Starwood set to open Aloft hotel in KL

The Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, located at the KL Sentral here, will open on March 22.

Paolo Campillo, General Manager of Aloft Kuala Lumpur, said the 482-room hotel, will be the first Aloft hotel in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

"It will also be the largest Aloft hotel in the world," he told Bernama. 

The announcement on the Aloft was made by Chuck Abbott, Regional Vice President of Starwood Southeast Asia, at the recent "Starwood Asia Pacific Social Networking" event. 

Campillo said two Aloft hotels will be built in Indonesia next and added that the brand is targeted at the Gen-Y segment. 

Starwood has nine hotel brands globally. In Malaysia, Starwood has at present five hotel brands, the Le Meridien, The Luxury Collection, Westin, Four Points, and Sheraton. 

Campillo said two other Starwood brands, the St Regis and W Hotels, will start operations in Malaysia in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The ninth Starwood brand is the "Element". 

Meanwhile, when asked how Malaysia can enhance its tourism and hospitality industry, Abbott said Malaysia is known for its natural beauty and beaches. 

"The key is also to get more direct flights into Malaysia and have better connectivity to other areas, whether by train, bus, or plane," he noted. 

He said it is important for Malaysia to be competitive, since it is vying for the tourism traffic with Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. 

Abbott said it is also important for Malaysia to improve infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth in the hospitality and tourism industry alongside other related industries. 

Commenting on the social networking event held in conjunction with Starwood Asia Pacific's Recruitment Day, he said the event was aimed at attracting talent in the industry to fill 5,000 jobs. 

The vacancies have surfaced as a result of the Starwood expansion project that will last until 2016. 

He said the event was a unique recruitment drive as the company wanted to set itself apart from other hotel groups

Source

Banyan Tree Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Pavilion presents

Banyan Tree - Signatures - 

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Hotel ~ Spa ~ Private Residences 

Banyan Tree Signatures Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Exclusive Preview by Appointment Only

Tel No 1800 22 8088

www.banyantreeatpavilion.com

The Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is slated to open in 2015 as part of the Pavilion project on Jalan Conlay near Bukit Bintang.

Kuala Lumpur: The Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts will be the latest luxury hotel brand that will have a presence in Malaysia.

Slated for opening in 2015, Banyan Tree will be a part of the Pavilion project called Banyan Tree Signatures Kuala Lumpur, located on Jalan Conlay near Bukit Bintang.

Banyan Tree did not respond directly to Business Times queries on its opening. So did Kuala Lumpur Pavilion which did not answer any queries.

Both parties are expected to sign a collaboration agreement on October 18 2011, whereby information about the project will be revealed.
While details remain sketchy, industry players and website searches have confirmed that a single 55-storey block will be built to house private residences, serviced residences and a hotel.

Based on "preliminary information" on the project dated May 2011, there will be 441 units of private residences, 51 units of serviced residences and 50 units of hotel.

The fact sheet on the web, which has not been verified by either party, indicates that some 490 units of residences are for sale at an average price of RM2,000 per sq ft. However, sources say almost all units have been sold.

Industry estimates tag the cost of construction, not including land cost, to be around RM800 million.

Pavilion and Banyan Tree's relationship in the project remains unclear.

Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd manages and develops premium resorts, hotels and spas in Asia Pacific. The group has ownership in niche resorts and hotels.

Singapore Stock Exchange-listed Banyan Tree Holdings website states that it is now involved in some 30 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas and 80 galleries, as well as three golf courses.

Source : Business Times

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

Furama Bukit Bintang Hotel location a plus point

FURAMA Bukit Bintang, located close to the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre, has opened its doors for business with the aim of becoming a strong reputable Asian chain of hotels that offers competitive pricing.

Hotel manager Ng Yee Ming said that Furama Bukit Bintang, the first of the brand in Malaysia, is situated in a very strategic location.

“We are close enough to the city centre but away from the traffic congestion as we are located along Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah behind the Berjaya Times Square area,” he said.

Under the Furama Hotels International (FHI), the hotel’s sister brands are Furama Xpress and Furama Xclusive that will hopefully be opened locally within the next couple of years.

