1 UTAMA, MUTIARA DAMANSARA & DAMANSARA PERDANA | Selangor | New projects & development thread - Page 2

ZaHiRnYa??? · November 29th, 2005, 01:54 AM

Good..then maybe I can test the cinema there by watching "Chronicles Of Narnia" there

xsw05 · December 20th, 2005, 09:24 AM

Get the royal treatment
The Royale Bintang Damansara hotel opens for business
Sujartha Kumarasamy

THE skyline of Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya North now features a new landmark -- the Royale Bintang Damansara is now open. The 4-star hotel, managed by Mutiara Damansara developer Boustead Properties Bhd, was built at a cost of RM40 million, and has 150 rooms, two meeting rooms, lobby café, poolside barbeque area and a 400-seat banquet room.

Royale Bintang Damansara marks the Boustead group's second foray into the hospitality business. In 2003, the group acquired Novotel Century Hotel along Jalan Bukit Bintang for RM114 million. It was then renamed the Royale Bintang, a 4-star hotel with 418 rooms.

"At that time, a lot of analysts and those in the financial sector were questioning our move," says Datuk Ghazali Mohd Ali, executive director of Boustead Properties. "Well, we got it at a very good price. Plus, the hotel is in the right location. Thirdly, we managed to get the right people to run it. So why shouldn't we go into it?" The Royale Bintang is now running at 80% to 90% occupancy. "I think we are doing 100 times better than previously," interjects Mokhtar Mohd Khir, director of operations for both hotels. He says visitors to Royale Bintang comprises mainly local guests, followed by those form Asian countries and with 20% Europeans.

Royale Bintang Damansara's average room rate will be around RM220 and RM250 but for the soft launch, the promotional rate is RM195 for a superior room. "Being a small hotel, we cannot go lower than that but we are confident the rooms will fill up," says Mokhtar.

Why a hotel with only 150 rooms? Ghazali explains that they did not want to maximise the plot ratio. "We want to keep the plot ratio at below three. We decided to build something small first... we still have enough land in Mutiara Damansara to do more later. It's equavalent to what MidValley is doing. I suppose the most important thing is that you must not overdo it. A lot of people, once they are are successdul at something, double up or triple up on it. We don't believe in that. We want to test the market first with a location outside the city. After all, we can build another hotel if we want to."

So, what are the rooms like? "Design? I am not going to boast that it is exceptional or anything -- a hotel is a hotel. But it will be much better than Royale Bintang," says Mokhtar. "Out of the 150 rooms, 30 will be suites and four of those will be reserved as executive suites. Right now, the rooms available include superior [RM195 nett], studio deluxe [RM225 nett] and family suite [RM300 nett]. The chairman and executive suites will be opened next year."

The suites, however, will not feature any cooking facilities, with good reason. "We have so many eating outlets along the pedestrian mall. Why compete with the restaurants?" says Mokhtar. The hotel's two food and beverage outlets are La Cucur and Mystery Café.

As for the hospitality scene next year, Mokthar says it looks promising. "The KL Convention Centre will bring a lot of market for the hotels. Once you bring the conventions here, do you know how many hotel rooms you will need?" asks Mokhtar.

Next year, another hotel will spring up in the area, in neigbouring Bandar Utama. Developers See Hoy Chan Holdings Group is building a 5-star 28-storey hotel next to TV3's Sri Pentas studio. It is understood that the hotel will have 428 rooms, with a ballroom that can cater to 2,000 people. But Ghazali and Mokhtar are unfazed and don't see it as competition. "They are catering to a different market," says Ghazali. "Royale Bintang Damansara is only a 4-star hotel with 150 rooms and I am confident we can fill up our rooms easily. We will complement each other," he adds.

Ghazali also predicts that the corporate offices will fuel the demand for hotel rooms. "Look at our signature offices... we've got companies like Proton and Lexus.

The hotel will be very important for meetings, conferences or to accommodate overseas visitors." He also revelaed that Ikea, which is situated across the road, has already taken up nine rooms on a permanent basis to accommodate guests.

The local market will also contribute towards the hotel. "Don't forget that there is a lot of local tourism now that we don't work on Saturdays. We get tourists who will want entertainment and food, while we provide the hotel. There is also the shopping crowd. If demand is good, we are ready for the next lot," hinting that the group is considering building a 5-star hotel nearby.

Boustead Properties is developing the 355-acre Mutiara Damansara, which has a gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion. It is also responsible for the 1,438-acre Mutiara Rini township in Johor, which has a GDV of RM2 billion.

