Sheraton Imperial unveils its RM6mil meeting facility

THE Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel was abuzz with excitement as all preparations were underway to unveil their latest meeting facility — @M event level recently. Located on the mezzanine level of the 5-star hotel, the newly renovated meeting level took six months to complete at a cost of RM6 million.
Approximately 200 persons were invited to view the new meeting facility as part of the hotel’s launch activities. Divided into lunch and dinner sessions, guests were taken on a personal tour by the hotel’s sales and marketing team members.
Based on an ‘Open House’ concept, the tour revealed the various meeting rooms, set up according to different themes.

Movie theme: Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, Wolverine and Ronaldo make up part of the theme.

As guests step into the @M meeting room, they were greeted with a Social Network theme where they were introduced to the various social media channels, played various games on Facebook, posted photos on Twitter and had the chance to win exciting prizes.
Next door at Be@M, it was a more informal affair, with the focus being on the 5 Human Truths theme. Guests were shown how the more ‘friendly’ set up play an integral part in the success of any training workshop.
Over at Do@M, there were two themes. In one corner, the movie theme was introduced with ‘Darth Vader’, ‘Jack Sparrow’ and ‘Wolverine’ serving customers. while at the other end of the meeting room, the sports theme was displayed. Tables with golf, badminton and football décor were enhanced with a Wii machine to promote that competitive spirit.
At the foyer area of Ez@M, the hotel’s culinary team took centerstage, featuring their specialities at the main island buffet counter — introducing delicious dishes from the ‘Passion’ cook book — a joint collaboration between Sheraton Imperial KL and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.
‘We want to support our customers and help them achieve their objectives.
“This does not only mean providing a new facility equipped with the latest technology but also showcasing unique and creative options, aiding our customers with what’s out there and how they can be different and unique too.
“We believe with this new @M facility, we will be able to embark on the journey with our clients”, said General Manager of the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel Wolfgang Boettcher.
Complementing the new vibrant feel of the @M meeting level was a whole range of sumptuous cuisine – perfectly whipped up by master chefs in each of the meeting rooms. Needless to say, there was networking and ideas plus excitement as guests and associates mingled to show off the new facility.
With the addition of the @M event level, the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel now boasts more than 2219.6 sq metres of function space with a 12 venue options. Measuring 667 sq metres, the elegant Nusantara Ballroom (located on level 2 of the hotel) is the largest function space, catering for 120 persons for a boardroom set-up to 1,000 persons for a theatre set-up.
It can also seat approximately 550 persons for a banquet and 800 persons for a cocktail reception.




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

RM6m refurbishment, rebranding for Mint Hotel

Property tycoon Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, the owner of Mint Hotel, is now drafting a business plan to turn the hotel around
The three-star Mint Hotel along the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban highway will undergo a RM6 million refurbishment and rebranding programme and re-open by the first half of next year.

Property tycoon Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, the owner of Mint Hotel, said he is now drafting a business plan to turn the hotel around, which had ceased operations since February 2005.

This follows the conclusion of Lee's acquisition of Mint Hotel from Ambank (M) Bhd for RM45 million, which Lee said was not voluntary.

A sales and purchase agreement was signed with the liquidator, Ernst & Young, in June this year, via his privately-held firm Lambang Raya Sdn Bhd.
"The hotel is not worth that much now. I am a victim. If i don't buy it, the bank will sue me. I will end up in a legal suit. I am caught because of the undertaking I had with the bank a few years ago," Lee, who is also the founder and executive chairman of Country Heights Holdings Bhd, told Business Times.

Property valuers have estimated Mint Hotel to be worth some RM23 million.

Ambank declined to comment.

The issue started when Jennico Associates Sdn Bhd, which is 50 per cent owned by Lee through Lambang Raya, was liquidated by a creditor in January 2000.

At that point, Jennico had already defaulted on a term loan of RM47 million granted by AmFinance Bhd in 1995, under the stewardship of Datuk Major (R) Zulkifli Abdul Mokti and KifliMokti Sdn Bhd, who owns the balance 50 per cent of the company.