“There are plans to open another two hotels here and this may be Furama’s sister brands. FHI aims at adding more hotels to its portfolio with a target of 60 hotels in five years mainly in China, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand,” Ng said.

He added that FHI has a strong presence in the Asian region with more than 7,000 rooms available under the three different brands.


“The different brands has allowed us to capture a bigger and more diversified market segment as we cater to the different needs of guests. Our corporate philosophy asks our associates to strive for better service, product and growth of our people,” he said.

Ng said that other Furama hotels are located in Singapore, Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Koh Chang), China (Beijing, Shanghai, Xinhua, Suzhou) and Sydney, Australia that is managed by Holiday Inn.
FHI chief executive officer Jason Peck said that Kuala Lumpur offers an excellent opportunity for them.
“Together with Malaysia’s strong tourism drive, there is a positive platform for growth here with plenty of potential,” he said.

Furama Bukit Bintang is a 27-storey four-star business hotel that features 433 guest rooms such as the Superior, Deluxe, Family Room, Executive Club and Executive Suite.

Its facilities include meeting and conference facilities located at the panoramic top floor and a two-storey function room with a view of the city, all-day restaurant, swimming pool with jacuzzi and gymnasium.

The hotel is about five minutes’ walk away from the Imbi Monorail Station and is in close proximity to major expressways and public transport with easy accessibility to major tourist spots.

For more information, visit www.furama.com or call 03-2788 8888.




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

Grand Hyatt to Open in KL in 2012

An Hyatt affiliate has entered into an agreement with Bahagia Investment Corporation (Malaysia) to manage the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The hotel is already under construction and is expected to open in 2012.

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will be part of a mixed use complex. The hotel, occupying floors 17 through 39 of the property, will feature 412 guest rooms, including 42 suites and will offer over 33,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a 228-seat café, a 298-seat specialty restaurant with multiple cuisines, a 74-seat Sky Lobby Lounge, a 102-seat poolside restaurant and bar, a spa with 11 treatment rooms, and a swimming pool.

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will be located in the Golden Triangle area of Kuala Lumpur, in a prime location on Jalan Pinang road close to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (“KLCC”) and the iconic Petronas Towers. It is in close proximity to fashion hubs and business centers, museums, memorials and galleries, and within driving distance of natural preserves.

Kuala Lumpur is an internationally recognized tourist and business destination. With a metropolitan population of approximately 7.2 million, it is the largest city in Malaysia and a key leisure location. Many of Malaysia’s major commercial banks and financial institutions are headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, as are many Malaysian companies, making it an international gateway city.

“In 2010, Malaysia attracted over 24.5 million tourists – rivaling that of countries such as Mexico, Germany and Turkey,” said Willi Martin, area vice president, Southeast Asia, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. “We see Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur as a remarkable opportunity to expand the presence of the Hyatt brand into a principal city in the rapidly emerging Southeast Asia market.”

There are currently 51 Hyatt-branded hotels in Asia Pacific and the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will join the two existing Hyatt-branded hotels in Malaysia: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu and Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort.

There are 16 other Grand Hyatt hotels in the region’s key gateway cities and destination resorts, including Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo.






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

KL Festival Set To Attract 700,000 Visitors

The month-long Kuala Lumpur Festival 2011 starting July 1 is expected to attract about 700,000 local and foreign visitors.

Ministry of Information Communication and Culture secretary-general Datuk Seri Kamaruddin Siaraf said the targeted turnout could be achieved with the increase of events from 104 at 47 locations last year to 122 at 51 locations this year.

He said the festival with the theme "Where the Arts Come Alive" was in line with the government's effort to lift Kuala Lumpur as the hub of arts and culture internationally.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Well-being, he said KL Festival attracted the participation of 18 companies and non-governmental organisations, he told a pre-launch news conference at KL Tower here Monday.

Kamaruddin said visitors would be feted to arts, including visual and performing arts, and cultural activities, traditional games, Malaysian cuisine and literary events.

Schedules and details of the events will be posted on the KL Festival website at www.klfestival.org and the facebook-klfest secretariat, he added.

