Marriott plans 2 more hotels in Malaysia

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.


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

The Autograph Collection - Marriott's New Brand and Exclusive Group of Independent Hotels and Resorts

Marriott International, Inc. launched today The Autograph Collection, a new brand within the company's global portfolio comprised of upper upscale and luxury, independent, hotels with distinctive personalities in major cities and desired destinations worldwide.

"The Autograph Collection will take the innovative approach of grouping these iconic hotels according to the unique experience that guests are seeking whether it's a resort, historic hotel, boutique arts, or urban edge hotel in a dynamic gateway city," said Don Semmler, executive vice president of brand management for Marriott International. "Each hotel will be highly unique and distinct with its own identity, appealing to a growing segment of our customers who are looking for an experience that an independent hotel can deliver."
There are currently plans to add approximately 25 hotels through 2010 with locations throughout the world. The Autograph Collection provides Marriott with another attractive platform for future global growth. The benefit to member properties includes tapping into Marriott's industry-leading global reservations system, and powerful consumer outreach through its leading technology, and sales and marketing platforms which have helped build Marriott into one of the world's leading hotel operators.

Marriott has been successful in developing brands across a wide spectrum of customer segments and each is uniquely positioned against a specific target segment. While there may be some cross selling opportunities, The Autograph Collection gives Marriott the ability to capture a broad audience that would not have typically considered a branded concept - appealing to guests who want to stay in independent hotels.
Each hotel will be required not only to meet Autograph's discriminating product standards, but will also need to demonstrate continued high guest satisfaction and quality assurance scores to remain part of The Autograph Collection. In addition, each hotel will go through the same hotel and operator approval processes as other Marriott full-service hotels.

The Autograph Collection will be featured on Marriott.com and affiliated with Marriott Rewards, Marriott International's award-winning guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,000 hotels in 68 countries.



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

Q&A - What will be the impact of Indonesia's hotel bomb attacks

Bomb blasts ripped through the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta's business district on Friday, killing nine people and wounding dozens in attacks that could dent investor confidence in Indonesia.

Police stand guard in front of the damaged Ritz-Carlton hotel after an explosion in Jakarta July 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Dadang Tri)

A car bomb also blew up along a toll road in North Jakarta, police said without giving further details. Indonesia's Metro TV said two people had been killed. An unexploded bomb was also later found at the Marriott, police said.

The apparently coordinated bombings are the first in several years and follow a period in which the government had made progress in tackling security threats from militant Islamic groups, bringing a sense of political stability to Southeast Asia's biggest economy.

Some analysts have already cast suspicion on remnants of the Jemaah Islamiah group, blamed for previous attacks including a car bombing outside the Marriott in 2003 as well as bombings on the resort island of Bali the previous year that killed 202 people.

Here are some questions and answers on security in Indonesia:

IS THIS UNEXPECTED?

Yes. Indonesia had made enormous progress in containing the threat from militant group JI which security officials and analysts said was behind several fatal bomb attacks on Western targets including hotels and bars in Jakarta and the resort island of Bali.

The Indonesian authorities, with help and training from their Australian and U.S. counterparts, have increased security and surveillance in recent years.

Indonesia's security forces have detained hundreds of militants and killed several during shoot-outs, carrying out numerous sweeps, even in recent weeks.

HOW COULD THESE NEW ATTACKS HAPPEN, HAS SECURITY BEEN RELAXED?

There are no outward signs security measures have been relaxed in Jakarta. The security presence was stepped up around the time of the presidential elections on July 8, which passed peacefully.

All the major hotels in Jakarta have security checks outside to reduce the risk of car bombs, although checks in many are not particularly thorough, with a security guard just poking his head in the window to look at who is inside the car.

Although the Marriott and Ritz were known for exceptionally tight security barriers and checks, including for those entering the hotel on foot, from the damage at the scene of the blasts it appears the bombs exploded inside the hotels, and were either brought in by suicide bombers or planted inside and set off by timers.

IS JEMAAH ISLAMIAH BEHIND THIS?

Several analysts are already saying these attacks have some of the hallmarks of JI, which in the past has chosen high-profile targets such as Western hotels and bars frequented by foreigners.

JI has used car bombs in the past, but barricades and layout changes as well as other measures at the best-protected luxury and Western hotels in Jakarta and Bali have made it harder for that kind of attack.

DOES THIS MEAN JI HAS RECOVERED AND IS A THREAT AGAIN?

If it is indeed JI, this suggests they still have bomb-making capability and operatives, despite having lost many of their trained and skilled members.

IF IT ISN'T JI, WHO ELSE COULD IT BE?

In 1998, when former autocratic President Suharto was desperately trying to retain power, some elements within the military were accused of stirring up social unrest and riots in an attempt to cause widespread panic and destabilise Indonesia.

There have been other instances in Indonesia's history when military elements were suspected of being behind unrest in order to have an excuse to clamp down on civilians.