Mint Hotel was then auctioned by Ernst & Young in 2005 and this attracted many bidders, including Lee, Lotus Family Group and Majestic Hotel.

They were keen to buy the 413-room hotel as it overlooks the Selangor Turf Club race course and is close to the Mines Exhibition Centre, Mines Wonderland, the Mines shopping mall and a golf course.

Business Times reported in August 2006 that Lotus won the bid to buy the hotel.

But a tussle broke as Lee claimed he was the rightful owner of the property.

According to Lee, he had submitted a bid for RM55 million for the hotel in October 2005 after being advised by AmBank, and a 5 per cent, or RM2.75 million, deposit was made to Ernst & Young.

Lee said his bid was based on a letter of undertaking he signed with Ambank in October 1995 stating that he will buy the hotel for RM55 million in the event of default of a loan taken by Jennico.


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

Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Renewed Reborn

Experience the renewed Shangr-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Reacquaint yourself with Kuala Lumpur's premier luxury hotel. The choice of royalty and heads of state for over twenty years, it has now been refreshed and renewed to surprise and delight you all over again.

To make the experience even more enticing, take advantage of our special Rediscover Offer.

http://www.shangri-la.com/

[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Major Renovation for Shangri-La's Golden Sands, Penang

The 390-room resort will invest RM38mil in the exercise

Golden Sands Resort is investing about RM38mil to renovate its 390-room hotel in Batu Ferringhi.

The exercise would involve re-doing all the rooms, expanding the coffeehouse, establishing an Italian restaurant and restoring the public spaces.

General manager Andrew Whitaker told StarBiz that the hotel would start renovating its rooms in February next year.

“Some 14 of the 390 rooms would be converted into suites for families. The other rooms would be given a face-lift to reflect the unique and popular interior decoration themes used in Malaysia,’’ he said.

“For example, dark wood carvings and colourful fabric would be used to give the rooms the outlook of a contemporary Malaysian home.’’

Whitaker said the hotel would not be closed during the renovation period. “We are targeting for the renovation of the rooms to be completed by February 2010,” he said.

He said the famous Peppino restaurant would be closed next year and would be replaced with a new RM4.2mil two-storey Italian restaurant by the beach.

The present Sigi’s by the Sea restaurant would be removed to make way for the new Italian restaurant, which has yet to be named.

“Sigi’s by the Sea will be closed in October 2008, so that construction work can start on the new Italian restaurant, which is scheduled to start operation next May,” he said.

Whitaker said the new coffeehouse, currently undergoing renovation, would be reopened soon.

“It has been expanded and will feature open cooking areas,” he added.

The last time Golden Sands Resort underwent a major renovation was in 1992.

Source : STAR
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]

The Andaman, Langkawi completes room renovation

The Andaman, a luxury property managed by General Hotel Management (GHM), has launched a new look for its room interiors and bathrooms.

Renovation works to the room interiors commenced in August 2006 and are now complete. The entire refurbishment programme will feature the upgrading of all its 187 deluxe rooms and selected facilities around the hotel and is scheduled to complete in July 2008.


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

Upgrades at Langkawi's Datai

THE Datai Langkawi has completed the first phase of its refurbishment plans to its villas, suites and deluxe rooms which commenced early this year.

The interiors have been updated to feature plush interiors in muted tones contrasted against dark wood floors.

The newly renovated villas feature spacious bathrooms, twin terrazzo vanities and his and her wardrobes. The renovated deluxe rooms feature spacious bathrooms and dressing rooms with twin vanities and a sunken terrazzo bathtub.


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

Renovation of The Saujana’s first phase to cost RM60mil

THE Saujana has major plans to rebuild the Club wing into The Club, an all-suite estate featuring 78 Club Suites.

Managed by General Hotel Management, the signature GHM style will be evident once work is completed in the middle of next year, positioning The Club at The Saujana as one of the best resorts-in-the-city for business and leisure travellers.

The cost for the first phase of the renovation works will be approximately RM60mil.