The festival will be launched simultaneously by three ministers -- Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin at the KL Tower's 1Malaysia Cultural Village on June 25.



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

Sheraton Imperial unveils its RM6mil meeting facility

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

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

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




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

W Hotel makes its mark in KL

A 150-room hotel will be built in the heart of Kuala Lumpur offering guests a unique dining experience, entertainment and signature spas.

Property developer Dijaya Corporation Berhad has partnered hotel and leisure company Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc to develop W Hotel. The brand has 41 hotels worldwide.

The signing ceremony was held at the Tropicana Golf and Country Club recently.

It’s official: (From left) Rohana, Dijaya Corporation Berhad deputy managing director Dickson Tan, Dijaya Corporation group chief executive officer Tan Sri Danny Tan, Ng, Abbott, Starwood Asia Pacific development director Rajit Sukumaran and Dijaya Corporation Berhad managing director Datuk Tong Kien Onn at the signing ceremony to develop W KL.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who attended the event, said the collaboration of the two major brands in the leisure industry to bring in the W brand to Malaysia would boost tourism.

“Although ranking fifth in terms of contribution towards the economy, the tourism industry in Malaysia is growing. Hotel occupancy last year was 66.9% which is a 4.2% increase compared with 2009.

“Looking at this increasing rate, we will still be short of 40,000 rooms in 2020. We welcome every addition and are convinced that W KL will inject a design-led lifestyle in our city,” she said.

Dijaya independent non-executive chairman Datuk Rohana Mahmood said the move underlined the company’s commitment to continued growth.

“Dijaya is looking at the needs of tomorrow’s jet-setters while also addressing a wider range of environmental challenges facing the industry,” said Rohana, adding that Dijaya will also work towards a Green Building Index rating with W KL.

Starwood Asia Pacific regional vice-president (South East Asia) Chuck Abbott said they were delighted with the signing of the W brand in Kuala Lumpur as the city was cosmopolitan a business hub.

“Malaysia has developed a reputation for its standard of hospitality and customer service and we are proud to contribute to the continuing growth of Malaysia as a key business and leisure destination,” he said.

The hotel will feature 1,200 sq m of meeting space, one ballroom and five meeting and function rooms. All guest rooms will be fitted with the signature W Bed. Among the facilities are a fitness centre, food and beverage outlets, a full service spa and a nail bar.

W KL will be located in the Golden Triangle in Jalan Ampang.

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

W Hotel to open in Jalan Ampang, KL in 2016

Dijaya Corporation Bhd is partnering world leading hotel and leisure company Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc to develop a W Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled to be opened in 2016.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is the operator of W hotel.

Dijaya's independent non-executive chairman Datuk Rohana Tan Sri Mahmood said the collaboration was in line with the company's focus to grow with a dynamic presence.

"In continuing our legacy for innovation, Dijaya is looking at the needs of tomorrow's jet-setters while also addressing a wider range of environmental challenges facing this industry," she said in a statement today.

To be situated along Jalan Ampang and across the Petronas Twin Tower, the 150-room hotel would also feature a spacious ballroom as well as five meeting and function rooms.

With 1,025 properties in 100 countries, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide's chain of hotels include the Sheraton, Le Meridien and Westin brands.


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

InterContinental comes to KL - 1 February 2011

INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first InterContinental brand hotel in Malaysia.

IHG is replacing the management of the hotel owned by MTJ Development Sdn Bhd. Japan's Nikko Hotel operated the hotel for 15 years.

The hotel will undergo enhancements that will see it transformed by the end of this year.

General manager Adam McDonald, in an interview with Business Times, said Nikko was already a great product to start with and IHG will now build on that foundation.
As a luxury brand, The InterContinental will initiate some makeovers that will create the feel of the brand and work on providing service standards associated with the hotel.

While admitting that it will be challenge to change the work culture of 400-odd employees who have been under another brand, McDonald was quick to point out that the task was not an impossible one.

"It's all about walking in the guests shoes," he said, explaining how the staff will be trained.

McDonald plans to adapt some of the service culture initiatives that were seen in his previous position as the resort manager of InterContinental Bali.