The country has also sporadically seen violence including bombings attributed to various separatist groups, political organisations, and criminal gangs.

WHAT LONG-TERM IMPACT COULD THIS HAVE ON INDONESIA?

It's certainly a blow for Indonesia's security forces and the country's risk profile, particularly coming so close on the heels of peaceful elections in the world's third-largest democracy.

Indonesia had begun to stand out among its Southeast Asian peers as a stable democracy that was making real progress in tackling corruption in order to attract foreign investment.

These attacks could make some investors think twice before committing to any new, long-term, strategic investments in areas such as natural resources or infrastructure.

That said, however, the market reaction has been relatively muted.

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

PHOTOS of Bombs explode at Jakarta Ritz Carlton & Marriott hotels

Smoke billows out of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel following

a blast in central Jakarta, July 17, 2009.

People run following a blast at the Marriot Hotel in central Jakarta

Police stand guard in front of the damaged Ritz-Carlton hotel after an explosion



olice stand guard in front of the damaged exterior of the Ritz-Carlton hotel after an explosion

Windows at the Ritz-Carlton are blown out after Friday's blast.

Damage to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel can be seen following the blast.

A photo posted on Twitter purportedly shows smoke from the Ritz-Carlton in Jakarta

Indonesian police stand guard in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel after an explosion in Jakarta on Friday.(Dadang Tri/Reuters)

At least six people, including several foreigners, have been killed and 10 injured when explosions ripped through two luxury hotels in downtown Jakarta on Friday, police say.

South Jakarta police Colonel Firman Bundi said some of the bodies had been taken to a hospital.

The facade of the Ritz-Carlton was blown off in one blast and another explosion hit the Marriott, police said. The explosions rocked the area about 8am local time (11am AEST).

The head of the Health Ministry crisis centre, Rustam Pakaya, said at least two people were seriously injured, including one New Zealander.

One hospital emergency room said it was already treating 15 people.

Debris and shattered glass littered the street outside the neighbouring hotels, which are in an upscale Jakarta neighbourhood, and ambulances raced to the scene

Herald on the scene

The Sydney Morning Herald's Indonesia correspondent Tom Allard said one bomb was reportedly detonated inside the Ritz-Carlton.

"I'm looking at it now, you can see all the windows punched out on one side,'' Allard told 2UE radio from outside the back of the hotel.

"[I've been told] the bomb actually went off inside the restaurant at the time people were actually sitting there to have their breakfasts.

He said he could see what appeared to be dead bodies being pulled out of the building and badly injured people being helped out as well.

An Australian man called Jim told 2UE his son was injured in the explosion at the Marriott.

The man said his son phoned him from Jakarta, where he was working, and told him he was on his way to hospital.

His left leg was bleeding and he'd lost hearing in one ear but he told his father he was OK, the man said.

Witness reports

A man jogging by the hotels said he first heard a loud explosion at the Marriott. Five minutes later, a bomb followed at the Ritz.

Alex Asmasubrata said he saw four bodies inside the Marriott. An Associated Press reporter saw three injured people taken away from the Ritz.

Security guard Eko Susanto told AFP: "I heard two sounds like 'boom, boom' coming from the Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton. Then I saw people running out."

Witness Intan told TV One one of the explosions wrecked the lobby of the Plaza Mutiara building.

"I was having breakfast on level 16, I heard an explosion and went down to the first floor and it was a mess. I saw foreigners all bloody, about three to five of them, badly wounded," she said

A witness, who gave her name as Mery, told ElShinta: "I saw some people being carried into a Mercedes. There was a lot of them in there, they were having trouble closing the doors."

Dow Jones Newswires reported witnesses who heard three explosions in the Mega Kuningan business precinct.

"I heard at least three explosions and now white smoke is billowing," a fund manager at a foreign securities company told Dow Jones Newswires on the phone.

JI warning

The bombings come a day after an analyst warned that Indonesian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, dormant following an effective police crackdown resulting in the arrest and execution of some members, was on the rise again and set to strike.

The Marriott hotel was attacked in 2003, when 12 died. Jemaah Islamiah was blamed for that blast.

The Department of Foreign Affairs was aware of reports of an explosion and was in contact with the Australian embassy in Jakarta to investigate what happened, a spokeswoman said

Embassy staff were urgenty seeking to identify whether any Australians were injured, the spokeswoman said

Anyone who has concerns for the welfare of family and friends overseas should try to contact them directly first. DFAT's 24-hour consular emergency centre is also available on 02 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135.

It is five years since the Australian embassy in Jakarta was bombed, killing 10 people and wounding 161 in September 2004.

Source : SMH CNN Reuters
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel tourism news]

Bomb Blasts in Ritz Carlton & Marriot Hotels Jakarta

Bombs have exploded at the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, killing four people and ripping the facade off the Ritz, say reports.

Leading Indonesian news channel, Metro TV, has reported four people have died in two separate explosions in central Jakarta on Friday.

