SEDC) are the joint owners of Grand Margherita while Riverside Ma******jestic Hotel is wholly-owned by SEDC.

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New name: The Holiday Inn Kuching Sarawak will be renamed as Grand Margherita Hotel.

SEDC chairman Datuk Talib Zulpilip described the rebranding exercise as a strategic move as the time was ripe for change.

“The two hotels have already built up a pool of experienced and well-trained staff supported by the newly installed state-of-the-art hotel property management system.

“SEDC wants to take an active management role in line with its role as a major player in the state’s tourism industry,” he said in a press statement recently.

An experienced Malaysian Arthus Yeap has been appointed as the general manager for both hotels.

Talib said both hotels would be refurbished in the middle of next year to ensure their competitiveness in the domestic and regional markets.

The upgrading exercise would include the guestrooms, food and beverage outlets, bar lounge, public amenities, lobby and entrance areas.

The 32-year-old Holiday In Kuching was the city’s first international hotel while Crowne Plaza Riverside opened its door in 1992.

Talib said the two hotels located in the city’s golden triangle had an average occupancy rate of 80%.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to launch the new names of the hotels during a special reception on Jan 19.

nazrey

January 3rd, 2009, 10:06 AM

Hotel wins award for its exceptional service
Saturday January 3, 2009

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DESERVING WIN : The Majestic Malacca.

MALACCA: Launched earlier last year, The Majestic Malacca, YTL Hotels’ first Classic Hotel, had already gained regional recognition with it receiving the award for South East Asia’s best ‘Signature Boutique Hotel’ at the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) 2008-2010 -Regional Series.

The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) organised by World Asia Publishing is in its seventh year.

The aim of HAPA is to continuously recognise and pay tribute to the professionals and establishments in the hospitality industry.

The award had been a much-awaited one for the 54-room Malacca hotel, that’s renowned for its architectural style that’s a testimony to Malacca’s diverse heritage.

The architectural style of the hotel mirrors Malacca’s multi-faceted and historical past, with influences from the Portuguese, the Dutch, the British and the Peranakan cultures.

Teak wood fittings, leather furniture and traditional Portuguese porcelain flooring are enhanced by artwork and antiques which echoed the history of the region; while four-poster beds decorated in a mixture of rich silks and cool cotton and vintage pedestal bath tubs provide the comfort required by discerning modern travellers.

Hotel manager Panch Ratnavale said that he was thrilled to receive the award.

“However, this accolade truly belongs to our dedicated staff whose hard work and tireless commitment contributed towards consistently providing the exceptional service for our guests. It is an honour for us to be recognised as the best among the many outstanding hotels in the region,” he said.

rizalhakim

January 6th, 2009, 05:42 AM

Four Points to meet tourist needs
By : Nancy Nais

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The 421-room Four Points Hotel will be open for business next Saturday.

KUCHING: After almost two decades, a new international hotel will open here.

Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing says new jobs will be created

Sheraton's Four Points Hotel, owned by Global Upline Sdn Bhd, will open for business next Saturday, to meet the rising demand for hotel rooms.

Global Upline adviser Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing said at the hotel's soft launch on Sunday that Sarawak had seen little growth in the development of new tourist attractions and products over the past years.

"The shortage of hotel rooms in the city has led to very few extended stays in Kuching, with a large number of tour groups choosing Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu over Kuching, leading to a subsequent stagnation in the local economy."

Ting said a four-star hotel was suitable for the current economic situation with the Four Points being a middle to upper-middle property, providing the comforts of a five-star property at a lower price.

He said the hotel was also aimed at the meetings, conventions and exhibitions market.

"This brand and its offerings will be attractive and affordable not only to locals but also foreigners. As such, it would be easier to attract tourists to Kuching," he added.

Despite the bleak economic outlook, he said Global Upline was looking at developing another property here soon.

"We feel that even after we open the Four Points in Kuching, there is still a need for more rooms to support the tourism industry."

Global Upline also announced plans to develop a large boulevard with restaurants and foodstalls as well as tourist attractions in front of the hotel.

Ting added the projects would create jobs to stimulate the local economy.

The 421-room Four Points, a turnkey project, was completed in 11 months.

Global Upline has also developed properties in Langkawi, Labuan, and the Philippines.

rizalhakim

January 7th, 2009, 04:01 AM

Four-star hotel adds 421 rooms in Kuching
By JACK WONG

KUCHING: The RM290mil Four Points by Sheraton Kuching has opened for business, giving a boost to the city’s tourism development.

Owner Global Upline Sdn Bhd took just 11 months to complete the 421-room four-star hotel near Kuching International Airport.

Global Upline adviser Tan Sri Ting Pek Khiing said the firm’s investment would overcome the city’s shortage of hotel rooms.

“Even after we open Four Points by Sheraton, there will still be a need for more rooms to support the tourism industry,” he told reporters at the hotel’s soft opening on Sunday.

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Soft opening: Ting and his wife Puan Sri Wong Sui Chuo cutting a ribbon to launch Four Points by Sheraton Kuching recently.

Ting said that Global Upline, which had completed several major airport and other infrastructure projects in Sabah and Sarawak, planned to invest in a second hotel next to the Four Points by Sheraton.

He said the lack of hotel rooms had discouraged big tour groups from choosing the city as they were frustrated by having to split the groups to stay in different hotels.

He said, with a ballroom that could cater for 3,000 to 4,000 seminar seats and 1,500 diners for sit-down banquets, Four Points by Sheraton was ready to serve the market.

The state’s multi-million ringgit Sarawak Convention Centre here is expected to start operations this year.

Ting said the tourism industry required the teamwork of all players including airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour and transport operators and guides.

He urged Malaysia Airlines to provide more flights for tourists to Sarawak .

“Hotels, restaurants and food outlets should serve quality food at reasonable prices to earn a good name for the state,” he said.

Ting added that the city had attracted many Singaporean holiday makers but soaring prices of hotel rooms, food and transport services had driven them away.

Four Points by Sheraton has announced plans to develop a large boulevard with restaurants and food stalls and tourist attractions in front of the hotel.

A Japanese hawker-style restaurant is also on the cards.

rizalhakim

January 7th, 2009, 05:17 AM

Hotel Rebranding To Cushion Economic Slowdown Impact

KUCHING, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The rebranding of hotels being managed by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is part of a three-pronged strategy to cushion the impact of the current economic slowdown, its chairman Datuk Talib Zulpilip said today.

He said the other measures were cost-cutting and readjusting the projected annual revenues of SEDC's 36 associate and subsidiary companies throughout the state in facing the overall economic situation.

"SEDC's investments in the key industries are still profitable because we took an early precautionary step since the 1997 financial crisis when it affected the country," he told reporters after flagging off the "World Harmony Run 2009" at the Grand Margherita Hotel here.

As part of its rebranding exercise, two hotels under SEDC, namely Holiday Inn Kuching and Crowne Plaza Riverside Kuching, have been renamed Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel respectively effective January 1.

Two other hotels -- Damai Beach Resort and Damai Puri Resort in Santubong, which were previously under the international Holiday Inn chain -- are now also under the direct management of SEDC, which is also a shareholder of the Grand Mulu Resort at Mulu National Park and the Parkcity hotels in Bintulu and Miri.

As at December 31, 2007, SEDC's total group asset was estimated at RM1.1 billion through invetments in the tourism and leisure as well as agro-food based sectors besides property development, roads and works, and entrepreneurial development.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

January 9th, 2009, 09:56 AM

Tower Regency bakal hotel rasmi Jubli Perak Sultan Azlan Shah
http://ipohtower.com

IPOH 8 Jan. - Tower Regency Hotel and Apartments di sini yang dimiliki oleh Ipoh Tower Sdn. Bhd. bakal dijadikan hotel rasmi sempena majlis ulang tahun ke-25 tahun Sultan Azlan Shah ditabalkan sebagai Sultan Perak pada 14 Februari ini.

Pengarah Jenama Tower Regency Hotel and Apartments Sdn. Bhd, Kenny Lai berkata, secara dasarnya, Sultan Azlan Shah berkenan menjadikan hotel tersebut sebagai tempat kediaman rasmi bagi tetamu-tetamu kenamaan baginda.

''Pada hari ini, Tuanku melawat hotel ini bagi melihat persiapan yang telah dibuat kerana baginda berminat untuk menggunakan tempat ini sebagai hotel rasmi untuk tetamu kenamaan sempena sambutan Jubli Perak baginda sebagai sultan.

''Selepas hotel ini dibuka dalam bulan ini, Tuanku akan datang melawat sekali lagi dan jika berpuas hati, baginda akan membuat tempahan," katanya ketika ditemui selepas mengiringi Sultan Azlan Shah melawat hotel itu hari ini.

Tower Regency Hotel and Apartments yang terletak di kawasan seluas kira-kira 0.9 hektar di Jalan Datuk Seri Ahmad Said di sini dibina dengan kos sebanyak RM70 juta.

Projek pembinaan hotel itu dimulakan pada Januari 2007 selepas Ipoh Tower mengambil alih projek berkenaan daripada Danaharta pada 2005.

Menurut Kenny, bangunan hotel berkenaan merupakan yang tertinggi di Ipoh, malah hotel pertama di sini menyediakan bilik pangsapuri.

''Hotel ini menyediakan sebanyak 260 bilik termasuk bilik hotel dan kediaman pangsapuri selain kemudahan seperti taman permainan kanak-kanak, rumah kelab, kolam renang dan gimnasium.

''Sasaran kami bukan sahaja terdiri daripada orang kenamaan atau pelancong tetapi termasuk golongan berkeluarga kerana segala kemudahan ada di sini," katanya.

Beliau berkata, walaupun hotel itu bertaraf empat bintang, kadar sewa yang ditawarkan adalah berpatutan iaitu dari RM150 semalam.

rizalhakim

January 12th, 2009, 04:21 AM

Malaysia hoteliers see good bookings in Jan-April
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/01/12

HOTELS in Malaysia expect their rooms to be quite full in the first four months of 2009, despite a slower travel industry and higher room rates.

"Forward bookings from January to April 2009 look very healthy. We do not anticipate any cancellation or rate wars.

"Things look very positive now," said Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president Ivo Nekvapil.

The occupancy rate for Klang Valley hotels in December was around 75 per cent, contributing to a nationwide occupancy rate of 65 per cent in 2008.

"I won't say occupancy will be roaring, but at worst it will be hover around 65 per cent," he said.

"We are not in a recessionary mode and we are riding the slowdown quite well. While there may be less long-haul travelling, there are still those coming from Asia and Malaysians on domestic holidays," he said.

The news is comforting given that overall room-inventory will increase with additional openings next year such as Royale Chulan and The G Kuala Lumpur and Four Points by Sheraton Kuching and Cititel Kota Kinabalu.

The renovated Micasa and the Hard Rock Hotel (previously the Casuarina) will reopen this year.

Nekvapil estimates that 2008 finished at a comfortable 65 per cent occupancy level, up from about 63 per cent in 2007.

Some of the hotel openings last year included The Gardens Hotel in Mid Valley, The Pullman Putrajaya and The Piccolo Hotel at Jalan Bukit Bintang.

There were also three hotel openings in 1 Borneo Kota Kinabalu - the Mercure, Novotel and TuneHotel.Com.

According to Nekvapil, Malaysia also benefited from the political problems in Thailand, which saw people switching to other destinations in the region.

In the first 11 months of 2008, a total of 19.99 million tourists visited Malaysia.

rizalhakim

January 21st, 2009, 03:46 AM

RM22mil to upgrade Kuching hotels

KUCHING: The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) will spend RM22mil over the next two years to refurbish its two newly renamed hotels in the city centre.

SEDC chairman Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the upgrading of the Riverside Majestic Hotel, formerly the Crowne Plaza Riverside, and the Grand Margherita Hotel, formerly the Holiday Inn Kuching, would begin in the second quarter of this year.

The refurbishment would cover the lobbies, entrance areas, food and beverage outlets, bar lounges, public amenities and guest rooms.

“This is part of the rebranding plan to project a vibrant and more refreshing image for the hotels and ensure quality to meet guest satisfaction,” he said during the rebranding ceremony attended by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Monday.

Talib said this was also part of the SEDC’s three-pronged strategy to cushion the impact of the current economic slowdown.

He said the decision to mutually discontinue the hotel management agreement with Inter Continental Hotels Group (IHG) was based on commercial considerations and long-term sustainability.

rizalhakim

January 21st, 2009, 04:19 AM

Seri Malaysia Hotel Chain To Enforce Franchise Act

ALOR SETAR, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Seri Malaysia hotel chain, the biggest middle-range hotel chain in the country, will adopt the Franchise Act 1998 in all its 18 hotels soon.

Seri Malaysia Hotel Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Dr Shafei Salleh said provisions in the Act would be enforced entirely to facilitate the company management and the agreement signed between the Seri Malaysia hotel chain and the operators.

Seri Malaysia hotels have not been enforcing the Act and was only using contract agreements to run the hotels.

"Enforcing the Act is the best approach as we want to standardise all procedures if it is agreeable by all Seri Malaysia Hotel operators," he told reporters after the Seri Malaysia Hotel board meeting.

Seri Malaysia Hotels, which started operations in 1995, have not been enforcing the Franchise Act as parliament had not approved the Act then.

Since then, the agreement with hotel operators was bound by contract terms and conditions.

-- MORE

rizalhakim

January 21st, 2009, 05:34 AM

Hotel Seri Malaysia di seluruh negara
ALOR STAR 20 Jan. - Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (RHSM) sedang mengenalpasti tapak-tapak baru untuk pembinaan Hotel Seri Malaysia supaya ia dapat memenuhi pasaran di seluruh negara, termasuk projek terbarunya di Perlis yang menelan perbelanjaan RM20 juta.

Pengerusi RHSM, Datuk Seri Dr. Shafie Salleh memberitahu, Hotel Seri Malaysia Perlis yang mempunyai 100 buah bilik dibangunkan di atas tapak seluas kira-kira dua hektar itu berpotensi menarik pelanggan berpendapatan rendah dan sederhana yang tidak mampu menyewa hotel-hotel bertaraf lima bintang.

''Selain Perlis yang pembinaannya akan dijalankan tidak lama lagi, RHSM merancang untuk mendirikan Hotel Seri Malaysia di Sabah dan Sarawak," kata beliau kepada pemberita di Hotel Seri Malaysia Alor Star di sini malam tadi.

Turut hadir Pengarah Urusan RHSM, Zahriah Abdul Kadir.

Dr. Shafie yang berada di sini sempena Mesyuarat Lembaga Pengarah RHSM berkata, setakat ini terdapat 18 buah Hotel Seri Malaysia yang beroperasi di negara ini dengan menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan menarik kepada pelanggan dengan tawaran harga bilik berpatutan.

''Matlamat kita adalah setiap negeri ada Hotel Seri Malaysia. Kalau tidak banyak, sekurang-kurangnya satu Hotel Seri Malaysia bagi setiap negeri.

Namun bagi negeri yang berpotensi seperti Kedah misalnya, terdapat tiga buah Hotel Seri Malaysia iaitu di Alor Star, Sungai Petani," kata beliau.

Sementara itu, katanya, RHSM membuka peluang kepada usahawan tempatan yang mempunyai tanah dan kemampuan untuk membuka hotel atas jenama Hotel Seri Malaysia dengan bantuan RHSM.

''Manakala bagi operator yang sedang mengendalikan Hotel Seri Malaysia di bawah sistem francais, kita sedang mengatasi apa sahaja masalah atau kelemahan supaya ia dapat diuruskan dengan baik," kata beliau.

Sehubungan itu, kata Dr. Shafie, bagi menjamin keberkesanan dalam pengurusan hotel, RHSM akan menguatkuasakan pelaksanaan Akta Francais 1998 terhadap semua operator Hotel Seri Malaysia supaya segala masalah, termasuk aspek pengurusan kewangan tidak timbul sehingga menjejaskan perniagaan mereka.

''Menerusi Akta Francais 1998, ia tentu tidak akan menimbulkan masalah malah operator perlu membuktikan keupayaan mengendalikan hotel masing-masing bagi mengelakkan mereka daripada ditamatkan perkhidmatan.

''Ia adalah situasi menang-menang kepada operator dan RHSM dapat meningkatkan prestasi Hotel Seri Malaysia," tambah beliau.

rizalhakim

January 21st, 2009, 09:09 AM

Shangri-La attracts institutional investors
By Yong Yen Nie
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

Despite owning some of the country's most popular luxury hotels and resorts, Shangri-La Hotels (Malaysia) Bhd is generally a low-key stock that does not generate much interest among investors.
This is because the counter is illiquid, given that the bulk of its shares (52.78%) is tightly held by Shangri-La Asia Ltd, which is backed by Kuok Group.
Hence, it came as a surprise when private equity fund Aberdeen Asset Management plc emerged as Shangri-La's substantial shareholder at the end of last year, after its Malaysian-based unit acquired 22.03 million shares, or about 5% equity interest, in the hotel management group.
Filings with Bursa Malaysia showed that Aberdeen continued to raise its stake in Shangri-La in December last year. The fund now owns a 5.58% stake in the group.
Gerald Ambrose, Aberdeen's managing director, says the fund has been investing in Shangri-La as it is attracted by the counter's low price.
"It is trading at only 6.5 times price over earnings, making it a cheap stock to buy. Although the stock is not performing very well currently, we believe the price will reflect its business fundamentals," he tells The Edge.
Ambrose adds that Aberdeen's target price for Shangri-La is RM4.50, and is willing to hold on to the stock or buy more on weakness as it likes the way its hotels are run.
"We like Shangri-La for its stable of good hotels, its underlying profitability, positive cash flow and transparent management," says Ambrose, adding that Aberdeen will keep the stock as long as it is happy with the group's performance.
Shangri-La's second-largest shareholder, Hong Kong-based Standard Chartered Private Equity Ltd (StanChart PE), also upped its stake in the hotel management group in December last year.
StanChart PE raised its stake in Shangri-La to 22.21% from 19.55% last month. Filings on Jan 12 showed that the company had raised its stake again by 0.03% or 164,800 shares between Jan 2 and 7. It currently owns 97.88 million shares in the group.
In September 2007, StanChart PE acquired 86 million shares or a 19.55% stake in Landmarks Bhd at an undisclosed price, after the latter had put up the block of shares for sale.
A foreign research house analyst says it is not surprising that the two investors have been accumulating Shangri-La's stock as the counter is undervalued, while also offering good dividends. The group declared a 10 sen dividend less tax for its financial year ended 2007.
"Shangri-La is also less exposed to the lower tourist arrivals that are expected this year as the group mainly focuses on business travellers.
"With the renovations at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur completed this year, the hotel is expected to open more rooms and increase room rates, which will boost its profitability to mitigate fewer traveller arrivals," the analyst tells The Edge.
Aberdeen's Ambrose says although bleak economic conditions may affect the arrival of long-haul travellers into the country, Shangri-La is seeing an increase in business from regional travellers, especially at its Sabah operations.
Shangri-La owns and operates Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, as well as Traders Kuala Lumpur. In Penang, it runs Traders Penang and two resorts — Golden Sands Resort and Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa. In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the group owns the Rasa Ria Resort and Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. Shangri-La also owns UBN Tower and UBN Apartments, both located next to Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur.
Nevertheless, looking at StanChart PE's and Aberdeen's recent moves, industry observers say a privatisation exercise could be in the pipeline for Shangri-La. StanChart PE has declined to comment on its recent move or the possibility of Shangri-La being taken private.
However, Aberdeen's Ambrose does not expect a privatisation. "If there is an attempt to privatise Shangri-La, we will look at it but we are not expecting it to take place at all," he says.
An analyst with a foreign research house says given that the stock has only about 16% public float, which is less than Bursa's listing requirement of 25%, the three substantial shareholders will have to eventually let go of some of their shares.
"They can't raise their stakes any much higher, given the low public float. However, we do not expect the three main shareholders to be too concerned about meeting the public spread requirement," says the analyst.
Ambrose says Aberdeen is not worried by Shangri-La's tight public float situation as Bursa has been lenient with several companies that are less liquid than Shangri-La. "However, we meet the management at least twice a year and we expect them to address the issue," he says.
In an announcement to Bursa last Tuesday, Shangri-La said it had not formulated any plans to increase the percentage of public shareholding spread and would apply for a time extension to comply with the prescribed spread.
Shangri-La hit a high of RM2.65 in November 2007 but fell to five-year lows in early December 2008. However, between Dec 5 last year and Jan 13 this year, the counter rose 45 sen to RM1.67 although trading had been flat.
Analysts say despite the challenging times ahead, Shangri-La's strong competitive positioning — backed by its solid, financial grounding — will help the group make it through a rough year.
Shangri-La posted a 15.5% decline in net profit for the nine months ended September 2008, mainly due to an asset write-off of RM17.1 million by Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur as well as a major renovation programme that has resulted in the closure of some of its rooms and a drop in occupancy to 48% for the period, compared with 71% a year earlier.
In a research report dated Nov 10, 2008, Standard & Poor's says Shangri-La's net profit for 3QFY2008 ended Sept 30 was within expectations as all its hotels experienced higher occupancy and average room rates, which mitigated the drop in contribution from its Kuala Lumpur hotel operations.
The recent moves by its substantial shareholders will certainly shore up investor confidence in the hotel group. After all, since its establishment in 1971, Shangri-La's hotels have survived at least two major financial crises. It is likely to survive this one as well.

rizalhakim

February 16th, 2009, 07:16 AM

Hotel spa mewah berharga sederhana

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MELANCONG ke hotel mewah terutama yang mempunyai kemudahan spa memang idaman setiap orang tetapi apabila melihat harganya, tentu ramai membatalkan niat kerana terlalu mahal.

WOW! minggu ini memberi panduan memilih hotel spa mewah yang berharga sederhana kepada sesiapa yang kebetulan melancong ke negara-negara berkenaan, termasuk di negara ini.

Antara hotel dengan tawaran pakej spa mewah yang semakin popular

di kalangan pelancong ialah:

The Datai - Jalan Teluk Datai, Langkawi

http://www.designhotels.com/images/1.dataidesignhotels5_0.jpg

http://photos.igougo.com/images/p100296-Langkawi-the_Datai_1.jpg

Manjakan diri dengan desiran ombak dan tiupan bayu dari Lautan Andaman di Hotel Datai Langkawi. Keindahan seni bina Melayu ala tradisional yang dikelilingi kehijauan hutan dara dan batu-batu gunung mampu mengimbas kehidupan seperti di dalam istana di zaman dahulu kala.

Datai sememangnya cukup sempurna bagi pasangan berbulan-madu yang mencari lokasi terpencil tanpa mengorbankan kemudahan asas seperti pilihan pelbagai menu di restoran, bersantai di kolam renang atau beriadah di padang golf 18 lubangnya.

Hotel turut menawarkan perkhidmatan urutan aroma terapi dan spa mewah bagi membantu pelawat meredakan ketegangan fikiran. Penyediaan spa dilakukan hanya oleh mereka yang pakar.

Reputasi cemerlang menobatkan hotel ini antara terbaik di Asia Tenggara dan ia bukan sekadar ungkapan kosong tetapi terbukti melalui plak pengiktirafan yang diterima.

Harga: bermula dari RM1,300

2206

February 16th, 2009, 09:31 AM

SUTERA HARBOUR, Kota Kinabalu
http://www.suteraharbour.com/

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/Photo0001.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/s20.jpg

magellan wing
http://www.suteraharbour.com/images/spl_rooms_tms_luxsea.jpg

pacific wing
http://www.suteraharbour.com/images/spl_rooms_tps_luxgolf.jpg

http://www.suteraharbour.com/images/spl_golfclub_coursemap.jpg
http://www.suteraharbour.com/images/spl_marina_overview.jpg

2206

February 16th, 2009, 09:36 AM

STAR, Kota Kinabalu
http://www.shangri-la.com/cn/property/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/hotel00.jpg
http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/41959E0D-95EC-4891-9061-C9C700AB7D75.jpg
http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/314B5E81-E30A-425C-8C5D-57023F8D01D5.jpg

「气」Spa
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/12-16-2008_16-06-14.jpg

Blue Note
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/gallery_bluenote.jpg

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/139738262_774d5fa65c_o.jpg

>2:30min ★★★★★★
IAIkifNsKUg

2206

February 16th, 2009, 09:40 AM

Some say it's Heaven
http://www.nexusresort.com/new/index.html
http://www.karambunaigolf.com/index.html
http://www.nexusresidence.com/main.html

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/karambunai.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/index_top.gif
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/ngrk.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/kroom8.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/spalobby1.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/01.jpg

2206

February 16th, 2009, 09:43 AM

SRRR, Kota Kinabalu
http://www.shangri-la.com/cn/property/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/535_rasaria.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/golf.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/srr11Ocean-Wing-Balcony---Upper-Flo.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/srr4gazebosunset.jpg
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/srr14.jpg

the Coast
http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o417/cth2206/coast.jpg

rizalhakim

February 18th, 2009, 03:06 AM

Tune to open two hotels in Bali
By JACK WONG

KUCHING: Tune Hotels.com will open two hotels in Bali in November, in what will be the company’s first hotels outside Malaysia, said chief executive officer Mark Lankester.

Tune Hotels.com is also eyeing hotel markets in Thailand, China and India.

The two Bali hotels, a 170-room hotel in Legian Bali and a 139-room hotel in Kuta Bali, are now under construction, according to Lankester.

Tune Hotels.com is also scheduled to open a 258-room hotel in downtown Penang and a 222-room hotel at the low cost carrier terminal (LCCT) in KL International Airport in April.

Lankester said Tune Hotels.com had also planned for two hotels in Johor, one in Kuantan, and more hotels in other Sarawak towns.

Tune Hotels.com currently owns a 173-room hotel in Kuala Lumpur and a 165-room hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

“About 200,000 guests have stayed in Tune Hotels.com (since April 2007).

“As a Malaysian brand, we will continue to roll out more hotels to serve Malaysians first,’’ Lankester told reporters at the launch of the the group’s first hotel franchise, the Tune Hotels.com-Waterfront Kuching here yesterday.

The franchise is operated and managed by Limar Management Services Sdn Bhd and owned by prominent Iban businessnman Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah.

Lankester said Tune Hotels.com was in discussion with Limar to set up a second hotel in Kuching.

Meanwhile, Tune Hotels.com is offering promotional rates, from five sen per night for stays between November this year and January 2010, and from RM5 per night for stays between March and October this year.

The hotel group employs a self-service on-line booking system, modelled after that of low-cost airlines that encourages guests to book early to enjoy exceptionally low prices.

nazrey

February 20th, 2009, 01:49 PM

G Hotel: Penang
http://www.ghotel.com.my/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2398961968_8b0c67c258.jpg?v=0

rizalhakim

February 23rd, 2009, 03:44 AM

Accor offers its biggest Asia-Pacific room sale
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/02/23

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/accorsale/pix_topright

IF YOU have bought a low-fare ticket during the recent Malaysia Airlines promotion or secured a zero-fare seat on AirAsia, now's the time to take advantage of some bargain accommodation.

European hotel leader Accor, which operates brands like the Pullman, Novotel and Mercure, will have its largest-ever sale in Asia-Pacific, offering one million rooms in 13 countries.

The three-day sale is on from midnight February 24 to 11.59pm February 26.

The bookings at more than 300 hotels will be available for stays from April 1 to July 31 this year, with discounts of up to 75 per cent depending on the country.

Accor hotel brands participating in the sale include the Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis.

Accor said in a press release that each participating country has a single sale rate (one rate for similar room category in the same country): Malaysia, RM135; Bali in Indonesia, US$43; Singapore, S$88; and Australia A$79.

"With an ever-growing number of Accor hotels throughout Malaysia, the Accor Super 3 Day Sale is the perfect opportunity for people to experience our four- and five-star properties at a fraction of the cost," said Gerard Guillouet, vice-president of Accor Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Accor operates five hotels in Malaysia: Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Palm Resort Johor Baru, the new Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside, Novotel 1Borneo and Mercure Kota Kinabalu.

Bookings can be made on www.accorhotels.com/supersale.

rock-a-fella

February 25th, 2009, 07:24 PM

any pictures of Hilton KL Sentral?

rizalhakim

February 26th, 2009, 06:09 AM

Hotel Wakaf MAIM Tanjung Kling siap 2010

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0226/Utusan_Malaysia/Selatan/ws_04.1.jpg
GHAZALE Mohamad (dua dari kanan) bersama Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (kanan) melihat replika bangunan Hotel Wakaf MAIM pada majlis pecah tanah pembinaan hotel itu di Pantai Puteri, Tanjung Kling, Melaka, semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MELAKA 25 Feb. - Pembinaan Hotel Wakaf Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM) di Tanjung Kling di sini dijangka siap sepenuhnya pada Februari tahun 2010.

Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali Rustam berkata, projek tersebut yang menelan kos sebanyak RM17 juta memulakan kerja-kerja pembinaan pada pertengahan bulan lalu.

Katanya, pembinaan Hotel Wakaf MAIM itu kelak bakal merancakkan lagi industri pelancongan negeri sekali gus melengkapkan keperluan sektor tersebut pada masa depan.

''Pembinaan Hotel Wakaf MAIM ini bertujuan memenuhi tuntutan fardu kifayah kepada masyarakat terutama di kalangan umat Islam yang datang bermusafir ke negeri ini dan bayaran penginapan yang setimpal dikenakan kepada golongan seperti ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis perasmian pecah tanah Hotel Wakaf MAIM yang disempurnakan oleh Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi di sini, kelmarin.

Teks ucapan Ketua Menteri dibacakan oleh Timbalan Pengerusi MAIM, Ghazale Mohamad.

Mohd. Ali berkata, usaha kerajaan itu juga bertujuan membantu meningkatkan sosio- ekonomi umat Islam melalui cabang-cabang perniagaan yang diwujudkan dalam operasi pengurusan hotel.

Pada masa yang sama, katanya, pembinaan hotel wakaf tersebut berkonsepkan syariah yang pertama diwujudkan di negara ini.

Beliau memberitahu, Kerajaan Persekutuan melalui Jabatan Perdana Menteri telah memperuntukkan sejumlah RM256 juta di bawah peruntukkan Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) bagi disalurkan bagi pembangunan projek wakaf di seluruh negara.

Katanya, pelbagai projek fizikal telah dilaksana sepanjang tempoh pelaksanaan RMK-9 bagi merancakkan pembangunan wakaf terutama yang dikenal pasti berpotensi menyumbang kepada sumber pendapatan kepada masyarakat Islam.

''Pembangunan hotel yang berkonsepkan Islam itu juga bertujuan menyediakan kemudahan penginapan, perkhidmatan dan makanan mengikut kehendak syariah Islam.

''Projek ini merupakan antara usaha Jabatan Wakaf, Zakat dan Haji (Jawhar) dan MAIM untuk meningkatkan taraf sosio ekonomi," katanya.

Hotel Wakaf MAIM akan menjadi pemangkin dalam menjana peluang pekerjaan di kalangan umat Islam di negeri ini sekali gus menambah pendapatan negara menerusi sektor tersebut.

nazrey

March 12th, 2009, 05:21 PM

G Hotel: Penang
http://www.ghotel.com.my/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2398961968_8b0c67c258.jpg?v=0

by DanLai.hk
http://www.flickr.com/photos/danlai/3346493953/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3346493953_92bcfc8f36_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3346485383_1034e8a2a6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3346372853_7cf84f7842_b.jpg

rizalhakim

March 16th, 2009, 05:23 AM

Hotels undergo makeovers during slowdown

SEVERAL major hotels in Penang have started renovating their premises during the global economic crisis in anticipating a lower occupancy rate.

Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi is in the process of massive renovation, with all its 395 rooms undergoing changes.

General manager Bruno Cristol said the upgrading work had been planned since early last year but they decided to accelerate the progress in view of the economic situation.

He said: “With less tourist arrivals expected, we’ve decided to accelerate all the work and finish it in mid-December before Christmas.

“The first batch of renovated rooms is expected to be open to the public by the first week of May.”

Lone Pine Hotel, also in Batu Ferringhi, is set to close on April 1 for renovation.

“The present downturn and expected slowdown in the next quarter is an opportune time to refurbish the hotel although plans for this long-overdue exercise have been laid out a while back,” said E&O Hotel general manager Michael Saxon.

He said the last refurbishment exercise was about a decade ago when the E&O Group first acquired the Lone Pine Hotel.

Paradise Sandy Beach Resort general ma-nager Jeff De Zilva said the hotel would be given a facelift next month.