This will include him interacting more with the hotel guests as he did at the resort in Bali as he hopes the current city hotel will have a good balance of corporate and leisure business.

McDonald also would like to implement changes in the hotel atmosphere right from lighting to staff uniform that changes from day to night.

As the hotel was renovated only four years ago, this time around some 180 rooms from its 473-room inventory and public area will be upgraded.

Rooms will be enhanced with InterContinental toiletries and amenities and improved in terms of touch and feel, McDonald said.

The lobby will also be upgraded to improve the arrival experience where the doorman will set the tone. The lobby will provide a feeling of safe, comfort and a sense of being looked after.

The InterContinental hotel's concierge service keeps its guests in the know by facilitating authentic and enriching experiences beyond the usual attractions.

"The concierge can get you in a restaurant, which is usually not easy to get in," McDonald said.

The Japanese and Chinese restaurants will also undergo a makeover.

IHG has signed a 15-year management contract with the owners.

In terms of performance, McDonald said that one of the measures it uses is to compare itself among its competitive set. In Kuala Lumpur, it compares itself to Mandarin Oriental, The Westin, Shangri-La, Hilton and Sheraton.

And within this competitive set, InterContinental will work on getting its share of the market.

In Malaysia, other IHG hotels include Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, Holiday Inn Resort Penang and Holiday Inn Malacca. A Holiday Inn Express is also scheduled to open in Kota Kinabalu.

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

Malaysia woos luxury hotel brands

Bulgari, Armani and Versace may no longer be just luxury retail brands found in Malaysian malls, as property developers think about bringing in their hotel brands too.




With brands like Grand Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons already here while St Regis and Raffles have confirmed openings, developers are eyeing fresh and popular hotel brands.

"Developers are now beginning to look at Waldorf Astoria and also various designer-linked brands like Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Palazzo Versace, Armani Hotels & Resorts," vice president of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Ivo Nekvapil told Business Times in an interview recently.

If these brands make their way to our shores, they are likely to be located either in Kuala Lumpur or on Langkawi island.

Nevertheless, Nekvapil feels that sub-brands or brands that come under their more familiar parent company name should be considered as they have potential in Malaysia.
These would include brands like All Seasons and Ibis which are Accor brand hotels and Hilton Garden Inn, a Hilton group brand.

He explained that these brands have international recognition and as such Malaysia too needs these brands to give the country world recognition.

Meanwhile, when asked about the hotel scene in Klang Valley this year, Nekvapil said that there could be an addition of some 2,000 rooms in the four- and five-star hotel/serviced residence category.


Additional rooms this year will come from the opening of Somerset Ampang Kuala Lumpur, Best Western KL Sentral, Park Regis Kuala Lumpur and Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar.

On occupancy and rates in the Klang Valley, Nekvapil said that 2011 could end with an average room rate (ARR) of RM360 for lower end five-star hotels and about RM500 for higher end five-star category hotels. Occupancy this year could finish at about 68 per cent.

Mandarin Oriental still leads the pack, and is now drawing an ARR of around RM700.

Last year, occupancy ended at around 65 per cent and ARR of between RM200 to RM320 per night.

Malaysia had its highest occupancy of over 70 per cent in 2007.

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

New Visit Packages At Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers will be offering new visit packages from Oct 1 to give the public an enhanced and more exciting experience when they tour Malaysia's popular tourist spot.

In a statement Monday, Petronas said the packages to be introduced, in addition to the existing Skybridge tour on Level 41, will include a visit to an observation deck on a top floor of Tower 2 and a meal at the Malaysian Petroleum Club (MPC) within Tower 2.

Fees for the packages will start from as low as RM3 per person for the basic Skybridge tour to RM350 per person for the premium package, it said, adding that the premium package will also include a fine dining experience at the exclusive, members-only MPC, almost half-way up the world's tallest twin towers.

The packages were introduced in support of the government's aspiration to realise the tourism potential of the Petronas Twin Towers and the attractions within their vicinity, such as the Suria KLCC Shopping Complex, the KLCC Park, Petrosains, Gallery Petronas, Aquaria and the Malaysian Philharmonic Petronas, the statement said.