"There were explosions heard from two separate places, one the JW Marriott, the other in the Ritz Carlton. We are still trying to check because right now we are still helping the victims," said South Jakarta Police Chief Firman Santyabudi.

Witnesses at the scene told Metro TV that the injured, including Indonesians and foreigners, were seen being taken away in ambulances.

"Some windows of the Ritz-Carlton building have been shattered, mostly on the lower section. I'm looking at it from my office," said Myra Junor, who works at a nearby building.

A man jogging by the hotels said he first heard a loud explosion at the Marriott. Five minutes later, a bomb followed at the Ritz.

Alex Asmasubrata said he saw four bodies inside the Marriott. An Associated Press reporter saw three injured taken away from the Ritz.

Police, however, would only confirm four people were injured.

Jakarta's five-star JW Marriott hotel has been bombed before, with 12 people killed in a 2003 car-bomb attack.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, has a history of bloody terrorist attacks, including the Bali bombings of 2002 which claimed 202 lives including three New Zealanders and 88 Australians.

Eleven people were killed, including a suicide bomber, in a car bomb attack on Australia’s embassy in Jakarta in 2004.

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

Bombing Is Marriott's Biggest Loss In 81 Years

As a symbol of Western capitalism around the world, Marriott International's hotels have been hit by terrorists before.

A bomber killed more than a dozen people in 2003 at the firm's JW Marriott in Jakarta. A hotel was destroyed in the 2001 World Trade Center attacks, leaving two employees dead. And in January, a suicide bomber detonated a device outside the Marriott in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing a security guard who thwarted his entry to the hotel.

But when terrorists returned yesterday to the Marriott in Islamabad, setting off a truck bomb that killed at least 60 people, they dealt the Bethesda, Md., firm its worst loss of life and property in its 81-year history. Employees and guests drenched in blood streamed into city streets. The building's simple red Marriott logo was shown going up in flames on cable television. Chief executive Bill Marriott said in a blog post yesterday evening that many of those killed were employees.

Marriott was alerted to the explosion within minutes by Kathleen Matthews, the company's executive vice president for global communications. On his blog, he said: "This senseless tragedy and the profound loss of life has left me greatly saddened. My heart goes out to those who've been injured and the families of the victims."

The attack, which destroyed the 290-room hotel, was a nightmare come true for the 76-year-old chief executive, who developed the company into one of the world's largest hotel chains. Marriott's son John, a former executive at the company, was once asked what kept his father up at night. He quickly answered, "Terrorism."

Company executives were making plans yesterday to quickly get to Pakistan. A team of senior executives, led by Ed Fuller, the president of international lodging, convened at headquarters and electronically from0 around the world to assess information from the scene and begin offering assistance to victims. A telephone hotline was activated so that victims' families could seek information. Marriott said on his blog that employees who were not seriously injured "are doing whatever they can to assist with rescue and recovery efforts."

The hotel, which opened in 1992 and is known for its tight security, has a fortified gate where vehicles are inspected and metal detectors at the entrance.

The attack comes at a tense time for the company, which like other hotel chains is struggling in the economic slowdown. Marriott's business has dropped off considerably, and an investment in the company made a year ago would be worth 36 percent less today. Marriott recently reduced weekend room rates by 20 percent.

Marriott executives have also been considering whether to open a hotel in Baghdad at the request of U.S. and Iraqi government officials hoping to revive Iraq with foreign investment and economic activity. Bill Marriott has not spoken publicly about the idea, but people close to him have said he is concerned about safety issues.

Source : Washington Post

Bill Marriot's Blog

[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels islamabad resorts news travel tourism travel marriott terror bomb]

Islamabad Marriott Hotel Bomb Attack with at least 43 killed

A suicide truck bomber attacked the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on Saturday, killing at least 43 people, wounding nearly 250 and starting a fire that swept through the building in the Pakistani capital.

Internal security in nuclear-armed Pakistan, a country vital to the war against al Qaeda and other Islamist militant groups, has deteriorated at an alarming rate over the past two years.

The bombing bore the signs of an attack by al Qaeda or an affiliate, a U.S. intelligence official said.

It came hours after new President Asif Ali Zardari, widower of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, made his first address to parliament a few hundred meters away, calling for terrorism to be rooted out.

The tightly guarded hotel, part of a U.S.-based chain and popular with foreigners, diplomats and rich Pakistanis, was engulfed in flames for hours after the blast.

Zardari made a televised address to the nation on Sunday and said the bombing was cowardly.

"This is an epidemic, a cancer in Pakistan which we will root out," he said. "We will not be afraid of these cowards."

Pakistan's army is in the midst of a major offensive against al Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Bajaur region on the Afghan border, while the U.S. military has intensified attacks on militants on the Pakistani side of the border, infuriating many Pakistanis.

Militants have launched bomb attacks, most on security forces in the northwest, in retaliation for the strikes on them.