“Traditionally, April is a slow time for hotels as it is the interim period between winter and spring. So, it’s a good time to carry out any upgrading work,” he said.

Under the Mini Budget, hotels and business premises get a boost of a maximum of RM100,000 in tax rebate for renovations.

“Although it may not be a large sum, we welcome the rebate,” said Malaysian Hotels Associations Penang Chapter chairman Marco G. Battistotti.

rizalhakim

March 20th, 2009, 04:59 AM

Sarawak to have 11,000 hotel rooms by 2011

MIRI: The number of hotel rooms in Sarawak is expected to double from 5,600 to 11,000 in the next two years.

State Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Michael Manyin said the figure was based on the new hotels expected to mushroom throughout the state until 2011 and the growing interest among Sarawak entrepreneurs to venture into the hospitality industry.

Sarawak would be in a better position to attract more tourists with the availability of more hotel rooms, he told reporters after a dialogue with local tour operators recently.

During the dialogue, he urged the tour operators to come up with new tourism products that could attract tourists from the Southeast Asian region to Sarawak.

The ministry was now encouraging promotions to attract tourists from countries like Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia as it anticipated a drop in the number of long-haul tourists from Europe and the United States due to the global economic slowdown, he said. - Bernama

nazrey

April 16th, 2009, 10:45 AM

Guocoland invests RM50m to refurbish hotels
Published: 2009/04/16

GUOCOLAND (Malaysia) Bhd is investing RM50 million to refurbish its two hotels -- Guoman PD and Hyatt Johor Baharu.

Upon completion in June, the hotels will be rebranded as Thistle Port Dickson Resort and Thistle Johor Baharu, respectively.

"It is our first foray outside the United Kingdom, starting in Malaysia", Thistle Johor Baharu general manager Philip Skitch told reporters today.

The expansion is part of Thistle's two-year strategy to introduce the Thistle brand internationally.
Thistle is part of Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Ltd, owned by Guocoland Malaysia, a subsidiary of Hong Leong Group.

Thistle Hotels has 34 hotels across the United Kingdom, in most of the major cities, including 11 in central London.

"We are looking at a average 70 per cent occupancy in the first year in Johor Baharu and 65 per cent in Port Dickson," Skitch said.

Guocoland Managing Director Paul Poh said the chain of hotels would be expanded to other Asian countries.

Currently, the group plans to open two new hotels in Beijing and Shanghai by year-end.

He also said Guocoland was planning to develop a piece of land in Damansara Heights for mixed development.

"We haven't start construction yet. We are looking at 2011 or 2012," he added. -- Bernama

rizalhakim

April 22nd, 2009, 04:20 AM

Sime seeks buyer for hotel
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2009/04/22
http://www.equatorial.com/mel/
http://www.cuti.com.my/hotel/Hotelpages/Melaka/equatorial/main1.jpg
In a move to sell non-core businesses, the conglomerate has put up Hotel Equatorial Melaka for sale at an estimated RM180 million
Conglomerate Sime Darby Bhd (
4197
) has put up for sale its decade-old hotel in the heart of historical Malacca.

The five-star 496-room Hotel Equatorial Melaka will probably be sold for an estimated RM180 million, or roughly RM363,000 per room, sources told Business Times.

The sale is said to to be in line with Sime Darby's intention to sell non-core businesses.

Hotel Equatorial Melaka is owned by Syarikat Malacca Straits Inn Sdn Bhd, in which Sime Darby holds 55 per cent and the Malacca state government 30 per cent. The rest is held by Hotel Equatorial (M) Sdn Bhd, which is also the operator.
Sime Darby officials were unavailable for comment.

Sources close to the deal said that Zerin Properties has been appointed as the exclusive agent for the sale. Zerin Properties could not be reached for comment.

A source, who disclosed that several offers have been received for the property, said the agent was hopeful of completing the deal by the year-end.

If Sime Darby got its asking price, based on its interests, it could get as much as RM99 million from the sale.

It is believed that the hotel, with average occupancy of more than 60 per cent and average room rate of RM180 per night, made some RM37 million revenue in its last financial year.

Its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation last year stood at around RM11 million.

Malacca, the third most visited state after Kuala Lumpur/Selangor and Penang, was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Last year, it welcomed 7.2 million tourists. It projects 8.4 million arrivals this year. By 2010, it hopes to attract 13 million tourists.

Hotel Equatorial Melaka, located in Bandar Hilir, is a 22-storey building with three basement floors for parking. It has seven food and beverage outlets and a ballroom seating capacity of 1,300.

The hotel is within walking distance of the A Famosa fort and the Stadthuys.

According to a Sime Darby website, its hospitality involvement includes the PNB Darby Park Executive Suites in Kuala Lumpur, Harvard Suasana Hotel in Kedah and Darby Park Executive Suites in Singapore.

rizalhakim

April 24th, 2009, 05:48 AM

http://images.channels.nl/images/hotel/org/123/1235804.jpg
suria city hotel johor bharu

http://www.suriaresorts.com/suria-city-hotel.php

http://www.onecommbizz.com/admin/wysiwyg/popups/act_1232319891.jpg

rizalhakim

April 25th, 2009, 03:57 AM

PK Resources plans RM58m 4-star hotel
Published: 2009/04/25

PK RESOURCES Bhd (5339) is investing RM58 million to build a four-star hotel adjacent to the Nilai Springs Golf & Country Club in Putra Nilai, Nilai Springs Resort Sdn Bhd general manager G.K. How said yesterday.

Construction of the nine-storey 183-room Nilai Springs Resort Hotel was progressing smoothly since last year and was nearing completion.

"According to our plan, we are to do the soft launch on June 8. The hotel is slated to start full commercial operations in September," he said.

How said the hotel would have the "Azuma Fusion Restaurant" serving a variety of Japanese, South Korean and Chinese food and western food by "Springs Cafe".
The stall-styled "Golfers' Terrace" will serve local cuisines. There are also "Fairway Lounge" and "Splash Station.

"For the next two years, our occupancy projection is 55 and 60 per cent. We are confident of achieving this target as the hotel has only 183 rooms.

"In fact, we have already received bookings from several F1 racing teams coming for the F1 championship at the Sepang International Circuit next year.

The optimism to woo hotel guests stems from the hotel's strategic location proximity to the KL International Airport in Sepang, Low-Cost Carrier Terminal, Sepang International Circuit, Cyberjaya Intelligent City and Putrajaya federal government administra-tion centre.

PK Resources (formerly known as (Peladang Kimia Bhd), a property developer, is currently focusing on Putra Nilai (new name for Bandar Baru Nilai) township via its wholly-owned subsidiary BBN Development Sdn Bhd.

Putra Nilai is one of the largest townships within the Multimedia Super Corridor and is strategically located in the vicinity of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. - Bernama

2206

May 1st, 2009, 07:47 AM

by the_decor

magellan@sutera harbour
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3475393186_f162977e38_b.jpg

pacific@sutera harbour
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3474579695_44c15e133f_b.jpg

marina
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3474585613_bb9377e43b_b.jpg

2206

May 1st, 2009, 07:48 AM

pacific@sutera harbour

by JerryLiew
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3482025991_a78667c38e_b.jpg

rizalhakim

May 24th, 2009, 10:34 AM

Heritage hotel in documentary series

PENANG’s iconic Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel will be featured in a documentary series on Asia’s historic heri-tage structures later this year.

It is the only hotel on the island selected by an international broadcaster to be highlighted in the series, which will be aired as interstitials in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In television, interstitials are short programmes between three to five minutes long aired between full-length programmes to fill in gaps between time slots.

A production crew was recently at the hotel to do a two-day shoot, covering the lobby’s acoustic dome, the Rudyard Kipling suite, the vintage elevator, the Sarkies passage (corridor), the grand staircase, sunrise and sunset at the seafront, the exterior facade and the very traditional English afternoon tea served at its fine dining restaurant The 1885.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2009/5/23/north/rolls.jpg
Ko (left) presenting the sponsorship to Star Publications operations regional manager (north) Chung Chok Yin.

E & O was born to meet the demands of affluent travellers who descended on Asia in the mid 1800’s.

Writers, actors, playwrights, the rich and the titled, bored with Europe and the Americas, looked to the exotic East to satisfy their wanderlust.

The Armenian Sarkies brothers, Martin and Tigran, settled down in Penang and established the Eastern Hotel in 1884.

Encouraged by their success, they opened another hotel, the Oriental in 1885, on an adjacent piece of land facing the sea. Combined, these two hotels became the largest hotel in Penang, offering 80 comfortable and tastefully appointed rooms.

In 1891, another Sarkies brother, Arshak, joined the business, adding a large ballroom in 1903.

Before long, the hotel became the centre of social life and gaiety in Penang. Famous guests who enjoyed its hospitality included Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Hermann Hesse.

By 1927, the E&O was pronounced in advertisements as ‘The Premier Hotel East of the Suez’, boasting more than 100 rooms, 40 of them with adjoining bathrooms, hot and cold running water, individual telephones and a 842-foot seafront, ‘the longest of any hotel in the world’.

But as the Great Depression set in, Arshak’s extravagance and mismanagement saw the E&O slipping into slow decline and after his death in 1931, changed hands several times.

However, even at its lowest point, the E&O retained its charm and wea-thered the passage of time with cha-racter and grace.

Today, more than a century since its establishment, the E&O has reclaimed its past glories.

Returning to elegance, its rich heri-tage and unique position in Penang’s history will be documented on film to be savoured by the eyes of the world.

rizalhakim

May 24th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Cititel eyes visitors from China, India
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/05/23
http://www.cititelpenang.com/

http://www.asiatravel.com/malaysia/cititel_penang/gifs/facade.jpg

CITITEL Hotel Management Sdn Bhd (CHM) is looking to tap visitors from China and India for its Cititel Penang property.

Cititel Penang general manager Jeffrey Goh said the hotel is keen to attract both the leisure and business segments in the two markets.

He said it is currently working with local agents in Penang to create attractive travel packages to penetrate the Chinese and Indian markets and sell the island state as a Unesco heritage-listed destination.

"Malaysia currently serves as our main source of business, which makes up 55 per cent of our total market," he told Business Times in Penang.

"We expect to enter these new markets by the fourth quarter of the year," he added.

Apart from the domestic market, the Japanese market accounts for another 16 per cent of the hotel's business, while Thai visitors make up 8 per cent.

Cititel Penang has recently invested RM2 million to refurbish its ballroom and superior rooms.

On the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak impact, Goh said: "There has been minimal impact with total cancellation of less than five room nights in total."

rizalhakim

June 10th, 2009, 04:37 AM

Hydro Hotel Penang for sale
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/06/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/hydpng-2/pix_bottom
The four-star Hydro Hotel Penang in Batu Ferringhi is up for sale for an estimated RM100 million, sources say.

The property, previously known as Hydro Majestic Hotel and before that Ferringhi Beach Hotel, was bought by the Mah family of Penang in early 2006 from Asia Pacific Land Bhd.

The 350-room property, now 28 years old, was bought for RM43 million.

It is understood that Hydro Hotel underwent a RM20 million facelift after the acquisition.

The Mah family, whose activities include property development, has been in the hotel business for over 10 years, with hotels in Australia and China.

Nick Mah Siew Chean, the executive director of his family's group of companies which include the Mercure Majestic Hotel in Kunming, did not deny that the property was up for sale when contacted several weeks ago.

He said that it was willing to consider the sale if the price was right.

One source said that the owners had voiced their intention to sell the property almost a year ago and that several potential buyers had viewed it.

However, Business Times could not reach Nick yesterday.

A few years ago, the family bought the abandoned hotel building in Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur, completed it and ran it as the Novotel Hydro Majestic. The hotel was later sold to Pulai Springs Bhd.

In April this year, Pulai Springs, of which Nick is the executive director, sold the Novotel Hydro Majestic to The Nomad Residences Sdn Bhd.

rizalhakim

June 11th, 2009, 10:31 AM

Sheraton continues to invest in Malaysia
Published: 2009/06/11

SHERATON Hotels & Resorts would continue to invest in Malaysia despite the ongoing economic crisis, according to Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel general manager, Wolfgang Boettcher.

"Rest assured that a large part of Sheraton's direction is to continue investing in Malaysia, and to introduce more signature services in the near future to further raise the bar for service levels in the tourism and hospitality industry in the country," he added.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of its new signature service in Malaysia, Link@Sheraton, a project of its business centre partnering with Microsoft, today.

Sheraton brand is owned by Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., a hospitality ownership, management, and franchise organisation based in New York.

It owns, operates, franchises and manages hotels, resorts, spas, residences, and vacation ownership properties.

The launch was witnessed by Tourism Ministry Deputy Secretary General Dr Junaida Lee Abdullah, Brand Director for Sheraton Asia Pacific Vincent Ong, General Manager Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort Giuseppe Ressa and Client Business Group Director Microsoft Malaysia KT Ng.

In order to enhance the Sheraton brand in Malaysia, Boettcher said there will be another Sheraton hotel coming up in Miri and it is expected to be completed in 2012.

Currently, there are two Sheraton outlets in Malaysia -- Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort.

Despite the challenging environment, Boettcher said Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur is still surviving with occupancy rate of 55-60 per cent, adding things are improving as negative news across the globe is getting less.

On the Link@Sheraton, Boettcher said the service is part of Sheraton''s US$4 billion investment towards upgrading 100 of its properties, renovating 50,000 guestrooms and redesigning more than 100 lobbies.

For Malaysia, the investment for the implementation of the Link@Sheraton was about RM760,000 for both the Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi outlets.

The Link features multiple internet-enabled workstations complete with free 24/7 Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. The service enables guests to surf the Internet, check e-mail, review local attractions and send out electronic video postcards. - Bernama

rizalhakim

June 18th, 2009, 07:21 AM

Hotel guests' tax to pay for amenities
By : Jason Gerald John

MALACCA: In a move to provide the best public facilities for visitors to the Historical City, the state government is considering imposing a RM2 tax on all guests staying in hotels here.

However, before this could be done, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said it would have to study the Local Government Act and see if there was a clause to allow for it.

"The money collected would be for the benefit of the visitors as we would use the funds to build amenities such as more public toilets, plant more trees to provide shade, and hire more staff to ensure cleanliness.

"We want to ensure visitors to the state enjoy first class public facilities and services and this is why we have mooted this idea," he said, after visiting the Durian Tunggal Dam, here, yesterday.

Ali said that with the hotel occupancy rate in the state hitting the two million mark monthly, the state would be able to make RM4 million if it was able to impose the RM2 tax on every hotel guest.

"The state's legal adviser is looking into the matter now and we will be able to table the findings in the next executive council meeting.

"If everything goes well, we could implement this in the next one or two months."

In a related matter, Ali called on all hotel operators, amusement park operators and restaurant owners to offer a free drink to their customers on July 7, to usher in the one-year anniversary of the World Heritage City status.

"It could be like a welcome drink and to thank the visitors for their support.

"I also call on Malaccans to don their traditional costumes on July 7 as it would make the atmosphere merrier.

"The state leaders and I would also wear our traditional costumes on that day," he said.

On the current dry spell in the state, Ali assured Malaccans that water supply would not be affected as water was now being pumped in from the Muar river to ensure ample supply.

"We have enough water stored at a few storage facilities in the state," he said.

rizalhakim

June 18th, 2009, 07:38 AM

http://my.jobstreet.com/microsite/thistle/thistle_01.jpg

http://www.thistlejb.com.my

Hotel Thistle sedia tingkat khas untuk wanita

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0618/Kosmo/Negara/ne_10.1.jpg
Pemandangan sebuah bilik di aras Ladies Floor yang disediakan di Thistle Johor Bahru bermula Julai ini.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KUALA LUMPUR - Thistle Johor Bahru akan melancarkan Ladies Floor yang dikhaskan untuk golongan wanita apabila hotel terkemuka itu memulakan operasinya pada bulan Julai ini.

Pengarah Bilik Thistle Johor Bahru, Joy Faber berkata, kemudahan ini adalah yang pertama diwujudkan di dalam industri hotel di Malaysia.

Menurutnya, Ladies Floor diwujudkan di hotel berkenaan ekoran keprihatinan syarikat terhadap golongan berkenaan kerana bilangan eksekutif wanita yang menginap seorang diri di hotel-hotel kini semakin meningkat.

"Oleh itu, kami telah mewujudkan satu keistimewaan di hotel ini bagi kumpulan tersebut.

"Kami juga menyediakan perkhidmatan khusus kepada mereka termasuk ditemani seekor ikan emas setiap bilik sekiranya menetap seorang diri di sini,'' katanya dalam kenyataan di sini semalam.

Kelengkapan lain yang disediakan ialah produk mandian, topeng mata untuk mata yang lesu dan empat jenis minuman teh yang menenangkan.

Ladies Floor terletak di tingkat 12, Thistle Johor Bahru yang mana aras berkenaan akan memiliki 13 bilik dengan katil besar, dua bilik dengan dua katil berkembar dan 10 bilik Hollywood Twins menghadap laut.

nazrey

June 22nd, 2009, 03:14 AM

Swiss-Belhotel has hands full with new projects
Published: 2009/06/22

THREE hotels and a serviced residence are keeping Hong Kong-based hotel management firm Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) awfully busy in Malaysia.

SBI, which will open the five-star Golden Palm Tree Sea Villas and Spa Sepang in December 2009, is also working on three other hotel projects which are under development in Pahang, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

In Pahang, SBI will manage a 515-room Swiss-Belhotel Zenith Kuantan together with a convention centre that can accommodate 6,000 people. The hotel, slated for opening in October 2010, forms part of the Putra Square Kuantan being developed by Zenith Aim Sdn Bhd.

SBI's director of projects and developments for Malaysia, Carlos Velho, is excited about the project as he feels the opening will fill an existing void in the state capital - the need for a five-star city hotel with convention facilities.

"There is no facility equal to this in Kuantan and its opening will bring the meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition business to the convention centre," Velho told Business Times in an interview.

Accordingly, Velho expects occupancy to touch 80 per cent in the first year of operations - a commendable figure for a new hotel. It hopes to garner an average room rate (ARR) of between RM180 and RM230 per night.

The project in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is a 335-room sea-fronting five-star hotel. The hotel, to be named Grand Swiss-Belhotel Kota Kinabalu, is owned by China based i-Zenith International Pvt Ltd.

This hotel forms part of the 1.22ha Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront integrated mixed development by Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd. The project will also house a 400,000 sq ft retail space and another 100 units of designer suites.

To be ready in December 2010, Velho expects this hotel to draw a foreign crowd who will help fill up its projected 70-75 per cent average occupancy in the first year. It hopes to achieve an ARR of RM350.

The hotel complies as a green building, and thus expects that while cost of construction may be higher, its cost of operations will be lower from water harvesting and savings on lighting and air-conditioning (typically the highest cost after wages).

In Mont Kiara, a 584-unit Swiss-Belhotel Mont Kiara Suites and Residences is being built by a public-listed company.

Meanwhile, The Golden Palm Tree Sea Villas development in Sepang will open its doors December 2009.

Velho said that reception to the project was so good that it had to increase the number of villas to 399 from 366.

The project guarantees a return of 8 per cent in the first and second year and to gradually improve from the third year onwards.

The villas, which have all been sold, is leased back by the developer of the project Sepang Gold Coast Sdn Bhd's unit Sepang Duta Sdn Bhd.

Sepang Gold Coast is a 70-30 joint venture between CNI Corp and Permodalan Negeri Selangor Bhd (PNSB).

nazrey

June 22nd, 2009, 03:21 AM

Swiss-Belhotel sees ringing success
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2009/06/22

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/iswissbel/pix_topright

THE name Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) may not ring a bell with most Malaysians, but it soon will.

This Hong Kong-based hotel management company, which is yet to open its first Malaysian hotel, will by end-2010 operate some 1,800 rooms in Malaysia and create between 2,000 and 2,500 jobs in the market.

It is also in talks with other developers that will lock another 1,000 rooms under its management by end-2011.

Given the anticipated openings, it is not surprising that SBI's director of projects and developments for Malaysia Carlos Velho expects that Malaysia will be the largest profit contributor to the group in two years.

"We are confident that Malaysia in the next two years will be the biggest net profit churner for the group," he said, adding that now the group's major contribution comes from Indonesia.

SBI manages 26 hotels in 13 countries. Another 26 are under development.

"We are negotiating for openings in Johor, Sarawak, Penang and Langkawi," Velho said, adding that it was close to signing on the dotted lines for all these deals.

The new projects are either four-star or five-star properties with 300 rooms on average and are slated for opening in 2011 and 2012.

Founded in 1987, Swiss-Belhotel today comprises Swiss-Grand (for five-star and boutique brands) and Swiss-Belhotel (for four- and five-star brands).

In more recent years, it created Swiss-Inn and Swiss-Express brands for three- and two-star operations.

The confirmed openings in Malaysia are Golden Palm Tree Sea Villas and Spa, Swiss-Belhotel Mont Kiara Suites and Residences, Swiss-Belhotel Zenith Kuantan and Grand Swiss-Belhotel Kota Kinabalu.

rizalhakim

June 23rd, 2009, 04:16 AM

Accor launches Asia Pacific ‘City Super Sale’
Published: 2009/06/23

HOTEL and services group Accor is launching Asia Pacific “City Super Sale” which offers travellers up to 60 per cent savings in hotel rates in 27 cities across 10 countries in the region.

This includes Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Jakarta, Hanoi, Mumbai, Sydney and Auckland.

Over 250,000 room nights will be on sale with rates starting as low as US$25 (RM88.50) per night during the sale period of between July 10 and September 30.

The company said its sales coincide with record-low air fares across the Asia Pacific.

Accor’s brands include Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons and Ibis.

tbc

June 23rd, 2009, 07:07 AM

This hotel forms part of the 1.22ha Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront integrated mixed development by Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd .....

To be ready in December 2010, Velho expects .....

Either the chap :
(i) has not been to the place anytime recently, or
(ii) been misled big time regarding construction time frame, or
(iii) has an overabundance of optimism with regards to pace of construction here in KK
:nuts:

rizalhakim

June 29th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Investments in Malaysian hotels plunge
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/06/29

However, there are signs of foreign investors returning to the Malaysian hotel market, says a real estate agent

Transactions involving the buying and selling of Malaysian hotels have plunged fivefold, from RM1.2 billion worth of transactions in 2005 to RM205 million last year, as owners preferred to hold on to their assets as property prices appreciated.

Last year also saw no foreign interests unlike in 2006 and 2007 where more than 60 per cent of the hotel investment volumes were by foreigners.

However, the momentum is expected to pick up this year, said real estate agent Previndran Singhe.

"Prices have now stabilised and so owners are willing to sell," Previndran told Business Times yesterday.

At the same time, there are signs of foreign investors returning to the Malaysian hotel market as real estate agencies including Previndran's company Zerin Properties Sdn Bhd, have been approached by them looking for deals.

Zerin Properties has closed over RM1 billion worth of hotel deals in the past five years.

"The foreigners are returning and they are willing to pay the market price, as they realised that they are unable to bargain since there is no property crisis here," Previndran said.

He added that their interest in Malaysian hospitality is spurred by the country's strong tourism market.

"We welcome more tourists here than in Singapore or even Thailand," he said.

He added that this was despite the fact Malaysia is known to have one of the lowest, if not the lowest, average room rates in the world, which could take an investor a decade to see return on investment.

"They see a potential for an upside in terms of rates," Previndran said.

This year has already seen the sale of the Novotel Hydro Majestic in Kuala Lumpur to The Nomad Residences Sdn Bhd.

Other hotels up for sale and may see deals closed include Sime Darby Bhd's sale of Hotel Equatorial Malacca and Hydro Hotel Penang in Batu Ferringhi.

IGB Corp Bhd has also voiced its intention to dispose of its Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

nazrey

June 29th, 2009, 11:18 AM

Novotel Hydro Majestic Kuala Lumpur
by khuntai
http://www.flickr.com/photos/17913347@N06/3670635617/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/3670635617_ca3fd344ce_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3671443514_d11893622a_o.jpg

rizalhakim

June 30th, 2009, 04:35 AM

Pan Pacific KLIA Wins Chairman's Award

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- The Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport hotel was awarded with the Chairman's Award in the recent annual KLIA Awards.

The KLIA Awards, organised by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, is an annual event held since 2006 to recognise the KLIA business partners and service providers operating at the KL International Airport (KLIA).

The hotel received its first KLIA Award for "Outstanding Achievement" at Malaysia Airport's inaugural KLIA Awards in 2006.

"Service excellence is an important factor in the service industry. We believe that our personal connection is the essence of our brand," its executive assistant manager, Sharmini Moganasundram said in a statement Monday.

She said the hotel will continue to implement new and innovative guest service solutions.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

July 1st, 2009, 05:04 AM

Pre-war shops converted to a 45-room budget hotel
By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

MUAR: Love for heritage prompted a businessman here to convert a row of seven run-down shop houses into a new landmark for this town.

The seven shops, built before the First World War and located along Jalan Ali here, have been given a massive facelift and renovated to become a 45-room budget hotel.

Leong Hup Holdings executive director Tan Sri Francis Lau, who decided to buy the row of dilapidated buildings and turned it into a hotel, called it the Streetview Hotel.

The Lau family bought the buildings due to their historical significance and beautiful designs in the houses, said Lau at the opening of the hotel last week.

“We want to preserve the houses as a reminder of the gold old days and recall the times we walked down the street here,” he said at the hotel opening by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim last Thursday.

Razali commended the Lau family for their passion in wanting to protect and preserve the town’s historical landscape.

He added Muar had many old buildings which should be preserved. He urged for more efforts to protect such places.

rizalhakim

July 1st, 2009, 06:49 AM

http://www.veritas.com.my/newsletter/Website%20Newsletter/June%202009/02.jpg

http://www.veritas.com.my/newsletter/Website%20Newsletter/June%202009/03.jpg

rizalhakim

July 3rd, 2009, 04:35 AM

Dorsett plans 10 more hotels in Malaysia
By RACHAEL KAM

Parent company has committed RM500mil for the expansion

SUBANG: Hospitality player Dorsett International Sdn Bhd aims to add 10 hotels to its existing chain of five hotels and resorts in Malaysia in five years, says president Eddie Tang.

He said the parent company had allocated RM500mil for the expansion.

Dorsett International, set up at the end of last year, is the Malaysian hospitality arm of Hong Kong-listed Far East Consortium International Ltd, which is mainly engaged in property development and hotel operations in China.

Dorsett International now owns five hotels – the five-star Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers, the international class Grand Dorsett Labuan Hotel, the four-star Dorsett Regency Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the four-star Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences in Kuala Lumpur and the three-star Dorsett Johor Hotel in Johor Baru.

“Currently, we have five hotel projects in the pipeline under our five-year expansion plan,” Tang told StarBiz in an interview.

He noted that of those five projects, two in Kuala Lumpur were in the building design stage while the other three were under negotiations for the purchase of land and building.

“We are looking to set up a boutique hotel in Sri Hartamas, a Dorsett Hotel in Cheras, Dorsett Hotel & Resorts in Kota Kinabalu, a Grand Dorsett Hotel in Penang and a hotel and a resort in Kuantan or Kelantan,” he added.

Tang, formerly the chief financial officer of Malaysian Land Properties Sdn Bhd, was appointed president of Dorsett International in early January to oversee the management of the company’s five hotels in Malaysia.

He said Dorsett International was undertaking a rebranding exercise to consolidate its operations.

The company has four brands in Malaysia – Grand Dorsett, Dorsett Regency (business and leisure hotel), Dorsett Hotel (mid-range hotel) and Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences (a combination of hotel and serviced residences).

“Under the rebranding exercise, the 502-room Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers will be changed to a new name in October after the handover of operations effective Oct 1,” Tang said.

“By end-2010, customers will be able to identify and relate to the group’s various classes of hospitality services – international, mid-range and serviced residences,” he said.

Far East Consortium acquired Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers from Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide three years ago but the hotel had remained under the management of Starwood.

Tang said the renovation and refurbishment of Sheraton Subang had started and would cost RM60mil. “Our hotel rooms, reception and lobby lounge will have a totally fresh look,” he said.

However, Tang said, the rebranding would try to move away from the star-ratings system practised by Dorsett International’s sister hotels in Hong Kong.

“In Hong Kong, a lot of hotels are breaking away from the star ratings,” he noted.

According to Tang, hotels rated four stars and below have been spared the full impact of the global economic slowdown as people cut down on lodging expenses and downgraded their accomodation needs.

“In the first three months of this year, Sheraton Subang was quite badly hit too. However, we expect demand to pick up again.

“I see the global economy coming back, given the high occupancy rates in our hotels now,” he said.

Currently, Sheraton Subang has a 70% occupancy rate while the Dorsett Regency has 80%, Grand Dorsett Labuan 85%, Dorsett Johor Hotel 60% and Maytower Hotel & Serviced Residences 60%.

Dorsett International would also focus on the meeting, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) segment, Tang said, noting: “You will be surprised to see that MICE actually contributes quite handsomely to the group’s revenue.”

The company would upgrade the MICE facilities in Sheraton Subang next year under the second phase of refurbishment, he added.

According to Tang, Dorsett International will also look at expanding its outside catering business.

He said Dorsett Regency had been running the outside catering business for three years now, while Dorsett Johor Hotel had just begun in mid-June. Sheraton Subang used to do it under the management of Starwood.

“The response has been good so far and we will emphasise more on outside catering in the future,” he said.

For the financial year ended March 31 (FY09), Dorsett International posted a revenue of RM112mil.

Based on its current occupancy rates, the company expected revenue of RM125mil in this financial year, Tang said.

The hotel operator forecasts a revenue of RM143mil in FY11 as more hotels are rolled out and as it reaps the benefits of its rebranding exercise.

nazrey

July 5th, 2009, 09:46 PM

Far East's hotel in Subang to sport contemporary look
Published: 2009/07/06

TWELVE-year-old Sheraton Subang Hotels & Towers is undergoing a transformation as the owner of the hotel, Far East Consortium Ltd, prepares to take over the management from Starwood.

It is understood that the hotel may be re-branded as a luxury Dorsett brand once the handing-over takes place on October 1.

The renovation and refurbishment exercise, which started recently, will see the owners pumping in RM60 million. This will boost the number of rooms rooms to 500 from 352 currently.

The additional 125-odd rooms were never completed under the original owners. The hotel was previously owned by the Faber Group. Far East bought the property in 2006.

The president of Far East's hospitality arm, Dorsett International Sdn Bhd, Eddie Tang, said the hotel will sport a more contemporary look compared with a classical look now. The renovation will take about a year.

In 2008, the hotel enjoyed an average room rate (ARR) of RM260 and an occupancy of 70 per cent. This year, as a result of the renovation exercise, the hotel expects to sustain the ARR at RM260 and fill 60 per cent of its rooms.

Tang remains optimistic about the performance of the hotel even if it no longer carries the Starwood brand. He expects the hotel to raise the ARR to RM280 per night and enjoy an occupancy of between 70 per cent and 75 per cent next year.

nazrey

July 6th, 2009, 09:18 PM

...

nazrey

July 6th, 2009, 09:18 PM

Hotel Properties plans to expand in Sabah
By Sharen Kaur
Published: 2009/07/07

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/TS5/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/HPL.jpg

Businessman Tan Sri Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir says the company sees opportunities to buy hotels and resorts in Sabah at a discount

Singapore-based Hotel Properties Ltd (HPL) plans to expand its hotel portfolio in Sabah, with a view to snap up distressed hotels there.

Businessman Tan Sri Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir said the company sees opportunities to buy hotels and resorts in Sabah at a discount from their existing owners who have been hit by the current economic slowdown.

HPL, which is controlled by founder and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, manages Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Concorde Shah Alam, Concorde Inn Sepang, Casa Del Mar Langkawi and The Lakehouse in Cameron Highlands.

"There are always expansion plans within the HPL group. We will buy, if the price is right. By doing so, we will be creating new employment.

"In hospitality, it is sad to see hotels close or a big (number of) staff being laid off," Syed Yusof, who is a shareholder of HPL, told Business Times in an interview.

The company is looking to buy small properties such as boutique hotels as they offer gross operating profit (GOP) of over 40 per cent.

For instance, the GOP for Casa Del Mar and Concorde Kuala Lumpur were 45 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively, higher than the 35 per cent for the remaining properties.

"I don't think we should miss the boat. (Sabah's) eco-tourism is booming. If we buy a property in Sabah and keep it unique, it should sell like hot cakes," Syed Yusof said.