These attractions would help position the towers as a premier tourism attraction enjoyed by other iconic buildings around the world, it added.

Petronas has plans to enhance the tour experiences of the buildings in the near future, including extending the visit operation hours, providing a more spacious viewing deck, and enhancing the Visitors Centre, ticketing facilities and other related visitor amenities.

Source : Bernama

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

InterContinental may be Nikko's new management

THE management of Hotel Nikko Kuala Lumpur may change hands after 15 years, sources say.

Japan-based Nikko Hotels International's management of the hotel in Jalan Ampang may not be extended when the management contract comes to an end in February next year.

Instead, it is understood that owner MTJ Development Sdn Bhd may bring in InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) - which operates brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn - to operate the hotel.

A source told Business Times that the new brand is likely to be the five-star InterContinental.

According to sources, hotel staff were briefed on August 27 by the owner's representative. They were assured that they would be able to keep their jobs when InterContinental comes on board.

It is learnt that the hotel has some 400 employees.

Nikko general manager Michael Borostyan, when contacted, said: "Hotel Nikko will be undergoing changes in 2011. However, at this point in time, the board members have not officially signed a new management company agreement for the hotel."

A quick check with Japan Airlines' (JAL) Hotels Co Ltd website for Hotel Nikko showed that there were no more rooms available for booking from March 1 next year.

IHG vice-president of communications for Asia Pacific, Eric Lee, responding to questions on whether IHG will manage the hotel from next year, said that it did not have any news to announce at this time.

However, there is talk in the market that InterContinental has started to conduct interviews for placements at the hotel.

The 473-room five-star hotel has been managed by Nikko since July 1995.

Early last month, JAL announced the sale of a 79.6 per cent stake in JAL hotels to Hotel Okura.

The Japanese airline, however, was planning to retain an 11.1 per cent stake in the hotels as well as the brand names of the hotel chain it owns, including Hotel Nikko.

IHG hotels in Malaysia currently include Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur (563 rooms), Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie (260 rooms), Holiday Inn Melaka (275 rooms) and Holiday Inn Resort Penang (358 rooms).

Source : BTimes

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

Doubletree Opens Its Doors 5 August 2010

The much-awaited Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation one year ago, opened for business Thursday.

The former Crown Princess Hotel, which has been refurbished into a stylish, upscale and full-service hotel, has begun receiving guests.

General Manager Ian Barrow said several visitors have checked in Thursday while a group of visitors from Singapore would check in Thursday night.

He told reporters here Thursday the Hilton hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Kuching and Batang Ai were performing well and the new Doubletree was set to record similar growth.

Managed by Hilton Worldwide, the hotel is owned by MGPA Asia Fund 2, and is part of an integrated property comprising a retail podium and office tower called The Intermark.

Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur features five food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining outlet, coffee shop, wine bar, nightclub, health club and saltwater swimming pool.

It also houses comprehensive conference and event facilities.

To attract more visitors, he said Doubletree was offering a promotional two night stay, for the price of one, starting from RM380.

"It is exciting to see the brand introduced for the first time in Southeast Asia, further expanding our current reach to 230 locations in 11 countries across five continents," Hilton Worldwide Global Head Doubletree Brand Rob Palleschi said.

The popular international chain was also in serious negotiations with a developer in Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila to further expand its markets in the region.

"It has been one of the fastest growing upscale hotel brands, globally, and we want to have a hotel in each major and second town," he added


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

Dynasty, Empress hotels to be sold

Gula Perak Bhd's wholly-owned units, Dynawell Corp (M) Sdn Bhd and KSB Requirements & Rest Sdn Bhd, will dispose of their hotels, The Dynasty Hotel Kuala Lumpur and The Empress Hotel, Sepang to Time Glory Investment Ltd for RM193.9 million cash.


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

Doubletree Kuala Lumpur to offer unique Makan Kitchen

The new Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur will feature a sprawling all-day dining outlet, not only showcasing Malaysia’s diverse cuisines but also offering a variety of business entertaining venues under one roof.

