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

A good nap beats great sex, say travellers

Global sleep study shows that more than half of the Asian respondents felt that a great night's sleep trumped great sex.

KUALA LUMPUR - A good night's sleep is much better than great sex.

This was among the results of a global sleep study of more than 12,500 frequent travellers conducted by Westin Hotels.

The study was a follow-up to a sleep study the hotel chain conducted a decade ago.

The results showed that more than half of the Asian respondents (52 per cent) felt that a great night's sleep trumped great sex.

A great leap compared with just 31 per cent who chose sleep over sex 10 years ago

But preferring a sleeping pill to a chocolate?

That is exactly what the survey found with 53 per cent saying they'd rather have a sleeping pill on their hotel pillow than the ubiquitous chocolate, while 56 per cent took a relaxant, sleep or stress medication when travelling overnight.

One in every two respondents felt a good night's sleep was very important with more than half (58 per cent) believing that today's technology and constant connectivity impairs sleep.

They also believe that the Blackberry makes dreadful sleep companions and 60 per cent said PDAs prevented them from getting a shut eye.

The biggest worry that was keeping them up at night were things like bills or mortgage payments (21 per cent), problems with their spouse or partner (20 per cent) and work related stress (18 per cent).

For male travellers in Asia, the main sleep prevention culprit was problems with their spouse or partner (20 per cent) while for females it was bills and mortgage (28 per cent).

In Canada and China, the biggest worry was problems with the spouse.

More than half of those surveyed (55 per cent) found that a great hotel bed provides a better sleep experience than their beds at home and 50 per cent agreed that sleeping in a hotel bed while on a business trip was a "luxury". This represents a change from 10 years ago, when 82 per cent of travellers found something to complain about hotel beds.

The survey also found that the most important service people expect from a hotel is a good night's sleep (23 per cent), followed by a good restaurant and shower (16 per cent each).

A bad night's sleep has serious repercussions with more than half surveyed saying that a bad night's sleep hurt their business performance.

Most people surveyed said they had got into fights with their boss or co-workers because of a bad night's sleep (30 per cent), more than one in four screwed up a presentation (26 per cent), while 22 per cent argued with their spouse or partner or forgot important events.

Males were most likely to get into a fight with their boss or co-workers (31 per cent), while females were most likely to screw up a presentation (30 per cent).

Twelve countries were surveyed. They were Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The month-long survey, which ended on July 15, featured 33 questions.

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

Westin Hotel introduces Heavenly Bed in conjunction with its 10th anniversary

ANY hotel guest would appreciate a nice warm bed with luxurious sheets after a long day of shopping and sight seeing.

Keeping this in mind, Westin Hotel Kuala Lumpur introduced its Heavenly Bed series and invited members of the media for a try-out session.

The Starwoods Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts director of brand management Asia Pacific for Sheraton and Westin, Vincent Ong walked us through the history of the famed bed.

The Heavenly Bed was born after a research that revealed that most hotel guests preferred a good night’s sleep above every other comfort.

For a good night’s sleep: Ong on the Heavenly Bed.

After months of research, the bed was introduced to the public through a campaign on Wall Street in 1999.

“The bed is made up of 10 layers and it is all in white. White represents cleanliness and purity,” added Ong.

Ong said that over 75 million people including celebrities and politicians have tried out the Heavenly Bed experience.

Westin had extended their Heavenly products to include, bath products, shower heads, towels, pillows, Heavenly Dog beds and much more.

During the press meet, Westin also invited Thevi Sinnadurai from the London College of Clinical Hypnosis to talk about sleep and relaxation.

According to Thevi, sleep is a form of altered conscious state of relaxation.

Sleep expert: Thevi spoke on sleep and relaxation.

“During hypnosis, all good feelings, wills and desires are amplified to bring out the best form of relaxation,” she said.

According to her, relaxation and good sleep is a habit that can be cultivated within 21 days.

A 20 to 45-minute session is all that is needed to teach a person to relax.

Throughout this month, Westin Hotel guests can experience the art of hypnosis on Thursdays from 6.20pm to 7.30pm.

There are several other offers in conjunction with the hotel’s 10th Heavenly Celebration such as a rebate of RM500 for hotel guests who would like to buy the Heavenly Bed.