HPL is also mulling to set up a Hard Rock Cafe in Kota Kinabalu and buy a resort in Sipadan Island.

"These plans are still preliminary. If we can manage the resort in Sipadan Island professionally, there will be good money," Syed Yusof said.

While the plans look good on paper, Syed Yusof is aware that hospitality is not an easy business to run and is vulnerable to terrorism, diseases and a recession.

"Malaysia will always be indirectly affected when the world is in crisis. Hospitality is a vulnerable business, with slow returns and huge capital. A lot of hard work is involved to keep the business afloat. It's not all that rosy as one may think it to be," he added.

Syed Yusof said the most important things in this business are dedication and cash flow to make it work.

"To succeed, one must also have good partners, management and staff. For instance, our partner, Ong, is internationally recognised and thus, we have no qualms about buying properties in good or bad market conditions," he said.

On why he has been staying in the business for over two decades, Syed Yusof said it was because of his passion for the industry.

Concorde Kuala Lumpur, formerly Merlin Hotel, on Jalan Sultan Ismail is Syed Yusof's first hotel venture in 1990, after halting from property development activities temporarily.

"Our partners (referring to Ong and Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor) are dedicated in tourism. Our group is ready to assist the Tourism Ministry in new developments for the sector," he said.

rizalhakim

July 8th, 2009, 04:29 AM

HDC Certifies Kitchens Of 170 Hotels As Halal

PETALING JAYA, July 7 (Bernama) -- Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) has certified the kitchens of 170 hotels as halal as of June this year, its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said Tuesday.

He said that five-star hotels accounted for 15 certificates, four-star hotels 23 certificates, three-star hotels 101 certificates, two-star hotels 14 certificates and others 17 certificates.

"We are hoping for more hotels to obtain the kitchen halal certification from HDC to gain the unwavering confidence of consumers towards their products and services," he said at a media briefing here.

To date, HDC has received 149 new applications for halal certification of the kitchens and 29 had so far been approved, Jamil said.

He said the halal certification application from hotels as well as the food and beverage industry was voluntary like other industries which did not impose a compulsory requirement.

According to Jamil, HDC's halal certification system has been enhanced whereby the processing timeframe has been significantly reduced so as not to hinder the applicants' operations.

He attributed delays in the certification process to incomplete application details, including awaiting document submission for ingredients as well as payment fee and other non-compliance issues such as hygiene.

"The halal logo on halal products is an indication of the halal reliability and integrity associated with quality, hygiene and safety," Jamil said.

"We are committed to preserving the halal integrity at all times and part of this undertaking is the stringent certification process," he said.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

July 8th, 2009, 04:29 AM

More hotels seek halal certs for their kitchens
By Zurinna Raja AdamPublished: 2009/07/08

LESS than a tenth of hotels in the country have had their kitchens certified halal, but more are seeking to do so to attract Muslim patronage.

As at June 30, only 170 hotels out of more than 2,000 had halal-certified kitchens, Halal Industry Development Corp Sdn Bhd (HDC) said.

HDC has received 149 new applications for halal certification for hotel kitchens and approved 29.

"We can't certify a hotel as halal, but we certify its kitchen as halal if it complies with our guidelines, which include cleanliness, separate storage for halal and non-halal products, and the cooking ingredients must be halal and sourced from halal producers," HDC chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

However, it is not compulsory for hotel kitchens to be certified halal.

On Monday, HDC held a dialogue with the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners, Malaysia Association of Hotels and Malaysian Budget Hotels Association and it was agreed that more hotel kitchens must apply for halal certification.

The move would help meet the needs of Muslim tourists who are expected to make their way here in increasing numbers.

When HDC took over the certification process from Jakim in July last year, it inherited a backlog of almost 2,000 cases. Most were incomplete applications, making them difficult to process.

From July 2008 until last month, HDC received 62 applications out of which only nine were approved. Twelve failed to get their premises certified.

The remaining 41 submitted incomplete information.

Under HDC, the certification processing time has been slashed to about 30 days from between three and six months before.

Delays could be due to incomplete paperwork and late payment, among other things. HDC charges RM300 for a certification, which expires after three years.

nazrey

July 9th, 2009, 06:16 PM

Legasi Shah's Village Hotel
9 Julai 2009
Lebih 40 tahun berdiri megah di Petaling Jaya.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0705/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.1.jpg

KATIL antik yang berusia lebih 1,000 tahun ini terus menarik perhatian.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0705/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.3.jpg

MASIH menepati selera mewah.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0705/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.5.jpg

HOTEL yang dikendalikan keluarga ini terus bernyawa di
sebalik kemunculan hotel-hotel mewah di sekelilingnya.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0705/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.2.jpg

SHARIFF SHAH mengakui banyak cabarannya untuk memastikan
Shah’s Village terus beroperasi biarpun selepas 43 tahun.

ALLAHYARHAM Tan Sri P. Ramlee dan Saloma pernah menginap di sini.

HOTEL yang dikendalikan keluarga ini terus bernyawa di sebalik kemunculan hotel-hotel mewah di sekelilingnya.

HOTEL ini mungkin nampak biasa saja jika dilihat dari luar, namun sebaik sahaja melangkah masuk ke dalamnya, nostalgia lama pasti menjengah memori.

Terletak di Lorong Sultan, Petaling Jaya, himpitan pembangunan dan kemunculan hotel-hotel moden tidak menjejaskan langsung Shah's Village.

Shah's Village dibina pada tahun 1966. Ia merupakan hotel pertama di Petaling Jaya. Melihat pencapaiannya pada hari ini ternyata percaturan pemiliknya, Datuk H. M. Shah tidak silap.

"Faktor kos dan Lebuh Raya Persekutuan menjadi asas kepada pembinaan hotel keluarga ini," ujar anak sulung pasangan H. M. Shah dan Datin Serina Shah, Shariff Shah, 34.

Beliau yang juga pengarah jualan dan pemasaran hotel itu mengakui, untuk mengekalkan operasi sebuah hotel selama 43 tahun banyak cabarannya.

"Semuanya dapat dilihat menerusi dekorasi, landskap serta bangunan ini sendiri. Setiap ruang di sini ada kisahnya," cerita beliau.

Di ruang lobi, tiga unsur dekorasi iaitu Baba Nyonya, Melayu dan kontemporari mudah menggamit perhatian.

Pandangan mata pasti terpaku pada katil antik Baba Nyonya yang telah menjangkau usia 1,000 tahun yang diletakkan di sudut tangga.

"Katil ini diperoleh menerusi kawan baik ayah di Melaka pada awal 1990-an," jelas Shariff sambil menunjukkan beberapa ukiran di balik tiang katil tersebut.

Di ruang menunggu pula, sebuah sofa lembut membangkitkan suasana relaks dengan sulaman potret hitam putih berbingkai cantik.

Patung berbentuk kuda yang diletakkan di tengah-tengah ruang turut berjaya mencetuskan persekitaran mewah.

Di tingkat seterusnya, terdapat 91 bilik yang sedia menanti pengunjung. Ini termasuk lima suite yang dinamakan sempena ahli keluarga Shariff.

Menjenguk sekeliling hotel ini, landskap berunsur kekampungan seperti sengaja dipilih kerana pemiliknya ingin menerapkan nilai tradisi dan budaya Malaysia.

"Kami juga mahu pelanggan berasa seperti berada di rumah sendiri," ungkap Shariff.

Tiga ruang menjamu selera dapat dipilih sama ada di bahagian yang berhadapan dengan kolam renang, di dalam kafe atau ruang yang menghadap jalan utama.

"Bagi mereka yang menggemari elemen klasik seperti kayu dan rotan dalam suasana taman, bahagian yang berhadapan kolam renang yang menempatkan sebuah gazebo amat sesuai," ujar graduan Universiti Towson, Amerika Syarikat ini.

Lebih menarik, kebanyakan landskap hotel ini dizahirkan tanpa menggunakan khidmat pereka landskap mahupun perunding hiasan dalaman.

"Lebih puas rasanya dapat menyalurkan kreativiti sendiri. Malah hanya kami yang memahami 'perkahwinan' budaya hiasan di dalam hotel ini," kata Shariff ketawa.

Legenda Bistro pula menyerlahkan keunikan Shah's Village kerana di situ terdapat mural Allahyarham Tan Sri P. Ramlee dan biduanita Saloma. Kedua-dua tokoh seni itu pernah menginap di Shah's Village.

"Peninju legenda, Mohammad Ali juga pernah singgah di sini. Begitu juga ramai kerabat diraja termasuk Sultan Selangor terdahulu dan Sultan Kelantan sekarang.

"Mereka datang bukan semata-mata kerana bersahabat dengan ayah tetapi juga disebabkan suasana tenang di sini," ucap Shariff yang mengaku bukan mudah untuk meneruskan kelangsungan bisnes keluarga itu.

nazrey

July 10th, 2009, 04:11 PM

New YTL Hotels chief eyes growth
Friday July 10 2009
> http://themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/business/31887-new-ytl-hotels-chief-eyes-growth

SINGAPORE, July 10 — YTL Hotels incoming president James McBride has set his sights on global expansion to enlarge the company's footprint and further bolster its operations in the next two to three years.

Starting Aug 10, McBride will head YTL Hotels, the hospitality arm of one of Malaysia's largest conglomerates, YTL Corporation. He will be based in Singapore for his new position.

YTL Hotels owns and manages a collection of hotels, resorts and spas, with the Kuala Lumpur JW Marriott Hotel and Ritz-Carlton Hotel under its wing.

Speaking to BT in an interview, McBride said that the company will be evaluating strategic locations globally, starting closer to home, possibly in Australia and Southeast Asia. He will also look into opportunities in the US, where he is most familiar with. “As long as the location is strategic and has potential, we will evaluate it regardless of its size or scale,” he added.

Looking forward to leveraging on his industry experience and global connectivity to lead YTL Hotels into realising its ambitions, McBride thinks that the company is in a very exciting period of time, when enormous value can be explored through strategic acquisitions. “Hotel and real estate prices have been excessive in the past years; there is now a correction and it will continue in this trend for the next two to three years,” he told BT.

McBride has working experience in many hotels around the world, the most recent of which is the Carlyle Hotel in New York, where he was managing director.

He was also general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur 10 years ago, when he was with YTL Hotels. “We are delighted that James has returned to YTL Hotels, bringing with him both a global industry perspective and hands-on hotel management knowledge,” said Mark Yeoh, executive director of YTL Hotels.

A native of South Africa, McBride received his diploma in Hotel Management before furthering his education at Cornell University. — Business Times Singapore

nazrey

July 13th, 2009, 09:39 PM

Owner plans hotel near Kota Kinabalu
Published: 2009/07/14

ANTHONY Wong, owner and managing director of the Frangipani Resort and Spa Langkawi, plans to open a four-star hotel in Sabah in the near future and a third venue in Phuket, Thailand, in the long term.

He is now scouting for suitable land near Kota Kinabalu to open an environmentally-friendly hotel there.

As he plans to execute most of the plans by himself as well as source his own material, Wong expects that the planned 150-room hotel may cost up to RM40 million.

"We are looking for a piece of land, not more than one-and-a-half hours from the Kota Kinabalu airport to build our hotel," Wong told Business Times.

"I have already looked at 40 sites... but we are not happy (with the sites we saw). We do not want to make a mistake when we purchase it," he added.

He is looking for land measuring 4.5ha to 6ha, a third of which will be for an organic garden.

"We want to grow part of the food on site and treat waste water on our own so that it does not go out into the sea and pollute it," he said.

Since the hotel will be built from scratch, it will also incorporate many energy-efficient features.

"We want to be able to use the heat from the air conditioners to be able to run other things. Basically, we want to be energy efficient as energy usually makes up 20 per cent to 25 per cent of operating costs," Wong said.

rizalhakim

July 14th, 2009, 04:08 AM

The Frangipani Langkawi shows it pays to go green
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/07/14

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ifrangi/pix_bottom

MONEY is not everything, but it does talk.

The Frangipani Resort & Spa in Langkawi touted as the most environmentally-friendly hotel in Malaysia and the owner is committed to investments that create greener environment at the expense of quick returns.

Over RM25 million has been spent over the past four years to enable the resort to save money over a longer period.

"It may delay our return on investment or give a marginal profit but we don't mind," managing director Anthony Wong told Business Times in an interview.

"My passion and philosophy is to educate and show people that they can both run a business and help mother earth," he said.

In total, this 118-room four-star hotel saves some 10 to 15 per cent in operating costs, which translates into RM480,000 to RM600,000 in savings.

The hotel has managed to cut average water costs per occupied room to RM1.73 in 2008 from RM4.10 in 2006.

And by using energy-saving bulbs, the hotel has started to save RM1,202.40 per month.

It also grows a lot of its own food including corn, kangkung, mangoes and also has over 240 chickens and ducks.

Wong plans to add more environmentally-friendly equipment, such as solar power system, other than that just used for heating water and is contemplating even wind energy to make the hotel greener.

According to him, most people think that going "green" is difficult and costly but once he shows that it can save money, then people are immediately interested.

The Frangipani, previously the three-star Langkawi Village Resort, was bought four years ago. The property, which was 18 years old when acquired, has undergone RM10 million worth of renovation.

The Frangipani in 2008 achieved an average room rate (ARR) of RM280 and an occupancy of 60 per cent. This year, the hotel is looking at maintaining its occupancy but garnering an ARR of RM290.

This resort today has over 100 environmentally-friendly elements.

"We are the greenest (resort) in the country. We were selected as the top three greenest hotel in the world by Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. We now want to be number one," he said.

The award is run in association with partners World Travel Market, The Daily Telegraph, Geographical Magazine and BBC World News Service.

The award is said to be the most prestigious and competitive of its kind in the world.

rizalhakim

July 14th, 2009, 08:04 AM

Hotel RM122j di Pantai Merang

SETIU 13 Julai - Keunikan alam semula jadi di kawasan pantai di daerah ini mendorong sebuah syarikat swasta membina sebuah hotel bernilai RM122 juta di Pantai Merang di sini.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan negeri, Datuk Za'abar Mohd. Adib berkata, hotel yang menyediakan 190 bilik itu akan dikendalikan oleh Desa Perantau Sdn. Bhd.

Menurut beliau, hotel berkenaan akan dibina di atas tanah seluas dua hektar yang disewa daripada Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan.

Katanya, pembinaan hotel itu berhampiran dengan Terengganu International Equestrian Park (TIEP) Lembah Bidong di sini, dijangka siap dalam tempoh 30 bulan lagi.

''Pembinaan hotel ini dijangka dapat mempertingkatkan sosial ekonomi masyarakat setempat.

''Hotel ini juga akan memberi peluang pekerjaan kepada 200 penduduk tempatan dalam pelbagai bidang perhotelan sekali gus dapat menjana industri pelancongan di negeri ini," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian selepas merasmikan Majlis Pecah Tanah Hotel Eksklusif di Pantai Merang di sini baru-baru ini.

Terdahulu, Za'abar menyaksikan majlis menandatangani memorandum persefahaman (MoU) antara Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan yang wakili oleh Ahli Lembaga Pemegang Amanahnya, Datuk Mohd. Fadzli Yusof dengan Desa Perantau Sdn. Bhd. diwakili oleh Pengarah Urusannya, Zainab Yusof.

Za'abar berkata, kerajaan negeri akan memperbanyakkan lagi produk-produk pelancongan terutama sukan lasak seperti kuda lasak dan Piala Monsun.

''Terengganu mempunyai pelbagai produk pelancongan yang mampu menarik pelancong terutamanya pelancong asing ke negeri ini setiap tahun.

''Ini dapat meningkatkan pendapatan sampingan masyarakat setempat selain mempromosi negeri ini di luar negara,'' ujarnya.

Beliau berkata, kerajaan negeri menjangka peningkatan kedatangan pelancong tahun ini kepada empat juta orang berbanding 3.53 juta pada tahun lepas.

''Kedatangan pelancong asing ke negeri ini meningkat dari semasa ke semasa kerana mereka tertarik dengan kegiatan pelancongan yang dianjurkan oleh kerajaan," katanya.

rizalhakim

July 15th, 2009, 08:18 AM

Thistle PD janji 'keajaiban' percutian
http://www.thistle.com.my/pd/

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2009/0715/Utusan_Malaysia/Selatan/ws_04.1.jpg
Ng Yen Yen, ketika hadir merasmikan hotel Thistle Port Dickson, semalam.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORT DICKSON 14 Julai - Hotel bertaraf lima bintang, Thistle Port Dickson berkeupayaan menjadi ikon baru produk pelancongan di Negeri Sembilan, khususnya di bandar peranginan ini.

Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen berkata, keyakinan pelabur dari kumpulan hotel Thistle United Kingdom untuk membuka hotel 251 bilik itu dan mampu memuatkan 2,000 orang, adalah satu kejayaan besar dalam industri ini.

''Saya yakin dengan kemunculan Thistle Port Dickson, ia akan memberi satu pilihan kepada pelancong dalam dan luar negara untuk menikmati percutian lebih selesa, berkualiti dan bermutu tinggi," katanya ketika berucap merasmikan hotel berkenaan di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pelancongan, Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian, Warisan dan Adat Perpatih negeri, Datuk Mohamad Razi Kail; Pengurus Besar Thistle Port Dickson, Dean Rossilli dan Pengarah Urusan GuocoLand (M) Berhad, Paul Poh.

Kata Yen Yen, dengan kedudukan strategik iaitu berhampiran Kuala Lumpur dan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), hotel itu mampu menambah lokasi penginapan di bandar peranginan ini.

Thistle Port Dickson telah memulakan operasinya pada awal bulan lalu selepas melakukan kerja-kerja menaik taraf sejak Januari dengan kos sebanyak RM20 juta.

Hotel itu menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan rekreasi dan latihan lasak serta pengembaraan taman eko, malah lebih menarik kawasan pantainya landai dan bersih serta nyata memikat kehadiran pelancong untuk datang ke lokasi ini.

Sementara itu, Paul berkata, hotel tersebut mempunyai keluasan 36.4 hektar yang menghadap laut dan menyediakan kemudahan dewan jamuan, dua gelanggang tenis, tiga restoran, dua bar dan tiga kolam renang terbuka termasuk sebuah kolam yang dibina berhampiran pantai.

Dengan pelancaran hotel itu, ia menambah koleksi hotel Thistle UK yang kini berjumlah 34 keseluruhannya dan selepas ini, sebuah lagi hotel Thistle akan dibuka di Johor Bahru.

Hotel tersebut menawarkan pakej bilik bersaiz 'deluxe', 'premium', 'suite', 'indigo' dan 'presidential' dengan harga antara RM428 dan RM3,888 semalam.

Thistle merupakan sebahagian daripada Guoman Hotel Management (UK) Limited, dimiliki oleh Guocoland (Malaysia) Berhad, anak syarikat Kumpulan Hong Leong.

Ketika ini, Hotel Thistle mempunyai 34 hotel di seluruh UK dan terletak di kebanyakan bandar besar termasuk 11 di tengah kota London, menjadikan ia kumpulan hotel terbesar di kota kosmopolitan itu daripada segi bilangan bilik.

Kata Dean, tidak ada hotel lain seperti Thistle yang berada dalam satu kawasan - hutan semula jadi, pantai kemudahan rekreasi dan pusat peranginan yang penuh dengan keajaiban dan kemudahan.

nazrey

July 19th, 2009, 09:59 PM

Starwood in talks for more hotel investments in Malaysia
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2009/07/20

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/istarwd/pix_topright

STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc, which operates hotel brands like Sheraton, Westin and Le Meridien, is in talks with several parties for new hotel openings in Malaysia.

The group, which is bullish about the future of the local hospitality industry, is in various stages of negotiations to expand its footprint in the country.

Its on-going talks could result in the group having representations outside the prime locations of Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.

"We are in serious discussion with six parties for not only Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, but also secondary states," director of acquisition and development for Starwood Asia Pacific, Rajit Sukumaran, told Business Times in an interview.

The group hopes to expand its brands to include Penang, Malacca and the Iskandar Development Region in Johor.

"We are constantly expanding and our development mantra is the 'right partner, right place and right positioning'," he said.

The brand best suited for the location will be used, even if the brand is already in the locality nearby.

Starwood has nine hotel brands including Four Points by Sheraton, The Luxury Collection, St Regis, W Hotels and a loft.

When asked why Starwood is keen on Malaysia when hotels rates here are said to be one of the lowest in the world, Rajit said: "We see hotels as a long-term investment. Year-on-year there is growth in tourist arrivals. We are bullish about Malaysia especially the hospitality industry."

Today, Starwood operates eight hotels in Malaysia with a total room inventory of 2,800. These hotels include Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and Four Points by Sheraton Kuching.

The Starwood family in Malaysia is set to grow with two new confirmed openings - the 300-room Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan, Sabah in 2011 and a 200-room luxury category The St Regis Kuala Lumpur in 2014.

Starwood, Rajit said, is confident that Malaysia has a market for a luxury brand like St Regis.

When the hotel opens, it will join at least two other luxury brands which are scheduled to open at an earlier date - Four Seasons Place in Kuala Lumpur and The Raffles Kuala Lumpur.

"There are quite a few luxury brands coming into the market ... with the right opportunity and location given, our (St Regis') rates will be comparable with our competitors," he said.

Worldwide, the Starwood group operates 950 hotels in 100 countries with a total room inventory of 287,000.

rizalhakim

July 20th, 2009, 09:24 AM

Dorsett Johor sasar 70% penginapan
http://www.dorsettjohor.com/

http://www.fnetravel.com/english/johorbahruhotels/dorsettjohorhotel/dorsett-johor-hotel-facade1.jpg

JOHOR BAHRU 19 Julai - Hotel Dorsett Johor mengunjurkan kadar penginapannya meningkat kepada 70 peratus tahun depan berbanding 60 peratus sekarang.

Prestasi sedia ada dianggap amat menggalakkan biarpun hotel berkenaan baru setahun beroperasi.

Pengurus Residennya, Tengku Ahmad Faizal Tengku Mohamed berkata, perkembangan pasaran yang semakin memberangsang selain komitmen tinggi kakitangannya dijangka akan membantunya mencapai sasaran.

Beliau berkata, syarikat korporat merupakan pelanggan terbesar bagi hotel itu yang bakal menyambut ulang tahun pembukaan pertamanya pada 26 Julai ini.

"Prestasi kami sangat menggalakkan kerana dalam industri ini, kebiasaannya hotel baru begitu sukar untuk mencatatkan kadar penginapan walaupun sebanyak 40 peratus pada tahun pertama operasinya.

"Namun Dorsett Johor telah berjaya mencatatkan kadar penginapan 60 peratus dan kejayaan ini merupakan permulaan yang cemerlang hasil kerjasama satu pasukan di kalangan kakitangan," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Dorsett Johor diuruskan oleh Dorsett Hotel and Resorts International dan kini memiliki empat lagi hotel di Malaysia iaitu Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur, Grand Dorsett Labuan, Maytower Hotel and Service Apartment Kuala Lumpur dan Sheraton Subang (akan ditukarkan nama kepada Grand Dorsett Subang bermula 1 Oktober ini).

Tengku Ahmad Faizal berkata, syarikat korporat menguasai 85 peratus pelanggannya manakala baki lima peratus, masing-masing terdiri terdiri daripada agensi kerajaan, rakyat tempatan dan perkhidmatan tour.

Katanya, nama Dorsett Johor kini semakin 'panas' apabila hotel bertaraf tiga bintang itu menawarkan perkhidmatan lima bintang dalam usaha mencapai status hotel kelas perniagaan terbaik di bandar raya ini.

Beliau berkata, pihaknya menawarkan sebanyak 252 buah bilik bermula dengan harga serendah RM168 menerusi saiz superior, deluxe, standard dan suite.

Katanya, apa yang mengejutkan ialah sebanyak 40 daripada 56 bilik suite yang berharga RM320 semalam kini mempunyai pelanggan tetap untuk tempoh setahun hingga dua tahun.

Tambahnya, pelanggan ulangan pula mencatatkan kadar purata 25 hingga 30 peratus sebulan.

"Apa yang membezakan kami dengan hotel lain ialah layan perkhidmatan yang adil dengan menerapkan konsep kakitangan perlu beramah mesra dengan pelanggan.

"Kami mahu pelanggan merasakan seperti berada di rumah sendiri dan apabila daftar keluar, mereka akan mengingati layanan yang diberikan untuk datang semula ke Dorsett Johor," katanya.

Katanya, setiap bilik dilengkapi dengan televisyen LCD 32 inci selain perkhidmatan lain seperti pusat perniagaan, kolam renang dan gimnasium dan Internet percuma.

rizalhakim

July 24th, 2009, 09:22 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3751020863_db81e43f13_b.jpg

rizalhakim

July 24th, 2009, 09:23 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3751021167_d720904a61_b.jpg

rizalhakim

July 30th, 2009, 04:46 AM

Kuching Pan Pacific Hotel

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss193/carjon1118/panpacifickch01.jpg

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss193/carjon1118/panpacifickch02.jpg

waaaa...dats cool!! whose the architect???

rizalhakim

August 3rd, 2009, 07:38 AM

Resort set to raise the bar with its high standards of hospitality
By C.S. NATHAN

YOU are now in Thistle country, says the sign as you approach what is the first Asian hotel outside Britain for the Thistle group.

That alone is enough to pique the interest of curious travellers looking for a more luxurious brand of rest and relaxation just an hour’s drive south of Kuala Lumpur.

Located within a sprawling 36ha seafront site, Thistle Port Dickson was recently unveiled after a RM20mil facelift.

Formerly known as Guoman, the property, managed by Hong Leong Group subsidiary Thistle Hotels, is set to raise the bar among resort hotels in Port Dickson with its high standards of hospitality.

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Perfect chill spot: For drinks and snacks with a view, head to Cumulus with its infinity pool deck, ocean in the horizon and entertainment provided by a resident deejay and live bands.

Poised to make a difference in the local hotel industry, the hotel offered something unique for all its guests, GuocoLand Malaysia managing director Paul Poh said.

“We are making a significant investment in the industry and will not waste this opportunity on a cookie-cutter approach to hotel management.

“Our resort provides the best of Asian hospitality coupled with the experience Thistle UK brings,” he said after the resort’s official launch by Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen recently.

Describing the hotel as premium high-end, Poh said Thistle PD would also benefit from the many other tourism attractions in one of the oldest beach resorts in the country.

“The Thistle Group will also invest heavily in driving incoming tourists to the area through various promotional activities and partnerships with the European travel trade.

“We are also in talks with two airlines to bring more inbound tourists to Thistle PD. Since we are located so close to KL and the KLIA, we must grab the opportunity to attract more tourists, particularly those from the Middle East and Europe,” he said.

Poh revealed the company would rehabilitate certain rocky sections of Thistle PD’s beachfront. This, he said, would be carried out after Hari Raya.

“We will need to bring in sand for the purpose. The area is quite rocky and we wish to create more sandbacks where sailing, canoeing, snorkelling and wind-surfing activities could be carried out,” he said, stressing that this would be completed within four months.

Taking a look around the property, one cannot help but agree with Poh when he suggests that the resort hotel is not quite like others in the area.

“We are thrilled to offer one venue with so many options. Our beach location and lush green backdrop are an ideal spot for a wide range of activities, from water sports to other recreational activities such as SWAT camp training or the eco-park trail,” Poh said, adding that Thistle PD had been given a “soft” five-star rating by the authorities.

Thistle PD general manager Dean Rossilli said the resort was also an excellent MICE venue, with boardrooms and conference space available year-round.

“We are situated along one of the best stretches of beach and almost all our rooms offer a breathtaking view of the Straits of Malacca. It’s the perfect spot for business or leisure.

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Inviting: The lobby, with its high ceilings and unimposing decor, plus the sea breeze that greets one, welcomes visitors to a respite from the hustle and bustle.

“Port Dickson’s geographical positioning, facilities and accessibility make it a perfect destination for just about anything you have in mind,” he said.

Rossilli brings with him a wealth of experience, having served in and managed hotels in his native Australia, England, Scotland and the United States.

The 251-room resort hotel has extensive facilities, including a spacious ballroom, nine function rooms, three restaurants, three outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre and health spa, and a breathtaking view of the straits, making it an ideal retreat for jaded travellers in need of some pampering.

You know you are in for a treat the minute you walk into the hotel’s lobby, with its high ceilings, unimposing decor and the sea breeze that greets you – a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle.

Take a breather and step into the aptly named lobby lounge Steps, which lets visitors bask in the luxury of panoramic view of the ocean.

Positioned for the high-end market, the resort also sets itself apart by offering classy dining options.

Patrons have a variety of options at the hotel, which include Fresh, a contemporary-style restaurant offering a daily international buffet spread; Chinoise, an outlet showcasing Oriental cuisine, and Glass, which boasts a sophisticated dining experience and an impressive wine list.

For drinks and snacks with a view, head to Cumulus, the perfect chill spot with its infinity pool deck, ocean in the horizon and entertainment provided by a resident deejay and live bands.

Cumulus also offers three VIP rooms for private parties.

Visitors can choose from its deluxe and premium rooms and suites with rates between RM368++ and RM3,888++ per night.

The seaside “ocean lawn” is also a great venue for outdoor events like weddings as it can host up to 2,000 people.

Thistle PD marks the hotel chain’s debut into the Asian region. The hotel group, which has a portfolio of 34 hotels in Britain has since opened Thistle Johor Baru (formerly known as Hyatt JB).

For enquiries or reservations at Thistle PD, call 06-648 2828.

rizalhakim

August 4th, 2009, 05:28 AM

Another hotel by Etika Cekap in Gurney Drive
By DAVID TAN

GEORGE TOWN: Etika Cekap Sdn Bhd, the owner of G Hotel at Gurney Drive, is investing RM100mil in another five-star hotel to be developed at Gurney Drive.

Etika Cekap and G Hotel director Phuah Choon Meng said the new hotel, tentatively called Baby G Hotel, would have 200 rooms.:nuts::lol::nuts::lol:

“Located next to the G Hotel, the 22-storey building will have an iconic, environmentally friendly, and sustainable design theme,” he told a press conference on the achievements of G Hotel and Gurney Plaza shopping mall yesterday.

Also present was Penang tourism development and culture head Danny Law, and G Hotel general manager Marco Battistotti.

Phuah (left) with the Best Shopping Mall trophy and Battistotti (right) with the Best Hotel trophy, part of the CHT in Penang awards, with Danny Law

Phuah said research conducted by the company showed that there was room for another hotel in Gurney Drive.

“Since G Hotel started operations in 2007, it has managed to maintain over 75% occupancy rate per year, without snatching customers from the other hotels in the area.

“In 2008, G Hotel achieved an occupancy rate of 82%, and so far to June, it has already attained an occupancy rate of 79%.

“This shows that a well-designed hotel with the appropriate facilities can carve out a niche market for itself in Gurney Drive,” he said.

Last year, the other hotels situated in Gurney Drive, namely Evergreen Laurel Hotel and Gurney Resort Hotel and Residences, enjoyed over 80% occupancy rate.

Baby G hotel?????? hehe.....:nuts::lol::nuts::lol:

rizalhakim

August 6th, 2009, 07:24 AM

http://www.thistle.com/media/Images/Hotels/Malaysia/Johor_Bahru/Thistle_Johor_Bahru/pageBanner/full_Thistle_Johor_Bahru_Hotel_Exterior.jpg

http://www.thistle.com/hotels/malaysia/johor_bahru/thistle_johor_bahru/index.html

masaiboy

August 7th, 2009, 02:22 AM

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I Sun Hourly Based Hotel, Masai, Johor Bahru:banana:

masaiboy

August 7th, 2009, 02:24 AM

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Metropolis Tower, Hotel Selesa, Johor Bahru

rizalhakim

August 7th, 2009, 09:03 AM

Hotel terjunan antarabangsa

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A AZIZ membuat terjunan dari bumbung Hotel Felda Residence, Jalan Hiliran, Kuala Terengganu.

KUALA TERENGGANU: Hotel Felda Residence di sini, menempa sejarah tersendiri apabila terpilih sebagai antara lokasi penganjuran sukan bertaraf antarabangsa iaitu KL Tower International Jump 2009 yang akan bermula pada 3 hingga 25 Oktober depan.

Presiden Persekutuan Payung Terjun Malaysia, A Aziz Ahmad, berkata hotel setinggi 105.8 meter itu dipilih sebagai lokasi terjunan di Terengganu untuk acara sukan kali kelapan anjuran Menara Kuala Lumpur, selepas membuat pertimbangan dan penilaian terperinci.