"They're giving a very clear, unambiguous message that if the government pursues these policies, this is what (they) will do in response," Talat Masood, a retired general and defense analyst, said of the attack.

"They are saying 'we can strike anywhere, at any time regardless of how good you think your security is'," he said.

An al Qaeda video, released to mark the seventh anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, included a call for militants in Pakistan to step up their fight.

"You must stand with your Mujahideen brothers in Afghanistan and ... strike the interests of Crusader (Western) allies in Pakistan," Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, an al Qaeda commander in Afghanistan, said on the tape.

20-FOOT CRATER

Saturday's attack was the worst yet in the capital. It came six months after a civilian government took power and a month after it forced former army chief and firm U.S. ally Pervez Musharraf to step down as president.

A crater up to 20 feet deep was in the road in front of the gates of the hotel, which had been bombed twice before. The Interior Ministry said the bomb probably contained more than 500 kg (1,100 lb) of explosives.

Hospitals reported 43 dead and the Interior Ministry said 236 people were wounded. One foreigner was killed, an American, and 13 foreigners were wounded, police and hospital officials said.

The Danish Foreign Ministry said a Danish diplomat was missing and one was wounded. Up to six Saudi Arabians were missing, the Saudi ambassador said.

Flames and smoke poured out of the 290-room, city centre hotel. Dozens of cars were destroyed and windows shattered hundreds of meters (yards) away.

Soldiers cordoned off the area. The fire was put out after six hours and investigators and rescuers were going through the ruins.

A wounded hotel security official said a truck had been stopped at the hotel's security barrier and two small explosions had gone off minutes before the main blast.

The owner of the Marriott, one of two five-star hotels in the capital, said guards at the security gate had exchanged fire with the attacker before he set off the explosives.

Clemens Steinkanp, a German who was slightly wounded, said hotel security men had warned guests to move to the back of the building shortly before the bomb went off.

"Nothing happened for five minutes ... but then there was a huge blast," he said.

U.S. CONDEMNATION

Zardari is close to the United States and has vowed to maintain Pakistan's commitment to the U.S.-led campaign against violent militants, even though it is deeply unpopular.

The United States, Britain and the U.N. secretary general condemned the bombing.

"This attack is a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism," U.S. President George W. Bush said.

In his address to parliament, Zardari said Pakistan must stop militants from using its territory for attacks on other countries. He also said Pakistan would not tolerate infringement of its territory in the name of the fight against militancy.

Zardari, who won a presidential election this month, is due to leave for the United States on Sunday, and is scheduled to meet Bush in New York on Tuesday before the U.N. General Assembly.

More Pictures, Click HERE

Source : Reuters Washington Post
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels islamabad resorts news travel tourism travel marriott terror bomb]

New Trend : Marriott + Nickelodeon = Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), Nickelodeon, a unit of Viacom International, Inc.'s (NYSE: VIA B), MTV Networks, and Miller Global Properties, LLC, an international real estate investment and development company, today announced an agreement to co-develop a breakthrough new lodging resort brand and concept for travelers seeking fun and adventure, "Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott," with 20 potential hotels expected to be under construction by 2020.

The new upscale, self-contained destination resorts will be developed through a collaboration among Nickelodeon, the world's number-one entertainment brand for kids, with 35 channels reaching approximately more than 200 million households in 135 countries; Marriott International, which has nearly 2,900 hotels in 68 countries; and Miller Global Properties. Miller Global will have certain exclusive rights to develop and own the resorts in specified geographic areas, and plans to seed an investment fund that is expected to initially provide $300 million of dedicated development equity capital. All "Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott" properties will be managed by Marriott.

The first "Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott" property is expected to be a 650-room resort at Liberty Station in San Diego, which will incorporate a 100,000 square-foot water park and activity deck complex featuring a variety of pools and interactive attractions. Designed by Gensler, the well-known international architectural firm, the resort is expected to break ground in January 2008 and open in early 2010. Other potential resort locations being considered for development include major family-oriented destinations in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexican resort areas, the UK and Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

J.W."Bill" Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International, said, "When you bring together the premier hospitality company with the number-one TV destination for kids and families, it's a winning combination for unbeatable resorts.

Besides being a great new family destination, we believe that 'Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott' will attract younger adults, the young-at-heart, and meeting travelers, especially people who travel on business with their families. As younger boomers andGen X'ers enter prime child-rearing years,their clearpreference for seamlessly mixing business with leisure and family fun will mesh perfectly with the 'Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott' concept," saidMr. Marriott.

Cyma Zarghami, President of Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group, said, "This partnership with Marriott to bring the Nickelodeon experience to families all over the world comes at the perfect time, as the first generation of kids who grew up with our brand now have come of age and are having families of their own. Marriott knows hotels and business and leisure travelers, and no one knows kids and families like Nickelodeon. We know this will be a great combination, and it signals the beginning of a new era for the Nickelodeon brand."