For newlyweds who hold their wedding reception at the Westin Hotel from now till Dec 31, 2009, they are entitled to a 30% discount for a purchase of the full set of the Heavenly Bed.

For details on the Heavenly offers, call the Catering and Conventions team at 0327738023 or 0327738663 or log on to westin.com/kualalumpur.

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

Westin Hotel gets Award for Excellent Service

We did it: Staff of the Westin KL celebrate the hotel's win.

The Westin Kuala Lumpur was recently acknowledged at the 15th Annual Malaysia Tourism Awards for the Excellence in Hotel Services in the 5-star (city) category held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The award was presented by Tou-rism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansur to Westin general manager Kim Powley and director of communications Tiang Li Ming.

The tourism award is deemed as the highest benchmark for the hospitality standards in the country, with more than 500 nominees vying for 43 awards in 11 categories.

“I am very proud of each and everyone for their contributions towards achieving this prestigious award. This award is not a result of one person or from a group of people; it takes an entire hotel’s team effort to get this recognition,” said Powley.

The Westin was also the recipient of the FIABCI Pri d’ Excellence Award 2006 in the Hotel and Resort Development Category, and FIABCI Malaysia Property Awards in the Hotel Development category for its Best Design Concept.

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

Starwood in talks for more hotels in Malaysia

STARWOOD, the owner and operator of the Sheraton, Westin and Le Meridien, is in various stages of discussion with at least seven parties for possible hotels in Malaysia, including a new brand - Four Points by Sheraton.

"We are in negotiations ... two are in advance stages and five are under discussion," Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd's regional vice-president for South East Asia Peter Frawley said, adding that each of the hotels will have 300-odd rooms.

Frawley added that the hotels include a mixture of existing hotels and building completely new ones.

While declining to reveal the exact location of the hotels, he hinted that Starwood is inclined to have more representation in Peninsular Malaysia.

When asked where else Frawley would like to see a Starwood hotel, he said: "It makes eminent sense for one (hotel) in Johor Bahru. Penang would also be an area we would like to look at."

"The brands that are most attractive to owners in Asia Pacific at this point are the Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Le Meridien and Westin," he said.

He added that Four Points by Sheraton, which is equivalent in service to the Sheraton, a top four-star hotel minus the specifications, is also receiving a lot of interests.

The hotel basically offers full services but costs less to build and is able to compete with a broader range of the market.

Frawley expects the earliest possible date for its ninth hotel in Malaysia to take at least three years.

"Most conversion or greenfield sites would take at least 36 months (to take-off)," he told Business Times in an interview.

Moreover, new openings took into account factors ranging from opportunities, continuing stability of the economy and returns the hotel can generate.

"Sometimes it is prudent to wait for a development and do it at the right time," he said.

Starwood opened its first hotel, the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort in Langkawi, in 1991. Today, it has a total of eight hotels in Malaysia, two of which - Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur and Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu - were added following the takeover of the Le Meridien chain by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

The other hotels in the group include Sheraton Imperial, Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers, The Westin Kuala Lumpur,The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa and Sheraton Labuan.

All the Starwood hotels in Malaysia, with the exception of the two Westin hotels, are undergoing or will undergo renovation or refurbishment.

According to Frawley, all the hotels record gross operating profit (GOP). GOP is the cost of doing business or gross revenue (from rooms, food and beverage, laundry or business centre) minus cost of operations (wages, electricity and amenities).

In fact, he said that the alliance to Starwood name makes a difference to a hotel's performance.

"When Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur's 2006 performance is compared to that of 2005, we are able to see a significant jump in rate and occupancy of the hotel, which was disproportionate to the growth in city (compared to the growth of other city hotels). It is logical that this is a result of the business generated by the Starwood channel," he said.

Meanwhile, when asked if Starwood found it worth its while operating a hotel in Malaysia when comparatively it would be able to fetch better rates in other countries in the region, Frawley, who is also in charge of the Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines operations, said yes.

"Ours is a business of managing other people's hotel. It is important as a global company to have a significant footprint where our customers (from other parts of the world) want to go, and to service these customers," he said.