"Pada mulanya kami ingin melakukan terjunan di Wisma Darul Iman, tetapi terpaksa membatalkan hasrat kerana terdapat banyak syarat dan prosedur yang perlu dilalui memandangkan ia adalah bangunan kerajaan.

"Jadi, kami berpendapat Felda Residence adalah paling sesuai berdasarkan beberapa aspek dan antara kriterianya ia bangunan kedua tertinggi di negeri ini," katanya selepas melakukan terjunan percubaan di hotel itu bersama rakannya, Mohd Idros Mohd Yusop.

Aziz berkata, selain memperkenalkan sukan berkenaan kepada rakyat negeri ini, pemilihan lokasi terjunan di Terengganu mampu menjadi landasan bagi mempromosikan produk pelancongan negeri ini kepada dunia luar secara lebih meluas.

nazrey

August 11th, 2009, 06:11 AM

nazrey

August 11th, 2009, 06:12 AM

Regency International mahu berkembang ke luar negara
11 Ogos 2009
Oleh AMMAR JAZLAN MAD LELA

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0811/Kosmo/Negara/ne_11.1.jpg

MUHYIDDIN menandatangani plak pada majlis perasmian The Regency
sambil diperhatikan Mat Shah (kanan) di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

KUALA LUMPUR - Berbekalkan pengalaman lebih 23 tahun dalam bidang perhotelan di negara ini, Regency International Hotel Incorporated Sdn. Bhd. (Regency International) tidak teragak-agak untuk mengembangkan perniagaannya di peringkat antarabangsa pula.

Pengerusi Eksekutifnya, Datuk Mat Shah Safuan berkata, pihaknya kini sedang mengintai peluang untuk meluaskan rangkaian hotelnya ke beberapa buah negara seperti Thailand, United Kingdom, Amerika Syarikat dan Turki.

"Banyak aspek sedang diteliti khususnya berkaitan dengan situasi ekonomi dan pasaran semasa, selepas itu barulah kami akan fikirkan pelaksanaannya," katanya selepas majlis pelancaran Hotel The Regency dan majlis perasmian Mesyuarat Agung Persatuan Perdagangan dan Pengusaha Melayu Malaysia (Perdasama) ke-11 di sini, semalam.

Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin

Tambah Mat Shah, pada masa sekarang, pihaknya sedang mengusahakan sembilan rangkaian hotel di seluruh negara termasuk satu di Bali, Indonesia, selain satu di sini, tiga di Sarawak, Kedah (dua) dan Negeri Sembilan (dua).

rizalhakim

August 14th, 2009, 05:44 AM

Halal certs for 15 hotels
2009/08/14

KUANTAN: Fifteen hotels in Pahang received halal certification for their Ramadan buffet under a pioneer project initiated by the State Religious Department (Jaip).

Six of the hotels are located here, four in Genting Highlands, three in Rompin and one each in Temerloh and Cameron Highlands.

State Tourism committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Sharif said it was important for the hotels to get halal certificates from Jaip to boost confidence among the public especially the Muslims.

rizalhakim

August 24th, 2009, 05:46 AM

Tanjung Bungah hotel to be rebranded
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/08/24

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/inomad2/pix_topright

SERVICED office and residence specialist The Nomad Group Bhd has taken over the management of the Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel in Penang as part of a branding exercise.

The hotel will be renamed The Nomad Penang after a facelift to raise its rating to four stars from three.

The property is set to undergo a RM2 million refurbishment exercise, which will see it being transformed to cater for a market mix of business travellers and the information technology-savvy, The Nomad Group chief executive officer Hew Thin Chay said.

"We have a five plus five-year contract to manage the hotel. We plan to reposition it towards a new market segment," Hew told Business Times. The hotel is owned by Plenitude Bhd.

"We are in Penang to establish a network and have a branding presence," Hew said.

The 200-room hotel enjoys 80 per cent occupancy and garners an average room rate (ARR) of RM100 a night.

Currently, most of its business comes from the low-yielding sector, such as through travel agencies.

Hew is confident that repositioning the hotel will work in its favour, especially since it is located close to the island's city centre.

He described the hotel as "a city hotel with a beachfront", noting its position along Jalan Tanjung Bungah, which is between George Town and Batu Ferringhi.

The hotel has already seen an improvement since The Nomad Group took over its management in March this year. Occupancy has touched 90 per cent and the ARR is RM110.

The Nomad Group expects to make a net profit of RM300,000 in the first year of operating the hotel.

Hew expressed his optimism that occupancy will be as good and its ARR can reach RM120 after the upgrade is completed early next year.

The Nomad Group is also managing the The Nomad SuCasa serviced suites in Kuala Lumpur and is in the process of acquiring the Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

rizalhakim

August 24th, 2009, 05:49 AM

Grand Dorsett Labuan is FEC's jewel in Malaysia
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/08/24

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/idorlab/pix_bottom

THE Sheraton Labuan is possibly the best Malaysian acquisition made by Hong Kong's Far East Consortium International Ltd's (FEC) chief executive officer Tan Sri David Chiu.

The hotel, bought by FEC in 2007, has since been renamed Grand Dorsett Labuan Hotel and tops the list as the best return on investment among the group's five hotel assets in Malaysia.

The RM32 million investment on the hotel is expected to be recouped by 2011, just four years since its purchase.

It is a commendable feat, given that the 13-year-old hotel has never undergone a renovation exercise since its opening in 1996.

Far East bought the five-star hotel built at a cost of RM80 million from the Faber Group in 2007.

Over the past two years, the hotel has been recording improved performances with gross operating profit (GOP) reaching a high of 40 per cent from about 30-odd per cent previously.

GOP is gross revenue (from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre) minus cost of operations (wages, electricity and amenities).

"GOP is up by 10 per cent," its general manager Hubert Wilfred told Business Times during a recent visit there.

Occupancy at the 178-room hotel in 2008 was 81 per cent and it garnered RM265 in average room rate (ARR).

This year, the hotel expects to fill just as many rooms as last year, but sees a marginal decline in ARR.

In the first half of the year, the hotel's corporate business declined to 63 per cent from 66 per cent last year.

Therefore, it is looking at improving its leisure business as well as push further for government business, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Wilfred, however, feels that more should be done to help woo leisure tourism to the island. This duty-free island is not just about financial services, but has its holiday attractions as well including beautiful beaches and diving locations.

In 2008, the island received 733,053 visitors, 8.4 per cent up from 2007. Of this, only 84,299 or 11.5 were foreigners. Tourists from Brunei made up a fifth of the foreigners followed by Indonesian and Vietnam at a tenth.

While tourist arrivals have grown at an average of 7 per cent from 2003 to 2005, based on initial indication the numbers are expected to decline this year.

rizalhakim

August 24th, 2009, 07:03 AM

Hotel occupancy hit by downturn, A(H1N1)
By YEOW POOI LING

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However, players say second half showing signs of improvement

PETALING JAYA: The global economic recession and threat of Influenza A(H1N1) have affected the country’s hotel occupancy, according to the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO).

It found most hotels reported about 20% decline in business in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year despite higher tourist arrivals during the duration, as reported by Tourism Malaysia on its website.

The higher tourist arrivals could partly be attributed to the temporary shut down of the Bangkok airport due to protests in April, which diverted the traffic to Malaysia, making the country a stopover point before travellers proceeded to their final destination.

Meanwhile, arrivals from certain countries have shown a significant decline (see chart).

“Britain and many countries discouraged their residents from going for holiday overseas and promoted more domestic travel due to the global economic crisis. With A(H1N1), many more people, especially the Japanese who are very health concious, will refrain from travelling overseas,” MAHO told StarBiz.

Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur area director of sales and marketing Albert Stienissen said the hotel saw about 10% drop in occupancy for Middle Eastern tourists in July and August from the year before but more arrivals from Gulf Cooperation Council markets like Bahrain, Iran, Oman, Qatar and Jordan.

There were also fewer travellers from Japan, Taiwan and China in the first half year but the numbers had recovered since July, he told StarBiz.

Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur general manager Lyndon Discombe said the hotel experienced a drop in occupancy from the Japan and Taiwan markets while the China segment showed growth.

It had been able to secure more business from alternative markets like India, Singapore and Hong Kong. In contrast to the tourist arrivals trend, Saudi Arabia showed a healthy increase in room occupancy last month versus July 2008, he said.

“Earlier in the recession, we experienced a significant drop in corporate and meeting operations. Corporations have reduced, and in some instances, cancelled travel and meetings, while some changed from external venues to conducting meetings and training in-house,” Discombe added.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur general manager William Costley said the A(H1N1) outbreak led the Japanese government to caution citizens to avoid outbound travel as much as possible and that had significantly affected all countries with regards to the Japanese market.

Outbound tourism, nonetheless, has affected all countries, and not only those in Asia. For example, Britain has also seen a large increase in domestic travel. The hotel’s strategy is to target other key Asian destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.

“Our hotel has never really depended on the Middle East market in the summer months. We only receive overflow bookings when the hotels in the Golden Triangle are all fully booked,” he said.

The impact of the global recession “appears drastic” as 2007 and 2008 were record years for the hotel industry, Costley said. “If we compare our performance against 2006, the business is still performing very well and Malaysia has been less affected compared with some neighbouring countries,” he added.

Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur director of communications Katie Hoo said while people tended to adopt “a wait and see” attitude, it did not mean they had cancelled all travelling plans. “If there’s a need to travel due to work, people will still travel,” she said.

On the upside, the trend seems to be changing in the second half year with the occupancy level for July and August showing improvement.

Hoo said the hotel recorded improvement both in terms of room occupancy and number of meetings in July while August looked set to be a busy month.

“Having said that, we expect September to slow down a fair bit due to the Ramadan period,” she added. Hilton KL, meanwhile, has July and August as the best months of the year.

“We achieved almost 85% occupancy for July and expect occupancy to average 90% until the start of Ramadan, when business generally declines,” said Costley, adding that bookings for September to December looked similar to last year’s, when business started to decline from September.

Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur saw July and August’s average occupancy rate rise 3% year-on-year, with notable improvement among the domestic and regional sectors.

Growth was likely to continue for the rest of the year thanks to airlines’ low-fare promotions and the hotel’s tactical offers over several channels, said Stienissen.

Discombe of Prince Hotel said while July and August were still not at the same levels as the corresponding period last year, it had started to see more individual and group leisure travel, as well as improvement in corporate guests and meetings.

rizalhakim

August 26th, 2009, 07:07 AM

Proposed Hotel KLIA
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2096/121/108/54684852845/n54684852845_1873613_1834.jpg

Proposed Hotel & Retail Block, Alor Setar
option1
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Option2
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rizalhakim

August 28th, 2009, 04:50 AM

Felda to open two more hotels in two years

KUALA TERENGGANU: Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is set to open two more hotels in the next two years.

Felda chairman Tan Sri Dr Yusof Nor said the first hotel, with a resort concept, was being built on an 8ha site in Tanjung Leman, Johor.

Once completed by end of 2010, he said the RM31mil hotel would offer 200 rooms.

Apart from Johor, Felda had also received approval to build a hotel in Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan, he said after launching the Ramadan buffet at the Felda Residence Hotel here recently.

Dr Yusof said the Port Dickson hotel was being designed by a consultant.

The two new hotels would expand Felda’s diversified businessdealings, he added.

Dr Yusof said Felda presently owned two resorts in Pekan, Pahang and one in Perak apart from the Felda Residence Hotel here.

He said priority would be given to children of Felda settlers when filling management positions at the upcoming hotels.

nazrey

August 29th, 2009, 09:09 PM

Euro Rich Hotel & Platinum Bistro - Skudai, Johor
Source: http://shaun-tey.blogspot.com/2009/02/euro-rich-hotel-skudai-johor.html

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/08/29/11/04/4896142_780x624.JPG

Taman Nusa Bestari's Latest Landmark:
Euro Rich Hotel & Platinum Bistro

Rates for this hotel starts from RM89 nett per night only for a Deluxe Queen / Executive Twin Room.

For all those of you who are making a trip down to JB or Singapore and need a comfortable place to stay in... do try it out! It's only 20mins from the Singapore Custom and 15mins to JB Town.

Address:
No. 17-01,
Jalan Bestari 12/2,
Taman Nusa Bestari,
81300 Skudai, Johor.
Tel: +6016-772 3355

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The Front Desk

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The Family Suite
All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms and Plasma TVs.

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The Blue Illuminated Stage
(blue signifying it's bar hours...yellow is for lunch and dinner hours)

Keep in mind this is a boutique hotel, so the design and furnishing concept is pretty much different from what you get at 3-5 star hotels.

rizalhakim

September 1st, 2009, 05:00 AM

waaa...glamornya!!!

rizalhakim

September 1st, 2009, 05:00 AM

Regency Hotel operator plans overseas expansion
Published: 2009/09/01

THE operator of Regency Hotel, Regency International Hotel Incorporated Sdn Bhd is planning to expand its hotel network into London, New York, Bangkok, Jakarta and Istanbul, said executive chairman Datuk Matshah Safuan.

"We are still looking at it. It depends on the property market. We will go for it when the time is right," he said recently.

Established 23 years ago, Regency currently owns nine hotels, of which one is in Bali, three in Sarawak, two each in Kedah and Negri Sembilan and a newly launched hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Located strategically in front of the Chow Kit wet market, more than RM100 million has been invested for the new hotel, Matshah said.

The 330-room hotel opened its doors for business in April 2008, giving a new aura to the area.

Since its opening, the hotel has been receiving business visitors as well as tourists mostly from the East Coast, with most of them getting to shop around the many shopping centres and malls in the area.

Together with its expansion plans overseas, Matshah said Regency was also looking to expand its presence locally in strategic areas in Johor Baru, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru and Kota Kinabalu.

However, he did not disclose any specific investment amount for the hotel group's expansion plan.

The hotel also expects to launch its new hotel in Jitra, Kedah by the end of this year while another hotel in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang is still under construction. - Bernama

rizalhakim

September 3rd, 2009, 04:18 AM

Signforce takes on 4 new hotel management jobs
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/09/03

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/isignmel/pix_middle

SIGNFORCE Sdn Bhd, an established name in the hospitality circle, has confirmed it will manage four new hotels by 2012.

Two of the jobs will be in Doha, Qatar, and the other two in Pahang and Sabah.

It is also scheduled to open a 140-room resort hotel next year and a 360-room city hotel in 2011.

On the home front, Signforce has signed up to manage a 400-room property in Kota Kinabalu, scheduled to open in 2011, and a RM280 million five-star luxury hotel, suite and residential resort complex in Cherating, Pahang, in 2012.

With three of the hotels being greenfield projects, Signforce said it would prefer additional management jobs in the medium term to be for existing hotels.

"We know we can only handle so many greenfield projects, otherwise it would be unfair to the owners if we are unable to deliver the product," its chief operating officer I.Z. Melvin told Business Times in an interview.

On the brand of the new hotels, Melvin said that it could be one of the four distinct categories for hotels and resorts that it has developed: Rhu (luxury resort), Essence (five-star city business hotel), Moments (four-star suburban hotel) and Suitestay (serviced apartments).

The group's sole hotel management contract is the highly successful Tanjung Rhu Resort in Langkawi.

According to Melvin, proposals have come its way from Jakarta in Indonesia and even as far as South America.

Whichever job it takes on, Signforce wants to be able to repeat the success it has with Tanjung Rhu.

Tanjung Rhu turned profitable within the first year after Signforce took over its management. Its gross operating profit (GOP) now hovers around 50 per cent.

GOP is gross revenue (from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre) minus cost of operations (wages, electricity and amenities).

"When we go in, we want to be able to make an immediate difference," Melvin said.

"It is not about the number of hotels we run, but the product itself and making sure that the owners have the return on investment (ROI). We want to be able to say that ROI will be within six to eight months (after Signforce enters the picture)."

He added that Signforce would love to have representation in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

In the past, it has managed Rebak Marina in Langkawi, Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu and Suitestay, Kuala Lumpur.

Signforce was set up by four brothers in 1998. It also operates Working Minds, which provides training for hotels and restaurants; Travel Profiler, sale of travel experience through hospitality agents; and ETC, an entertainment talent company.

Last year, Signforce saw business drop by a fifth compared to 2007 as its division providing entertainment/ talent to hotels suffered.

However, it is more upbeat this year as business improves in tandem with the recovering economy.

nazrey

September 3rd, 2009, 11:32 PM

McBride Returns To YTL Hotels
Opportunistic Malay powerhouse brings in new leader to grow portfolio beyond Southeast Asia.
By Jeff Weinstein, Editor In Chief -- Hotels, 9/1/2009
Source: http://www.hotelsmag.com/article/CA6686626.html

http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/2540/20090831181620/www.hotelsmag.com/articles/images/HTLS/20090901/hto0909newsmcbride.jpg

James McBride

Ten years ago when James McBride was leaving The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur and the YTL family, he and YTL Hotels Executive Director Dato’ Mark Yeoh had the obligatory conversation about doing something together again. Often nothing comes of those conversations, but when the call came last November to start discussions about the future of YTL Hotels, McBride says he knew the time had come. “We put a deal together and it is fascinating for me to be back,” says McBride, who left The Carlyle in New York City as regional vice president of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to become the Singapore-based president of YTL Hotels in August. “To my colleagues in the business, I feel very fortunate to know where I am going and what I am doing. It is very exciting.”

With Kuala Lumpur-based parent YTL Corp. Berhad’s deep pockets and infrastructure and its recognition that now is the time to enhance the existing hotel portfolio’s value, acquire properties and expand its footprint outside Asia Pacific, no doubt McBride is excited about his prospects.

“Over the next 18 months, the downslide will continue and even though banks have taken assets, they are holding them and can’t release them due to valuations,” McBride says. “Over time, that will change and we will [look] at these. This is a three- to five-year window to take advantage and the reason for them to have me now.”

Global Aspirations

McBride says he would like to have a presence in major capitals of the world and for starters is interested in London, as YTL Corp. Berhad recently acquired a utility business there. He also wants to leverage his experience in the United States to fill in key markets like New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. “In the U.S. and London, we would be looking for deluxe hotels that are cash strapped or in play, or properties that could be elevated into that market due to their location,” McBride says, adding that a joint venture that gives YTL a piece of a company or an acquisition of a brand that has lost its luster is not out of the question.

http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/2540/20090831181535/www.hotelsmag.com/articles/images/HTLS/20090901/hto0909hillvilla.jpg

Villas in the treetops at YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort.

YTL brings a lot to the table in terms of resources as it started out as a construction company and has the expertise to renovate on its own, a great competitive advantage that helps keep costs under control. In fact, YTL has several hotel projects under development, including the old Westwood condominium building in Singapore, which is in the design phase of being converted into a hotel and residence. McBride says this project and others will be managed internally. “It won’t be put out to bid as a management contract,” he adds.

But McBride does not envision creating a brand. “I want to evaluate brands and see what makes the most sense for us to invest in and partner with,” he says. “Starting from scratch with a brand at this point is very challenging.”

Among other YTL projects under development at the moment include a parcel near the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur; a 16-room resort in St. Tropez coming to market next summer; a spa village concept with growth potential currently being piloted and refined in Bali; and two islands under development in Sabah near Borneo with great beaches and diving lures.

Looking long term, McBride refers to YTL Corp.’s Managing Director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh’s vision of creating enclaves like St. Tropez around the Asia Pacific region to serve the super-rich with space for their yachts and jets. “They don’t exist in the region and there are areas in China, and Thailand that could work… One will happen in 20 years.”

Right now, McBride says he will hire a development person and work with the Kuala Lumpur-based operations team, including the newly hired Edwin Yeow, former vice president of marketing at Banyan Tree, to better market the existing portfolio (McBride says results are off 10% in 2009) and introduce the American market to the YTL portfolio. “I will be based in Singapore because 70% of what I will do is focused on growth and development,” McBride says. “I will meet with the hotel executive committee weekly, but I want to stay lean using the infrastructure in place and add just a few people to facilitate what I need.”

YTL Hotels Portfolio
Pangkor Laut Resort (island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia)
Cameron Highland Resort, Pahang, Malaysia
Tanjong Jara Resort (east coast of Peninsular Malaysia)
The Majestic Hotel, Malacca, Malaysia
Spa Village Resort, Tembok, Bali, Indonesia
Vistana Hotels (business hotels in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan)
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
JW Marriott, Kuala Lumpur
The Chedi Hotel, Phuket, Thailand
The Eastern Orient-Express (luxury rail service)

WOW I JUST KNOW THAT The Eastern Orient-Express (luxury rail service) also managed by YTL :cheers:
http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/eastern_and_oriental_express.jsp

nazrey

September 4th, 2009, 12:08 AM

rizalhakim

September 7th, 2009, 08:32 AM

Tradewinds, InterContinental terminate Mutiara contract
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/09/07

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/imutiara/pix_topright

PLANS to renovate and rebrand The Mutiara Beach Resort in Penang, which belongs to Tradewinds Corp Bhd (TCB)(4804), has been put off indefinitely.

The 20-year-old property, which has been closed for some 41 months now since 2006, was to be renovated and rebranded as an InterContinental Resort Penang.

TCB and InterContinental have now mutually terminated the management contract, its chief executive officer Shahrul Farez Hassan told Business Times.

"Both parties decided to terminate the contract early this year," he said.
However, he dismissed talks that it may sell the hotel located on a 4.05ha land in Jalan Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah. He pointed out that the group plans to develop the hotel at a later stage.

"We are now relooking ... there are weaknesses in the market and we want to see when these weaknesses will abate," Shahrul added.

"Our strategy is to continue maintaining our hotel assets, especially in key areas," he said.

TCB, which owns eight other hotels in the country, is controlled by businessman Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

A year ago, TCB chairman Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas said that it had scrapped its initial plans to halve the room inventory and build luxury residences at the hotel.

It had instead decided to have only hotel rooms, as otherwise the return on investment will not commensurate with the cost of building the property.

TCB had planned to reduce the inventory of the 438-room property to 220 rooms and include 80 units of luxury residences. The cost at the time was estimated at around RM100 million.

The residences were to be sold at around RM500 per sq ft and leased back. The hotel was supposed to reopen at the end of 2008.

The reopening date was then changed to mid-2009.

TCB's hotel portfolio includes Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Istana, Hilton Petaling Jaya and Mutiara Johor Baru.

rizalhakim

September 7th, 2009, 09:02 AM

11 new hotels by 2011
By RACHAEL KAM

New rooms not expected to cause oversupply in the Klang Valley

PETALING JAYA: The Klang Valley will see 11 new hotels by 2011 although some newly planned projects will be delayed due to the uncertain economic climate, property consultants said.

These hotels are mostly three- to five-star rated, comprising a mix of foreign and local brands.

Malathi Thevendran ... ‘New entries into the market should weigh the pros and cons first.’
Based on recent research, the hotel sector would have an additional 4,000 rooms upon the completion of these hotels, they said, without giving an estimated value of the projects involved.

CH Williams Talhar & Wong Sdn Bhd (WTW) managing director Goh Tian Sui said the new supply of hotel rooms in the next three to five years would not lead to an oversupply in the market as demand was still intact.

“More people will start travelling again when the global economy recovers. And later more foreign brand hotels will come in to expand their operations here,” he told StarBiz recently.

Goh said that coupled with more budget travel packages offered by airlines like AirAsia, more tourists would be visiting the country, thus boosting the domestic hotel business.

“Moreover, the average hotel room rate in Malaysia is the cheapest in the region,” he noted.

Although the hotel industry is currently doing not so well due to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak and global financial crisis, Goh sees a positive outlook for the hospitality industry.

Goh Tian Sui ... ‘The average hotel room rate in Malaysia is the cheapest in the region.’
There are currently 103 hotels (both foreign and local brands) with three- to five-star ratings in the Klang Valley, providing a total of 33,484 rooms.

According to WTW’s latest research, there will be an additional 297 rooms by year-end, 1,845 rooms in 2010, 992 rooms in 2011 and 553 rooms in 2012.

“Average occupancy rate in (upcoming) years will be around the current level of 60% to 70%, which is the historical average level,” Goh said.

Average room rates at present for hotels in Malaysia range between RM250 and RM600, according to Goh.

Zerin Properties chief executive officer Previndran Singhe said the company expected eight new 5-star hotels to be launched after 2011 in the Klang Valley, worth RM2bil to RM2.2bil.

Previn sees the Klang Valley needing more branded budget hotels in five years’ time.

Leo Kuscher ... ‘Hotel business is cyclical, so there will be demand.’
“Budget hotel is set to be the next growth market in Asia,” he said, adding that many investors were taking positions in the Malaysian hotel sector as they realised that the country’s tourism industry was underrated.

International real estate consultant Jones Lang Wootton executive director Malathi Thevendran said the Klang Valley, the main economic centre of Malaysia, had consistently recorded the highest number of hotel guests in the country, increasing to 20.5 million in 2008 from 16.7 million guests in 2004.

“Although the opening of more four- and five-star hotels may heighten competition in the local hotel scene, they (especially the new brands) will enhance the global awareness of Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley in totality as an international destination for leisure, culture and meeting,” she said.

But she noted that developers of four- and five-star hotels were cautiously monitoring the market to avoid any oversupply in the long term.

“Hence any new entries into the market should weigh the pros and cons prior to making inroads into the local market,” she added.

Malathi concurs with Previndran that budget accommodation is always good investment as budget-conscious business travellers downgrade to cheaper accommodation during these challenging times.

“Overall, the mid- to long-term outlook of the Klang Valley hospitality industry remains positive as it has received strong government support to grow further,” she said.

The 5-star Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, soft-launched in April, expects to achieve 55% occupancy rate by year-end.

Its general manager Leo Kuscher told StarBiz that there appeared to be an oversupply of hotel rooms in the Klang Valley and the current market was very competitive, affecting hotel room yields.

“However, the hotel business is cyclical, so there will be demand,” he said.

Operated by Boustead Hotels & Resorts Sdn Bhd, The Royale hotel chain also has three 4-star hotels, namely The Royale Bintang Kuala Lumpur, The Royale Bintang Damansara and The Royale Bintang Resort & Spa Seremban.

The hotel operator plans to launch The Royale Bintang Penang and The Royale Bintang Suria-Damansara, with 300 rooms each, in the second quarter and end of 2010 respectively.

Meanwhile, TA Enterprise Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datin Alicia Tiah said it was too soon to comment on its two hotel projects in Kuala Lumpur. TA said in an email reply that it had not started any hotel project in Malaysia.

“Construction of the new hotels will start next year and be ready only in four to five years,” the company told StarBiz.

nazrey

September 7th, 2009, 01:13 PM

The LimeTree Hotel
“Modern, friendly and cozy boutique hotel in a great location!”
Kuching, Sarawak

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/2e/df/ca/limetree-hotel-kuching.jpg

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/2e/df/c9/restaurant-cafe.jpg

rizalhakim

September 8th, 2009, 06:44 AM

http://www.smarttravelasia.com/images/POLLBizHotel.jpg
http://www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm#BizHotel
15.Hilton KL
16.Mandarin Oriental KL
21.Traders Hotel KL

http://www.smarttravelasia.com/images/POLLConference.jpg
http://www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm#Conference
18.Mandarin Oriental KL

http://www.smarttravelasia.com/images/POLLResort.jpg
http://www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm#Resort
8.The Datai Langkawi
21.Shangrila penang
25.Shangrila KK

http://www.smarttravelasia.com/images/POLLSpa.jpg
http://www.smarttravelasia.com/travelpoll.htm#Spa
11.Shangrila Png
16.Pangkor Laut

rizalhakim

September 9th, 2009, 05:53 AM

Where your comfort is their business
By Jassmine Shadiqe
2009/09/08
WHETHER you are traveling for business or leisure, check into Naza Talyya Hotel Johor Baru to enjoy food and accommodation that embody the spirit of warm hospitality.

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/20090908211023/insidepix1?display=small
Naza Talyya Hotel Johor Baru offers fantastic views of the city skyline and the Straits of Tebrau.

http://www1.nst.com.my/JohorBuzz/Wednesday/Stories/20090908211023/insidepix2?display=small
The hotel’s superior rooms are touted to be of five-star quality.

Naza Talyya Hotel in Jalan Tenteram, Tanjung Puteri, is located in the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia.

Located well within the city's commercial and entertainment area, just about two kilometres away from the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, the business class hotel offers top-notch facilities, amenities and service at reasonable prices.

Each of its 134 rooms is comfortably furnished with standard modern hotel amenities, plus a generous supply of essential toiletries and coffee and tea making facilities.

The rooms are spacious and well laid out for a relaxing ambience.

Its superior room comes with either a king-sized bed or two single beds.

The room can easily accommodate three adults and if you are travelling with children, there is more than enough space for an extra bed.

Guest will enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline or Straits of Tebrau all the way to Singapore.

Dining options include local and Western cuisine at the hotel's Kafe Ria Coffee House.

The cafe has an a la carte as well as buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Stays come with complimentary breakfasts served at Kafe Ria Coffee House.

Room service is available all day long for those too tired or lazy to get dressed for meals.

The hotel is, above all, a business hotel, hence its complete convention facilities.

The Astana Ballroom can accommodate up to 200 persons, and there are also three seminar rooms.

The fully-equipped business centre provides a comprehensive range of facilities and services including Wi-Fi to meet the needs of business executives.

The hotel is also located near shopping complexes and entertainment spots.

Guests can indulge in golf, visit Johor Zoo and Danga Bay, or just take a one-kilometre stroll to the Johor Baru International Ferry Terminal.

Until Sept 17, Naza Talyya Hotel is offering promotional rates for its rooms.

Its superior room is priced at RM130++ inclusive of one free breakfast buffet worth RM40, and its standard room is priced at RM98++.

rizalhakim

September 9th, 2009, 06:53 AM

Kontena 41 Berangan

Oleh HAMZAH ABDUL HAMID
hamzah.abdulhamid@kosmo.com.my

Daripada menjadi premis tidak bernyawa di tengah-tengah lubuk kota raya, tiga orang rakan kongsi telah mengubahnya menjadi sebuah pusat penginapan pengembara yang bergaya.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.1.jpg
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SEGALA yang diinginkan dalam hidup bermula dengan angan-angan dan cita-cita. Sama seperti persinggahan krew Ruang kali ini, angan-angan itu dikhabarkan telah bermula sejak beberapa tahun lalu apabila sebuah premis tidak sanggup dibiar kosong tanpa diusahakan sesuatu terhadapnya.

Dua lot rumah kedai milik persendirian di Jalan Berangan itu tidak menunggu masa yang lama untuk diberi nafas baru oleh Zulkifli Mat Jusoh dan Masila M. Ariff.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.2.jpg
DARI kiri ke kanan: Lukisan untuk dijual; praktikaliti dalam bilik; dan gaya ringkas di ruang daftar masuk.

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Terletak di laluan rentas yang tidak pernah sunyi untuk ke Jalan Bukit Bintang, dua sahabat ini menyasarkan sebuah bisnes hospitaliti untuk golongan pengembara kota.

"Nama 41 Berangan diambil terus daripada nombor dan nama jalan mengikut alamat premis ini.

"Kami rasakan sesuai kerana ia menggambarkan hasrat kami dalam perniagaan, selain sebutannya yang catchy," ujar Zulkifli.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.3.jpg
SUASANA dalam bilik Deluxe yang memuatkan empat orang.SUASANA dalam bilik Deluxe yang memuatkan empat orang.

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http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.4.jpg
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Menggelarkan status gaya penginapan di situ dengan istilah poshtel, Zulkifli dan Masila serta seorang lagi rakan kongsi berani melaburkan kos sejumlah lebih RM200,000 bagi kegunaan pembelian perkakasan dan dekorasi.

"Kami tidak banyak melakukan proses ubah elok selain merobohkan semula dinding pembahagi yang didirikan oleh penyewa sebelum ini.

"Selain mendapatkan kembali ruang asas mengikut pelan lantai asal, kami dapati bahawa ciri siling tinggi dalam bangunan ini juga satu bonus. Ia menggalakkan peredaran udara dan pencahayaan semula jadi pada waktu siang," terang Masila.

Sejurus melepasi kaunter daftar masuk, langkah sengaja disegerakan ke ruang makan yang bertentang dengan sebuah kawasan terbuka. Ada suatu tarikan dikesan di ruang tersebut.

Selain binaan konkrit, terdapat dua buah kontena besar diletakkan secara mengepung di sisi tembok bangunan. Ia membentuk sebuah halaman privasi yang dihijaukan rimbun subur palma dan melur.