The renovation works will not affect the remaining room blocks, restaurants, main lobby and function rooms.

The Club at The Saujana will feature stylish interiors with larger suites ranging from 80 sq m to 180 sq m.

Even better soon: Herbert with The Club’s new layout.

Once completed, the exclusivity of the Club Suites will be apparent with services such as personal butlers, a spa, a restaurant and a private swimming pool.

Complimentary limousine transfers, Continental breakfast and drinks are also included for the Club Suite guests.

Each Club Suite is designed to overlook tranquil ponds or landscaped grounds within the hotel’s premises.

Lavish bathrooms will also feature sunken terrazzo bathtubs, private lavatories with bidets, large walk-in wardrobes and luxurious shower cabins.

The Club at The Saujana will be a five-star resort with Club Suites priced between RM2,000++ and RM5,000++ per room, per night.

“The Club will create an environment reflecting the premium quality products in the area,” the hotel general manager Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said.

“Malaysia is strategically located and with the global tourism industry growing, this will be the start of many more tourists to come.”

Herbert said preparations for the construction period had been carried out and that during the construction period, The Saujana would not be operating at a loss.

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

New and improved Holiday Villa Beach Resort Cherating

The Holiday Villa Beach Resort in Cherating is a pleasant weekend getaway for the weary city dweller.

CHERATING beach has always been a haven for backpackers and surfers, especially during the monsoon months of November and December. It has the perfect combination of great waves, a wide stretch of white 0sandy beach, a plethora of dining choices and a happening nightlife.

Since Club Med opened its first Asian venture here back in the 70s, other hotels have quickly followed suit and visitors have a wealth of accommodation to choose from, catering for all budgets. One such lodging is the recently refurbished Holiday Villa Beach Resort, a Malaysian hotel chain founded in 1987.

Facilities: Catch the sea breeze as you dine outside.

Resident manager Jan Khan revealed that the beddings were changed, carpets removed and tiles incorporated all at a cost of RM2mil. Their pride is the pillarless ballroom, which can seat 600 guests – the only one of its kind in the east coast.

“Our last renovation was done about eight years ago so it was time for a change. We couldn’t close the hotel so we did it in stages. We want to promote the free and easy ambience. Our edge is our service,” she said, during a familiarisation trip for media and travel agents recently.

The 122-room resort offers three types of accommodation. One may sample modern accommodation in the capital wing, relive the glamour of Malay royalty at the palace wing or indulge in complete privacy in the eastern pavilion. We stayed in the palace wing where the rooms are compact yet cosy. There isn’t much space to walk about and although it’s meant for two, the room appears a little cramped.

The eastern pavilion is a bestseller among families and honeymooners. Each boutique villa (some bigger than an average condominium in the city) is named after a different state in Malaysia and comes attached with a living room, one or two bedrooms and a verandah, which extends out to a private swimming pool and Jacuzzi. For additional pampering, there is also a spa offering all kinds of massages and beauty treatment to soothe frayed nerves.

To cater exclusively for guests in the eastern pavilion, butler service is provided from 8am to 9pm daily. Holiday Villa not only promotes Malaysian cuisines in its overseas hotels but also promotes locally manufactured furniture and television sets. All rooms come equipped with some sort of local flavour.

Malaysians are blessed to have good food all year round. If you opt to eat in the resort, there are three restaurants to feast at. However, when we dined at the beach restaurant during lunch, the pesky flies proved to be a menace. After a while, I lost my appetite.

The pillarless ballroom. — HOLIDAY VILLA BEACH RESORT

Dinner under the stars was a pleasant change though. Tables and speakers were set up outdoors and thankfully, the night was breezy and beautiful. The flies miraculously disappeared and we had the likes of Lionel Richie crooning his best numbers to provide the entertainment.

The first night saw us having a barbecue – fresh fish, squid and prawns never tasted better! The next day, a heavenly meal of steamboat awaited diners. Then it was time for some karaoke at the Fun Pub.

With all those pounds you might have put on from the chow, it’s advisable to work off the calories. For recreation, you can always jump into the two swimming pools or the open air Jacuzzi. Or enjoy a game of tennis, basketball or volleyball.