The 540-room property is expected to open in late August 2010 with Makan Kitchen – “makan” in Malay means to eat – a restaurant unique to this Doubletree.

The usual live kitchen stations are present but the rest of the space is taken up by dining settings, following Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan, Malaysia’s dominant cultures. There is even a section resembling communal hall of a Sarawak longhouse where guests are seated on the floor as they would in the village.

Said Leo Frankel, Doubletree director of business development: “You could dine in different corners of Makan Kitchen, and think you were in a new restaurant.” The outlet is so designed that various areas appear secluded, which is ideal for meeting and incentive groups."

Projecting a relaxed but efficient environment for corporates is Doubletree Kuala Lumpur's main aim, from wine tasting sessions in the Axis and Cellar Door lounges to the Sweet dreams by Doubletree bed with jumbo pillows and plush-top mattress and HDMI technology, allowing laptops to connect to the 32-inch TV monitor.

A location at the intersection of Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak in the city's high-profile Golden Triangle precinct, host to a flock of oil and gas companies and financing firms, makes Doubletree Kuala Lumpur a fresh choice for corporate events and networking. It has a Grand Ballroom accommodating 1,000 theatre style, plus two junior ballrooms for 530 and 470 respectively theatre style and eight breakout rooms.

A covered walkway connects the hotel to the Jalan Ampang LRT station, which then links to other parts of the city and even the KL International Airport.

For individual travellers, there is a "2 for the Price of 1" promotion, based on a two-night stay, from MYR380 (US$117) with breakfast.

For the meetings sector, they are offering "two-day delegate rates for the price of " for meetings of 10 to 50 people.

Both offers are bookable until September 30 with individual traveller stays until February 15, 2011 and delegate stays until December 31.

Doubletree Kuala Lumpur is the brand's first foray into Southeast Asia. It is already operating in China, including Beijing and Kunshan, and will also arrive in New Delhi shortly.

For more details, visit www.kl.doubletreebyhilton.com


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

Pullman Kuala Lumpur is Hiring

Pullman Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the newest 5 star in Bangsar is opening middle of 2011 with more than 500 rooms and 7 FxB outlets. We are looking for the top executive positions;

- Hotel Manager, a specialist in 5 star hotels in Asia, with Shangri-la, Hilton, Hyatt or Sofitel Experiences. Single, specialist of ecommerce et revenue management.

- Chief Engineer, huge experience in pre-opening.

- Director of Sales ,Marketing and Distribution, a specialist in corporate and banqueting business, huge experience in Malaysia with City Centre hotels if possible 5 star international.

- Room Div Mgr, able to manage a team of 200 staffs, 3 front offices areas, 525 rooms, Opera system, experience in 5 star plus hotel in Asia

- Front Office Manager, a reference in Hotel with proper management including check-in and check-out by our own Kiosks ATM systems.

- Housekeeper, M/F, executive with point to detail, experience in Sofitel or Pullman is a must.

- PA to General Manager. a top executive able to assist teh GM in all dally operations.

For all positions please contact our existing hotel in Malaysia via dohr@pullmanputrajaya.com who will foward right candidates. Candidates without any news within 10 days may consider their file as rejected.



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

Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar with 500 guest rooms to open in 2011

Pullman hotels designed for today’s business traveler, announced a new hotel for downtown Kuala Lumpur. Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar when open in 2011 will be the third Pullman for Malaysia following Pullman Putrajaya and Pullman Kuching.

Gerard Guillouet, Vice President for Accor in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia commented on this new management contract “Accor is delighted to be seeing the Pullman brand coming to the central city area of Kuala Lumpur. This large landmark hotel will further expand our multi branded foothold in Malaysia and demonstrates our commitment to operate hotels across all segments.”

Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar will boast 500 guest rooms, three restaurants, two bars and extensive meeting and leisure facilities. The hotel is located close to Menara Telekom and the Mid Valley Mega Mall and ten minutes from the airport express train which links the city with Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The hotel is being developed by Cygal Development SDN BHD.