"Kontena ini didapatkan dari Pelabuhan Klang dan setiap satu dibelanjakan sekitar RM10,000, termasuk ubah suai kemasan dalamannya.

"Kami telah menjalankan proses kemasan dalaman hingga setiap satu dapat dijadikan unit bilik. Ia siap dengan kelengkapan asas istirehat beserta pendingin hawa," kata Zulkifli.

Putih nampak bersih

Melihatkan suasana di bahagian dalam kontena bernombor B08 dan B09 itu, seakan-akan tidak percaya ia sebuah bilik tidur yang nyaman. Berlantai simen dan berpanel dinding rata, seseorang penginap akan mudah mencari keserasian di atas cadar kapas putih itu bagi melepaskan penat.

"Kemasan tambahan seperti ambal, kabinet sisi dan lampu tidur ditambahkan bagi memberi gambaran ia sebuah bilik biasa," ujar Zulkifli yang memberitahu kedua-dua unit bilik itu sangat popular ditempah.

Melewati laluan lantai, sama ada yang berjubin ataupun simen polos yang digilap kilat, kelihatan terpancar imej minimalis pada susun atur dan jenis perabot yang dipilih. Bagi melengkapkan konsep itu, warna putih sangat mendominasi keseluruhan suasana di 41 Berangan.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.8.jpg
MUNGKIN ada yang tidak terfikir ruang kontena boleh jadi selesa sebegini.

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"Falsafah putih itu mudah. Kami mahukan imej yang bersih, kemas dan ringkas. Selain menimbulkan rasa selesa, ia juga memberikan ilusi keluasan.

"Lagipun dengan latar putih, kami boleh bereksperimen dengan warna di mana-mana bahagian pada bila-bila masa," kata Zulkifli.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.5.jpg
41 Berangan dari pandangan hadapan.

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Tidak hairanlah juga apabila latar putih itu menyerlahkan aura warna daripada karya lukisan abstrak dan impresionis yang terdapat di sudut tertentu dinding. Bukan sekadar hiasan mata, setiap karya tersebut turut sedia dijual kepada mereka yang sudah terpaut hati padanya.

Praktikaliti dan kitar semula

Pengurusan ruang terhad turut diberi perhatian. Kalau masalah keluasan dua buah bilik Standard dapat diatasi melalui penyediaan kamar mandi kongsi, pihak pengurusan 41 Berangan juga memikirkan untuk tidak menempatkan almari di dalam kesemua biliknya.

"Mengapa perlu ada almari pakaian sedangkan pada kebanyakan waktu ia tidak digunakan penginap?

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.6.jpg
KIRI: HALAMAN terbuka untuk penginap bersantai bersama teman-teman.
KANAN: BALKONI ini eksklusif untuk salah sebuah bilik Deluxe untuk empat orang penginap.

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"Maka, bagi tujuan menggantung pakaian, kami menyediakan sesuatu yang lebih praktikal iaitu jaring besi guna semula dan beberapa pencangkuk dawai dan penyangkut baju," terang Masila berdasarkan strategi keberkesanan kos.

Idea kreatif dua sahabat yang pernah berkecimpung dalam dunia pengiklanan ini juga dipraktikkan dalam pemilihan rangka sokongan katil.

"Lari daripada kebiasaan, mereka memilih binaan kadbod berketahanan tinggi yang dibeli dari sebuah kilang pembuatan di Balakong, Selangor. Rangka kadbod ini cukup kuat untuk menampung berat badan orang yang tidur di atas tilam yang ditampungnya.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2009/0906/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.7.jpg
KIRI: SUSUN atur ringkas di ruang akses Internet.
TEHGAH DAN KANAN: KESEDARAN tentang penggunaan bahan kitar semula dipraktikkan.

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"Konsep material guna semula juga berkualiti dan kami sedia memanfaatkannya," ujar Zulkifli yang sempat menunjukkan meja bufet sarapan yang juga dikitar semula dan dicat dengan warna putih.

Mereka menambah, keseluruhan tempat ini boleh ditempah bagi tujuan meraikan majlis tertentu seperti sambutan ulang tahun kelahiran, resepsi perkahwinan atau sekadar perkumpulan sosial bersama keluarga dan saudara-mara serta teman-teman.

rizalhakim

September 14th, 2009, 10:23 AM

MK Land sees growth for its hotels, resorts
Published: 2009/09/14

MK Land Holdings Bhd sees growth for its hotels and resorts which include Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Taiping Golf Resort and the Langkawi Lagoon Resort this year, despite the current economic situation.

Senior general manager of MK Land Hotels and Resorts, Annuar Yang Ghazali said the company was targeting total sales of RM52 million for its financial year ending June 30, 2010 and RM56 million in 2011.

"As for the economic situation, we think it is already improving," he told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MK Land, Kumpulan Emkay and the Malaysian Armed Forces Social,Welfare and Sports Club in Petaling Jaya today.

According to Annuar, Bukit Merah Laketown Resort will focus on local tourists. However, the resort has also been able to attract foreign visitors from countries such as Italy and the United Kingdom (UK).

He said the participation of foreign visitors as well as locals, has enabled the company to sustain the room pick up rates of its holiday resorts.

On an average, Bukit Merah Laketown has a 36 per cent occupancy and the Langkawi Lagoon Resort, 60 per cent.

Meanwhile,the signing of the MoU is to promote the three resorts managed by MK Land and the Belum Rain Forest Resort under Kumpulan Emkay, among the members of the Armed Forces club. - Bernama

nazrey

September 14th, 2009, 11:50 PM

Far East to invest RM150m in Subang serviced apartments
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2009/09/15

HONG Kong's Far East Consortium International Ltd (FEC) plans to invest RM150 million to build serviced apartments in Subang, Selangor.

The apartment block is expected to be ready in 2014.

It is the second phase of development for Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, which will be rebranded as the Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel on October 1.

The five-star property sits on 6.4ha, out of which only 2.8ha have been developed.

Dorsett International Sdn Bhd president Eddie Tang said the investment is in excess of the initial RM500 million allocation provided by FEC to build or buy hotels in Malaysia.

Tang said the company had yet to firm up details such as size of the apartment units and whether the units will be sold or leased out by Dorsett.

The first phase of renovation and refurbishment, which started recently, involves a sum of RM60 million and is due to be completed in March next year.

"Phase 1 involves the rooms, lounge and reception areas, while Phase 2 will include a new lobby for the hotel and additional meeting rooms," Tang said.

The hotel currently has 350 rooms. After renovation, it will have an additional 125 rooms, which were not completed under the original owners.

The second phase will involve bringing down a hotel block to accommodate the new apartments. This will again reduce the number of rooms to 350.

Once the second phase is complete, the entire facade of the hotel is expected to be fresh and different. The hotel was previously owned by the Faber group.

FEC bought the hotel for some RM120 million.

In an interview with Business Times in July, Tang had said that Dorsett would spend an estimated RM100 million for a 200-room business boutique hotel in Sri Hartamas and RM60 million to RM70 million for a three-star 300-room hotel in Cheras.

In Kota Kinabalu, it has identified a location for a five-star 250-room resort hotel that will cost between RM70 million and RM80 million.

The group is also eyeing Penang and Kuantan. It hopes to grow its hotel portfolio to 15 by 2014.

Apart from the hotel in Subang, it also owns and operates the Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur, Grand Dorsett Labuan, Maytower Hotel and Serviced Residences, and the Dorsett Johor.

rizalhakim

September 15th, 2009, 04:23 AM

In an interview with Business Times in July, Tang had said that Dorsett would spend an estimated RM100 million for a 200-room business boutique hotel in Sri Hartamas and RM60 million to RM70 million for a three-star 300-room hotel in Cheras.

In Kota Kinabalu, it has identified a location for a five-star 250-room resort hotel that will cost between RM70 million and RM80 million.

rizalhakim

September 17th, 2009, 09:07 AM

http://saripacifica.com/

nazrey

September 17th, 2009, 02:38 PM

Parkroyal Penang

http://www.penang-hotels.com/parkroyal/japan/images/hotel00.jpg

From flickr

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Parkroyal Penang lounge

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Parkroyal Ocean Palm suite bed

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rizalhakim

September 18th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Penang to have 10 new hotels, investments exceed RM1b
Written by Regina William
Friday, 18 September 2009 16:08

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will have 10 new three to five-star hotels which are expected to be built between 2010 and 2014 and the total investment is expected to be more than RM1 billion.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Penang chapter chairman Marco G Battistotti said on Sept 18 the new hotels would expand the rooms, in the three to four star hotel category, by 50% from the 9,000 now to 13,000 rooms in 2014.

"Out of the 10 (new hotels), three of them will be completed in 16 weeks, another two hotels will be built next year and five more hotels will be built between 2011 and 2014.

"At least five of them are hotels belong to national or international chains, some of which are already in Penang," Battistotti said at the launch of MAH Penang's website www.discoverpenang.com.my by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Over the next 16 weeks, the three hotels which would open their doors are the Hard Rock Hotel (opens on Saturday) in Batu Ferringhi, Flamingo Hotel (the former Crown Prince hotel) in Tanjung Bungah and Eastin Hotel in Bayan Bay.

As for the website, it is linked to over 40 MAH Penang members and also 45 Penang related websites. Tourists could book their rooms on online.

"Since Penang wants to attract 10 million tourists in 2014, the additional 50% increase in rooms will be able to accommodate the increase in tourist arrivals, which was 6.3 million last year," he added.

Battistotti said despite the global economic downturn, Penang's beach hotels recorded higher occupancy rate this year compared to 2008 while the city hotels saw a 2% to 3% drop.

Lim said there were also investors who were building boutique hotels in the heritage enclave area which augured well for Penang's tourism efforts.

"Even though they can only build hotels with the maximum five-storey height, they are still coming in to invest and this reflects the dynamism of the tourism industry in Penang," Lim said.

To promote Penang as a brand, there was a need to ensure only quality and reliability was associated with the name "Penang".

"We have the legal moral and moral responsibility to protect our brand name as it belongs to the people of Penang and as the custodian of the people, the state government has every right to protect the branding of Penang.

"We are promoting Penang aggressively and in order to project our image internationally, we have to ensure that it is not misused by some people, who would spoil Penang's image.

"This is why I have been emphasising that we need to control the use of the "Penang" label as there have been instances of some tourism related projects, which had failed and it reflects badly for the tourism industry," he added.

lesart

September 19th, 2009, 11:30 PM

Many years ago, my family and I used to stay in a nice hotel in Teluk Bahang called Penang Mutiara Resort.

When I try to look for it in the net, it seems that the hotel has been closed for renovation, 5 yeard ago! Anyone know what is the progress now?

I found it weird that the owner choose to close down a popular hotel like the Mutiara. It was not a dying property. Each time I stayed there, the hotel was always packed with holidaymakers, mostly foreigners. To me, its like killing a cashcow.

Such a pity because the hotel is really beautiful.

nazrey

September 21st, 2009, 10:04 PM

Club Med may set up another village here
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2009/09/22

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FRENCH-BASED Club Mediterranee, which operates the Club Med resort chain, may set up another village in Malaysia if it gets the chance to take over an existing property with a management contract.

Club Med vice-president of marketing and general manager of commercial for Asia-Pacific, Olivier Horps, said having a second resort in Malaysia would help to boost its revenue for Asia-Pacific.

"We may look at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah as a second destination. It could happen soon if there is a proposal from somebody," Horps told Business Times in an interview.

He said currently, a lot of foreigners are travelling to Malaysia and staying at its sole resort here, the Club Med Cherating in Pahang.

Club Med Cherating, which was set up in 1979, is poised for further development, having last been refurbished at a cost of RM30 million in 2004/2005.

The refurbishment had helped increased its occupancy rates from 50 per cent in 2004 to between 60 per cent and 65 per cent.

The resort, which has about 700 beds, looks at the number of beds instead of rooms to gauge its occupancy.

It now sells each room from RM550 per person per night, inclusive of accommodation, three meals, snacking and free flow of alcohol and non-alcohol beverages and entertainment.

"We review our (room) prices each year. The only time we raised room rates by a higher percentage was recently, when we included the two-day/one-night stay package with free-flow of beverages and dining. But it has improved our sales volume," Horps said.

"We will make investments this year to add environment-friendly activities, instead of increasing rooms. We plan to create a new path in the jungle. We have cliffs looking into the sea and may create new activities there," Horps said.

Club Mediterranee, set up in 1950 by Gerard Blitz, has 80 resorts in its global portfolio with Malaysia being the first country in Asia-Pacific to have a Club Med resort.

nazrey

September 21st, 2009, 10:08 PM

Resorts operator sees Asia-Pacific as growth region
Published: 2009/09/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/CMED17/Article/

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PARIS-LISTED Club Mediterranee plans to set up more ski and beach resorts and is targeting Asia-Pacific as a growth region.

Club Med vice-president of marketing and general manager of commercial for Asia-Pacific, Olivier Horps, said it is looking to open three resorts in China and one in Japan within the next three years for more than RM150 million.

"We are looking at management contracts and setting some up on our own with developers. Our aim is to be one of the biggest ski and beach resort operators in China and Japan," he said in an interview.

Club Mediterranee is the world leader for ski resorts with 23 properties, the bulk of which are in Europe.

"We find that Asia-Pacific is less affected by the current economic crisis and people from worldwide have continued their vacations in this region. So we believe there is potential for us to grow," Horps said.

Club Mediterranee has 10 resorts in Asia-Pacific, of which two are in Hokaido and Kabira, Japan, two in Mauritius, and one each in Malaysia, Bali, Maldives, Phuket, Bintan and Australia.

Worldwide, it has a total of 80 resorts, which hosted a combine 1.36 million customers in 2008, representing a growth of 2.8 per cent.

Horps said its resorts in Asia-Pacific are expected to close the year with 60 per cent occupancy.

Last year, its Asia-Pacific operations earned euro200 million (RM1.02 billion) contributing 12 per cent to Club Mediterranee's global revenue of euro1.5 billion (RM7.68 billion).

"This year, we hope to maintain the revenue for our business in Asia-Pacific. In the current context, maintaining is already good. It has been a rough year with the economic crisis first, and then influenza A(H1N1).

"What we see is more late bookings. People are planning their holiday on shorter notice," he said.

At group level, revenue will decrease slightly but Club Mediterranee is expecting to do better than its competitors, Horps said.

Its net profit for fiscal 2008 was euro2 million (RM10.24 million), as compared with a loss of euro8 million (RM40.96 million) in 2007.

rizalhakim

September 24th, 2009, 03:53 AM

Dorsett group out to trap more MICE
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/09/24

DORSETT International Hotels and Resorts Sdn Bhd expects to increase its meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) facilities by 50 per cent over the next five years as it expands its hotel portfolio.

The move by the Dorsett group, the hospitality arm of Hong Kong's Far East Consortium International Ltd, is in line with identifying the MICE business as a potential growth segment.

Today, the Dorsett group, has a total of five hotels which combined have a capacity to host MICE events for some 20,000 people.

"With each new hotel coming on-stream, we hope to have facilities that can accommodate between 600 and 1,000 people," its president Eddie Tang told Business Times in an interview.

It plans to open an additional 10 hotels by 2014.

The group's cash cow now for the MICE market is the Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, which will on October 1 2009 be rebranded as the Grand Dorsett Subang Hotel.

Last year, Sheraton Subang made a net profit of RM17.5 million on a revenue of RM57 million. MICE business accounted for 55 per cent of the revenue.

This year, Tang expects contribution from the MICE segment to the hotel's revenue to improve by another 12 per cent to 15 per cent.

"Our Subang hotel is a full-fledged MICE hotel, we are even contemplating on whether to add another ballroom in the hotel," Tang said.

What the group has noticed in the current global economic crisis is higher demand for banquet bookings from both the corporate and the government sectors. Many are not travelling abroad, but are instead holding their events in Malaysia.

Working in its favour is the star-rating at five of its hotels, which range from three- to five-star. This provides it with an unique selling point and option for its clients, based on their budget.

The other hotels within the group - Dorsett Regency Kuala Lumpur, Grand Dorsett Labuan, Maytower Hotel and Serviced Residences and the Dorsett Johor - cater more for seminars and smaller meeting groups.

Future scheduled hotel openings include a business class hotel in Sri Hartamas and a three-star property in Cheras in the Klang Valley. Due to the high population in Cheras, Dorsett has planned to include a ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 people.

Other openings are expected in Kota Kinabalu, Penang island and Kuantan.

In the financial year ended March 31 2009, Dorsett posted a revenue of RM125 million and in 2011 it hopes to hit RM143 million in revenue.

rizalhakim

September 24th, 2009, 09:39 AM

Naza moves aggressively to expand hotel business

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The Naza group plans to expand its portfolio to include four- and five-star as well as boutique hotels.

The Naza group, most known for its automotive business, is moving aggressively into the hotel sector and plans to expand its portfolio to include four- and five-star as well as boutique hotels.

Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin, head of its hotel division, said that each category will be branded differently albeit under the Naza umbrella.

Currently, the division has a hotel each in Penang, Johor Baru and Malacca, opened in the last six years. The Naza hotels are rated three- and four-star, and have around 130 rooms each.

The group also holds the franchise to operate Howard Johnson Torrance and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Pedro, Los Angeles, in the US.
Nur Nadia said the hotel division makes less than RM4 million in revenue currently, but expects it to increase to RM6 million next year before growing in double digits.

"We are doing a few things this year to build our portfolio. We are rebranding Naza Hotel as Naza Talyya Hotel at a cost of RM1 million," she said, adding that it targets to launch the new brand by the end of next month.

The group had earlier spent RM18 million to give its properties a facelift. The exercise was completed in March.

"We are spending to improve the properties. As such, the hotel division won't be making much profits in the current year," Nur Nadia told Business Times in an interview.

"We hope to have a few more hotels in our stable in the next three to five years. We will open a fourth Naza Talyya Hotel in the Klang Valley by year-end," she added.

Naza will rope in foreign designers to work on the interior of the hotels in the pipeline, and renowned architects for exterior works.

The group will ensure that the location and room count are feasible before it embarks on a new hotel venture.

Nur Nadia, youngest daughter of the late Naza founder and chairman Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, also said that its boutique hotel concept will be similar to those in the US and Europe.

"There are currently not that many boutique hotels in Malaysia. I am looking at doing something unique and I believe there is room for growth," she said.

rizalhakim

September 24th, 2009, 09:40 AM

Naza hotel unit in rebranding exercise

The Naza group, founded by the late Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin in 1974, ventured into the hospitality business six years ago when it bought three buildings and converted them into hotels.

The country's biggest privately-held automotive group's hotel unit, known as Naza Hotel, is in the midst of being rebranded as Naza Talyya Hotel.

The hotels in Penang, Johor Baru and Malacca have three- and four-star ratings, with around 130 rooms each.

Head of the hotel division, Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin, said the group recently spent RM18 million to give the hotels a facelift.
"For new hotels, we are looking to construct them on our own so that we can look into every detail of the development," she told Business Times.

Nur Nadia is the youngest of Nasimuddin's five children, aged 23 to 32, who are all involved in the group's operations.

The older children are SM Faisal, Nur Diana, SM Nasarudin and SM Faliq.

Nur Nadia, who has a degree in management studies, also heads the division's food and beverage business.

Arkdriver

September 24th, 2009, 11:17 AM

bertuah la sapa dapat mengorat anak2 arwah nasimuddin ni..senang hidup..makan tak habiss

rizalhakim

September 25th, 2009, 04:12 AM

Nomad sees deal yielding return within 12-14 years
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/09/25

SERVICED office and residence provider Nomad Group Bhd expects a return on investment (ROI) of its RM155.5 million purchase of Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) within 12 to 14 years .

This projection is based on a current yield of 7 per cent.

The company is scheduled to complete its purchase of the four-star hotel by the end of this quarter or early fourth quarter.

Nomad chief executive officer Hew Thin Chay said the company plans to achieve the ROI by improving the hotel's gross operating profit (GOP) to 41 per cent from 38 per cent now.

GOP is gross revenue (from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre) minus cost of operations (such as wages, electricity and amenities).

In addition, the company will improve the utilisation of the food and beverage outlets in the hotel and synergise it with its serviced offices under the Nomad Group located nearby.

Novotel KLCC is located on Jalan Kia Peng between The Nomad Offices at Etiqa Twins and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

This allows for the hotel food to be catered at training events and functions that are held at the serviced offices, which is an alternative to a hotel venue, but at a much lower cost.

Nomad is buying Pulai Springs Bhd's subsidiary City Centre Hotel Sdn Bhd, which owns Novotel KLCC.

Nomad will pay RM47.3 million in cash and assume two separate loans of RM57.2 million and RM51 million owed by City Centre Hotel.

For the loans portion, Nomad is looking at retiring it via internal funds, bank borrowings or refinancing it.

Hew also said since Novotel is performing well, it plans to keep Accor, the owner of the Novotel brand, as the hotel's operator for the next two years, at least.

This is the group's second acquisition in Kuala Lumpur after Sucasa Serviced Apartments on Jalan Ampang, now renamed "The Nomad Sucasa".

The Nomad Sucasa was purchased at RM56 million and underwent a RM7 million renovation. At an eight per cent yield, it expects ROI to take 10 years, excluding property appreciation.

The 180-unit property expects occupancy to be at the same level as last year of 86 per cent.

Hew said The Nomad Sucasa's average room rate has improved to RM214 per night from RM157 per night since its acquisition. Corporate travellers make up 60 per cent of its guests and the rest are leisure travellers.

The group also owns and operates The Nomad Residences Bangsar, a serviced apartment property in Kuala Lumpur.

nazrey

September 25th, 2009, 03:32 PM

Malaysia Hotel in Kuala Lumpur - Citrus Hotel
Enjoy the convenience of a prime location in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Citrus Hotel is conveniently located on Jalan Raja Laut, one of the artery city roads with easy access to the city centre. The rail network accessible from this Kuala Lumpur hotel provides efficient links to the entire city. Running parallel to Gombak River west of the hotel is the STAR LRT, with stops at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) and Sultan Ismail LRT Stations. East of the hotel, the nearby KL Monorail line has stations at Medan Tuanku and Chow Kit.
Please visit us at http://www.citrushotelkl.com/

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Citrus Hotel Lobby

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Citrus Hotel Executive Suite - Living Area

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Citrus Hotel Executive Club Lounge

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Citrus Club Superior - Bedroom

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Citrus Hotel Executive Suite - Bedroom

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Citrus Hotel Club Deluxe - Bedroom

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Citrus Hotel Executive Deluxe - Bedroom

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Citrus Hotel Executive Superior - Bedroom

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nazrey

September 27th, 2009, 11:36 PM

Berjaya Hotels wants to hive off some foreign assets
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2009/09/28

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Hospitality group Berjaya Hotels & Resorts plans to sell off its properties in Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Singapore and London to concentrate on its more profitable markets in Asia-Pacific.

Chief executive officer Joseph Won said the group wants to sell Berjaya Colombo Hotel and Berjaya Singapore Hotel, exiting entirely from Sri Lanka and Singapore, despite the two being in Asia-Pacific, to focus on bigger markets.

Won said if prices are right, it would also dispose of Berjaya Beau Vallon Resort and Berjaya Praslin Resort in Seychelles and Berjaya Eden Park Hotel in London.

He said the group is in discussions with a few parties for its properties in Seychelles and London and hopes to sell them within the next two quarters.

Locally, the group operates Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Berjaya Tioman Resort, Berjaya Redang Resort, Berjaya Georgetown Hotel, Colmar Tropicale and Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The properties, including those overseas, are worth a combined RM900 million.

"We have made a strategic decision to be Asia-Pacific focused. We are transforming ourselves in such a way to become one of the biggest hotel groups in the region," Won said in an interview with Business Times.

He added that the plan for Asia-Pacific would be to open up to 20 new hotels and resorts in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Maldives and Malaysia over the next six to seven years.

The list would include Berjaya branded properties, which the group would own and operate on its own, and hotels operated by third parties.

Berjaya Hotels & Resorts will use proceeds from the sale of the foreign properties, and its own reserves and existing cash flow to finance the expansion.

In addition to opening more properties, the group will also be looking for management contracts in Asia-Pacific.

"We are getting offers from China and Vietnam to operate their wholly-owned resorts and hotels, under the Berjaya brand. This is something we would be doing on a big scale," Won said.

The group, in a 70:30 joint venture with a local Vietnamese firm, is currently constructing Berjaya Resorts Phu Quoc Island in Phu Quoc Island for US$45 million (US$1 = RM3.48).

Won said the new resort is targeted for opening in the second or third quarter of next year.

"This is our first property in Vietnam and I wish to do more. I am bullish on the market. We will be expanding there aggressively," Won said.

The group is also looking to open a city hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and a beach resort in Da Nang, within the next four to five years.

Meanwhile, Won said Berjaya Hotels & Resorts may be listed in the future to expedite its expansion and unlock the value of its properties.

"Listing is a possibility that everybody is talking about. My (immediate) aim is to take the group global after we have opened the new properties," he added.

nazrey

September 27th, 2009, 11:39 PM

Berjaya Hotels expects to rake in RM310m revenue
By Sharen Kaur Published: 2009/09/28

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/BHOT25/pix_topright

The hospitality group has 11 properties in Malaysia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the UK which recorded revenue of RM290 million for the financial year ended April 30 2009.

HOSPITALITY group Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, a unit of Berjaya Land Bhd (4219), expects to rake in RM310 million in revenue for current financial year, driven largely by its properties in Malaysia.

Its chief executive officer (CEO) Joseph Won said the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for all its properties in the current year will amount to 33-35 per cent.

The group has 11 Berjaya properties in Malaysia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Singapore and the UK, which recorded an average occupancy rate of 66 per cent and revenue of RM290 million for the financial year ended April 30 2009.

Won said the group's properties in Malaysia are recording better room sales with an average room rate (ARR) of RM320 million despite the global economic crisis.
The properties are Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Berjaya Tioman Resort, Berjaya Redang Resort, Berjaya Georgetown Hotel, Colmar Tropicale and Berjaya Times Square Hotel.

"We see more people travelling to our resorts in Redang, Langkawi and Tioman Island, and Berjaya Hills," he said.

In comparison, the ARR for the group's overseas properties is some US$120 million (RM418 million).

"Overall, we did very well in the financial year just-ended despite the global credit crunch. We are lucky to have come out of this crisis unscathed," Won said in an interview.

The group remains cautious even though the economy is recovering.

Won said Berjaya Hotels & Resorts will not take to raising the ARR for its Malaysian properties next year.

The last time the ARR was raised was in 2006, by 10-12 per cent.

Won was appointed CEO of Berjaya Hotels & Resorts in August last year.

rizalhakim

October 2nd, 2009, 05:59 AM

Sunway City Ipoh to open luxury retreat and budget hotels
By Melody Song of theedgeproperty.com
Thursday, 01 October 2009 09:27

KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway City (Ipoh) Sdn Bhd is expected to open the doors of its exclusive five-star Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Tambun, Perak by year-end, according to Sunway City Bhd senior general manager Ong Pang Yen.

The first phase of the luxury spa retreat by the natural hot springs will include 25 villas targeted at international guests. “We hope to really put Ipoh on the map with this,” said Ong, adding that he expects an average occupancy to be around 60% to 70%
.
CEO of Sunway International Hotel and Resorts Hanley Chew said the total land area for the retreat would span approximately 16 acres with a total built-up area of 95,513 sq ft.

“This includes the 'caves' which will be designed for meditation and steam baths,” he said, adding that the price range for various packages at the spa would be around US $3,000 (approximately RM10,500) for between three to five nights stay.

Sunway City is also commencing construction on a 100-room value-for-money hotel in The Lost World of Tambun, a theme park development by Sunway.

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An artist's impression of The Lost World Hotel

The Lost World hotel is on a 186,611 sq ft site and the building will have a total gross floor area (GFA) of 47,005 sq ft.
Known thus far as “The Lost World Hotel” in line with the theme park, the hotel is expected to see occupancy rates at 70% and will be completed in 2011. Room rates are expected to range between RM120-RM150 a night.

“We had originally planned to develop shop-offices on this plot of land, but our primary research showed that visitors to the theme park wanted value-for-money accommodation,” said Ong. “Since the theme park has matured substantially, we thought it a good move to build a hotel.”

Its primary clientele is expected to be mainly vacationing families and corporations conduction team-building activities.

The Lost World of Tambun spans a land area of approximately 1,300 acres of which only 500-600 acres are usable as the rest are hilly areas. According to Ong, the development should be completed by 2015.

“We began development in 1996, but due to the Asian financial crisis operations were suspended for five years. The project was revived in 2002,” said Ong. “In our masterplan, we have approval for 3,000 residential units. Today, 1,200 units are already developed.”

rizalhakim

October 2nd, 2009, 06:01 AM

The renaissance of a hotel

2009/10/02

The Renaissance Melaka Hotel has installed new flat-screen LCD televisions in all its 294 luxury guest rooms on 15 floors as part of the hotel’s overall refurbishment plan that began this year.

MALACCA: The Renaissance Melaka Hotel has installed 308 units of new flat-screen LCD televisions in its 294 luxury guest rooms on 15 floors.

The installation of the TVs is part of the hotel's refurbishment plans that began this year.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce a fresh new experience for all our guests," says hotel general manager, Thomas Salg.

The hotel has a character of its own, blending old world charm with modern luxuries and attentive service.

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The 294 deluxe guest rooms and suites features luxurious bedding complete with a designer duvet, cotton-rich linens, custom comforters and clouds of pillows, he added.

The hotel rooms are equipped with modern amenities and services such as high-speed Internet, easy access data ports, power outlets at desk level, two telephones and voice mail.

"Guests will rediscover for themselves that Renaissance Melaka Hotel is the most charming Malacca hotel for leisure and business, and can comfortably and confidently become reacquainted with the fine art of relaxation," said Salg.

The hotel will next renovate its restaurant, lobby and other common areas.

Salg said the refurbishment plans are part of the hotel's goal to reach its full potential as a distinctive and stylish five-star hotel in town.

rizalhakim

October 5th, 2009, 04:02 AM

Tradewinds sets sights on hotel acquisitions abroad
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2009/10/05

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HOTELIER and property developer Tradewinds Corp Bhd (TCB) (4804) is setting its eyes on hotel acquisitions abroad, as this provides better and speedier returns on investments.

It has been looking at several proposals which it has received from around the region.

"We have been approached by various parties, but we are not actively pursuing any of these at the moment, neither are we saying no to these proposals," chief executive officer Shaharul Farez Hassan told Business Times.

He added that he sees Southeast Asia as a suitable location for its foreign venture.
"Hotels in other countries fare better in terms of room rates," he said.

With the exception of Langkawi, Malaysian hotels in general rake in lower average room rates compared to their counterparts elsewhere.

TCB's previous foreign hotel initiatives were in Vietnam and Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. It sold its partially completed hotel in Hanoi, The InterContinental Westlake hotel, two years ago for US$75 million (RM261 million). This gave TCB a one time net gain of RM148.5 million.

Tradewinds had also previously won a bid for a hotel in Sarajevo, but pulled out after due diligence was conducted.

Meanwhile, Shaharul expects its hotel division revenue to dip by between 10 per cent and 13 per cent in the year ending December 31 2009, as the global economic crisis and the H1N1 flu sees people travelling far less.

Last year, the division chalked up RM332.74 million, which accounted for 70 per cent of its total revenue of RM475.46 million.

In the first half ended June 30 2009, TCB made a net profit of RM13.12 million on the back of RM223.63 million. Sixty four per cent of the revenue was from its hotel division.

This year, its worst hit hotel has been Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur. Business is down by about 10 per cent compared to last year. Nevertheless, all hotels are profitable.

The best performing hotel in terms of room rates is the five star Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi which it owns but is operated by Singapore Meritus International Hotels Pte Ltd.

Other hotels owned and operated by the group include Mutiara Taman Negara, Pahang and Mutiara Johor Baru.

Hotels owned by TCB but operated by an international chain include Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Sarawak, Hilton Kuching and Hilton Petaling Jaya.

TCB also manages the Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort, Langkawi for the Langkawi Development Authority.

nazrey

October 9th, 2009, 08:59 PM

Carcosa Sri Negara to be upgraded
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2009/10/10

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/icarcosa/pix_topright

THE government has called for bids to upgrade Carcosa Seri Negara, a 97-year old boutique, city hotel and heritage building that was once home to Frank Swettenham, the highest ranked British representative to the Malay States.