While the hotel does offer water sports like water scooters, sailing and kayaking, sadly during our visit, the recreation centre was closed. Since the guest count was minimal, the water sports operator decided to take the day off. It was a pity as the weather was sunny so we chose to sit on the sundeck and bask in the serenity of the South China Sea before dozing off.

Room rates begin from RM280. School holiday packages are available until June 10. Call for details.

Holiday Villa Beach Resort
Lot 1303, Mukim Sg Karang
Cherating, Pahang
Tel: (09) 581 9500
E-mail: chv@tm.net.my
http://www.holidayvilla.com.my

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

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]

Swiss Garden's New Concept Rooms

I suppose I am bias. I consider the folks over at Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur friends. You know what? I am not the only one to think so.

Maybe it is the thoughtful décor in my room which makes me want to sit on the laminated wooden flooring and dive into the mind of the artist.

Maybe it is how the brilliance of the city sunshine is effortlessly diffused into a warm glow in the room. Maybe it is just the easy smile of the hotel’s staff members and the friendly banter that greets any return guest.

And there are plenty of return guests.

The art doesn’t stop at the rooms, even the food is beautifully presented.

The hotel’s new concept rooms are surprisingly spacious. Benson Lim, the designer and architect from Tokyo Design Culture who oversaw the hotel’s RM30mil facelift, tells me no walls were knocked down. Instead, carefully planned features were employed.

Each of Swiss Garden Kuala Lumpur’s new concept room is diagonally designed in two parts. As you enter the room, you are transported into the earthy facet of the hotel’s design. The laminated wooden flooring is complemented by the wall’s textured Zebrano panelling.

According to general manager Jerina Foong, “We have used earth tones to lend warmth and give a homely feel to all the rooms. The darker shades used will complement the lighting and give you the perfect ambience.”

Towards the middle of the room, though, you get soft pastels in shades of brown and beige. This half of the room is carpeted. Curtains in heavy crinkle copper drape over the windows. A bold headboard flanked by bedside lamps in chic blackcurrant purple canvas presents the room’s centrepiece – a luxurious king-sized bed.

The e-Lounge on the Privilege floor. — MAJIDAH HASHIM

Now, even if you can’t decipher the design features, the room does make for a fascinating dive into the hues of earth, and a bold and meek play of colours.

Style and comfort are not the only perks of staying at Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur. On the Swiss Privilege floor is the hotel’s exclusive e-Lounge. The lounge is meant to cater to the tech-savvy business traveller, offering high-speed Internet access and all-day refreshments.

And this is where I – the discerning business traveller – park for the better half of an afternoon. A bookcase stands invitingly at one corner. Tastefully blended into the decor are flat-screen computer terminals. On the left wing of the lounge, a few homey sofa sets sit in the sunshine.

The lounge opens up to a cosy balcony with an interesting water feature, extending into the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Later in the evening as the city lights up, the cool evening air settles into this snug and incredibly personal corner of the lounge.

My company for the evening is Linda Wong, the marketing and communications manager here who tells me that the lounge also caters to exclusive private functions: a barbecue on the balcony, perhaps, or a romantic candlelit get-together?

Over an elegant champagne breakfast at the lounge next morning, I watch one smartly dressed guest after another check into the lounge for their technology fix. Anxiously, they access their e-mail, replying a few and beginning their day with a smile.

You can lose yourself in the comforts of Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur and still stay in touch with the world outside.

Swiss Garden Hotel
Kuala Lumpur
117, Jalan Pudu
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 2141 3333
Fax: (03) 2142 5555
Toll free: 1 800 88 3093
E-mail: resvns_sghkl@swissgarden.com
www.swissgarden.com

o Swiss Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s new concept rooms include Deluxe Rooms, Executive Rooms, Family Rooms, Junior Suites and Executive Suites. The hotel’s e- Louge is located on the 11th floor and is open daily from 7am to 11pm.