"We are proud to have brought Nickelodeon and Marriott together, and are looking forward to the development of this new hotel concept," said Eyal Ofer, Co-Chairman of Miller Global Properties. "The Marriott and Nickelodeon partnership provides an extremely compelling investment opportunity by pairing the hotel industry leader with the top kids' entertainment brand. Together, we will create fantastic destinations that we are confident will be a great economic success."

"Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott" will cater to families with children but will also appeal to fun-seeking business groups and individuals, creating a unique marriage of Marriott's superb hospitality with Nickelodeon's dynamic and trend-setting entertainment. Guests will experience Nick-themed resort activities throughout the hotel.

A signature component to each resort will be a wide variety of attractions ranging from state-of-the-art pools and water features (indoor water parks will be featured elements in cooler destination markets), plus live entertainment programs featuring popular costumed Nickelodeon characters like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. "Studio Nick," a main stage theater space equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and video will anchor the resorts' live entertainment programs. Studio Nick's innovative design will allow the resort to concurrently stage several different full-scale live productions for resort guests, and will also provide an unparalleled platform for daytime meeting events.

Resort guests will be pampered with convenient and luxurious onsite vacation services including a full service spa and fitness center, a variety of quality dining and lounge options, private poolside cabanas and an "adults only" lap pool. The hotels will also include meeting space and comprehensive business services designed to accommodate and appeal to group business. Group events will be managed by Marriott's professional meeting planners and the destination will offer facilities accommodating two 300-person groups, and incorporating, on average, 30,000 square feet of meeting space. During non-group meeting periods, these facilities will host "Nick after Dark" events, as well as themed parties.

Each individual "Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott" will feature guest rooms and suites that cater to the unique needs of families including multi-bedroom suites, HDTV's and Marriott's new signature "plug in" technology. Pleasantly styled "kids' suites" will be themed with Nick's most popular hit properties creating an environment that kids will call home while staying at the resort.

In addition to a variety of restaurant options, the "NickToons Café" will provide a casual and friendly environment-the ideal setting for daily "character" breakfasts as well as special evenings. Buffet options and simple menu items will also be available, as well as a bustling "grab & go" area hosting chain food vendors offering a variety of meal choices, including healthy food options, and an on site convenience store for guests on the move.

Retail offerings will be a key element of the guest experience, with Nick-themed retail items available that are exclusive to the resort, as well as a "Nick Pix" photo studio and Nick.com Cyberzone, where kids and families can safely surf Nick.com and Nickjr.com content online, and view resort-specific information. A large game room featuring the latest and most popular video and traditional table top games will be available for all resort guests looking for added family entertainment and interaction.

The resort will encourage sophisticated adult interactions in the context of Marriott's new Social Business spaces that provide zones for activities ranging from checking email with a latte to meeting and chatting with friends and colleagues over drinks and light snacks.


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

JW Marriott's Floral Theme in Celebration of Spring

SPRING is in the air at JW Marriott Hotel’s Shanghai Restaurant, which is serving 15 spring dishes – those made with ingredients harvested only in springtime and best savoured during this time of the year – until April 1.

Spring in the air: The swanky Shanghai Restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

And, the floral theme has been adopted for this promotion, so each of the dishes either looks like flower, or has a flower as an ingredient to intensify the spring mood.

The man behind the feast is master chef Wong Wing Yeuk from Shanghai.

“Most of the ingredients are from China. Some are sourced locally – if they meet the required standard; otherwise, we will insist on getting them from China, no matter how expensive,” said Wong, who has been in the industry for 25 years.

“The dishes we present are trendy and innovative, while at the same time retaining the characteristics of Shanghainese cuisine,” he added.

According to him, the Chinese phrase “rich oil, red sauce” is used to describe the nature of Shanghainese dishes, which are often very oily and have sauces so concentrated that they are in crimson tones.

“We have cut down on the amount of oil and condiments to cater to the health-conscious and the preferences of local diners,” he said.

The Chilled Sliced Meat with Shrimp Roe and Jelly Fish is a good appetiser with which to start the meal. Not only is the dish sprinkled with crispy shrimp roe, it comes with a dip that is a special sauce made of the roe, which is at its freshest during springtime.

Follow that with Braised Soup with Dried Scallop, Ham and Tofu that showcases the chef’s artistry. The tofu is cut into shreds as fine as toothpicks so that they ‘open’ up to look like flowers when boiled.

Floral delights: (clockwise from bottom) Baked Assorted Nut Biscuit, Stuffed Lotus Roots with Osmanthus Chinese Wine and Beancurd Stuffed with Snow Pea and Scallop Paste.

And, do take note of the only vegetable of this soup, which is young lotus leaves plucked as soon as the frozen lake thaws after winter.

The Deep Fried Garoupa Fillets with Salt and Pepper is appealing in its presentation that looks like a bed of blooming chrysanthemums.

The Beancurd Stuffed with Snow Pea and Scallop Paste resembles a large bloom, too. The pieces of tofu, cut to look like petals, are embedded in steamed egg and moistened with translucent dried scallop gravy.