Starwood also operates St Regis Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, and elements Inspired by Westin and Bliss.

Sources

Take a Break and Enjoy some Malaysian Hotel Packages - Sunway Resort, Westin, Sheraton, FHI Hotels, Cyberview, Equatorial, Renaissance

Nothing beats good old-fashioned family retreats that include sun, sand and surf. Check out Weekender’s choices of hotel packages.

Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa

Enjoy a family vacation in an oasis just 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. The Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa’s Cuti Sekolah Package at RM358++ per night includes one night’s chalet stay, breakfast and dim sum lunch for two and entry to the Sembunyi Spa Wet Area for two. An additional RM38++ will be charged per child under 12 years old. Valid from March 10-March 18. Or you could enjoy the Family Retreat Package at RM598++ per night for a chalet inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner for two adults and two children, plus entry to the spa for adults.

Reservations: (03) 8312 7000 or visit www.cyberview-lodge.com

FHI Hotels

FHI Location Sensations packages offer one-night stay in a deluxe room at the Crown Princess Kuala Lumpur at RM208++, superior room at The Federal Kuala Lumpur at RM198++ or a superior room at Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur for RM178++ (all per room, per night, inclusive of breakfast). Valid until May 31.

Reservations: visit fhihotels.com (book online and receive a fruit basket)

Hotel Equatorial Penang

For those planning to get away to Penang for the weekend (Friday to Saturday included), the five-star Hotel Equatorial Penang is ideally located just minutes away from the Penang Bridge, Penang International Airport and Queensbay Mall – the largest shopping centre in the island. Its Weekend Retreat Package priced from RM260++ per room per night includes one night’s accommodation and a RM100 food and beverage credit redeemable plan at any of the hotel’s five outlets. Half of the unused credit will be given to you upon checkout. Valid till Dec 31.

Reservations: (04) 643 8111, e-mail info@pen.equatorial.com or visit www.equatorial.com

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur

An Olympic-sized swimming pool, 24-hour fitness centre, fine dining restaurants and shopping await in the Renaissance Weekend Escapade. The package offers a Superior Room at the East Wing for RM275 or the Deluxe Room at the West Wing for RM315 (both per room per night) inclusive of buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12. The hotel has a shuttle service to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre at just RM2 per person (one way). The package is valid until June 30.

Reservations: (03) 2164 8877/toll free 1800 80 7706 or visit www.klrenaissance.com

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort

The Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort offers a Feast Your Eyes Package between March 15 and May 31 at RM1,120. It includes two night’s stay in a Superior Room, breakfast for two, a buffet dinner for two, one cocktail per guest and complimentary use of the fitness centre, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi. Garden Rooms are priced at RM1,200 or try a Partial Sea View Room at RM1,260.

Reservations: (04) 952 8032 or visit www.sheraton.com/langkawi

Unwind: You may choose to do it on a roller-coaster or merry-go-round at the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa’s Family Affair Package, which is packed with leisure activities, valid until Jan 1 next year. The three-day/two night package for two adults and two children (below 12), is priced at RM888++ at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa or RM688++ at the Pyramid Tower Hotel. Included are breakfast and one-day admission to the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park for two adults and two children, welcome drinks, fruit basket, RM100 food and beverage credit and a privilege shopping card for the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.

Reservations: (03) 7492 8000, e-mail bookroomsrhs@sunwayhotels.com or visit www.sunwayhotels.com

Westin Langkawi

Lots of possibilities are offered at the newly re-branded Westin Langkawi. The Private Ocean View Pool Villa Getaway at RM2,500 offers a free night’s stay with any one night booked in its luxurious one-bedroom villa with private infinity pool.

The package covers American breakfast in the villa, usage of I-pod player, free high speed Internet, 30-minute massage treatment for one guest within 24 hours of arrival, complimentary use of the Westin Airport Lounge, chocolate pralines and a bottle of white wine upon arrival. Valid from March 1 to June 30.

Or go for the Renewal Package at RM640 per night that includes complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Patio Room, a one hour Heavenly Spa session and daily use of the gymnasium. You need to book for a minimum of two nights. The package is valid until June 30 (quote the package code of PKRENEW.