It will be closed for renovation from January 1 2010. However, the property would will keep its name. Bids must be in by October 29 this year.

"We are inviting fresh ideas (for the property)," Nurulhakeem Hasim, the principal assistant secretary from the Property and Land Management Division of the Prime Minister's Department said in a briefing on Thursday.

The Request For Proposal (RFP) document highlighted that the proposer must bear all upgrading costs and pay a monthly rental.

The developer/operator must also propose a profit sharing deal with the government.

The government wants bids from candidates with strong financial standing, wide experience and recognition in hotel and resort management and one with a chain of hotels/resorts in Malaysia and abroad.

The applicant should own a hotel brand and have a proven administrative and management track record.

Some 17 people attended the briefing, including representatives from Swiss Garden, Impiana Group, Johor Corp, Peremba, Landmarks Bhd and MITC Ancasa Hotel Melaka.

Those present told the Business Times that they were surprised that advertisements only appeared in the Malay dailies last week.

They also lamented on the short time frame to prepare the proposal. Moreover, no financial details were given as to the past performance nor rental for the lease.

According to Nurulhakeem, renovations will be done in two phases. The first phase involves upgrading and developing the existing product while the second phase will be managing and operating the hotel.

The hotel, work on it that started in 1904, was completed in 1912. It is essentially divided into two, the seven-suite Carcosa and the six-suite Seri Negara. The two blocks sit on a 1.62ha site near Taman Tasik Perdana.

The Carcosa was originally the private residence of Frank Swettenham, the highest ranked British representative to the Malay States, while the Seri Negara was for his guests.

This designated heritage site is owned by the Government and was taken on a 20-year lease by Landmarks Bhd in 1989. This lease ends on December 31, 2009.

Landmarks operated the premises until five years ago, when General Hotel Management Group was brought in, in 2004, as a guardian for the heritage site.

Meanwhile, the period for which the hotel will be closed, will depend on the extent of work that was proposed.

The developer must propose the duration of the lease based on the return on investment anticipated after the upgrade.

An interested party said that since all the investment will come from the private sector, unlike previously when the government paid for all the renovation and refurbishment, the investment amount has to be practical.

Nurulhakeem indicated that certain terms on government's usage of the facility may be incorporated. It is however unclear, if the some 365 years of free nights available to the government will continue under the new contract.

nazrey

October 10th, 2009, 02:51 PM

rizalhakim

October 13th, 2009, 04:13 AM

Impiana to invest RM200m in new Malaysian, Thai hotels
By Vasantha Ganesan Published: 2009/10/13

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/iimpia/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/impiana.jpg

HOTELIER Impiana Hotels & Resorts will invest some RM200 million over the next three years for new hotels in Malaysia and Thailand.

The hotels will be within the Klang Valley, in Tioman, Pahang, and in Phuket, Thailand.

Chairman Datuk Seri Farouk Abdullah, in a recent interview with Business Times, said it is now building 12 luxury private villas with individual pools, in Kata Noi, Phuket at a cost of RM40 million.

To be ready by end-2009, the Kata Noi hotel is expected to garner between RM3,700 per night for a 1,200 sq ft villa to RM5,500 per night for a 2,500 sq ft suite.

In Malaysia, Impiana group is keen to run a four-star or five-star hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor or in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and it has budgeted RM100 million for this.

"We are in talks with a few people, but it is still preliminary," he said.

And if it cannot find a suitable property, it will look at building a hotel at one of the two locations it has identified.

He expects to fund the purchase of building with internal funds and borrowings.

"We are working towards raising the funds," he said.

Meanwhile, Farouk said Impiana may also develop up-market villas in Tioman island.

"We are looking at Tioman. We have 10 ha of land there. We are looking at 30 to 40 units of luxury villas," Farouk said, adding that this could cost between RM50 million and RM60 million, excluding land.

Hotels under the group with the Impiana brand are Impiana Resort Cherating, Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa, Impiana Koh Samui and Impiana Phuket Cabana Resort.

Impiana is also buying the Impiana Casuarina Ipoh, which it has been managing for two years, for RM44 million from Perak Corp Bhd.

The hotel, now rated as a three-star, will undergo a RM5 million makeover to be upgraded to a four-star property and help garner a higher room rate of RM230 and occupancy of 75 per cent.

Meanwhile, Farouk said that is still in talks to buy between 20 per cent and 25 per cent stake in Impiana KLCC from its owners Heritage Lane Sdn Bhd.

rizalhakim

October 19th, 2009, 06:04 AM

Raja Muda launches Grand Paragon Hotel
Satiman Jamin
2009/10/19

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http://www.grandparagonhotel.com.my

THE Grand Paragon Hotel, which has staked a claim in the business-class hotel market in Johor Baru, has announced its intention to lure more customers with innovative products.

Hotel chairman Datuk Tan Eng Boon's goal of contributing towards the state's tourism industry was highlighted by managing director Francis Khoo in his speech at a grand opening ceremony recently.

Tan is the moving force behind the hotel's drive to make its slogan "Significant venue and grand hospitality" a reality for customers.

Chalking an impressive 75 per cent occupancy rate since it started operations on Nov 11 last year, the 265-room Grand Paragon Hotel has gained a respectable position in the market.

The rooms are equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen television, complimentary high speed wireless Internet access and an electronic safe large enough to accommodate most laptops.

The grand opening was officiated by the Raja Muda of Johor, Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, at the four-star hotel's grand ballroom.

Earlier, the Raja Muda was taken on a tour of the hotel's facilities, including the deluxe rooms and suites.

Guests from the corporate and government sector, travel agents and the press were entertained by a 15-piece orchestra and dance groups which performed traditional dances.

rizalhakim

October 23rd, 2009, 09:10 AM

Hotel bajet tarik pelancong

KUALA LUMPUR: Pengusaha hotel bajet disaran membina lebih banyak hotel seumpama itu di seluruh negara terutama di bandar besar seluruh negara bagi menarik kedatangan lebih ramai pelancong luar negara.

Ketua Menteri Melaka, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, berkata hotel terbabit adalah bagi membolehkan lebih ramai golongan berpendapatan sederhana dan pengembara dapat menginap pada harga rendah tetapi selesa.

“Saya juga menyarankan pengusaha menumpukan lokasi di bandar besar seperti Johor Bahru, Melaka dan Kuantan kerana di kawasan ini adalah kawasan tumpuan pelancong dalam dan luar negara.

“Selain daripada itu, perusahaan restoran serta kafe internet juga adalah antara perniagaan yang sangat menguntungkan pada mas kini kerana ia penting dengan arus dunia moden yang memerlukan teknologi tak kira di mana kita berada,” katanya selepas merasmikan Restoran Rest, Relax And Internet di sini, semalam.

Restoran keluarga yang dimiliki oleh Senator Datuk Abd Rahman Bakar dan keluarga itu mengetengahkan konsep makanan barat, Melayu, India, Cina dan Thai dibuka sudah memulakan operasi sejak 2 Oktober lalu.

Mohd Ali berkata, beliau juga berharap pihak bank dapat memudahkan urusan pinjaman kepada mana-mana pihak yang ingin memulakan perniagaan hotel bajet kerana ia adalah satu pelaburan yang menguntungkan.

“Saya bangga kerana ramai masyarakat Bumiputera kini berjaya menjalankan perniagaan terutama di tengah-tengah ibu kota yang penuh dengan cabaran dari segi sewa yang tinggi serta persaingan sengit,” katanya.

nazrey

October 28th, 2009, 04:19 PM

The old hotel @ KL
From flickr

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rizalhakim

November 2nd, 2009, 03:47 AM

Berjaya hotels to get RM130m facelift
By Sharen KaurPublished: 2009/11/02

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/BJAYA26/pix_topright

BERJAYA Hotels & Resorts, the leisure arm of Berjaya Land Bhd (4219), will spend close to RM130 million to refurbish its six hotels in the country, says its chief.

The company operates the Berjaya Langkawi Resort, the Berjaya Tioman Resort, the Berjaya Redang Resort, the Berjaya Georgetown Hotel in Penang, Colmar Tropicale in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang and the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Chief executive officer Joseph Won said despite the current economic downturn, the properties have generally maintained its revenue per available room.

The four-star properties recorded an average occupancy rate of 66 per cent for the financial year ended April 30 2009.
Won said he is expecting more visitors to Langkawi, Redang and Tioman next year, as the economy improves and the company embarks on promoting its properties aggressively.

"Malaysia is a beautiful country and it has a lot to offer but it needs to be more focused in promoting local tourism in a more controlled and organised fashion.

"Malaysia needs a roadmap so that all players, including the government, will have something more firm to look at and follow," Won said.

Won said Berjaya Hotels is spending RM30 million to refurbish the 502 rooms at Berjaya Langkawi.

It will spend another RM25 million in the second or third quarter of 2010 to improve the public areas at the resort.

"We have been refurbishing the rooms since August. We want to improve the appeal of our resort so it could compete more effectively," Won told Business Times in an interview.

Berjaya Hotels will also spend RM70 million to upgrade its 670-room Berjaya Times Square Hotel, the company's best-performing city hotel, beginning first quarter of 2011.

At the same time, the company will conduct minor renovation at the Berjaya Redang Resort.

It will spend some RM7 million to refurbish the two food outlets, after spending RM35 million to upgrade its 220 rooms last year.

"We are proud of Berjaya Redang. The average room rate during the peak period is RM550 and due to high level of demand for rooms during this season, we are looking to raise the rates next year," Won said.

nazrey

November 5th, 2009, 08:55 PM

nazrey

November 5th, 2009, 09:21 PM

Shangri-La's 3Q net profit dips 37%
Written by Yong Min Wei
Thursday, 05 November 2009 19:14

KUALA LUMPUR: SHANGRI-LA HOTELS (M) BHD's (SHMB) net profit for 3Q ended Sept 30, 2009 dipped close to 37% to RM12.64 million from RM19.91 million a year ago mainly due to significant declines in the operating results of Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Golden Sands Resort which are undergoing major renovations.

According to a Bursa Malaysia filing today, SHMB said the group's other hotels and resorts also made weaker contributions as a result of the effects of the global recession.

Revenue for the 3Q shed 16% to RM93.05 million from RM110.95 million the same quarter last year while basic earnings per share fell to 2.87 sen from 4.53 sen.

For the cumulative nine months period ended Sept 30, 2009, the group's net profit dropped 41% to RM25.94 million versus RM43.68 million in the same period last year while revenue lost 17% to RM262.09 million from RM316.31 million.

On its outlook, the group said its hotel business for the remainder of 2009 remains challenging, adding that no significant recovery in demand would be expected till year end although activity levels in the leisure and corporate travel markets have shown some signs of improvement.

rizalhakim

November 10th, 2009, 02:33 AM

Eastin Hotel Penang
Opening Date - 12/11/09
Promotion Rate - rm168

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Eastin Penang targets 70pc occupancy for first-half 2010
By Marina EmmanuelPublished: 2009/11/10

THE RM130 million Eastin Hotel Penang, which will open its doors for business on Thursday, is looking at an average of 70 per cent occupancy for the first half of 2010.

Hotel manager Mary Ann Harris said the first chain hotel of the Eastin group, which is located in the Queensbay waterfront township, will be looking to its neighbours for business.

"Owing to our proximity to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, we are eyeing business travellers linked to the multinational companies and small- and medium-sized businesses operating here," she told Business Times yesterday.

The 14-storey hotel, which is the second hotel owned by the CP Group, will focus on filling up its 328 rooms with corporate travellers from Penang and the northern region, while the weekend stays will be targeted towards leisure travellers from neighbouring states and overseas.

"We will not limit our market to corporate travellers from Penang island alone, but will also be targeting businesses from the industrial parks on the mainland and in Kedah," she said.

Harris said forward bookings for the hotel remains strong, owing to a pent-up demand for hotels in the location.

"We are positioning ourselves as an international class business hotel and our rates will be based on demand," she added.

The Queensbay area is currently home to the northern region's largest lifestyle mall.

In 2003, the CP Group took over the Bayan Bay project, which was abandoned in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis.

Revival work started in 2005 and the development was renamed Queensbay. The 28ha development was originally undertaken by Eternal Resources Sdn Bhd, a 70:30 joint venture between the now defunct Anson Perdana Bhd and the Penang Development Corp.

CP was picked as the white knight over seven other bidders to revive the abandoned project.

The development of Queensbay is divided into 13 parcels, comprising luxurious residences, a retail mall, shop offices, signature office suites, corporate towers, serviced residences, business class hotels, a convention centre, a medical centre, marina and waterfront retail shops.

Hafizzuan

November 10th, 2009, 02:51 AM

Pullman Lakeside Hotel, Putrajaya

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emzeti

November 10th, 2009, 03:23 AM

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oh padang pun tak pernah nampak construction dia kat mana rupanya jauh nun di sana...

nazrey

November 13th, 2009, 01:43 PM

Sheraton Langkawi Recognised As Malaysia's Leading Resort
November 13, 2009 17:55 PM

LANGKAWI, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort won the award in "Malaysia's Leading Resort" category at the World Travel Awards event in London last Saturday.

The hotel's sales and marketing director Stephanie Choi said the achievement was a proud one and raised the image of Langkawi as a world class tourist holiday destination.

"The hotel had previously won the Langkawi 2008 award for Outstanding Resort from the Langkawi Development Authority and the Langkawi Tourism body," she added, in a statement here, Friday.

The World Travel Awards is organised to give recognition as well as honour excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.

Stephanie also said that to ensure maximum satisfaction for its clients, the 238-room hotel will continue to enhance its services in line with the recognition just received.

This years voting was the highest in the history of the World Travel Awards, with 183,000 professionals voting to pick the best promoters of the travel, tourism, hospitality and services industry in Asia.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 16th, 2009, 03:50 AM

Holiday Inn Glenmarie's rebranding in preparation for boom
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2009/11/16

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/holinn/pix_bottom

HOLIDAY Inn Glenmarie in Shah Alam, Selangor, an Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) brand, is undergoing a rebranding exercise that will provide guests a distinct affiliation towards the brand.

This exercise is expected to create a positive response, both in terms of customer satisfaction and performance.

The rebranding forms part of a global US$1 billion (RM3.3 billion) exercise involving 3,200 hotels worldwide. This includes Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express.

In Malaysia, the Holiday Inn Glenmarie's rebranding exercise is accompanied by a refurbishment work of RM3 million.

The amount is on top of the RM13.5 million spent by the owners in 2007, when the hotel underwent a renovation exercise. The hotel is owned by DRB-HICOM Bhd.

General manager Anil Pathak said the hotel's official date of rebranding is on November 19 that will see it carry a new logo and face lighting, new scent and new music, unique characteristics of the hotel's branding exercise.

"This is a smart brand investment as we are expecting demand to return in June 2010. This is in preparation for the economic boom," Pathak told Business Times in an interview recently.

Pathak said the decision to rebrand came about after a worldwide survey.

Four distinct features will be included - a contemporary feel to the building, guest arrival experience, a new bedding and shower experience and a stay-real service culture.

"We will take into account the demands and needs of persons, we are changing things that matters most," he said.

In terms of performance, in 2010, the hotel, which caters predominantly for the corporate market, expects to see a 7 per cent increase in gross operating profit in terms of real value.

Pathak said this expectation is in line with the rebranding exercise which took place in Europe and the US. Hotels in the countries saw revenue per available room improve by 6.4 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively even during the economic downturn.

"Taking heed from this, we expect revenue per available room to improve by between 5 per cent and 5.5 per cent," he said.

This year, despite the gloomy economic environment, Holiday Inn Glenmarie has managed to perform better than in 2008. Its average daily rate has improved by 4 per cent and it expects to achieve a gross operating profit of over 30 per cent.

"We have held on to our rates," Pathak said, adding that 50 per cent of its guests are repeat guests.

rizalhakim

November 16th, 2009, 04:41 AM

Penang hotels wooing business travellers
By DAVID TAN

Move to exploit state’s good potential in business process outsourcing

GEORGE TOWN: Branded hotels along the famed tourist belt in Batu Ferringhi here are aiming for a slice of the corporate travellers market, shedding their image as leisure oriented resorts which cater only to families and holidaymakers in the process.

These hotels include the newly refurbished Golden Sands Resort and the just-opened Hard Rock Hotel.

Opened on Nov 12, the 328-room Eastin Hotel, located at the southern part of the island, will also compete for the corporate market, given its proximity to the Free Industrial Zone, where the multinational corporations (MNCs) are located.

Bruno Cristol ... ‘We are receiving about 2,800 delegates from India in two batches.’
The move to woo corporate clients comes amid Penang’s new reputation as an international business process outsourcing site, as highlighted in the KPMG’s Exploring Global Frontier report.

After spending about RM36mil on refurbishment, Golden Sands Resorts, a member of Shangri-La International Hotels Group, is repositioning itself to capture the corporate as well as MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) markets.

The refurbishment, now over 90% completed, is scheduled for completion by mid-November.

“In the last two weeks of November, we are receiving about 2,800 delegates from India in two batches from an internationally known multi-level marketing company to take part in an annual conference.

“Our sister hotel, Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, will help provide accommodation for the guests, as we won’t have enough rooms.

“This is the largest delegation to arrive from a single company and country in the past 15 years. We are now targeting also the corporate and MICE segment and not just the leisure crowd.” Golden Sands Resort general manager Bruno Cristol said adding that it also provide unlimited free wireless services for all the rooms and in the lobby.

Cristol noted that Australians and Indians were coming to Penang more frequently due to frequent direct flights, and as Penang carved up new tourism markets, such as Eastern Europe.

The newly opened RM150mil Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi is also wooing the corporate market segment.

Operations director Thomas Blachere said a delegation of 400 people from an MNC in the country would be staying at the hotel this month for an incentive meeting.

“We will be packed with visitors from South-East Asia, as we have received many enquiries from corporate clients in the region to hold incentive meetings here,” he said.

Blachere said the hotel would be tying up with airlines such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly soon to promote domestic and regional tourism.

“We have special rates for visitors who fly with these airlines,” he said.

Eastin Hotel manager Mary Ann Harris said besides the normal leisure crowd, the hotel aimed to attract customers from MNCs, MICE, the travel industry and the medical tourism market.

The hotel is targeting guests from countries such as Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Japan, Australia, United States and Europe.

“We are aiming for an over 80% occupancy rate for the final quarter of the year,” Harris said.

Marco Battistotti, the Penang chapter chairman of the Malaysia Association of Hotels, noted that over the last two years, Penang had seen an increase in the number of visitors from the corporate and MICE market segments.

“There is regular demand by business and MICE groups from emerging destinations such as India, China and Taiwan to host small-scale incentive and corporate meetings in Penang.

“That is why there are hotels that want to shift away from the traditional resort and leisure market segment and focus on expanding the corporate and MICE market segment,” Battistotti said.

He expects the performance of hotels in the state for the final quarter of 2009 to be better than the same period in 2008.

“Because of the economic crisis, the hotel occupancy rate dropped to about 55% in the first half of 2009. But the occupancy rate of hotels here is gradually climbing back and should hit about 65% by the end of 2009,” he said.

rizalhakim

November 17th, 2009, 03:37 AM

RM7.5 Million Facelift For Seri Menanti Resort

KUALA PILAH, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- JK Holdings Sdn Bhd, which took over the management of Seri Menanti Resort, near here, has spent RM7.5 million to upgrade facilities at the resort.

Executive Chairman Ibrahim Salleh said repair and upgrading work started in June last year and was completed last month.

The resort will be managed by a manager and 38 support staff, he told reporters.

The resort was opened by the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, yesterday.

Ibrahim said the Negeri Sembilan state government signed an agreement with JK Holdings management to manage, repair and upgrade facilities at the resort on March 31, 2009.

Under the agreement, JK Holdings will manage the resort for 20 years.

Among facilities available at the resort are 23 rooms, six xhalets, a restaurant, a karaoke lounge, swimming pool, a banquet and seminar hall as well as recreational and children playground.

Ibrahim said Seri Menanti Resort has its own attraction due to its proximity to Istana Besar Seri Menanti, Muzium Istana Lama Seri Menanti, Seri Menanti Royal Golf Club, Kampung Budaya Terachi and Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest.

Among outdoor activities at the resort are jungle trekking, mountain climbing, bathing in waterfall, visiting Muzium Istana Lama Seri Menanti, fishing and cycling, he said.

JK Holdings Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned Bumiputera company, is based at Perkim Building in Kuala Lumpur.

The company's core business are hotel management, property development, palm oil processing and handling flight bookings.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 22nd, 2009, 12:42 PM

Grand Hyatt, Kuantan, Pahang
From flickr

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nazrey

November 22nd, 2009, 12:43 PM

Grand Hyatt, Kuantan, Pahang
From flickr

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lesart

November 22nd, 2009, 09:51 PM

^^Its a Hyatt Regency, not Grand Hyatt..

rizalhakim

December 11th, 2009, 09:06 AM

Naza Hotel labur RM200j bina 3 hotel baru

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Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin mempamerkan bilik hotel ketika majlis pelancaran Hotel Naza Talyya, di Bukit Kiara, semalam.

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PETALING JAYA 10 Dis. - Naza Hotel Management (Naza Hotel) dijangka melabur hampir RM200 juta untuk membina tiga hotel baru di bawah jenama Naza Talyya dalam tempoh tiga hingga lima tahun.

Pengarah Naza Talyya, Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin berkata, salah satu hotel itu akan dibina di kawasan segi tiga emas, di sini.

Naza Talyya adalah hotel bertaraf tiga bintang dan kini sudah mempunyai tiga cawangan iaitu di Melaka, Pulau Pinang dan Johor Bharu.

Beliau tidak mahu mengulas sama ada tiga cawangan hotel baru itu akan dibina atau melalui proses secara pengambilan alih.

"Semuanya masih dalam kajian dan Naza Hotel belum membuat sebarang keputusan," katanya ketika ditemui selepas pelancaran penjenamaan semua hotel-hotel Naza Talyya di sini hari ini.

Majlis perasmian itu disempurnakan oleh Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen.

Perasmian itu dibuat selepas ketiga-tiga hotel tersebut selesai dinaiktaraf, membabitkan kos sebanyak RM18 juta.

Nur Nadia berkata, meskipun menerokai pasaran hotel tiga bintang tetapi Naza Hotel mahu memberi nafas baru terhadap perkhidmatan tersebut untuk menjadikannya sebagai jenama global.

"Naza Hotel mahu menjadi pemain utama dalam industri perkhidmatan hotel di Malaysia," ujarnya.

Ia sekali gus dapat meningkatkan jumlah pelanggan khususnya dari pasaran antarabangsa.

Katanya, Naza Hotel kini bekerjasama dengan agensi-agensi pelancongan utama tempatan dan luar negara, selain syarikat penerbangan termasuk Malaysian Airline System, AirAsia dan Jetstar Airways.

Beliau berkata, walaupun negara dilanda krisis ekonomi, namun hotel-hotelnya masih menikmati kadar penginapan sebanyak 70 peratus pada tahun ini.

Naza Hotel yang dimiliki oleh Kumpulan Naza juga tidak meminggirkan pasaran tempatan, sebaliknya terus memberi tumpuan kepada kumpulan pelancong, pasangan yang mahu berbulan madu dan pakej cuti sekolah.

Dalam pada itu, Nur Nadia berkata, Naza Hotel akan meningkatkan kadar bayaran hotel-hotelnya sebanyak 20 peratus mulai 2010.

Jelasnya, walaupun ada kenaikan tetapi kadar yang dikenakan masih seiring dengan wajah baru hotel-hotel tersebut.

Sebelum ini, NHM mengenakan caj sebanyak RM120++ bagi bilik Superior dan RM130++ untuk Deluxe.

Nur Diana berkata, segmen hotelnya yang kini meraih pendapatan tahunan sebanyak RM15 juta bakal memberi sumbangan ketara pada masa depan.

nazrey

December 14th, 2009, 03:14 AM

1World Hotel in Ayer Keroh ready in April
Monday December 14, 2009

MALACCA: The 1World Hotel, which the World Assembly of Youth (WAY) is building in Ayer Keroh here, is expected to be operational in April next year.

WAY president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the RM8mil hotel located opposite the World Youth Foundation (WYF) building would have 160 rooms, a conference hall and a restaurant.

He said it would provide accommodation for youths participating in activities held in the state.

He told reporters this after opening the WYF Complex and WAY Headquarters in conjunction with the foundation’s 60th anniversary celebration here.

The complex will house a 39-room hostel, Melaka International Science and Technology College and Pantai Hospital and Petronas Dagangan Nurses Training Centre.

Earlier, Mohd Ali, who is Malacca Chief Minister, joined about 2,000 youths in the 1km Youth Walk for Democracy programme from Melaka International Trade Centre to the WYF Complex. — Bernama

rizalhakim

December 23rd, 2009, 03:34 AM

Naza Talyya Hotel aims for 70% occupancy rate
By Bernama
Tuesday, 22 December 2009 20:49

JOHOR BARU: The Naza Talyya Hotel here is aiming for a 20% increase in occupancy rate in the coming new year following its completion of an upgrading exercise.

An estimated RM18 million has been invested by the Naza Hotels Management group on their rebranding exercise.

The group, which also operates two other hotels in Melaka and Penang, says it is looking towards 2010 with optimism.

"Right now we are running at a 50% occupancy rate at our 136-room three-star hotel here, which is just about the average for most of the major hotels in Johor Baru, but I believe things will change for the better come 2010.

"It's a very challenging market, especially in Johor Baru, but given what we have invested in, we are confident we can achieve a 70% occupancy rate next year," says Nur Nadia SM Nasimuddin, the director of Naza Hotel Management at the official launch of the hotel by the Johor Baru district officer, Yahya Mohd Salleh.

The Naza Hotel Management, which is part of the Naza Group of companies, is also planning to open a new hotel in Kuala Lumpur and to also co-manage the Crowne Plaza LA Harbor Hotel in California.

But it's the Malaysian hospitality market which provides the greatest challenge.

"We are anticipating some tough challenges ahead, especially in our niche market, where the expected growth in the tourism market is coupled with new hotels coming into business. More so in Johor Baru.

"There are talks that three more hotels are in the pipeline in Johor Baru, which will add to the competition," Nur Nadia adds.

But an aggressive marketing plan, which includes the availability of on-line booking and their presence at major trade and travel fairs next year, should help achieve company target, she said. -- Bernama

nazrey

January 22nd, 2010, 06:07 PM

Four Points by Sheraton Kuching (near Kuching International Airport)
From flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4294829748_1c248c32c6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/4294086633_56876f9bd5_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2489/4294087189_f61943011a_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4294088193_d6b1e7bb4e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2690/4294830108_56905fccdd_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4294831012_100621f6ec_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4294087787_167841d539_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4294830354_27c1f1348c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4294829026_e1c88a7722_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4294086081_5f8eee7724_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4294830256_8075f1883d_b.jpg

redstone

January 22nd, 2010, 07:44 PM

Nice interiors

nazrey

January 24th, 2010, 02:22 PM

nazrey

January 24th, 2010, 03:24 PM

From flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/3106483891_33dee526d0_b.jpg

SHAH FIRDAUS

January 26th, 2010, 01:30 AM

10 hotels in Malaysia now hold Green Award status
By ANN TAN

anntan@thestar.com.my

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Five hotels in Malaysia have been chosen as the new recipients of the Asean Green Hotel Award 2010, bringing the total number of such hotels in the country to 10.

The five hotels are The Andaman Langkawi in Kedah, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, Mines Wellness Hotel in Selangor, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran and Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

The Asean Green Hotel Award 2008 recipients which managed to retain their status were Hotel Melia Kuala Lumpur, Nexus Resort Karambunai in Sabah, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur and The Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa.

The Asean Green Hotel Standard is an essential tool to support Asean as a world-class quality destination.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, in a statement, said among the criteria used were encouraging the use of green products, provision of training programmes for operation on environmental management and introduction of waste management techniques such as recycling.

A total of 155 hotels from 10 Asean countries received the award yesterday during the Asean Tourism Forum 2010 being held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club here.

In an unrelated development, the tourism ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philip*pines (BIMP) launched the “EQUATOR ASIA” brand and logo as a “single tourism destination” hailed as the world’s most biologically productive regions.

EQUATOR ASIA is located along the equator covering the BIMP East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

During a press conference, Dr Ng credited the country’s strategic planning and good crisis management as the key tools to recording the highest increase in percentage of tourist arrivals among Asean countries.

“We have accountable leaders to be on 24 hours standby for crisis management so that immediate actions are taken,” she said.

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 05:58 AM

The Andaman Langkawi
http://www.theandaman.com/

http://www.theandaman.com/images/room_deluxe.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/room_exec.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/bathroom.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/din06.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/spa01.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/spa03.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/spa04.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/spa07.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/spa09.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/fac06.jpg

http://www.theandaman.com/images/fac09.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 06:03 AM

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/24A9B7DE-A79D-4D35-9B6A-26A2BDC0A89E.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Tanjung_Aru)/photo_gallery/gallery_presidentialSuiteLivingRm.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/9C74F342-4573-444D-897B-2AC3830076D8.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/E4CABA61-9D01-4739-B5BF-B91FE8B8271A.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/76A6B716-FA00-415E-AC05-92B284867A60.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/53438BD0-E55E-400A-AE2E-E2F532C53A31.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/D3C9C2D3-6B89-4400-82DD-22DE8832B07B.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Tanjung_Aru)/photo_gallery/gallery_EntranceDusk.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Tanjung_Aru)/photo_gallery/gallery_YogaSunset.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Tanjung_Aru)/photo_gallery/gallery_23m016.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Tanjung_Aru)/photo_gallery/gallery_23m022.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 06:47 AM

Mines Wellness Hotel in Selangor
http://www.mineswellnesshotel.com.my/

http://www.mineswellnesshotel.com.my/images/about_us.jpg

http://www.mineswellnesshotel.com.my/images/standard.jpg

http://www.mineswellnesshotel.com.my/images/standard_rooms.jpg

http://www.mineswellnesshotel.com.my/images/deluxe_room.jpg

http://www.mineswellnesshotel.com.my/images/hs_retreat.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 06:47 AM

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/744FEF41-E502-42DF-B788-1E4C342A0CD4.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_Aerial.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/8F78F971-E5EF-4A8F-AA9F-4F2808C42AAC.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_Garden-Wing-Deluxe-Seaview.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_premierSuite.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_Ocean-Wing-Balcony---Upper-Floor.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_coast.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/E7F81F37-801C-4E1B-A867-3F15543807A9.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_golf.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_Nature-Reserve.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kota_Kinabalu_(Rasa_Ria)/photo_gallery/gallery_Water-Sports.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 06:48 AM

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kulrn-renaissance-kuala-lumpur-hotel/

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/k/kulrn/phototour/kulrn_phototour12.jpg?Log=1 http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/k/kulrn/phototour/kulrn_phototour13.jpg?Log=1 http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/k/kulrn/phototour/kulrn_phototour15.jpg?Log=1

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/k/kulrn/phototour/kulrn_phototour21.jpg?Log=1 http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/k/kulrn/phototour/kulrn_phototour37.jpg?Log=1 http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/k/kulrn/phototour/kulrn_phototour17.jpg?Log=1

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 06:54 AM

Hotel Melia Kuala Lumpur (Opposite Berjaya Times Square)
http://www.melia-hotels.com/en/hotels/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/2-22-KUL/

http://www.solmelia.com/img/hoteles/5702/5702_gallery_046_gr.jpg

http://www.solmelia.com/img/hoteles/5702/5702_gallery_047_gr.jpg

http://www.solmelia.com/img/hoteles/5702/5702_gallery_041_gr.jpg

http://www.solmelia.com/img/hoteles/5702/5702_gallery_038_gr.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 06:57 AM

Nexus Resort Karambunai in Sabah
http://www.nexusresort.com/new/index.html

http://www.nexusresort.com/new/images/ariel6.jpg

http://www.nexusresort.com/new/images/golf.jpg

http://www.nexusresort.com/new/images/accomodationroom2.jpg

http://www.nexusresort.com/new/images/accomodationroom1.jpg

http://www.nexusresort.com/new/images/accomodationfeatures.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 07:01 AM

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/penang/rasasayangresort

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Penang_(Rasa_Sayang)/photo_gallery/gallery_GardenWingPenangSuite.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/C7EE4902-51F8-4E77-8D18-BDA83B56DE2C.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Penang_(Rasa_Sayang)/photo_gallery/gallery_20c047.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/assets/FB91CF8E-CB74-4225-BB57-07FA0F84025E.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 07:04 AM

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/kualalumpur/shangrila

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/gallery_exterior.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/SLKL%20Lobby_gallery.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/gallery_executive.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/gallery_HClounge.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/gallery_Premier-Selection-Suite.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/gallery_18r040.jpg

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedImages/property/Kuala_Lumpur/photo_gallery/gallery_18r045.jpg

nazrey

January 26th, 2010, 07:10 AM

10 hotels in Malaysia now hold Green Award status
By ANN TAN
anntan@thestar.com.my

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Five hotels in Malaysia have been chosen as the new recipients of the Asean Green Hotel Award 2010, bringing the total number of such hotels in the country to 10.