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

Corus Hotel spending RM3m to refurbish

Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur will spend up to RM3mil to refurbish its facilities as part of the Corus' nationwide ongoing programme to enhance comfort for its guests.

Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a part of the Corus chain, which is based in Britain. Corus is a mid-market hotel group with over 40 properties in Britain and two in Malaysia - Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Corus Paradise Resort in Port Dickson.

Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur's vice-president/group general manager Pel Loh said the investment involved the upgrading of its 388 rooms, the addition of 12 new rooms called “Paradise Cabana” as well as deluxe rooms and suites, gymnasium and spa facility.

She said the hotel had on April 17 launched a campaign, “Discover Real Comfort”, a continuous programme to offer a bright, stylish and contemporary feel in line with the Corus brand strategy.

“We want to tell our customers that we are continuously upgrading our products and we will ensure that our services are always up to the customer expectations.

“Basically, one of the things that we do is change the entire bedding ... change the old comforters and bedspread with a duvet, change the pillows as well as the carpet,” she said.

Loh said the rooms in Paradise Cabana, located on the same level as the swimming pool and gardens floor, had a unique glass bathroom, which allowed the guests to catch the view of the bedroom while watching television in the bathtub

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

The Regent to become Millennium Kuala Lumpur

COME June 1, The Regent Kuala Lumpur will officially become the Millennium Kuala Lumpur – the first Millen-nium hotel in Malaysia.

“The Millennium Kuala Lumpur is a truly valuable addition to the Millennium & Copthorne Group as this confirms our commitment to bringing the highest levels of hospitality standards and quality for which the Millennium brand is renowned in the Asia-Pacific re-gion.

“The hotel’s longstanding reputation as one of Malaysia’s premier hotels also brings further recognition to the brand in the global market,” said Kwek Leng Beng, chairman of the London-listed Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc. .

The Millennium Kuala Lumpur is currently undergoing a multimillion-ringgit makeover to re-flect the new brand’s style.

First Millennium hotel in Malaysia: The new Millennium Kuala Lumpur joins M&C’s list of more than a hundred hotels in 18 countries.

Upon completion of the refurbishment, the hotel will feature 468 elegantly transformed guest-rooms and suites, grand lobby and reception areas, and exciting dining and entertainment outlets poised to set new trends in Kuala Lumpur’s hospitality scene.

Strategically located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, the capital city’s prestigious shopping and entertainment district, the hotel has received numerous international awards, including the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award for Service Excellence and the Hospitality Asia Platinum Award for Best Executive Club Lounge.

The hotel joins M&C’s list of more than 114 hotels in 18 countries, including the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair in the UK, the Millennium Hotel Paris Opera in France; the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi in the UAE; and the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York.

Related Post

• Regent Kuala Lumpur to become a Millennium

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

RM11mil Facelift for Holiday Inn Glenmarie

THE Holiday Inn Glenmarie Kuala Lumpur in Shah Alam has received a RM11mil facelift to give customers a totally new and relaxing ambience.

Hotel general manager Arthur Yap said the facelift had not only improved the appearance of its rooms, lobby and ballroom but also provided additional facilities for the comfort of guests.

Stunning: The facelift took about six months to complete.

“The hotel’s 173 guest rooms boast contemporary designs with simple clean lines using soothing colours and textures to bring out the tranquillity of the gardens outside the hotel,” Yap said.

“Public areas have also been refurbished. Event organisers and guests can look forward to the upgraded banquet and meeting facilities, as well as enhanced F&B offerings.

“Our popular café, Kites, features innovative show kitchens allowing for an interactive dining experience, while at Fu-Rin guests can enjoy authentic and fresh Japanese cuisine in a lively atmosphere,” he said.

Relaxed style: The new look also involves public areas at the hotel.

Yap said the refurbishment works had been conducted over a period of six months.

He said the facelift reflected the hotel’s commitment to continuously meet global standards as one of the most recognised hotel brands.

He said the hotel, located in a lush tropical garden overlooking two world class 18-hole golf courses, was only a 30-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur city centre.

“It is strategically located,” he said.

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