The Royale Bintang Damansara enjoys an enviable location in the heart of Mutiara Damansara. With retail hubs The Curve, Ikano Power Station and Ikea as its neighbours, staying at the Royale Bintang Damansara would make "shop till you drop" an entertaining notion, since all you'd have to do is stagger back to your hotel room. It is, as Ghazali puts it, "a logical extension of the shopping centre".

The hotel entrance fringes the main road that divides Ikano Power Station from The Curve. On the other side, the hotel opens up to an al fresco dining courtyard, with about 70 food and beverage establishments such as Movenpick Marche, TGIF and Little Penang Café taking up residence. More outlets are also opening at The Curve, the latest being a Borders Bookstore.

ZaHiRnYa??? · December 20th, 2005, 09:37 AM

Wah...finally its open

Didnt realised that when I was at IKEA last Sunday...

xsw05 · December 21st, 2005, 07:25 AM

Look like cineleisure will be open in Mid of 2006 but not end of this year. Below are articles from Star Newspaper.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the commercial front, Malaysians will be able to experience the thematic and sensory pleasures of Cineleisure Damansara when it opens its doors in mid-2006.

Cineleisure promises a total leisure and cinematic experience that our Malaysian cineplexes do not currently offer.

A movie released in Cineleisure will be accompanied by thematic events and activities, which will see the participation by retailers within Cineleisure.

Movie-goers will also be able to experience for the first time in Malaysia, the “audio-visual tunnel” which is planned for the first floor of Cineleisure. The AV tunnel is an experience of sensory sound linked back to the movie.

Just outside Cineleisure is a cordoned off area of 20,000 sq ft for young people. At this “Cineleisure Youth Park,” teenagers and the young at heart will be able to skateboard and hold mini competitions for basketball and other games.

baqthier · December 21st, 2005, 10:21 AM

Narnia - VERY BORING and bad acting. It's like a movie on the Hallmark Channel with the graphics.

***TYW*** · December 22nd, 2005, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baqthier

Narnia - VERY BORING and bad acting. It's like a movie on the Hallmark Channel with the graphics.

not bad, IMO. well, the bad part is that i was kind of able to guess the story

ZaHiRnYa??? · December 24th, 2005, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baqthier

Narnia - VERY BORING and bad acting. It's like a movie on the Hallmark Channel with the graphics.

True..I was yawning so many times watching it n keep thinking when it will end..

fairul · December 24th, 2005, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZaHiRnYa???

True..I was yawning so many times watching it n keep thinking when it will end..

izzit that bad?? most of my frens said the same thing..then i have to remove narnia from my december marathon list laa..

ZaHiRnYa??? · December 24th, 2005, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairul

izzit that bad?? most of my frens said the same thing..then i have to remove narnia from my december marathon list laa..

It is. Basically a kid movie...you better off watching something else..
go for "THE PROMISE". Its far better.

travellator · January 3rd, 2006, 09:38 AM

Difficult to obtain pics inside ikea

travellator · January 3rd, 2006, 09:41 AM

The Curve

travellator · January 3rd, 2006, 09:44 AM

Cineleisure @ the Curve

Royale Bintang @ the Curve

James Foong · January 5th, 2006, 10:10 AM

1

2

3

4

James Foong · January 5th, 2006, 12:57 PM

Tropicana Casa Indah along Persiaran Surian - near completion

nazrey · January 5th, 2006, 06:39 PM

some pictures i've found
by tanco

the curve mall

from the curve to IKEA

nazrey · January 5th, 2006, 06:41 PM

From IKEA to Tesco
aron79

nazrey · January 5th, 2006, 06:57 PM

Racer Nites Friendster Cafe Restaurant Damansara Perdana
by Trio Concept

nazrey · January 5th, 2006, 07:01 PM

by Trio Concept

nazrey · January 5th, 2006, 07:03 PM

nazrey · January 5th, 2006, 07:12 PM

@ restaurant
by Trio Concept

November 29th, 2005, 01:54 AM	#21
ZaHiRnYa??? you are you and i am me.. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 5,813 Likes (Received): 1	Good..then maybe I can test the cinema there by watching "Chronicles Of Narnia" there __________________ me, me, me and more me.. he..he...

December 20th, 2005, 09:37 AM	#23
ZaHiRnYa??? you are you and i am me.. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 5,813 Likes (Received): 1	Wah...finally its open Didnt realised that when I was at IKEA last Sunday... __________________ me, me, me and more me.. he..he...