The five hotels are The Andaman Langkawi in Kedah, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, Mines Wellness Hotel in Selangor, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran and Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel.

The Asean Green Hotel Award 2008 recipients which managed to retain their status were Hotel Melia Kuala Lumpur, Nexus Resort Karambunai in Sabah, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur and The Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa.

The Asean Green Hotel Standard is an essential tool to support Asean as a world-class quality destination.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, in a statement, said among the criteria used were encouraging the use of green products, provision of training programmes for operation on environmental management and introduction of waste management techniques such as recycling.

A total of 155 hotels from 10 Asean countries received the award yesterday during the Asean Tourism Forum 2010 being held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club here.

In an unrelated development, the tourism ministers of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philip*pines (BIMP) launched the “EQUATOR ASIA” brand and logo as a “single tourism destination” hailed as the world’s most biologically productive regions.

EQUATOR ASIA is located along the equator covering the BIMP East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

During a press conference, Dr Ng credited the country’s strategic planning and good crisis management as the key tools to recording the highest increase in percentage of tourist arrivals among Asean countries.

“We have accountable leaders to be on 24 hours standby for crisis management so that immediate actions are taken,” she said.

The Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa
http://www.frangipanilangkawi.com/

http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/frangipani/images/photos01.jpg http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/frangipani/images/photos04.jpg

SHAH FIRDAUS

January 27th, 2010, 12:34 AM

Moden chic Jalan Masjid India

Tidak terbayang selama ini akan sebuah hotel bergaya elegan boleh muncul di tengah-tengah kesibukan jaringan jalan yang penuh dengan 1,001 ragam dan urus niaga masyarakat kelas umum.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2010/0117/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.1.jpg

USAH terkeliru atau terlepas langkah untuk ke pintu masuk hotel ini. Kalau berjalan dari Semua House ke siar kaki Jalan Masjid India di hadapannya, tangga ke ruang lobinya betul-betul bersebelahan dengan gedung tekstil Haniffa.

Lihat pada simbol bintang terang berbucu lapan di situ, itulah StarPoints Hotel Kuala Lumpur - suatu mercu tanda baru ibarat permata berharga di rentangan jalan tersebut.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2010/0117/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.2.jpg
KIRI ATAS: KEENAKAN kulinari Asia Selatan semakin dirangsang dengan suasana hiasan dalaman seperti ini di Restoran Kababish.
KIRI BAWAH: SAMBUTAN cita rasa kontemporari dan suntikan elemen lembut Asia menjadikan lobi hotel kelihatan istimewa.
KANAN: KERINGKASAN penataan gaya di bilik Superior.

Baru memulakan operasi sebulan yang lalu, konsep penginapan yang ideal untuk pengembara korporat dan kunjungan santai berorientasi keluarga ini adalah duplikasi bergaya bagi rangkaian StarHospitality Hotels and Resorts LLC Dubai di rantau sebelah sini.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2010/0117/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.5.jpg
Urusan daftar masuk yang selesa boleh dilakukan di lobinya yang direka khas dengan elemen rias dalaman pertembungan ilham kontemporari dan artistik Asia Selatan. Penerapan lantai kilat bercorak geometri yang digandingkan dengan kemasan kaca pada dinding dan siling dilihat berupaya menaikkan seri dan juga ilusi ruang.

Konsep penginapan

Melangkah ke ruang lif, malah ke setiap penjuru hotel, tetamu akan melihat sambutan warna-warni daripada penggunaan lampu gantung ala Maghribi. Penampilan itu langsung tidak kelihatan janggal apabila disatukan dengan susun pasang lampu moden yang mengikut hukum pencahayaan strategik.

Penerapan konsep sebegitu jelas mententeramkan pandangan mata dan mood kunjungan. Hasilnya adalah pencahayaan lembut untuk penginap yang segera mahukan suasana damai selepas meredah hiruk-pikuk dan kesibukan di persekitaran luar hotel.

StarPoints Hotel Kuala Lumpur menawarkan 137 buah bilik penginapan yang direka khusus dengan adunan idea moden chic. Daripada jumlah tersebut, terdapat 99 buah bilik Superior sedia menanti pengunjung, manakala selebihnya lagi merupakan bilik bertaraf Executive Deluxe.

Nilai istirehat dijelmakan secara nyata melalui pemilihan perabot berpotongan lurus yang disesuaikan mengikut pelan lantai bilik. Katil empuk bercadar kapas putih, kerusi lengan upholsteri, ruang utiliti dan meja kerja adalah antara pengisian yang digarap harmoni dalam warna-warna pastel dan tema organik.

Bagi bilik bertaraf Executive Deluxe dan Executive Suite, nilai tambah diwujudkan melalui kelengkapan bilik dan barangan komplimentari kamar mandi yang memadai. Ditambah dengan ruang gerak dan meja kerja yang lebih luas, sebarang agenda bisnes di ibu kota pasti terasa terbimbing.

Polisi dan keselesaan

Selain keputusan bijak bagi pemilihan dan letakan beberapa jenis pokok hiasan dalaman yang menghijau, turut dikenal pasti adalah tentang ketiadan tong sampah dan tempat melupus puntung rokok di bahagian hadapan pintu lif ataupun di laluan koridornya.

Ia sebenarnya adalah salah satu usaha pihak pengurusan untuk mencipta suasana bebas asap rokok di kebanyakan aras agar perkarangan hotel ini mesra keluarga. Keputusan itu juga difahamkan, selari dengan beberapa lagi polisi sihat hotel seperti tidak menghidangkan alkohol di restorannya.

Bercakap tentang keinginan menjamu selera, StarPoints Hotel mengajak tetamu mengunjungi dua buah restorannya iaitu Kababish dan juga Olive Garden. Biarpun tarikan kulinari tempatan berselerakan di banyak lokasi kawasan di luar hotel, dua restoran ini jelas mempunyai tarikan tersendiri.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2010/0117/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.3.jpg
KIRI: AURA selera santai buat pengembara kota di Olive Garden.
KANAN : HOTEL ini bakal menjadi pilihan bagi kunjungan keluarga dan korporat

Kababish di aras 14 menjadi tempat hidangan pelbagai menu eksotik untuk peminat kulinari Pakistan dan ala India, restoran yang mempunyai kapasiti tempat duduk sebanyak 120 orang ini tampil memikat dengan rias dalaman yang berunsurkan pertembungan dunia Timur Tengah dan Asia Selatan.

Memikat pengunjung dengan aroma rempah yang kaya melalui sajian seperti kebab, tikka, achari, hari boti ayam dan udang anari, Kababish sememangnya perlu dituju bagi peminat menu berdaging dan cara hidangan panggang.

Bagi tujuan keraian tertentu seperti resepsi perkahwinan, pesta pelancaran, makan malam korporat dan sambutan hari lahir, kapasiti restoran ini boleh memuatkan sehingga 180 jemputan.

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/pix/2010/0117/Kosmo/Alam_Damai/al_01.4.jpg
ATAS: SHISHA dan pastri akan jadi peneman di ruang makan terbuka Olive Garden.
BAWAH: PEMILIHAN perabot dan konsep susun atur ceria pasti membuatkan tetamu berasa selesa dan seronok.

Suasana di Olive Garden yang tampil dalam aura kontemporari moden lebih ditujukan kepada golongan tetamu yang berbeza keinginan selera mereka.

Kalau seseorang tidak mahu duduk di kerusi tinggi di bar sambil menghirup seleksi minuman teh dan kopi terpilih, mereka boleh memilih untuk bersantai di ruang terbuka untuk menikmati hidangan roti dan pastri ataupun menghisap shisha pelbagai perisa.

Sama ada di Olive Garden atau Kababish, sesiapa pun pasti tidak akan melepaskan peluang menghayati rentak kota dengan menghabiskan waktu di ruang pelantar terbuka. Kunjungan pada waktu malam ke bahagian tersebut pastinya saranan yang terbaik, lebih-lebih lagi bagi kunjungan kali pertama.

SHAH FIRDAUS

January 27th, 2010, 12:37 AM

Star Points Hotel KL

http://www.starpointshotel.com/index.php

http://images.channels.nl/images/hotel/org/202/2029593.jpg

SHAH FIRDAUS

January 28th, 2010, 08:08 PM

Carcosa to re-open on Feb 1
Published: 2010/01/29

CARCOSA Seri Negara in Kuala Lumpur will re-open on February 1, as a Saujana Hotels & Resorts (SHR) property.

The luxury boutique hotel will be managed by the Peremba Group, replacing the GHM group which has been managing the hotel since 2004.

Carcosa was closed for renovation in December 2009.

Besides Carcosa, SHR commences operations of The Club at The Saujana, a 105-room luxury boutique resort and The Saujana, a 5-star 210-room hotel both in Kuala Lumpur with effect from March 1.

rizalhakim

February 3rd, 2010, 05:24 AM

RM12 mil agro-resort at Laguna Gong Batu
By Bernama
Tuesday, 02 February 2010 10:07

SETIU, (Terengganu): Peladang Setiu Agro Resort (PSAR) Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pertubuhan Peladang Setiu will invest RM12 million to develop six resorts at Laguna Gong Batu in Setiu this year.

PSAR managing director Mohamad Saipuddin Abas said the company had applied to the state government for a 12 hectare site for the resort project which includes aquaculture farms.

"Six hectares will be used to develop the 100-room resort while the rest will be for breeding fish and crabs," he said after a tree planting programme and launch of Laguna Agro Resort here on Monday Feb 1.

Saipuddin said the resort slated for completion in 2012 could accommodate 250-300 visitors at any one time.
Built based on the environment friendly concept, the resort would be surrounded by wetlands.

He said PSAR also planned to build six floating chalets and a floating restaurant costing about RM200,000 due for completion next year. It also planned to build a turtle breeding centre and build tne fish breeding centres costing RM3 million.-- Bernama

rizalhakim

February 3rd, 2010, 09:05 AM

opening soon in Melaka

http://www.phileahotel.com/

nazrey

February 3rd, 2010, 09:16 AM

Sabah hotels expect to do better in 2010
1st February, 2010

KOTA KINABALU: Most hotels in Sabah experienced somewhat sluggish business during the Year of the OX due to an overall decline in occupancy rates while few saw a marginal increase.

More >> http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/35768

rizalhakim

February 4th, 2010, 04:24 AM

Dirtiest Hotels - Asia
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)

* 1. Phi Phi Don Chukit Resort, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
* 2. Raj Residency, Chennai (Madras), India
* 3. Goldkist Beach Resort, Singapore, Singapore
* 4. Mahkota Hotel Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia
* 5. Centaur Hotel, IGI Airport, New Delhi, India
* 6. Tatami Hampton Hotel, Hong Kong, China
* 7. Pearl of the Pacific Boracay Resort & Spa, Boracay, Philippines
* 8. First Hotel Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
* 9. Seri Costa Hotel-Resort, Melaka, Malaysia
* 10. Royal Peacock Hotel, Singapore, Singapore

http://www.tripadvisor.com/DirtyHotels-g2

SHAH FIRDAUS

February 6th, 2010, 03:03 AM

E&O Hotel’s extension to be ready in 2012

GEORGE TOWN: Eastern & Oriental Bhd is targeting 2012 for the completion of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel extension project known as the Annexe.

Group managing director Datuk Terry Tham told a press conference that about RM150mil was spent on the construction of the Annexe, which would add another 139 suites for Eastern & Oriental Hotel, increasing its total number of suites to 240.

”The other components include a spa, a swimming pool, restaurants, and retail outlets,” he said.

Tham added that the original 28-storey height of the Annexe had been reduced to 15 storeys to comply with George Town’s heritage conservation guidelines.

He was speaking after the presentation of the group’s RM1.8bil Quayside project by the US-based consultants.

Tham said the group’s Lone Pine Hotel, currently under renovation, would be ready in the final quarter of 2010.

”The completion of the renovation will increase the number of rooms to 90 from 50 previously.

”We are spending RM50mil for the renovation,” he said, adding that the last time Lone Pine Hotel underwent a facelift was in 1999.

On the group’s Quayside project, Tham said between 30% and 40% of Quayside’s gross sales value of RM1.8bil was spent for consultants on security, landscape, and architecture.

”We have received queries for about 110 condominium units of the first block Quayside project,” he said.

The first block of Quayside has 298 units and is located next to Straits Quay, which comprises a serviced suite component and a 250,000 sq ft marina and retail space that will be leased to food and beverage outlets.

”We will be going overseas in March to promote Quayside,” Tham said.

Tham said the master plan for the second phase of Seri Tanjung Pinang would be ready by 2017.

”We are taking into account the environmental factors in doing the master plan.

”We have till 2017 to reclaim 740 acres of land at Tanjung Tokong for the second phase,” he said.

rizalhakim

February 25th, 2010, 06:49 AM

Holiday Inn Melaka (the second South East Asian Holiday Inn hotel) to join the relaunch

Holiday Inn Melaka (275 room hotel) has announced that it has become the first Holiday Inn hotel in Malaysia to complete a renewed commitment to friendly, attentive service programme to go with a contemporary and stylish look and feel.

With over 3,200 hotels, close to 420,000 guest rooms and over 1,100 additional hotels to be built, the sheer magnitude of the Holiday Inn relaunch is unmatched in hospitality history and is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

nazrey

February 27th, 2010, 03:03 PM

Thistle Johor Bahru
From flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4193895211_5ca466258b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4194639122_a155f4de3f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4357607621_4811e51be6_b.jpg

SHAH FIRDAUS

March 2nd, 2010, 02:06 PM

Architect plans RM20m revival in George Town
Written by Regina William
Tuesday, 02 March 2010 16:53

GEORGE TOWN: World-renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi has embarked on a RM20 million boutique-hotel project to revive 15 shoplots within the George Town heritage enclave and turn them into 50 five-star hotel rooms.

The 15 shoplots located along Clarke Road, Hutton Lane and Transfer Road, which will be operational by Christmas were bought via a bank tender.

Speaking during a visit by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Hijjas said even with his more than 40 years experience, the project of refurbishing the heritage buildings, which had been dormant for years, was a first for him involving heritage buildings and running a hotel at the same time.
Hijjas Kasturi.

Hijjas was also looking at buying three more shoplots in the vicinity to serve as staff quarters and also to serve as additional facilities for the hotel.

"This project is a personal challenge and a learning curve as I wanted to do something for Penang, especially in terms of heritage conservation and this project is also a tangible long-term investment, which is good for the future," Hijjas said.

The Tanjung Penaga Boutique hotel would include five family villas in one of the lots, eight suites and 32 rooms.

There will also be a garden in the back alley, which Hijjas is seeking approval for from the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) to turn into a green-lung area within the city.

Hijjas said the hotel also would comply with the green-building index, which would result in an additional 40% increase in expenditure with solar panels being used for LED lights, rain water harvesting and other recycled materials being used in the CONSTRUCTION and also furnishing of the hotel.

"We have shopped all over the world for the materials to retain the identity of the buildings, with tiles being sought from Vietnam and Indonesia, old recycled furniture from China, brass switches from Australia, among others.

"This project will set a paradigm and standards in reviving heritage buildings and I am hoping, with my success to turning these buildings around, I can entice my other architect friends to come to Penang and revive other heritage buildings, too," he added.

The hotel also will feature a lap pool, shops, beauty salon, spa, dining facilities and also provide accommodation for pets, besides being children friendly with a lift for one of the lots which will be four storeys high.

Hijjas said the hotel will target mostly foreign tourists from Hong Kong, Thailand, the UK, Australia, Singapore and other countries.

Also present at the press conference was Hijjas' wife, Angela, and son, Suyani.

"We hope to bring back life to this side of George Town and we have spared no expense to ensure that this project will meet high standards as a five-star facility."

The hotel will also feature the work of local artists including sculptures and drawings throughout the hotel and its outlets.

Room rates would start from RM350 to RM800 for the villas.

Meanwhile, Lim said the project would add value to Penang's heritage and called on other architects to emulate Hijjas by putting passion and money for such projects.

"This hotel is for the discerning guests who wish a unique experience in George Town," he added.

rizalhakim

March 3rd, 2010, 04:08 AM

Hotel in Johor Baru spending RM25m on renovations
By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
metrose@thestar.com.my

http://www.cuti.com.my/hotel/Hotelpages/Johor/johorbahru/grand_blue_wave/p03.jpg
JOHOR BARU: Grand BlueWave Hotel here is expected to spend RM25mil on renovations and refurbishment. Its general manager Long Cheow Siong said the hotel recorded a 70% occupancy rate with 30% of its customers being corporate guests.

“We expect an 80% jump in occupancy when our renovation is completed this year,” he said.

This is first major refurbishment since the hotel opened in 1997.

The renovation was being carried out in phases as the hotel was still in operation, said Long.

Resplendent: One of the newlyrefurbished rooms at the Grand BlueWave Hotel in Johor Baru.

“The first phase involves work on the rooms on levels eight to 19 while the second phase will convert the 19 family suites into 57 studios units.

“Third phase is the construction of seven function halls and an alfresco dining area as well as the swimming pool’s upgrading,” he said.

“The last phase is the refurbishment the reception area, lobby, Orient Coffee House, the function hall on our 20th floor and the conversion of Bongo Pub into a food and beverage outlet.

“The project started in September last year and the first phase is expected to be completed next month. The second phase took off in November and is expected to be done by May.”

The final two phases began early this year and will finish by end of the year.

The project will increase the number of rooms from 184 to 222 and add six banquet halls to the present three.

Hotel guests would enjoy complimentary high-speed broadband services and live updates on the traffic situation on the causeway, added Long.

The hotel has a promotion on room rates ending on June 30.

Studio rooms are priced at RM148 nett, executive suite with city view is RM178 nett while sea-view executive suite is RM188 nett.

TranquilIce

March 14th, 2010, 10:09 AM

Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/166.jpg

Deluxe Room

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/092.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/093.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/094.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/161.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/164.jpg

View of Georgetown

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/099.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/106.jpg

TranquilIce

March 14th, 2010, 10:15 AM

The Federal Kuala Lumpur

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/195.jpg

Deluxe Room

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/189.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a371/tranquilice/190.jpg

cullen

March 14th, 2010, 11:29 AM

so, how was bayview? ;) i stayed there last year....

TranquilIce

March 14th, 2010, 12:51 PM

so, how was bayview? ;) i stayed there last year....

I stayed there for 2 nights last month, on 14 and 15 Feb. Enjoyed the stay.

According to their website, they are doing some room upgrading now. (http://www.bayviewhotels.com/georgetown)

nazrey

March 22nd, 2010, 07:39 AM

Hotel Seri Malaysia mahu buka dua cawangan baru
Oleh Zuraidah Mohamed 2010/03/22
RM62 juta dilabur kembang rangkaian di Lawas, Kangar
http://www.serimalaysia.com.my/

HOTEL Seri Malaysia Sdn Bhd merancang mengembangkan rangkaian hotelnya dengan membuka dua cawangan baru akhir tahun ini membabitkan pelaburan RM62 juta.

Pengarah Urusannya, Zahriah Abd Kadir, berkata cawangan yang akan dibuka di Lawas, Sarawak dan Kangar, Perlis itu akan menjadikan jumlah hotel di bawah kumpulan itu kepada 21.

Katanya, Hotel Seri Malaysia yang ditubuhkan 15 tahun lalu menumpukan kepada keperluan golongan sederhana, kini syarikat itu agresif menaik taraf kemudahannya bagi menyediakan perkhidmatan lebih menyeluruh. “Kami telah menyusun pendekatan strategik dalam usaha memenuhi kehendak serta keperluan dalam industri perhotelan dan hospitaliti dengan mengkaji semula strategi perniagaan kami.

“Bagi terus mengukuhkan jenama Seri Malaysia khususnya dalam keadaan ekonomi tidak menentu, kami mengorak langkah dengan memperkenalkan Hotel Seri Malaysia dengan ciri dan kemudahan setanding hotel empat bintang bagi menyediakan perkhidmatan lebih baik kepada pelanggan,” katanya kepada Berita Harian di Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

Zahriah berkata, pembukaan dua cawangan baru tahun ini menjadikan hotel di bawah pengurusannya kepada tiga selain di Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, manakala 18 cawangan dikendalikan oleh operator hotel usahawan Bumiputera.

Katanya, syarikat itu membangunkan hotel setinggi tiga tingkat di Kangar dengan 150 bilik berkonsepkan ala resort, manakala di Lawas pula setinggi tujuh tingkat menawarkan 104 bilik.
“Kami turut merancang membuka cawangan baru di Sandakan, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu dan Kuala Lumpur dalam tempoh tiga tahun susulan permintaan tinggi
dikalangan pelanggan dan operator hotel yang berminat menggunakan jenama Hotel Seri Malaysia,” katanya.

Zahriah berkata, Hotel Seri Malaysia kini sedang menaik taraf rangkaian hotelnya secara berperingkat termasuk menyediakan perkhidmatan lif dan kolam renang.

Katanya, syarikat itu mensasarkan pertumbuhan jualan kira-kira lima peratus tahun ini, didorong promosi agresif serta tawaran harga bilik yang kompetitif.

Katanya, pendapatan rangkaian hotel syarikat itu tahun lalu melebihi sasaran walaupun ekonomi belum pulih
sepenuhnya dan langkah penjimatan diambil syarikat serta agensi kerajaan.

SHAH FIRDAUS

March 23rd, 2010, 01:01 AM

Dorsett Johor -- 3-star rating but 5-star service
Published: 2010/03/23

DORSETT Johor Hotel may be a three-star property, but everything else, from its service culture to room facilities, would earn it an additional star or even two.

The hotel is in fact comparable to other five-star properties in Kuala Lumpur.

How so? For a start, the rooms are new and modern and its service standards impeccable.

This 252-room hotel has a very lean staff to room ratio of 0.35, which is an enviable one, as every employee not only executes his or her job efficiently but also multitasks.
Its 95 employees play their role in helping the hotel chalk-up a gross operating profit (GOP) of some 40-odd per cent.

GOP is gross revenue from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre minus cost of operations like wages, electricity and amenities.

"We need quality staff and not an army," the hotel's, resident manager Tengku Ahmad Faizal Tengku Mohamed told Business Times when asked about its performance.

This two-and-a-half-year-old hotel located in Plentong, Johor, expects a GOP of 43 per cent in the year ending March 2011, as it hits an average occupancy of 75 per cent and an average room revenue (ARR) of RM130.

The jump in guest arrivals, from 65 per cent now, will be a result of an improving economy and the opening of the neighbouring Singapore casinos.

By March 31, the company's GOP is expected to touch 40 per cent.

"The economy has stabilised. Without a doubt, we can achieve 75 per cent occupancy," Tengku Ahmad said.

"We plan to tap into the opening of the casinos in Singapore from those who want to gamble but prefer to stay here," he said, quoting tourists from Thailand as an example.

He also expects Internet bookings to grow this year by up to a quarter of its bookings from about an eighth now.

Accordingly, Tengku Ahmad is hopeful that the hotel will be able see the return on investment within seven years.

The RM80 million hotel is owned by Hong Kong's Far East Consortium International Ltd. The hotel was originally part of an 11-block apartment called Prima Regency. One block comprising 47 units were converted into the hotel.

The hotel's guests are two-thirds corporate-based and predominantly from Malaysia and Singapore. It also gets a good response from the US, Europe and Australia.

It has some 50 rooms, which are on long-term lease and has a good 35 per cent of repeat guests.

Tengku Ahmad's winning formula also comes from his principle of "One should sell what the guests/customers want and not sell what the vendor or the hotel wants to sell".

Meanwhile, the hotel, which now shares the swimming pool with the apartment block, will have its own swimming pool within the next six months. It also plans to open a high-end spa.

Dorsett Johor had two weeks ago won the Gems Awards for Best Three-Star Hotel in Johor, which was awarded by the Johor state government. - By Vasantha Ganesan

SHAH FIRDAUS

March 23rd, 2010, 01:03 AM

Dorsett Intl may get second hotel in Johor
By Vasantha Ganesan
Published: 2010/03/23

DORSETT International Hotels & Resorts Sdn Bhd may own and manage a second hotel in Johor in the next three years.

The proposed hotel, to be developed by a subsidiary of Malaysia Land Properties Sdn Bhd (Mayland) - Mayland Austin Sdn Bhd in Mount Austin, Johor, will however be positioned differently from the existing Dorsett Johor Hotel.

"We are looking at a second hotel in Mount Austin within the Palazio development by Mayland," Dorsett Johor's resident manager Tengku Ahmad Faizal Tengku Mohamed told Business Times in an interview.

"The hotel should be ready within the next three to four years. The positioning of the hotel has to be different, maybe only about five to 10 minutes from the existing Dorsett Johor (in Plentong)," he added.
However, details on room inventory and cost of the new development have yet to be finalised.

Dorsett International is owned by Hong Kong's Far East Consortium International Ltd (FEC).

FEC deputy chairman and chief executive officer is Tan Sri David Chiu, the founder of Mayland.

The Far East group now operates hotels in Hong Kong, China, Macau, Japan and Malaysia. It has confirmed a hotel opening in Singapore.

Dorsett is also looking at growing its hotel portfolio in Malaysia. It was reported that Dorsett has been given RM500 million to either build or buy hotels in Malaysia.

While it is eyeing to expand into the Klang Valley, it is also looking to have representations in Sabah, Pahang and Penang.

It has confirmed of opening two hotels in the Klang Valley, one a 200-room business boutique hotel in Sri Hartamas, for an estimated RM100 million, and a three-star 300-room one in Cheras for between RM60 million and RM70 million.

Apart from Dorsett Johor, the group owns and operates four other hotels in Malaysia, namely the Grand Dorsett Subang, the Dorsett Regency in Kuala Lumpur, the Grand Dorsett Labuan and the Maytower Hotel and Serviced Residences.

2206

March 28th, 2010, 12:29 PM

Magellan Sutera, KK sabah

by Kusou Gallery
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/234/521178710_a770573f7e_o.jpg

rizalhakim

April 7th, 2010, 05:19 AM

BATIK Boutique Hotel-Kuching

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs384.snc3/23491_321881889674_155560674674_3262804_6193318_n.jpg

Promise of a unique experience at boutique hotel
By SHARON LING
sharonling@thestar.com.my

BATIK Boutique Hotel will open its doors tomorrow as Kuching’s latest choice of fashionable accommodation.

Located at Jalan Padungan in the city’s centre, it is a one-of-its-kind hotel that emphasises design and comfort.

It has 15 trendy rooms equipped with plush beds, silk duvets, Tanamera all-natural bathroom amenities, rainshowers and LCD television sets.

The rooms come in various configurations to cater to different guests.

The Batik houses a Japanese restaurant called Tarot Salmon and an in-lobby bar.

It also has a rooftop terrace, outdoor courtyard and jacuzzi.

With the tagline Classy, Cosy, Chic, it promises to treat guests to a special experience when they stay or dine.

To mark its opening, the hotel will hold an Open House from 4pm tomorrow.

Vrooms

April 9th, 2010, 08:16 AM

Vrooms

April 9th, 2010, 08:20 AM

In Mallaca only one internationally known hotel is open there. Which is the Holiday Inn. Very modern!

dengilo

April 9th, 2010, 09:02 AM

In Mallaca only one internationally known hotel is open there. Which is the Holiday Inn. Very modern!

:banana:i agree good location too:banana:

THT-United

April 10th, 2010, 05:04 AM

In Mallaca only one internationally known hotel is open there. Which is the Holiday Inn. Very modern!
True, but you forgot about Renaissance as well (operated by Marriott)... The place is showing its age nowadays but in the 80s, the Renaissance was THE five-star in town! :D

THT-United

April 10th, 2010, 05:06 AM

A bit strange to know that a bustling city like PJ has only got one internationally-run hotel, which is the grande dame Hilton... I was hoping that someone like Hyatt / Sofitel / Sheraton / Intercontinental would run the One World but it is now under the hands of the developer themselves... In fact, most of the developers of hotels in PJ all run the place themselves, think of Boustead running the show for their two hotels in Mutiara Damansara (Royale Bintang Damansara and Surian) or even the guys at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa...

Of course it's good to see developers themselves getting into the act of running their own hotels but wouldn't it be nice to see reknowned names like, say, a Sheraton Petaling Jaya or even Marriott?

Vrooms

April 10th, 2010, 05:00 PM

True, but you forgot about Renaissance as well (operated by Marriott)... The place is showing its age nowadays but in the 80s, the Renaissance was THE five-star in town! :D

i didnt know there was a Renaissance in Malacca where is it located? is it near Mahkota Parade?

patchay

April 10th, 2010, 05:23 PM

Kuala Lumpur has a good range of international hotels here are my top 5 favourites in Kuala lumpur

Mandarin Oriental

Jw Marriott

Traders

Shangri-la

Westin

There are also plans to open Hilton's Double Tree and St Regis.

Some others include Hilton KL, Le Meridien, Sheraton Imperial, Ritz-Carlton, Millennium Group, etc. Don't forget Hyatt construction is fast topping up.

forrestcat

April 10th, 2010, 06:12 PM

Last time I stayed at a KL hotel is when my aunt got 2 nights free at the Ritz Carlton in 2009 and gave it to us.Used it for new year and the hotel room was amazing with great view of KL and at RM340 per night(the rate my aunt gets) was really cheap. KL should promote the 5 star hotels to backpackers to take a break at KL, have red in travelblog about backpackers who stayed at Mandarin Oriental and Traders Hotel after finding out how cheap the rate is compared to Bangkok,Jakarta and S'pore.

steve_skyline

April 20th, 2010, 04:52 PM

In Mallaca only one internationally known hotel is open there. Which is the Holiday Inn. Very modern!

Malacca got Renaissance and Equatorial hotel as well. I thought City Bayview and Grand Continental are quite famous also.

achkeen10

April 20th, 2010, 06:21 PM

Malacca got Renaissance and Equatorial hotel as well. I thought City Bayview and Grand Continental are quite famous also.

equatorial arent that international afterall.
Only Renaissance (under Marriott Group) n Holiday Inn(under InterContinental Hotel Group) are international.
That really sounds sad.....as UNESCO heritage city...only have 2 international hotel.
Sheraton, Hilton, Shangri-la, Hard Rock should come to Melaka.

kansai78

April 22nd, 2010, 06:36 AM

Frenz Hotel, Jalan TAR

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4542007423_f10fef6ec7_b.jpg

rizalhakim

May 6th, 2010, 06:26 AM

http://www.theedgeproperty.com/images/stories/the_eastern_&_oriental_hotel,_penang_500x298.jpg
Png E&O hotel has been ranked among the world best hotels in this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select list.

http://www.theedgeproperty.com/news-a-views/2970.html

2206

May 8th, 2010, 03:22 PM

Pacific Sutera@Sutera Harbour
Kota Kinabalu

by amai
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3306709626_99a6c5aa50_b.jpg

THT-United

May 10th, 2010, 12:42 PM

equatorial arent that international afterall.
Only Renaissance (under Marriott Group) n Holiday Inn(under InterContinental Hotel Group) are international.
That really sounds sad.....as UNESCO heritage city...only have 2 international hotel.
Sheraton, Hilton, Shangri-la, Hard Rock should come to Melaka.
Heard that Hyatt is looking at Malacca to set up their "Regency" hotel, same goes for Hilton and Accor (article in the papers last year, if I'm not mistaken)... Read about that in an article posted in the "Grand Hyatt KL" thread in the 2020 sub-forum... You can also consider Bayview as "international", in the sense that they have properties in various locations in Australia, NZ, and Singapore, in addition to their Malaysian base... :)

But yeah, more international-class hotels should set up shop in Malacca... I can only imagine seeing a Sofitel Malacca or even a boutique-style Four Seasons in the years to come... That would be so cool! :D

rizalhakim

May 13th, 2010, 04:51 AM

Baby G Hotel Penang

http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal3/images/stories/img_6623.jpg

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/ghote/pix_topright

nazrey

May 17th, 2010, 07:50 PM

Yayasan Wakaf plans to build 5 hotels
Published: 2010/05/17
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100517185337/Article/index_html#ixzz0oD64Qgyz

Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia (YWM) plans to build five hotels at a cost of RM100 million in Terengganu, Perak, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Kelantan to help the Muslims.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Maj Gen (Rtd) Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, said the construction of a hotel in Melaka has started and was expected to be completed by this September.