Reservations: (04) 960 8871/960 8888), international toll free line 1800 325 3535, e-mail westin.langkawi@westin.com or visit www.westin.com/langkawi

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

No time to leave town for some rest? Just escape to The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Overnight accommodation in a Deluxe City View Room for two starts at RM385++ per night until Dec 30. It is inclusive of a Daily Breakfast Adventure in The Living Room for two, late checkout at 2pm and RM50 food and beverage voucher to be utilised at Eest, Prego or The Living Room. Families benefit too as they can enjoy a special rate when booking an interconnecting room at RM275++ per night inclusive of breakfast for two adults or four children.

Reservations: (03) 2731 8333, e-mail twkl.reservations@westin.com or visit westin.com/kualalumpur

Disclaimer: terms, conditions, room availability, taxes or surcharge apply at individual hotels, so do enquire first before making reservations. Weekender is not liable for any accuracies or disputes arising from this free listings service.

Source : STAR (Compiled by Chin Mui Yoon )
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2007]

Westin Hotels Launches “UNWIND... A Westin Evening Ritual"

Westin Hotels & Resorts today debuts a new signature social experience, Unwind…
A Westin Evening RitualSM , featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of each
destination.

From lessons on mixing a Bellini in Florence to pouring a perfect
pint of Guinness in Dublin to whipping up a spicy batch of guacamole in Tucson
to getting up close and personal with the history of hockey in Toronto, each of
the Westin brand’s 129 hotels worldwide have carefully curated social
experiences which are rolling out in hotels over the next month.

“By transforming our lobbies from a place guests pass through to an inviting
social and sensory setting, Westin hopes to provide a richer guest experience,
where guests can indulge, socialize and maybe even learn a new skill to bring
home courtesy of each destination,” said Sue Brush, senior vice president,
Westin Hotels & Resorts. “If we can provide our guests with a place to relax
at the end of the day, lift their spirits and perhaps meet new people in a warm
environment, we believe we are doing our job well.”

Leave behind the day’s concerns and indulge in a distinct evening escape that
stirs your senses and lifts your spirits. The Westin Unwind events transform
each lobby into a gathering spot, encouraging guests to socialize and helping
to combat the loneliness many travellers sometimes experience on the road. In
fact, a recent study by Westin Hotels & Resorts found that that 34% of frequent
travellers feel lonely away from home.

Experience Unwind…here in Canada and around the world

From chocolate and wine pairings to live jazz and rotating art exhibits, the
Westin Unwind rituals feature a rich array of experiences.

Here is a taste of some of the Unwind experiences taking place across Canada:

· Discover the wonderful world of chocolate using your senses at The
Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler

· Recharge at The Westin Edmonton and have your food made just the way
you want it at an interactive food station

· An exhilarating skate on an outdoor ice rink during the winter or the
chance to improve your golf game with tips from a golf pro in the summer at The
Westin Bear Mountain Victoria Golf Resort & Spa

· As The Westin Calgary unveils a fresh look at the hotel with
renovations to the guestrooms and lobby, guests will soon be able to learn how
to make the perfect Bloody Caesar, right where it was invented by Walter Chell
in 1969

· Relax every evening while feeding the koi fish in the lobby of The
Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain

· Indulge with a Polar Bear, a unique drink that features creamy hot
chocolate drizzled with dash of Grand Marnier at The Westin Prince Toronto

· Rotating exhibits featuring trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame at
The Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto

· Lift your spirites with a refreshing dose of warm sake or honey dew
melon with mint at The Westin Bristol Place Toronto Airport

The following selection provides a snapshot of Unwind experiences around the
world:

· A performance of the Lali, a traditional Fijian wooden Drum, at The
Westin Denarau Island, Fiji Resort & Spa

· An indulgent chocolate tasting at The Westin Portland

· A tutorial on pouring the perfect pint of Guinness at The Westin
Dublin – sipping encouraged!