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

Pudu Prison Won't Be Turned Into Heritage Site

Although the Pudu Prison is more than 100 years old, it would not be turned into a heritage site, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.

"Firstly, it's because the government's view is that the Pudu Prison is not something to be proud of and secondly, it is not suitable to be turned into a heritage site despite its age," he said when replying to a supplementary question from Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang), who wanted to know whether the ministry planned to build a museum at the Pudu Prison site, at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday.

Awang Adek said a historical museum would not be built at the prison site and the government would proceed with the development that had been decided.

The Pudu Prison, formerly known as Pudu Gaol located in Jalan Hang Tuah, was first built in stages in 1891 on a 10-hectare site and was completed in 1895.

The Pudu Prison wall stretching about 300 metres will be demolished at 10pm tonight to enable widening of the road and the Jalan Pudu underground passage construction beginning June 20 until 23.

The Pudu Prison was officially closed in 1996 when construction of the new prison in Sungai Buloh was completed.

Replying to Fong's original question on the details of the development by UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) on the site of the former prison and how the commercial lots were to be distributed, Awang Adek said the development was divided into six plots where construction works would be carried out in stages within a 10-year period.

UDA will build a mixed development project which will accommodate a transit centre, service apartments, offices, recreation centres, a hotel and business space.


Source : Bernama
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Stay at the latest Starpoints hotel in KL

Amid the sprawling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, take a breather at StarPoints Hotel Kuala Lumpur from the strains of work and daily commute. Within the bustling capital of Malaysia, there is a place that fills one’s yearning for an escape, even for just a moment.

NEW HOTEL: StarPoints Hotel Kuala Lumpur boasts 137 tastefully furnished rooms with contemporary designs.

Located in the Little India, along Jalan Masjid India above the popular Haniffa Departmental Store, StarPoints Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers easy access to popular tourist destinations such as KLCC, KL Tower, Central Market, National Square and lots more.

The hotel shines with its stylish rooms and suites which are further enhanced with comfortable air-conditioning, Internet access and cable TV in each accommodation. It houses 137 tastefully furnished rooms with contemporary designs, featuring four Executive Deluxe rooms, 34 Deluxe rooms, 99 Superior rooms.

The hotel’s restaurant offers a fine selection of delights, while the corporate centre provides services for travellers’ urgent business needs.

StarPoints Hotel Kuala Lumpur is the initial Southeast Asian footprint of Star Hospitality Hotels and Resorts, the arm of ETA Star Properties, a leading property developer in the UAE.

Stay here and savour ethnicity at its best on your doorstep.

Stroll along Little India and see it yourself the vibrancy of the textile outlets, jewelry stores and wonderful bazaars while the smell of exquisite south Asian cuisine fills the air.

Check it out at www.starpointshotel.com.

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

The New Romantic Ballroom at Swiss Garden KL

Couples planning to wed soon can check out the new romantic ballroom at Swiss-Garden Hotel Kuala Lumpur, replete with state-of-the-art audio visual facilities that promise to make your wedding memorable.

The Grand Hibiscus Ballroom is the latest addition to the hotel facilities, with 540sq metres of function space that can comfortably seat 400 people banquet style (40 tables) or 600 participants theatre-style, and can even be split up into two smaller rooms.

According to hotel corporate marketing communications manager Linda Evelyn Wong, the ballroom was opened last December and has since hosted several weddings.

But more than just weddings, the grand ballroom is also perfect for events and meetings with personalised services from the hotel’s banquet concierge.

The Grand Hibiscus Ballroom has a garden-inspired theme that is accentuated by vibrant hues, sienna fabric panelling with complementary creative LED lights.

Guests with smaller meetings or functions have the option of the Grand Lotus Room that comprises three meeting rooms with a total capacity of 200 guests theatre-style or 180 guests banquet-style.

This room is done in tan and olive fabric palette with contemporary ambience to suit the modern needs of meetings.

A media preview of the ballrooms ended with a sumptuous eight-course dinner featuring selected dishes from different set menus of the various floral-inspired wedding packages.

The Grand Hibiscus Ballroom is located on the third floor while the Grand Lotus Room is on the second floor.

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