"When completed, the management of these hotels will be handed over the hotel to the state's Majlis Agama Islam," he told reporters after witnessing the the signing of a memorandum of understanding between YWM and Amanah Raya Bhd's (ARB) subsidiary, AmanahRaya Legacy Services Sdn Bhd (ALS), here today.

He said YWM's 'Small Projects with Big Impact' programme, comprising building of wakaf markets and people''s bazaars in the mosques and selected wakaf land nationwide, would be ready by year-end.
"They would also be handed over the respective state's Majlis Agama Islam upon completion," he said.

The minister said YWM has also launched Cash Wakaf Scheme via salary deductions.

The scheme, he said, would initially be for civil servants in the Klang Valley.

Meanwhile, ARB chairman, Datuk Dusuki Ahmad, said the MOU would offer Muslims an alternative solution to contribute to charities.

"ALS will manage the properties productively and will arrange for transfer to YWM for the benefit of the needy Muslims," he said. -- Bernama

nazrey

July 22nd, 2010, 06:12 AM

En route to HK listing
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2010/07/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ikosmohk/Article/index_html#ixzz0uNgWnmGG

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/ikosmohk/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/DORSETT22.jpg

Listing of Kosmopolito, a unit of Far East Consortium International, to include five Malaysian hotels, sources say

Hong Kong-based Far East Consortium International Ltd (FEC) plans to include all five Malaysian hotels in a planned listing of its unit on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, sources say.

It is understood that the Malaysian hotels have a combined value of about RM600 million. They are Dorsett Regency KL, Grand Dorsett Subang, Grand Dorsett Labuan, Dorsett Johor and Maytower Hotel.

Collectively, they made a pre-tax profit of HK$55.03 million (RM22.74 million) on revenue of HK$237.23 million (RM98.04 million) for the year to March 31 2010, according to FEC's latest annual report.

On June 30, FEC submitted an application to list Kosmopolito Hotels International Ltd on the main board. FEC's deputy chairman and chief excutive officer is Tan Sri David Chiu Tat-cheong.

According to the listing request documents, FEC, which now wholly-owns Kosmopolito, plans to maintain over 50 per cent equity in the company once the spin-off is completed.

Kosmopolito is described as a developer, owner and operator of value to upscale and boutique hotels in Asia with a strong presence in Hong Kong and Malaysia and a primary focus on expansion in China.

It is also involved in hotel investment, operation, management and development. It now owns and operates seven hotels in Hong Kong.

The listing will help FEC raise funds to support organic growth and acquisitions and separate the business of property development from hotel investment, operation and management.

Sources also said the listing is due to take place in the last quarter of 2010.

FEC's chief financial officer Bill Mok declined to speak to Business Times, pending the company's planned listing.

In 2008, it was reported that FEC was planning on a real estate investment trust (REIT) listing that would include the Malaysian properties. However, this did not happen.

The same year, it announced that it was delaying a planned REIT in Hong Kong, comprising seven hotels, to raise HK$4 billion (RM1.65 billion).

As at March 2010, FEC operates a total of seven hotels in Hong Kong, two hotels in China and five hotels in Malaysia with a combined total of over 3,600 rooms. The five Malaysian hotels have a total of 1,407 rooms.

The group also has eight hotels in various stages of development, including five in Hong Kong, two in China and one in Singapore, representing an additional 2,752 rooms that will bring its total number of hotel rooms to 6,356 rooms by 2013.

rizalhakim

August 12th, 2010, 05:48 AM

Swiss-Garden International looking to expand hotels over 3 yrs
By Bernama
Tuesday, 10 August 2010 19:34

KUALA LUMPUR: Swiss-Garden International Sdn Bhd is looking to develop more hotels in Malaysia.

Its vice-president of business development, Lily Chiok, said the group was expecting fast expansion in the next three years.

The group was also looking to sign hotel management contracts, she said.

"Currently, we have one project in Butterworth which is Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences and targeted to be ready in two or three years' time," Chiok said.

"We will implement the same concept for the Butterworth Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences project to be in line with the Swiss-Garden brand label," she told reporters here on Tuesday, Aug 10.

Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur comprises 478 units of apartments ranging from 550 sq ft to 2,700 sq ft and is slated to be ready by early next year.

Its general manager, Rayan Komatt, said all the apartments unit had been sold with 80% of the buyers having already taken the guaranteed returns.

"Our buyers come from around the region like Singapore, Hong Kong, a few from Indonesia, and of course, from Malaysia," Komatt said.

"In terms of occupancy of the residences, we are targeting an average of 45% in the first year of operations," he said. -- Bernama

2206

August 15th, 2010, 10:31 AM

Sutera Harbour Magellan Hotel Lobby
KK Sabah

by chirick
http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/38948680.jpg

nazrey

September 7th, 2010, 08:17 PM

Habib Hotel mula beroperasi
ARKIB : 28/08/2010 Oleh RODELIO JUNJUN TAUCAN
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0828&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=Korporat&pg=ko_03.htm&arc=hive

http://www.utusan.com.my/pix/2010/0828/utusan_malaysia/Korporat/ko_03.1.jpg

Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir menunjukkan bangunan Habib Hotel di Kota Bharu.

KOTA BHARU 27 Ogos - Habib Hotel, hotel pertama milik syarikat pengeluar barangan kemas terkenal, Habib Jewels Sdn. Bhd. (Habib) kini dibuka untuk operasi.

Berkonsepkan butik, Habib Hotel dengan 32 buah bilik menawarkan perkhidmatan dan kualiti bilik bertaraf lima bintang untuk kepuasan pelanggan pada harga 'satu bintang'.

Pengurus Besarnya, Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir berkata, hotel yang terletak di Jalan Maju, dekat sini memberi prospek perniagaan yang baik kepada syarikat kerana kedudukannya di pusat bandar.

"Bangunan ini telah dibeli daripada Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bharu-Bandaraya Islam (MPKB-BRI) sejak tiga tahun lalu kerana kita melihat lokasinya sangat sesuai.

"Habib berbelanja RM8 juta untuk membeli dan menaiktaraf bangunan ini menjadi sebuah hotel dan untuk cawangan baru kita," katanya ketika ditemui di sini hari ini.

Menurut Abdul Razak, sebagai permulaan, hotel berkenaan menyediakan dua jenis bilik iaitu superior berharga RM130 dan deluxe pada harga RM150 semalam.

Bagaimanapun katanya, hotel tersebut pada masa ini hanya menyediakan kemudahan bilik manakala bahagian lain akan dibuka sepenuhnya bermula 5 September ini.

Beliau berkata, Habib juga dalam proses menyiapkan ruang pameran pertama di negeri ini yang terletak bersebelahan bangunan hotel tersebut.

Selain ruang pameran, katanya, kilang memproses emas kedua milik Habib juga telah beroperasi di tingkat dua bangunan berkenaan membabitkan 60 pekerja sejak penghujung tahun lepas.

"Ini memang ruang pameran pertama kita di negeri ini dan yang ke-23 di Malaysia, sebab itulah kita begitu serius untuk membukanya malah saya percaya ia adalah antara yang terbesar kita ada.

"Habib mempunyai sejarah di negeri ini kerana sejak empat dekad yang lalu kita banyak menjual emas kepada orang Kelantan walaupun tidak mempunyai kedai, jadi inilah masa untuk memulakannya," katanya.

Habib Jewels gears to open more hotels
Published: 2010/09/08
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/BIBJU/Article/

HOMEGROWN jeweller Habib Jewels Sdn Bhd, which recently ventured into its first hotel business in Kota Baru, is ready to open more hotels locally and abroad.

Habib Holding general manager Abdul Razak Abdul Kadir said the company is looking at Kuala Lumpur, Penang and even overseas if there are opportunities.

"We started moving away from our core business last year when we opened an Ar-Rahn outlet in Ampang, Selangor.

"We see the hotel business as a property investment which pays good returns if managed properly.

"The other reason is that we have at least eight senior executives in the company with vast experience in the hotel sector and we can rely on their expertise," he said when met at the Habib Hotel in Kota Baru yesterday.

The hotel, which had its soft opening on August 31, is offering a special promotion for travellers during the Hari Raya period with the superior room at RM130 and deluxe room at RM150.

Abdul Razak said Habib had bought one-third of a row of shophouses in the centre of town in Jalan Maju and spent more than RM12 million to renovate the building into a 32-room hotel.

He said the hotel will also house a Habib Jewel outlet and a jewel factory, which has already started operations with 60 workers.

"We are looking to October for the official opening simultaneously with the Habib Jewel outlet, which is expected to be ready by the end of this month," he said.

Abdul Razak said the Kota Baru Habib Hotel, which has 26 superior and six deluxe rooms, has been branded as a boutique budget hotel targeted at business and local travellers.

On choosing Kota Baru as its first hotel, Abdul Razak - who has about 20 years in the hotel industry - said the company did a study two years ago and found that there was a market for rooms in the one- to three-star hotel category in the town.

He said Habib Hotel currently has a staff of 18, but plans to increase this to 28.

RELATED LINK: http://www.habibjewels.com/

nazrey

September 8th, 2010, 11:05 AM

Imperial Palace Hotel – a new landmark in Miri
by Salena Pail September 8, 2010, Wednesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=65096

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MORE HOTEL ROOMS: Imperial Palace Hotel offers
contemporary accommodation for guests.

MIRI: Bumi Uniplus Sdn Bhd yesterday announced the soft opening of Miri’s latest landmark – Imperial Palace Hotel – located strategically in the bustling Pelita Commercial Centre on Sept 9.

Reflected by its choice of light colour granite and glass panel, the latest and anticipated landmark is another addition to Miri Resort City which will be opened for business with its soft opening this Thursday.

Imperial Palace general manager Su Sii Jiong revealed the property is conceptually transformed into 307 contemporary units of hotel rooms consisting of 155 units of standard rooms, 149 units of superior rooms and 3 units of deluxe rooms.

“The contemporary hotel is also designed to cater for the need of various people such as families, handicapped people, business entrepreneurs, banquet events, meetings, conventions and workshops,” he said.

Apart from the rooms, other facilities and amenities provided by the hotel are X-Force Fitness Centre, open air Jacuzzi pool, surau, VIP room, 4 multi-functional conference rooms and a restaurant.

“The hotel basement car park provides over 100 parking spaces for hotel guests and patrons, served by hotel lifts,” Su said during the press conference at the soft launching yesterday.

The 4-star service hotel offers a 3-star rate pricing with its opening promotion from RM138 nett inclusive of breakfast for standard rooms and RM161 nett for superior room and RM184 nett for deluxe room.

The promotion kicks off from Sept 9 to end of December this year.

“Our hotel blends in as the preferred business class hotel to compliment our customers by offering comfortable stay at very affordable rate,” he said.

Boulevard Group of Companies chief executive officer Don Yew Hoon said the location was strategically at the vibrant commercial centre consisting of trading houses, offices, professional firms, food outlets, restaurants and bakeries, supermarket and departmental store within walking distance from the hotel.

“The commercial centre not only is the busiest during the day, but also in the evening the centre is the happening and lively area as there are numerous entertainment centres such as karaoke, pubs, bistros as well as clubbing outlets,” he enthused.

The hotel restaurant located at the lobby offers a wide range of its renowned chef’s dedicated western and oriental mouthwatering cuisine for discerning taste buds with a wide variety of freshly baked pastries and cakes.

Also present at the announcement were Boulevard Group chairman Tan Sri Ling Chiong Hoe and director Ling Chiong Sing.

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 05:34 AM

Pullman Spa offers therapeutic treatments
by Doreena Naeg September 20, 2010, Monday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=70825

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SPECIAL SPA TREATMENTS: The Ladies Magical Moments massage with the
ritual, followed by the ‘lomi lomi’ balancing massage. It continues with a
coconut scrub, a banana almond body wrap and ends with a warm floral
bath with full rose petals.

KUCHING: The Pullman Spa offers Kuching city one of the most comprehensive lists of massaging and de-stressing therapies.

The use of Eastern Europe’s massage techniques gives the Spa its uniqueness that is delightfully different.

The list includes Sports Massage for muscle sore, Jet Leg Remedy for weary travellers and Ladies Magical Moments for active female executives.

The Sports Massage uses a Russian technique for an intense and deep tissue treatment which is the ultimate in sports massage therapy. The slow penetrating movements create an intense release of stress and tension. With the focus on the back, hip, neck and shoulders, this treatment helps immensely with sports injuries.

The Jet Leg Remedy — excellent for long haul travellers — is the Spa’s signature foot ritual and massage. It is a stimulating treatment that prepares the body for the Sports Massage.

Modern women lead an active lifestyle and with this in mind, the Ladies Magical Moments massage is just what its name implies.

The treatment begins with the foot ritual, followed by the ‘lomi lomi’ balancing massage. It continues with a coconut scrub, a banana almond body wrap and ends with a warm floral bath with full rose petals.

‘Lomi lomi’ is a technique from Sweden, using a combination of invigorating and soothing strokes that stimulate the circulatory and nervous system. This technique is highly recommended for relaxing.

The therapies also include the usual hot stones, the highly invigorating Thai and deeply relaxing Indonesian massages. For a deep cleanse, Pullman Spa offers a wide range of body scrubs, using only the purest of the natural ingredients.

The Natural Body Scrub uses the soothing properties of fresh milk, honey, oatmeal, tamarind and watermelon to deep cleanse and exfoliate, leaving the skin refreshed and feeling young.

Coconut has been long known for its moisturising properties and the Coconut Scrub is one of the most sought after therapies. The freshly-grated coconut mixed with turmeric powder is spread over the body and gently rubbed over the skin to give an in-depth cleanse and moisturising and is highly recommended for sensitive skin.

Also on the list is the Javanese Lulur Scrub to give patrons a feel of aristocracy. The royalties in Java only used this scrub in ancient times. The treatment claims to cleanse, soften and exfoliate so effectively that it renews the skin, leaving it supple and fresh. It further pampers with a yogurt splash and flower bath.

Last but not least, the Green Tea Honey Scrub promises to rub off stress and tension as treatment progresses, evoking a deep feel of tranquility and calmness. It is specially formulated for the highly tensed and stressed.

There is also an assortment of body wraps. The Banana Almond Body Wrap uses extracts of avocado, tomato, cucumber, banana and almond oil while the Papaya Whitening Body Mask uses natural ingredients sourced from plants, organic extracts and vitamins that claim to restore, brighten and whiten the skin.

Exacting the richness of the sea is the Seaweed Alga Body wrap that uses mineral French seaweed and heated seawater to form a detoxifying and revitalising body mask. It is said to nourish the skin with minerals, vitamins and natural enzymes which will draw out the toxins and impurities from the body.

A splash of natural scented water complements the relaxing experience. For women, the Spa offers a blend of peppermint, lavender and lemongrass essential oils with a warm bath to complete the feel. Adding to this is the green tea, rose and ylang-ylang essential oil bath to promote blood circulation.

A luxuriant bath of blended sandalwood, ylany-ylang and lavender essential oil is said to greatly balance the ying and yang in the men while a steaming peppermint, sandalwood and green tea essential oil bath will set the pace of the day for men leading an active lifestyle.

Pullman Kuching’s Fit & Spa Lounge (call 082-222888)has five highly trained therapists, led by its manager, Luh Sukesni.

“We assure quality and total relaxation because here we only use the most natural ingredients. All our ingredients do not have any chemical content. We want only the best for our clients,” Luh said.

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 06:06 AM

Holiday Inn Melaka
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rizalhakim

October 4th, 2010, 08:42 AM

Pulai Springs sees higher property project returns
By Vasantha GanesanPublished: 2010/10/04

PULAI Springs Bhd (5059), a hotel group and property developer, expects equal revenue contributions from the two divisions within the next two to three years.

Currently, up to 70 per cent of the company's revenue comes from the hospitality division - its five-star Pulai Springs Resorts and the four-star The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort in Johor.

Revenue from property development activities will be significant as the company launches more property projects within the resort as well as in Muar, Johor.

In the financial year ended December 31 2009, property development contributed RM5.8 million in revenue while the hotel and resort division raked RM56.1 million.
Executive director Nick Mah Siew Chean said that Pulai Springs plans to launch some niche developments within 3.2ha of land available for development within Pulai Springs Resorts.

The resort covers 151.88ha of which 89ha are taken up by two 18-hole golf courses.

A feasibility study is being conducted to decide if it should build semi-detached homes, bungalows, or high-end condominiums, Mah told Business Times in a recent interview.

All these units are likely to be launched at the end of 2011.

In Muar, it has 12.2ha of land for mixed development. This is the first gated community in Muar. The first phase of development, Maharani Ayu, had a gross development value (GDV) of RM30 million.

The second phase, with a GDV of RM40 million, is in the planning stage and may be launched in early 2011. It will include semi-detached and terrace houses.

The group also has some 3ha of land in Desaru, on which a preliminary study is being conducted.

When asked about development plans outside Johor, Mah said it is looking for land in the Klang Valley.

2206

October 24th, 2010, 01:27 PM

Le Meridien KK

by mohd fahmi husen
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rizalhakim

December 29th, 2010, 04:04 AM

Sarawak's first Seri Malaysia Hotel to open its doors in February
By Bernama
Tuesday, 28 December 2010 17:20

LAWAS: Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas, the latest in the chain of hotels under Hotel Seri Malaysia Sdn Bhd, will start operating in this nothernmost town of Sarawak in February next year.

A ceremony to mark the handing over of the hotel by the project developer, Borneo Development Corporation (Sarawak)(BDC), and the Works Department to Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia was held at the new hotel here on Tuesday, Dec 28.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit witnessed the event where BDC general manager Ir Dr John Panil made the official handover of hotel to Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia managing director Zahriah Abdul Kadir.

Located in the centre of Lawas town, the hotel offers 104 rooms, including two VIP rooms as well as a main hall, meeting rooms, seminar rooms and a swimming pool.

Work on the hotel started last year and it was fully completed in November this year with a cost of RM35 million.

Dawos said the hotel will complement other tourism facilities in the area and help to drive the growth of the industry in northern Sarawak.

Lawas has its own tourist attractions and can be touted as among the main tourism products of Sarawak state, he added. — Bernama

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sapphire blue

March 30th, 2011, 10:58 AM

Thistle Hotel, JB

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nazrey

April 24th, 2011, 08:56 PM

G Hotel, Gurney Drive, Penang
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Dobner jazzes it up at G Hotel
2011/04/01 By V. Sivaji
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/02dany/Article/

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/02dany/single

Dany Dobner performs at the G Spot jazz bar at G Hotel in Penang.

GEORGETOWN: Starting out as a school choir singer from a very young age, Dany Dobner decided to become a singer as her passion for music grew stronger.

Dobner is now performing at the G Spot jazz bar at the G Hotel in Penang till next month.

Born in Munich, Germany, she grew fond of music after taking singing, dancing, jazz and soul, harmony and piano lessons.

She also sang in gospel choir as a soloist and has performed throughout Germany.

She performed in Berlin at the musical show "Elektricity" and "Vollmarhaus-Theatre" in Munich.

She was the lead singer of the gala band Blue Moon and member of the all-jazz choir Young Voices Berlin/Brandenburg, and a freelance soloist for weddings and gala events.

Her music career took off after she became the background singer for David Garrett, Udo Lindenberg and Marquess.

Dobner focuses on jazz as her main repertoire among other genres, including gospel, oldies, pop, rock and soul.

"She is strong in character, has great personality, very charismatic and full of energy and zest," said G Hotel general manager Peter Nast.

The G Spot jazz bar is open from Mondays to Thursdays from 8pm to 1am, Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 3am, and is closed on Sundays.

Call 04-238 0000 for details

nazrey

April 24th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Hotel management company Marriott International Inc
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
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Elevator
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J.W. Marriot, Kuala Lumpur
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The Westin and J.W. Marriot @ Bukit Bintang

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Renaissance Kota Bharu Hotel, Kota Sri Mutiara, Jalan Sultan Yahya, Kelantan
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Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
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Renaissance Melaka Hotel, Melaka
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Miri Marriott Resort & Spa, Sarawak
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Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Malaysia
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nazrey

April 24th, 2011, 09:07 PM

Marriott plans 2 more hotels in Malaysia
By Vasantha Ganesan Published: 2011/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/aimariot-2/Article/

KUALA LUMPUR: Hotel management company Marriott International Inc, which operates the Marriott, Renaissance and Ritz Carlton, is scheduled to open two new hotels in Malaysia by the middle of next year, bringing the total number of hotels here to nine.

These two new openings, one in Johor and another in Sarawak, will see the group increase its room inventory in Malaysia by 400 from about 3,000 now.

Area vice-president for India, Malaysia, Maldives and Australia Rajeev Menon said that it will open a 300-room Renaissance in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya in the second quarter of next year.

The group also targets to open a 101-room Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa by mid-2012. This property, previously the Royal Mulu Resort, is located next to the Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is now undergoing a complete makeover.

The seven operational hotels in Malaysia now are Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Renaissance Kota Baru in Kelantan, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Renaissance Melaka Hotel, Miri Marriott Resort & Spa and its franchised property, Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

Meanwhile, chief operating officer for Asia Pacific Craig S Smith said Malaysia is an important market for the group, especially since intra-Asian travel is big.

As more of its hotels open in India, China and the Middle East, more guests are familiar with the brand. Thus, loyalty helps to fill up hotel rooms in other countries too.

He added that its hotels in Malaysia will benefit from the growth in India, China and the Middle East.

The group, which experienced a tough 2009 for its Malaysian hotels, saw revenue per available room grow by a tenth in 2010 compared to the previous year.

"This year has started strong, (our) Kuala Lumpur hotels are doing well but it is too early to say how the situation in the Middle East will reflect in Malaysia this year," Rajeev said.

"We expect similar growth or partially more growth in 2011 compared to 2010," he added.

nazrey

April 24th, 2011, 09:13 PM

Malaysia woos luxury hotel brands
By Vasantha Ganesan Published: 2011/02/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/icouture/Article/index_html

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Bulgari, Armani and Versace may no longer be just luxury retail brands found in Malaysian malls, as property developers think about bringing in their hotel brands too. :cheers:

With brands like Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons already here while St Regis and Raffles have confirmed openings, developers are eyeing fresh and popular hotel brands.

"Developers are now beginning to look at Waldorf Astoria and also various designer-linked brands like Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Palazzo Versace, Armani Hotels & Resorts," vice president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Ivo Nekvapil told Business Times in an interview recently.

If these brands make their way to our shores, they are likely to be located either in Kuala Lumpur or on Langkawi island.

Nevertheless, Nekvapil feels that sub-brands or brands that come under their more familiar parent company name should be considered as they have potential in Malaysia.

These would include brands like All Seasons and Ibis which are Accor brand hotels and Hilton Garden Inn, a Hilton group brand.

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He explained that these brands have international recognition and as such Malaysia too needs these brands to give the country world recognition.

Meanwhile, when asked about the hotel scene in Klang Valley this year, Nekvapil said that there could be an addition of some 2,000 rooms in the four- and five-star hotel/serviced residence category.

Additional rooms this year will come from the opening of Somerset Ampang Kuala Lumpur, Best Western KL Sentral, Park Regis Kuala Lumpur and Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar.

On occupancy and rates in the Klang Valley, Nekvapil said that 2011 could end with an average room rate (ARR) of RM360 for lower end five-star hotels and about RM500 for higher end five-star category hotels. Occupancy this year could finish at about 68 per cent.

Mandarin Oriental still leads the pack, and is now drawing an ARR of around RM700.

Last year, occupancy ended at around 65 per cent and ARR of between RM200 to RM320 per night.

Malaysia had its highest occupancy of over 70 per cent in 2007.

A Bulgari hotel in Malaysia possible, says Marriott COO
By Vasantha Ganesan Published: 2011/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/aimariot2-2/Article/

MARRIOTT International Inc, which operates the luxurious Bulgari Hotels & Resorts brand, does not discount the possibility of hotel opening in Malaysia.

Currently, there are only two Bulgari hotels in the world; a city hotel in Milan, Italy, and a resort villa in Bali, Indonesia.

"There have been people asking about it (Bulgari) but there is nothing serious.

"There must be a business plan that can support a Bulgari as it is a very expensive hotel to build," chief operating officer (COO) for Asia Pacific Craig S Smith said, adding that it does not discount that Malaysia could probably carry such a brand. "Such a hotel would fit into a market that has a niche clientele and easy air access".

Location, Smith said, is paramount in considering the opening, and along with it, the specifications and partnership.

The Bulgari in Milan is a city hotel with 58 rooms, while the resort in Bali has some 59 villas. The next Bulgari will open in London in 2012.

The Bulgari Hotels & Resorts was introduced in 2001 and it is a joint venture between jeweller and luxury goods retailer Bulgari SPA and the Luxury Group - a division of Marriott International that also manages the The Ritz-Carlton hotels.

In Malaysia, there are currently six hotels managed by the Marriott group and one on franchise. On future openings, Smith said: "At any one point of time, we are discussing with a dozen (parties)."

Marriott, which is now predominantly city-based, is now keen to look at more resort hotels in places like Penang, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu. Resorts destination derives higher rates.

The group, which has over 20 brands, also manages the Courtyard by Marriott, EDITION Hotels and Marriott Executive Apartments, elsewhere in Asia.

nazrey

May 1st, 2011, 05:48 AM

Swiss-Garden to open more hotels in Malaysia
Written by Wong King Wai Friday, 29 April 2011 10:55
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/property/185873-swiss-garden-to-open-more-hotels-in-malaysia.html

KUALA LUMPUR: Swiss-Garden International Hotels, Resorts & Inns will open five new hotels in Malaysia in the next two to three years. The hotels will be in Butterworth, Penang; Cameron Highlands; Senai, Johor; Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; and Kuantan, Pahang.

“We are also looking for opportunities to set up hotels in countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in the next three to five years,” said group general manager of sales and marketing Francis Lee at the soft opening of the Swiss-Garden Residences in KL yesterday. The official opening is scheduled for August.

The hotel chain currently manages and operates seven hotels and resorts in Malaysia and Australia. Lee said the group is also looking to franchise its brand of hospitality products if the opportunity arises. It is also on the look-out for more properties in Australia.

Meanwhile, the Swiss-Garden Residences, situated behind the current Swiss-Garden Hotel along Jalan Galloway, provides high-end four-star service suites within walking distance to Chinatown and Jalan Bukit Bintang.

“The Swiss-Garden Residences will help expand our portfolio in this market segment where the demand and growth opportunities for serviced apartments are growing,” Lee said, adding that this was an opportune time to expand considering the rapid development in the surrounding vicinity such as the redevelopment of the Pudu Jail site.

“The demand for accommodation is growing in Kuala Lumpur be it for corporate, long-stay or leisure travellers,” said Rayan Komatt, group general manager, central region. “On average, the occupancy rate for hotels in KL is around 80%,” he added.

The Swiss-Garden Residences sits on a 1.7-acre site and has a gross development value of RM330 million. It features a south and north tower, which are 33 and 37 storeys respectively. There are a total of 478 rooms.

All the units were launched in 2008 at RM700 per sq ft (psf), and according to Komatt, values have appreciated to RM950 psf today. As many as 80 units are owner-occupied, while 356 rooms are on leaseback to be managed by the hotel with guaranteed returns of 6% per year. The remaining 42 units are under a time-share scheme.

The majority of the rooms are between 550 and 750 sq ft in size while the four penthouses are 2,700 sq ft each. The room choices available include a 1-bedroom deluxe, 1-bedroom executive, 1-bedroom premier deluxe and 2-bedroom premier apartments and penthouses. Room rates are between RM300 and RM330 per night. Facilities include three food and beverage outlets, infinity pool, gymnasium, sauna, children’s playground and launderette.

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/images/stories/FinancialDaily/2011/April/29042011/sgr-exterior-1.jpg

The spanking new Swiss-Garden Residences.

http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/images/stories/FinancialDaily/2011/April/29042011/1-bedroom-deluxe-1.jpg

The 1-bedroom deluxe room at Swiss-Garden Residences.

nazrey

May 13th, 2011, 03:29 PM

G-Hotel
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:19 PM

Hotel Equatorial, Penang
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:21 PM

DORSETT PENANG HOTEL
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:23 PM

THE NORTHAM ALL SUITE PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:27 PM

EVERGREEN LAUREL HOTEL PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:28 PM

BAYVIEW HOTEL GEORGETOWN PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:31 PM

GEORGETOWN HOTEL PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:34 PM

G HOTEL
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:35 PM

THE EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:38 PM

CITITEL PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:40 PM

SHANGRI-LAS RASA SAYANG RESORT & SPA PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:45 PM

GOLDEN SANDS RESORT PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:47 PM

PARKROYAL PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:50 PM

HOLIDAY INN RESORT PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:51 PM

THE BAYVIEW BEACH RESORT PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:53 PM

TANJUNG BUNGAH BEACH HOTEL
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhc_world/5715341644/

nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:56 PM

HARD ROCK HOTEL PENANG
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nazrey

May 29th, 2011, 03:59 PM

LONE PINE HOTEL
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rizalhakim

May 30th, 2011, 07:22 AM

When Developing a Luxury Resort is a Hobby
Posted by Thinkproperty.my

http://thinkproperty.com.my/realestate/images/blog/Image/nyior.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: Cardiologist Dr N.S. Dhaliwal has ventured into a hobby which most people would call a business.

Sixty-five-year-old Dr Dhaliwal has decided to turn his passion for building houses into a project.

Together with two other partners, Michiel Leo Philip and Roger Mauclair Deslorieux, the team is building a luxury development with a gross development value of RM200 million in Kudat, Sabah. It is called the The Nyior Luxury Villas Borneo Beach Resort.

The project, which is expected to be launched in the third quarter of this year, will have 43 villas and 57 serviced suites. It will include a club house.

The project is being developed by Borneo Eco-Green Resorts Sdn Bhd, in which Dr Dhaliwal has a 40 per cent equity interest, Leo Philip 30 per cent and Deslorieux 30 per cent.

Built on a 10.13ha fronting the Marudu Bay, the two-, three- and four-bedroom villas will have a built-up of between 2,500 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft. However, each lot in itself is double the size of the built-up.

"They will be sold from RM2.5 million to RM5 million," Dr Dhaliwal, who is the managing director of the property, said.

It has already hired a marketing firm in the UK to handle the sale of the property.

The company is targeting to sell the property to specific markets like the UK, Russia, the Middle East and other high-profile buyers.

The Nyior, he said, is not to be confused with an earlier project called Kudat Riviera, launched by another developer. This project is said to have been abandoned.

The Nyior resort is said to be private and exclusive, and those who land at the Kota Kinabalu airport will then be transported via a 20-minute helicopter ride.

"We were looking for a place for us ... and realised this was quite big and decided to develop a resort instead," Dr Dhaliwal said.

The sea-front resort, he said, would give access to diving, particularly wreck-diving where shipwreck is explored.

The entire project could take three years to complete. - Business Times

nazrey

July 30th, 2011, 05:07 PM

G Hotel, Gurney Drive, Penang
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G Hotel wins Asia Pacific property award
2011/07/29
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/30gaward/Article/#ixzz1TbLICe00

http://www.nst.com.my/articles/30gaward/single

Peter Nast with public relations manager
Christina Tan with the Best Hotel Construction and Design award.

Read more: G Hotel wins Asia Pacific property award http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/30gaward/Article/#ixzz1TbM5s083

GEORGE TOWN: The G Hotel was recently named "Best Hotel Construction and Design in Malaysia" at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2011.

The Asia Pacific Property Awards form part of the International Hotel Awards which is the world's most prestigious property competition.

It was established 17 years ago and is associated with Bloomberg Television and Google.

The awards are separated into several regions -- America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arabia and United Kingdom -- and are open to commercial and residential properties.

G Hotel general manager Peter Nast said they are proud to receive the award for Malaysia.

"We look forward to participating again next year and in the years to come," he added.

The judging panel is made up of over 50 experts, chaired by Lord Bates of Langbaurgh, who take into consideration every development aspect of the property business.

The result of the finals will be announced at London's Savoy Hotel on Dec 12. -- By V. Sivaji