December 21st, 2005, 10:21 AM	#25
baqthier RISING LIKE A SPIRE! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Land of The Petronas Towers Posts: 6,304 Likes (Received): 1	Narnia - VERY BORING and bad acting. It's like a movie on the Hallmark Channel with the graphics. __________________ Whatever lah! *7 YEARS OF THE MALAYSIAN FORUM Since 22nd Dec, 2002* - Kuala Lumpur Sky - Penang Sky

January 5th, 2006, 10:10 AM	#33
James Foong Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 2,392 Likes (Received): 1	The Curve's New Year Eve: 1 2 3 4

January 5th, 2006, 12:57 PM	#34
James Foong Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kuala Lumpur Posts: 2,392 Likes (Received): 1	Jan 3rd, 2006: Tropicana Casa Indah along Persiaran Surian - near completion

December 20th, 2005, 09:24 AM	#22
xsw05 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9 Likes (Received): 0	Get the royal treatment The Royale Bintang Damansara hotel opens for business Sujartha Kumarasamy THE skyline of Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya North now features a new landmark -- the Royale Bintang Damansara is now open. The 4-star hotel, managed by Mutiara Damansara developer Boustead Properties Bhd, was built at a cost of RM40 million, and has 150 rooms, two meeting rooms, lobby café, poolside barbeque area and a 400-seat banquet room. Royale Bintang Damansara marks the Boustead group's second foray into the hospitality business. In 2003, the group acquired Novotel Century Hotel along Jalan Bukit Bintang for RM114 million. It was then renamed the Royale Bintang, a 4-star hotel with 418 rooms. "At that time, a lot of analysts and those in the financial sector were questioning our move," says Datuk Ghazali Mohd Ali, executive director of Boustead Properties. "Well, we got it at a very good price. Plus, the hotel is in the right location. Thirdly, we managed to get the right people to run it. So why shouldn't we go into it?" The Royale Bintang is now running at 80% to 90% occupancy. "I think we are doing 100 times better than previously," interjects Mokhtar Mohd Khir, director of operations for both hotels. He says visitors to Royale Bintang comprises mainly local guests, followed by those form Asian countries and with 20% Europeans. Royale Bintang Damansara's average room rate will be around RM220 and RM250 but for the soft launch, the promotional rate is RM195 for a superior room. "Being a small hotel, we cannot go lower than that but we are confident the rooms will fill up," says Mokhtar. Why a hotel with only 150 rooms? Ghazali explains that they did not want to maximise the plot ratio. "We want to keep the plot ratio at below three. We decided to build something small first... we still have enough land in Mutiara Damansara to do more later. It's equavalent to what MidValley is doing. I suppose the most important thing is that you must not overdo it. A lot of people, once they are are successdul at something, double up or triple up on it. We don't believe in that. We want to test the market first with a location outside the city. After all, we can build another hotel if we want to." So, what are the rooms like? "Design? I am not going to boast that it is exceptional or anything -- a hotel is a hotel. But it will be much better than Royale Bintang," says Mokhtar. "Out of the 150 rooms, 30 will be suites and four of those will be reserved as executive suites. Right now, the rooms available include superior [RM195 nett], studio deluxe [RM225 nett] and family suite [RM300 nett]. The chairman and executive suites will be opened next year." The suites, however, will not feature any cooking facilities, with good reason. "We have so many eating outlets along the pedestrian mall. Why compete with the restaurants?" says Mokhtar. The hotel's two food and beverage outlets are La Cucur and Mystery Café. As for the hospitality scene next year, Mokthar says it looks promising. "The KL Convention Centre will bring a lot of market for the hotels. Once you bring the conventions here, do you know how many hotel rooms you will need?" asks Mokhtar. Next year, another hotel will spring up in the area, in neigbouring Bandar Utama. Developers See Hoy Chan Holdings Group is building a 5-star 28-storey hotel next to TV3's Sri Pentas studio. It is understood that the hotel will have 428 rooms, with a ballroom that can cater to 2,000 people. But Ghazali and Mokhtar are unfazed and don't see it as competition. "They are catering to a different market," says Ghazali. "Royale Bintang Damansara is only a 4-star hotel with 150 rooms and I am confident we can fill up our rooms easily. We will complement each other," he adds. Ghazali also predicts that the corporate offices will fuel the demand for hotel rooms. "Look at our signature offices... we've got companies like Proton and Lexus. The hotel will be very important for meetings, conferences or to accommodate overseas visitors." He also revelaed that Ikea, which is situated across the road, has already taken up nine rooms on a permanent basis to accommodate guests. The local market will also contribute towards the hotel. "Don't forget that there is a lot of local tourism now that we don't work on Saturdays. We get tourists who will want entertainment and food, while we provide the hotel. There is also the shopping crowd. If demand is good, we are ready for the next lot," hinting that the group is considering building a 5-star hotel nearby. Boustead Properties is developing the 355-acre Mutiara Damansara, which has a gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion. It is also responsible for the 1,438-acre Mutiara Rini township in Johor, which has a GDV of RM2 billion. The Royale Bintang Damansara enjoys an enviable location in the heart of Mutiara Damansara. With retail hubs The Curve, Ikano Power Station and Ikea as its neighbours, staying at the Royale Bintang Damansara would make "shop till you drop" an entertaining notion, since all you'd have to do is stagger back to your hotel room. It is, as Ghazali puts it, "a logical extension of the shopping centre". The hotel entrance fringes the main road that divides Ikano Power Station from The Curve. On the other side, the hotel opens up to an al fresco dining courtyard, with about 70 food and beverage establishments such as Movenpick Marche, TGIF and Little Penang Café taking up residence. More outlets are also opening at The Curve, the latest being a Borders Bookstore.