· Live jazz and wine tasting flights at The Westin Charlotte in North
Carolina

· A lesson in mixing a perfect Bellini, paired with a sampling of
traditional Italian foods at The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido

· Rotating art exhibits featuring local artists at The Westin Long
Beach in California

· A sampling of Chinese traditions, including a candle-lighting
ceremony, tai chi, watercolor painting and treats prepared with fruits and
herbs indigenous to China at The Westin Beijing, Financial Street

Hotels Transform from Day to Night…

In order to set the stage for its signature evening rituals, the Westin lobbies
evolve from day to evening through a variety of subtle sensory cues—everything
from music, to scent, to lighting. Warm, natural lighting is dimmed at the
start of the evening while scented candles are lit and carefully placed around
the lobby. Westin music moves from the background to the foreground with
musical cues and selections that change from day to night. Westin partnered
with eMusic, the world’s largest digital retailer of independent music, to
develop the custom soundtracks for Unwind.

Westin is rolling out the Unwind experience in all of its properties globally
in the first quarter of 2007, following a successful three-month pilot in 20
hotels last year. For more information on the Westin brand’s Unwind ritual and
local Unwind experiences please visit www.westin.com/unwind.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, with more than 127 hotels and resorts in more than 31
countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and
leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than
95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.
Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels
and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The
Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le
Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and ElementSM Starwood Hotels also
owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and
operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more
information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.


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

Top-notch Options for the Beef Connoisseur at Westin

It is all about getting the best at Qba Latin Bar and Grill as some of the finest beef from around the world has prominence on its menu.

Known for its strong Cuban influences, Qba has added another feather in its cap as it positions itself as the place to go for premium beef cuts.

The menu is cleverly doctored to introduce First Flavours (featuring sumptuous appetisers), soups in Second Flavours and Third Flavours – from the Grill, which takes diners through a “meaty” adventure of sorts.

Side dishes: For something on the side, there are options like (clockwise from left) Rocket Lettuce and Avocado; Pursalane, Cactus, Tomato and Goat Cheese and Saffron and Tabasco Mash.

Just what does this mean?

Well, meat and more meat, to be exact, and diners can decide on the marinade as the meat can be chargrilled either in Latin marinade (oregano, cumin, garlic, sherry vinegar, citrus) or natural (seasoned with pepper and salt).

Classy outlet: Qba Latin Bar and Grill in The Westin Kuala Lumpur.

What is meaty about the whole affair is that the menu offers Australian Corn Fed Black Angus Beef – aged 200 days or aged 120 days, Australian Grass Fed Beef, Argentinian 'Las Lilas' and Australian Wagyu, top-notch options for serious beef connoisseurs.

Qba chef Darsin Joseph said premium cuts were introduced because regular diners looked forward to having good quality steaks at the outlet.

“We decided to change the menu and include high quality premium steaks to give our diners what they want,” he said.

He said the imported beef selection was aged for a required number of days, guaranteeing the tenderness of the meat.

Joseph stressed that aged beef was chilled and not frozen.

“The longer you age beef, the more pricey it becomes and the more intense its flavour,” Joseph said.

Lovely desserts: Coffee Granita with Chocolate Mousse and Churros (left) and Guava Cheesecake, Maple Ice- Cream, Ginger Crumble Biscuit.

The Qba Tasting Steak Plates are ideal for those wanting to try a variety of beef cuts.

For example, if a diner opted for the Shorthorn plate, the kitchen would serve Black Angus Corn Fed 200 days, Black Angus Grass Fed 200 days and Las Lilas – in fillet-sized pieces, on a plate.

The Longhorn version features the likes of Las Lilas, Wagyu and Black Angus Yearling fillets.

The menu also includes Milk Fed Baby Lamb options with Rump, Roasted Rack of Lamb and Marinated Roasted Leg.

Diners are advised to give advance notice of an hour when placing an order for the Roasted Leg as this weighs two kilograms and requires extra cooking time.

Duck breast, BBQ Glazed Chicken and fish (cod, salmon, halibut) share a spot on the tasting steak plates section, catering to diners who might want something other than red meat for the night.

To spice up the menu further, chillies from around the world like Ancho Chilli, Chipotle Peppers, Serrano Chilli, Piquillo Peppers and Habanero give a new twist to certain salads, sauces and appeti-sers.

Finally, the Fifth Flavours of Qba is, of course, the sweetest section.

