Hotel re-invents itself to meet customers’ needs and demands

HOTEL ISTANA Kuala Lumpur, which joined the city's skyline 15 years ago, officially marked its re-introduction on Wednesday.

The event, launched by Tourism minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, coincided with Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence.

Official visit: Tengku Adnan (left) visits one of the new rooms with (from right) Shaharuddin, Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur executive assistant manager Arif Billah, Baharuddin and Megat Najmuddin.

Tengku Adnan said it was important for hotel owners to continuously re-invent their product offerings and facilities to meet the needs and demands of customers.

“The look and feel of hotels in Malaysia has to stay relevant,'' he said.

Also present were Tradewinds Corporation Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Megat Najmuddin Khas, Tradewinds Corporation Bhd group chief executive officer Azlan Abdullah, Tradewinds Hotels and Resorts Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Abdullah Yusoff and chief executive officer Shaharul Farez Hassan.

Earlier, Megat Najmuddin said he was glad to see the hotel had developed a reputable name in the local scene.

“The time had come for a refurbishment exercise to ensure the legacy continued.

“In late 2005, a well-designed refurbishment exercise was initiated, and it was executed in phases while considering the comfort and enjoyment of our guests.

“Our 515 rooms are now revitalised and geared for the astute upscale market.

“We have also upgraded our facilities and added two new food and beverage outlets,'' he said.

Related News

• Hotel Istana Refurbished

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Hotel Istana Refurbished

To those who know

The good life just got better

Experience the changes yourself when you step into Hotel Istana where all guest rooms and suites have been refurbished. Then there are new lounges, new spaces like Urban Bistro with sylish, contemporary touches while the cheerful coffeehouse brims with signature dishes.

Top all this with superb service and you'll never want to leave.

Hotel Istana, Kuala Lumpur
73 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-2141 9988 / Fax: 603-2141 0111
www.hotelistana.com.my


Source : HotelIstana
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Istana Hotel's Urban Bistro stays true to the Aussie style

Formal: Doyle signing a plaque to launch the Urban Bistro.

WARM colours, spacious seating area with an open bar are what to expect of Istana Hotel’s new Urban Bistro.

The restaurant, with its modern Australian (Mod Oz) concept, promises to be the new chill-out venue for city goers.

At its recent launch by Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia Peter Doyle, guests had the opportunity to sample dishes newly created by chef Sarah Wilton for the outlet.

Wilton kicked off the evening with a selection of Canapés before moving on to the Spiced Roasted Pumpkin and Macadamia Soup and then to the main dish of Crisp Skin Salmon, Poached Prawn, Cucumber, Herb and Shallot Salad with Chilli Jam.

Paolicia Duo Jazz entertained the guests.

Creative: Wilton with a selection of miniature desserts.

“The all-new Urban Bistro is not just about the Mod Oz style but also about good food and creating a place to dine and chill after work with family and friends,” Istana Hotel food and beverage director William Harley-Fleming said.

The outlet was launched in true Australian style. Not only was INXS’ songs played when Doyle was walking in but also a Didgeridoo music performance during the opening ceremony.

“Food must be colourful, fresh and vibrant. It is my way of the Mod Oz concept,” Wilton said.

The 29-year-old head chef of the outlet ended the night with a miniature dessert selection while guests sipped Australian beer and wine throughout the night.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Check Out Istana's Urban Bistro - with Zen-like Touch

HOTEL ISTANA returns to the limelight with its all-new Urban Bistro with Australian chef Sarah Wilton as its driving force.

Brand new: Wilton is all set to fire your culinary imagination as head chef of Urban Bistro.

The restaurant, which opened last month, adopts the Moz Oz concept and is positioned as the hotel’s gastronomic centre.

Its decor is a blend of fashionable chic yet quirky and informal.

There are three different seating styles with a zen-styled open setting.

Complementing its ambience is, of course, the menu that comprises trendy, signature Australian fare specially created by Wilton, who is also the head chef.

Wilton’s culinary motto is simple: “Food must be colourful, fresh, fun and vibrant”.

“Above all, the dishes must be refreshingly creative, prepared sans set rules!” said Wilton, who is a commercial cooking graduate from New South Wales.

Creative: Diners can expect the best of Wilton’s special creations of Australia’s bests.

Her stint included experimenting with Mediterranean cuisine at The Bathers’ Pavilion Restaurant in New South Wales.

She was also previously attached to Crowne Plaza Newcastle as chef de partie where she was responsible for the a la carte and buffet creations of the hotel’s main restaurant.

At Urban Bistro, Wilton will also create daily-changed lunch specials in addition to the a la carte menu.

Wilton’s position as head chef at the 4.5-star Stables Resort Perisher located in Australia’s largest ski resort village gave her the ultimate creative licence to create fine dining Australian specialities besides the regular staple offerings of daily kitchen production.

An adventurous personality, Wilton had spent a year in Brazil as an exchange student and had worked for short stints in Yangshuo and Shenzen in China as an English instructor.

The head chef is also a qualified TEFL teacher.

It was her stint in these places that further broadened her culinary outlook and creativity.

URBAN BISTRO, Hotel Istana, 73 Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 03-2141 9988 ext 3691). Bisuness Hours: Mon-Sat, lunch (noon-2.30pm); dinner (7pm-10.30pm).

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Hotel Istana joined the Summit Hotels & Resorts

The Hotel Istana in Kuala Lumpur has joined the Preferred Hotel Group under the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection.

The newly renovated Hotel Istana is strategically located within Kuala Lumpur’s main Golden Triangle business and commercial center. It is also within walking distance to the Bintang Walk shopping and entertainment hub, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

The 515-room hotel has just completed its first major renovation since its opening 14 years ago, and the result is a fusion of a contemporary look while retaining its original Moorish motifs. All guest rooms are spacious and well-furnished, offering broadband Internet access with dedicated Executive Club floors and lounge. Six restaurants and bars offer the culinary delights of local and Asian cuisine along with international menus. Comprehensive meeting and banquet rooms can seat up to 2,000 guests with a pillar-less ballroom and 13 meeting rooms. Advanced technical aids include simultaneous translation equipment and broadband Internet access.

Recreational facilities include a free-form outdoor pool, fitness center and spa, offering not only popular international treatments but also traditional Malay wellness programs.

"Hotel Istana sets a fine example of a Summit Hotels & Resorts hotel after its renovation aimed at savvy travelers who continue to seek a unique, authentic experience. The amazing location is also perfect for both business and leisure travelers," said Ananya Narayan, Preferred Hotel Group Asia Pacific’s Managing Director.

Source : eHotelier
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