Master chef in action: Wong at work.

Shanghai Braised Pork with Champagne Sauce is an East-meets-West item. “It is completely different from the normal braised pork that is cooked with black sauce. It derives its flavour from the champagne sauce and its colour from red rice,” Wong explained.

Served with the small chunk of pork is a dainty heart-shaped piece of toast, which replaces the usual Chinese buns (man tou).

The Dim Sum menu embraces spring, too. Baked Assorted Nut Biscuit is a traditional goodie, while Baked Minced Pork Pie and Steamed Dumpling with Mandarin Fish Paste are two modern creations that have become must-haves at many upmarket restaurants in Shanghai.

The desserts, Stuffed Lotus Roots with Osmanthus Chinese Wine and Chilled Chrysanthemum Cake with Wolfberry Seeds, bring the spring celebration to a fitting finale, as they are time-honoured exquisite delights mentioned even in the Chinese classic, Dream of the Red Chamber.

To ensure that patrons fully experience the joy of spring, the restaurant has arranged for the Huang Cheng Music Group to render modern and classical Chinese numbers throughout the promotion period.

SHANGHAI RESTAURANT, Level 1, JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 183 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur (Tel: 03-2719 8288). Business hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-2.30pm (lunch) and 6.30pm-10.30pm (dinner); Sundays and public holidays, 10.30am-2.30pm (lunch) and 6.30pm-10.30pm (dinner). Non-halal.

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

Adibah-Camelia treat in the Offing at Putrajaya Mariott Hotel

SECRETARIES’ week, the once-a-year period that allows secretaries to indulge in events tailor-made for them, is back again at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

This time, two strong names in the entertainment industry are set to bring the house down with their presence.

The well-poised Camelia and the multitalented Adibah Noor will take centrestage, with the petite Camelia singing her heart out while Adibah keeps guests entertained with her joviality as she emcees.

Special treat: Adibah (left) and Camelia are planning a surprise for the secretaries’ week event at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel on April 11.

Camelia, who is in the process of narrowing down songs for her 45-minute performance, is only too pleased to be working with Adibah.

“I am a big fan of Adibah as she is a superb singer, an incredible actress and a witty host, and I am very honoured to share the stage with her,” Camelia told a press conference on Wednesday to announce the hotel’s secretaries’ week line-up.

Camelia will sing a few songs from her latest album, Mysticam, as well as songs from her older albums.

She will be backed up by musical director Mac Chew, Andy Peterson (bassist) and Adriane Palikat (drums).

“We are planning a surprise for secretaries’ week that both of us have not done before,” said Adibah.

“If you want to know, please come to the event.”

Asked if guests could expect a song from her, Adibah said: “It depends on the audience’s response – anything can happen.”

“It is our responsibility to those who have bought the tables to entertain them and make sure the secretaries have fun,” said the artiste, whose song Terlalu Istimewa was named song of the year at TV3’s annual Anugerah Juara Lagu song competition.

The song also won in the ballad category and Adibah, who penned the lyrics, was also recognised with an award for best vocal performance.

Putrajaya Marriott Hotel general manager Yeow Hock Siew said that besides the stars, diners would be entertained by the vibrant and energetic Bantus Capoeira group, which will showcase Brazilian dance art; and also Dua Space Dance Troupe, a colourful fusion group which will feature dances in a blend of tradition and contemporary styles.

“As in previous years, we will showcase quality in performance while our chefs showcase a spread of delights,” said Yeow. “We aim to please and the show is guaranteed to please.”

The hotel, which is known for its enticing dishes, is presenting The Marriott Chef’s Buffet Showcase this year, with many offerings from Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Western and Asian kitchens as well as a mouth-watering dessert selection.

The afternoon affair, to be held on April 11 from noon to 2pm, is priced at RM288++, RM248++ and RM198++ respectively for platinum, gold and classic seating categories.

Guests stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes and a grand prize of a travel ticket for two worth RM3,000, along with other attractive prizes.

For details, call 03-8949 8888.

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

The Largest Marriott On Earth Grows Even Bigger…

In one of the most ambitious space expansion programs in Marriott history, the largest Marriott on earth, the 2,000 room, Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center will unveil the largest pillar-free resort ballroom in the country. Following an extensive $200 million transformation, this premier meeting destination will provide planners with more than 400,000 square-feet of flexible space almost entirely on one level and under one roof.

“In 2005 we launched one of the most ambitious expansion programs in Marriott history,” said Tim Swan, director of sales and marketing for the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center. “Orlando is one of the top meeting destinations in the country, and one of the most competitive. We must deliver ample space and flexibility to our clients to successfully create the meeting experience that brings them back year after year,” stated Swan.