To entice your taste buds, there are dreamy desserts like Coffee Granita with Chocolate Mousse and Churros; Crema Catalana Grilled Strawberries; Guava Cheesecake, Maple Ice Cream, Ginger Crumble Biscuit; and Cinnamon Dusted Churros, Mexican Hot Chocolate.

Qba Latin Bar and Grill
The Westin Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Residences
199 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-27318333
Business hours: Mondays to Saturdays (5pm till late); closed on Sundays.

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

MAS - Don’t Cut Flights to Langkawi

LANGKAWI: Malaysia Airlines has been urged to review its plan to reduce Penang-Langkawi flights in view of Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor called on MAS not to cut down the number of flights if demand was still there. He also called on the Transport Ministry to look into the matter.

He said this when asked to comment on MAS’ plan to reduce its Penang-Langkawi flights from seven a week to five starting on Jan 2.

A MAS spokesman said the flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays would be cancelled.
Tengku Adnan said Langkawi had recorded 26,000 flight arrivals in the first 10 months of the year.

“MAS comes in 40 times a week while AirAsia has 35 flights weekly. Silk Air has seven flights a week,” he told newsmen before opening the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa in Kuah on Tuesday night.

“From Jan 6 next year, Thai AirAsia will begin direct Bangkok-Langkawi flights three times a week.”

Tengku Adnan also said the ministry had set up a centre to keep the media informed on tourism matters.

“I hope the media will help Malaysia achieve its aim to be an exciting, value-for-money travel destination for local and foreign holidaymakers,” he said.

Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa general manager Wolfgang Boettcher said about RM20mil had been spent on renovating the hotel.

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

The Westin's Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Xmas treat for special kids
Story and photos by GEETHA KRISHNAN

THE spirit of Christmas is at The Westin Kuala Lumpur with a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, recently.

Special guests of children from the Magic Education Centre, which was established for those with developmental and learning disabilities, witnessed the ceremony with hotel general manager Martin Jones turning on the lights.

The tall tree, decked in shimmering blue and silver baubles, is located at the lobby.

Jones lighting the blue and silver Christmas tree at the hotel lobby.The Westin has been working with Magic since 2004 as part of their Starwood Cares community project.

The hotel has even designed a syllabus to provide students with skills to enable them to gain employment in the culinary and hotel fields.

It teaches them the basics in bread-making, creative cooking, housekeeping, banquet set-up and decorative arts related to the hospitality industry.

Phase 1 was completed last year while Phase 2 commenced in May, this year.
After the tree-lighting ceremony, Jones announced the sale of Christmas Cards designed by the children of Magic.

The cards are sold at the hotel and profits will go towards special education and training programmes conducted at Magic.

Christmas carols were also sung at the ceremony.

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

Westin Resort to be Open in Langkawi

Starwood will welcome the first Westin branded resort in Malaysia, the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, tomorrow.

The hotel has recently gone through an upgrade from the Sheraton Perdana to Westin Langkawi.

Its enhancements include the Westin Lounge, located at the heart of the departure hall of Langkawi International Airport.

The Westin Lounge offers drinks, snacks and meals on its menu, simple spa treatments such as massage and foot reflexology, and high speed internet access.

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

Westin Kuala Lumpur's Escape Package

Go on, indulge!

When the stress of work is too much to bear, staying overnight at a hotel can be more than rejuvenating, discovers JASMINE TAN, who stayed at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.

HOLIDAYS can be tiring. With all that planning, packing and rushing to tie up loose ends at the office, is it any wonder that you often find yourself yearning for a holiday right after you take one?

But who says a holiday has to take you out of the city or country?

As city hotels fight to keep up with the competition, savvy travellers are taking advantage of attractive offers. I decided to check into The Westin Kuala Lumpur.

Westin’s Heavenly Bed is a much talked-about feature. The guys at Westin are so proud of it that they’ve even put it up for sale. If you have an extra RM10,800 lying around, you can bring home “heaven” – a snow-white, custom-designed pillow-top mattress, three king-sized sheets, a down blanket, comforter, duvet and five pillows.

Or maybe not. It costs an arm and a leg. Besides, one of the reasons I like sleeping in hotels so much is that I don’t have to make the bed.