December 21st, 2005, 07:25 AM	#24
xsw05 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 9 Likes (Received): 0	Look like cineleisure will be open in Mid of 2006 but not end of this year. Below are articles from Star Newspaper. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ On the commercial front, Malaysians will be able to experience the thematic and sensory pleasures of Cineleisure Damansara when it opens its doors in mid-2006. Cineleisure promises a total leisure and cinematic experience that our Malaysian cineplexes do not currently offer. A movie released in Cineleisure will be accompanied by thematic events and activities, which will see the participation by retailers within Cineleisure. Movie-goers will also be able to experience for the first time in Malaysia, the “audio-visual tunnel” which is planned for the first floor of Cineleisure. The AV tunnel is an experience of sensory sound linked back to the movie. Just outside Cineleisure is a cordoned off area of 20,000 sq ft for young people. At this “Cineleisure Youth Park,” teenagers and the young at heart will be able to skateboard and hold mini competitions for basketball and other games.

January 3rd, 2006, 09:38 AM	#30
travellator klite Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: KL Posts: 1,978 Likes (Received): 7	Difficult to obtain pics inside ikea

January 3rd, 2006, 09:41 AM	#31
travellator klite Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: KL Posts: 1,978 Likes (Received): 7	The Curve

January 3rd, 2006, 09:44 AM	#32
travellator klite Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: KL Posts: 1,978 Likes (Received): 7	Cineleisure @ the Curve Royale Bintang @ the Curve

January 5th, 2006, 06:39 PM	#35
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 72,611 Likes (Received): 289	some pictures i've found by tanco the curve mall from the curve to IKEA __________________ Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - \| Kuala Lumpur \| Penang \| Malacca \| Putrajaya \| Cyberjaya \| Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc!

January 5th, 2006, 06:41 PM	#36
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 72,611 Likes (Received): 289	From IKEA to Tesco aron79 __________________ Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - \| Kuala Lumpur \| Penang \| Malacca \| Putrajaya \| Cyberjaya \| Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc!

January 5th, 2006, 06:57 PM	#37
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 72,611 Likes (Received): 289	Racer Nites Friendster Cafe Restaurant Damansara Perdana by Trio Concept __________________ Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - \| Kuala Lumpur \| Penang \| Malacca \| Putrajaya \| Cyberjaya \| Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc!

January 5th, 2006, 07:01 PM	#38
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 72,611 Likes (Received): 289	by Trio Concept __________________ Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - \| Kuala Lumpur \| Penang \| Malacca \| Putrajaya \| Cyberjaya \| Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc!

January 5th, 2006, 07:03 PM	#39
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 72,611 Likes (Received): 289	__________________ Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - \| Kuala Lumpur \| Penang \| Malacca \| Putrajaya \| Cyberjaya \| Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc!

January 5th, 2006, 07:12 PM	#40
nazrey Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 72,611 Likes (Received): 289	@ restaurant by Trio Concept __________________ Malaysia Photo Gallery - Click Here for Malaysia Galleries City & Town - \| Kuala Lumpur \| Penang \| Malacca \| Putrajaya \| Cyberjaya \| Langkawi Alor Setar, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kangar, Kota Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Seremban, Shah Alam, etc! Last edited by nazrey; January 5th, 2006 at 07:30 PM.

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