A magnificent, column-free, 105,000 square-foot Cypress Ballroom with 10 dedicated loading docks will house up to 596 10x10 booths or seat more than 9,000 attendees at rounds of 10 and 13,000 theatre style. Connected to the existing Palms Ballroom, it can provide an impressive 160,000 square feet of contiguous, pillar-free carpeted meeting space, together with more than 50,000 square feet of pre-function meeting space for added flexibility. Additionally, a variety of outdoor functions can be orchestrated on the vast array of wide-open spaces and terraces that surround or overlook the resort’s million-gallon pool complex, all creating an outstanding 400,000 total square feet of flexible space.

The recipient of distinguished multiple-year industry service awards attained in every possible category, the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center makes it easy for meeting planners to host their meetings with a diverse array of outstanding amenities and services such as the following:

• 2,000 beautifully designed guest rooms, most with spacious balconies and 110 suites including the 3,000 square-foot International Suite, which is among the largest in the Southeast
• Ten restaurants and lounges including Hawk’s Landing Steakhouse & Grille; Ristorante Tuscany, Orlando’s only authentic Tuscan restaurant; and Mikado Japanese Steakhouse
• Marriott’s Signature Red Coat Program, a personalized meetings concierge service with trained staff ready-to-help 24/7
• 18-hole championship Hawk’s Landing Golf Club located right outside the hotel’s front door
• Full service spa and fitness center
• Hot dates that come with lots of incentives, like up to $50,000 in credit to your master account and free internet access in attendee guest rooms

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

Suicide blast at Marriott Hotel Islamabad

A suicide bomber killed a security guard and himself when he set off explosives strapped to his body outside the Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital Islamabad today, the interior minister said.

The powerful blast, which could be heard across the city, occurred when the guard prevented the attacker from entering the heavily-protected five-star hotel, Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao said.

"It was a suicide attack. The suicide attacker and a guard were killed," Sherpao said. "The attacker tried to enter the hotel and was stopped by the security guard and there was a scuffle and the blast occurred."

Mr Sherpao added: "The attacker's body was totally mutilated. There is hardly any body left. His limbs were scattered around the area."

Police officers cordoned off the site and placed a white cloth over the attacker's body after the blast, which happened in a high-security zone of Islamabad near government offices.

The bomber's head was lying at the scene and his mangled, scorched body was thrown over a crash barrier outside the hotel's nightclub and laundry room, opposite the guest car park.

Panicked guests poured out of the hotel after the explosion before being escorted to other areas.

"I was taking lunch at the Royal Elephant Thai restaurant inside the Marriott when the entire restaurant was shaken by a bang," hotel guest Mohammed Aamir said.

"It literally shook us out of our seats. It was a huge bang. We rushed outside and there was chaos."

A senior security official also confirmed it was a suicide bombing.

"It is a suicide attack, the man approached the entrance and he was apparently stopped by the guard when the explosion occurred. The guard was also killed," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Four injured people were treated at the city's Poly Clinic hospital, a doctor said.

"We have received four casualties," doctor Murtaza Nadeem said. "One is serious and three others have minor injuries," he added.

The outer wall of the hotel opposite the guest parking lot was blackened while several cars were also damaged with their windscreens and rear windows broken.

The Marriott's management was not immediately available for comment.

An unexplained explosion outside the hotel's lobby in October 2004 injured a US diplomat.

Security is extremely heavy at the Marriott with all vehicles and guests subjected to rigorous checks.

The hotel was due to host a function later in the day marking the 58th Republic Day of Pakistan's regional rival India.

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

Marriott Putrajaya January's F&B Promotions

These are the food and beverage highlights in January for the Marriott Putrajaya.

More Jan & Feb Marriot Promotion - Click here (PDF File)

Chinese New Year Offers - Click here
Valentine Offers - Click here

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

Anita's Dec 31 Bash at Marriott Called Off

The New Year’s Eve dinner-and-dance party featuring superstar Anita Sarawak at JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur has been cancelled.

Its public relations officer, Azimy Wan Ahmad, said the "Anita — Laid Bare" event to usher in the New Year had to be called off as most of Anita’s fans would be out of town to celebrate Hari Raya Haji, which also falls on Dec 31.

"Many fans have been calling the hotel asking for the show to be postponed because they are either overseas vacationing or back in their hometowns celebrating Hari Raya Haji," he said.

However, he said, Anita would still perform at Starhill Gallery’s Shook! for the 2007 countdown party."Initially, Anita was to perform a 90-minute show at the hotel’s Mayang Sari Grand Ballroom before joining other revellers at the 2007 countdown party at Shook!"

As the dinner show was now scrapped, he said Anita would be doing only the one at Shook!, where she would sing three songs to welcome the New Year.

Anita could not be reached for comments as she is in Genting Highlands preparing for the "Four Asian Divas — Christmas Concert" to be held at the Genting International Showroom and Arena of Stars.