Although the Heavenly Bed is without doubt what I like best about my Westin room, their Heavenly Shower is not bad either. Stepping under the warm and strong jets of water from not one but two showerheads is my idea of heaven.

And I love how hotel towels smell so fresh and clean. They are thick, oversized and hug you with the softest touch. And when you’re done with them, you can just throw them on the floor and they’ll “reappear” later, freshly laundered.

A welcome platter of apples, chocolate muffins, cookies, biscotti, chocolate and energising drinks awaited when I checked into the Westin. I guess it pays to stay in the Executive Residence, which is one up from the basic guest room.

With a living room, kitchenette, separate study and its glass-enclosed patio, the one-bedroom residence made an ideal layout for a studio apartment. While waiting for dinner, I curled up on the day bed in the study area with a good book. The glass-enclosed patio made a rather nice reading area, too, but for the construction work taking place across the street.

Eat till you flop
If you want to know what an old Havana home looks like, just take a tour of Qba. Covering four different sections, the F&B outlet comprises an alfresco courtyard, an island bar flanked by booth seats, and a stage for live Cuban bands.

Upstairs, there is a private cigar divan, wine bar and restaurant which serves cuisine that brings together the different styles of food from Mexico, Ecuador, Cuba and Spain.

The starters – Crisp Corn Tortilla filled with tomato braised chicken, goat’s cheese, sour cream and Venezuelan baked eggplant – were lip-smacking, and so was the dessert platter. However, the main entry of Roasted Canadian Cod Fillet with pink peppercorn crust, mushrooms and baby clams was not as impressive.

When you wake up in the morning, don’t even bother to have coffee first. As soon as you have showered, make for the hearty breakfast buffet at The Living Room.

The food is laid out from one end of the hall to the other. On the right is a selection of Japanese and Chinese favourites; on the left, chefs take orders for eggs done just the way you like it. In the middle is the juice bar where you can have healthy shots of watermelon, carrot or apple juice. There is also a Mamak corner where you can help yourself to nasi lemak, murtabak, roti canai and mee goreng. Thosai is made on the spot.

Venture further, and you’ll discover Treats, a bakery offering all manner of pastries, crêpes, sandwiches breads, cereals and yoghurt. There is even a honeycomb stand where you can get honeycomb dripping with golden goodness.

If you can’t prise yourself from your Heavenly Bed, don’t fret about missing breakfast because the restaurant Prego serves an enjoyable Sunday bubbly brunch.

The staff are a happy, friendly lot even though the guests are the ones enjoying the free flow of champagne, cocktails, wines and spirits. Food is plentiful, and served by the chefs. You may need to get out of your chair to get a slab of salmon or a healthy salad, but the pastas, pizzas and must-try chocolate souffles are delivered piping hot to your table.

Sleep in or work out
To me, the idea of a relaxing weekend doesn’t involve exercise. But I guess a few lazy laps at the outdoor swimming pool or a relaxing cycle at the Westin Workout gym won’t hurt. After all, exercise does release feel-good hormones, and the gym here is probably one of the few in town that offer a spectacular view of the city skyline.

From now until the end of the month, The Westin Kuala Lumpur is offering a Westin Escape Package with a complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Twin Tower View room priced at RM390++ (one breakfast) and RM420++ (breakfast for two). Available only from Thursday to Sunday. Call (03) 2731 8333 or e-mail twkl.reservations@westin.com for bookings.

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

Hotel room rates in M'sia move sharply higher

Hotel room rates in M'sia move sharply higher; But charges are still below Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam

October 17, 2006
S Jayasankaran In Kuala Lumpur

AFTER years of depressed prices, Malaysia's hotels have begun to recover, with room rates moving sharply higher and shares in Shangri-La, Malaysia's only pure hotel play, rising 17 per cent to an eight-year high of RM1.95 apiece.

Even so, Malaysia's hotel rates remain one of the cheapest in Asia - good for travellers but less so for investors.

'It's embarrassing,' said Lim Beng Leong, the head of research of securities firm UOBKayHian in Kuala Lumpur. 'We are cheaper than Indonesia, the Philippines, even Vietnam.' The 'cheap' image has stuck to the country because, unlike hotels in Thailand, Indonesia or India which price room rates in US dollars, Malaysia has always set rates in the local currency.