At the show, Anita will be sharing the stage with three Hong Kong divas, namely Francis Yip, Maria Cordero and Elisa Chan

Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Hotel Industry Apprenticeship Scheme (HIAS) Stepping Stone to the Hospitality Industry

An edge to hospitality industry
BY TAN EE LOO

LIKE most of her peers, Zamsuzliana Ahmad did not know what to do after completing her secondary school education. When she spotted an advertisement in the newspaper on the Hotel Industry Apprenticeship Scheme (HIAS) programme for school leavers, she decided to give it a go and signed up for the programme.

Little did she know that that move would shape her career path and change her life forever.

Zamsuzliana was one of the students in the apprenticeship scheme organised by Taylor’s College School of Hospitality and Tourism (TCHT) in the late 1990s.

She has since moved on to become the sales manager of Dorsett Regency Hotel in Kuala Lumpur after gaining experience at various hotels.

Recalling her early years of learning the ropes as an apprentice, Zamsuzliana says the programme is a stepping-stone to enter the industry.

“You will not know if you are suited for it unless you try. That was what I said to myself when I finished school. Although my parents did not approve of my decision at first, they gave me time to prove myself,” says Zamsuzliana, 28.

Jointly offered by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Human Resources Development Fund, HIAS is a short, yet rigorous programme that provides school leavers with an opportunity to further their studies.

TCHT has trained more than 1,047 apprentices for over 78 hotels nationwide since 1997.
The duration of the programme ranges from ten to 24 weeks.

Successful applicants will be given free education, personal insurance and a monthly allowance of up to RM410. They will also be given a minimum one-year employment at participating hotels.
TCHT chief operating officer Pradeep Nair says the HIAS programme is specially designed for those who are interested in the hospitality industry but have no opportunity to further their studies due to financial difficulties.

“Our campus is equipped with facilities that mirror the real working environment and the programme is taught by full-time lecturers who have lots of industry experience,” he adds.
Students can choose from one of four modules such as accommodation practice (housekeeping), reception techniques (front office), food and beverage service and kitchen practice.

They will be awarded the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Levels One and Two by the National Vocational Training Council upon successful completion of the programme.

Participating hotels for next January’s intake include Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers, JW Marriot, Dynasty Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.

Interested candidates can attend a walk-in interview on Dec 19, from 9.30am to 4pm, at Taylor’s College School of Hospitality and Tourism at Block C, Leisure Commerce Square, Jalan PJS 8/9, Petaling Jaya.

Applicants should apply with PMR or SPM qualifications (with a pass in English and Mathematics). For more information, call 03-7877 9777.

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

Glamour Party @ JW Marriott

JW Marriott Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is organising a great bash on New Year's Eve. Anita Sarawak will take centre stage serenading classics of Shirley Basey and Frank Sinatra.

There will be narrations by renowned thespian and co-writer of Laid Bare, Chacko Vadaketh, who will be inserting monologues to invoke elements of humour, grief and love.

There will also be a lucky draw conducted by the master of ceremony, Channel [V]'s Joey G. He will be giving away accommodation vouchers to The Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort, Pangkor Laut Resort, JW Marriott Surabaya and other resorts.

Following the formal sit-down affair, guests will be invited to the Shook! stage at Starhill Gallery for a heart-pumping countdown party.

Shook! will feature an internationally acclaimed DJ spinning retro and funky tunes all night long. Tickets are priced from RM300 to RM500. For bookings, please call 03-2719 8666.

And for those of you who missed the 4 Asian Divas show at Genting Highlands in September, here is another chance to catch them together.
Anita, Frances Yip, Maria Cordero and Elisa Chan will be performing again at the Arena of Star Genting – City of Entertainment on Dec 23. Call 03-27181118 for tickets or visit online at http://www.genting.com.my/.

Source : STAR

[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Marriott Testing Smartphone Check Ins

Marriott Testing Smartphone Check Ins
Oct 19, 06 1:58 am

Marriott is working with Intel Solution Services and Microsoft to enable Windows Mobile device users to check into their hotel from their smartphone - the Pocket PC Phone variety. So instead of waiting of on a long line to check in, a guest could just breeze up to an automatic key dispenser.



To start, users download and install what's called Marriott's mobilitysoftware from Arrive.Marriott.com to access what is the an initial test system, currently accessible at only one hotel; Marriott's Redmond, Washington location - The Redmond Marriott Town Center, not by coincidence, of course. There's also a PDA user guide on the site.



Once installed, users can check into their room while in transit to the hotel. Guests will be able to change room types, receive welcome information and reconfirm their room rates. Should a wireless signal be lost during the check-in process, it picks up where it left off once their reconnected.



Last but not least, when they arrive at the hotel, guests retrieve their room keys from the automated key dispenser in the lobby; bypassing what is often hordes of other travelers waiting on line to check in. For the Pocket PC Phone user, it’s a quick trip up to the hotel room to rest some weary feet.



Marriott expects to complete the test later this year. After evaluation, the hotel chains plans to roll the mobile wireless check-in solution out to other hotels.




Source: SmartPhoneToday.com
News Source : Ehotelier
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]