After 1997, that got worse as the ringgit depreciated 40 per cent against the US dollar in the wake of the Asian financial crisis.

Last year, for example, the average room rate for hotels in Kuala Lumpur was RM204.69, or US$56 (S$88.50) - half the average in Indonesia or Thailand.

Even so, it's a step up from the average RM188 rate KL hotels charged in 2004. Higher occupancies (72 per cent last year) are pushing rates up at the more prestigious hotels.
Shangri-La, which has hotels in KL, Penang and Sabah, upped its rates for its flagship KL hotel to RM350 per night from RM320 per night last year. But that still pales before Mandarin Oriental, the most sought after five star hotel in the capital, whose rates come in at RM480 per night. Indeed, Mandarin is believed to be planning to increase this to RM600 per night by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the sale of Malaysian hotel assets is beginning to fetch higher premiums. Listed contractor Ireka recently sold its flagship Westin Hotel in KL to Newood Assets, which is believed to be controlled by Thai whisky king Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, for RM455 million. The sale valued the hotel at RM1 million a room, a record by Malaysian standards and a significant increase on the RM900,000 a room valuation given to Mandarin Oriental when it was packaged as part of Kuala Lumpur City Centre Properties and listed three years ago.

The higher room rates come with Malaysia's increasing success in attracting tourists. Despite fears of avian flu last year, tourist arrivals to Malaysia hit an all-time high of 16.4 million visitors in 2005, up from about 6 million in 1999 and around 2 million when Mahathir Mohamad took over as premier in 1981 and began promoting tourism in a big way.

Hoteliers are also excited by Visit Malaysia Year, which coincides with Malaysia's 50th year of independence next year. Hoteliers are expecting a 15 per cent increase in visitors to more than 20 million.

Source : Hotels Mag

[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news]

Westin flag lands at Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Westin flag lands at Langkawi Island, Malaysia
Jul 05, 06 1:57 am

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Langkawi Island Resort Sdn Bhd, an affiliate of PT Rajawali Corporation, announced that Sheraton Perdana Resort will be reflagged as The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa as of January 2007. The resort is undergoing a significant upgrade as part of the reflag. Upon completion of the renovation works, the resort will be represented by all distinguished Westin signature amenities and services that Westin guests have come to expect from this luxury brand.

"We are delighted that Langkawi Island Resort Sdn Bhd has selected the Westin flag to grace this stunning resort in Langkawi and know that guests to this superb resort will be well served by Westin's renowned hospitality," said Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels. "Our goal for the Westin brand is to provide accommodations that offer a retreat from the rigors of travel in which guests can relax and restore their mind, body and spirit in healthy ways.

"Scheduled to open in early 2007, the resort is undergoing major upgrade works to its extensive facilities and will also add 30 hotel villas and a luxury destination spa. All guest rooms and villas will feature Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath®. The resort which is extremely popular with meeting and incentive planners, will also add an additional 11,000 square feet of meeting space. Langkawi Island Resort Sdn Bhd is also developing luxury residential villas to be sold to private clients. These residential villas will be known as The Westin Residences, Langkawi. Westin Residences are a unique opportunity to be part of the Westin lifestyle, and are designed to be a place where residents can live their best life with all the comforts of home, great design and highly functional space and amenities typical of Westin. Branded residences provide potential owners with the luxury of an upscale development together with the promise of a unique lifestyle through various branded initiatives and products.

The signing of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa heralds the continued expansion of Westin Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa will be the 10th new Westin hotel under development in Asia Pacific, and the second Westin in Malaysia. Other Westins under development can be found in New Delhi, Sohna, Bangalore, Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing and Dhaka. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa will also join Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort as the two Starwood properties in this island destination.

Langkawi is located in the state of Kedah in the northern tip of Malaysia. A duty-free port and an island of scenic, tranquil landscapes, Langkawi has become a favorite destination for local and international visitors alike. Langkawi is about an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia.


Westin Hotels & Resorts, with 121 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and territories, is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Meridien® and the recently announced AloftSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com .

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