Hotels: The regeneration game

Last month’s feature on new hotels in the region highlighted a preponderance of properties springing up in China... no surprises there. For this month’s focus on the hospitality industry we are looking at established hotels that have undergone various levels of renovation and refurbishment, from complete revamps to partial revitalisation projects like room upgrades, F&B facelifts or rearranged lobbies. As you will see, the geographic coverage is much less Sino-centric and more widespread, ranging from Sri Lanka to Seoul, from Perth to Penang. Although new-builds may be the way to go in new and upcoming destinations (think second- and third-tier cities in China), in the more mature locations often the best way to stay ahead of the market is to freshen up your product, modernising and reinventing a brand offering. Here are 30 of Asia-Pacific’s latest hotel reincarnations...   Pan Pacific Perth, Australia This 486-room hotel has unveiled 132 remodelled guestrooms and suites, all featuring the “Pan Pacific” signature colour palette of rich grey and warm golden hues. Rooms and suites have been equipped with the latest technology, including LED TVs, iPhone docking stations and high-speed internet. Luxurious marble bathrooms have been updated with new lighting features, designer fittings and premium amenities. The lobby has also been given a modern vibe, with pod-style reception counters and a new water feature designed to offer a serene, welcoming environment. panpacific.com   Parkroyal Yangon, Myanmar The five-star property has completed a comprehensive refurbishment of its public areas, business centre, club lounge, rooms and meeting facilities. On the F&B front, the all-day dining restaurant has been renamed the Spice Brasserie, with bright, contemporary interiors offering international and local specialities. The new Si Chuan Dou Hua Chinese restaurant serves Sichuanese cuisine as well as a selection of Cantonese dishes, while the former Music Club has relaunched as Club 5 – a trendy entertainment hotspot. There are also changes at the Shiki Tei Japanese restaurant, lobby bar and Orchid Club Lounge. parkroyalhotels.com   Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore Formerly a Traders Hotel, this property has undergone a complete rebrand. The 565 rooms feature locally curated wallpaper designs highlighting different Singaporean themes (bicycle, orchid, goldfish and shop house). Mod cons and contemporary furnishings have been installed, including USB charger outlets, high-pressure walk-in showers, king-size beds with 300-thread count linen, pull-out sofa beds, small pantries and microwaves. In terms of dining, Southeast Asian cuisine is now showcased in J65, a new restaurant that evokes the look and feel of a local farmer’s market. The chic lobby also houses Jen’s Kitchen On-the-Go – a café and snack bar offering Singapore’s finest artisanal products including locally roasted coffee. hoteljen.com   Intercontinental Singapore A multimillion-dollar project has seen the renovation of the hotel’s rooms, lobby, fitness centre and European restaurant. The overall style pays homage to the distinctive Bugis precinct and celebrates local Peranakan culture. Deluxe rooms in the main tower exude residential charm with plush bedding and custom furnishings, while the bright interiors display a harmonious blend of textures and colours, with silk-threaded wall coverings and gold trimmings on the ceiling. intercontinental.com   Carlton Hotel Singapore All rooms in both the Main Tower and Executive Wing have been renovated with classic, neutral tones and contemporary décor such as Herman Miller chairs and brand-new Sealy Posturepedic beds. Technological improvements include the introduction of Internet Protocol Televisions (IPTV) and IP phones in all rooms. The Studio Room has been added as a new category, with expansive windows offering panoramic views of the city skyline. A second Club Lounge has also been added to Level 4 of the Executive Wing. carltonhotel.sg   White Swan Hotel, Guangzhou, China This famous hotel on the Pearl River island of Shamian reopened in July last year after three years of renovation. The total number of rooms has been drastically reduced from 843 to 520, resulting in more spacious offerings. The new high-tech rooms come with an iPad mini to control functions such as lighting and air conditioning. Facilities including the event spaces, fitness centre, entertainment areas and executive lounge have also been enlarged. A highlight is the newly built 1983 secret wine cellar, hidden under the hotel’s indoor waterfall – an ideal place for guests to enjoy a glass of wine in private. whiteswanhotel.com   Grand Hyatt Singapore Meetings and functions have been given a new lease of life at the Lion City’s Grand Hyatt thanks to a total renovation of all three floors of event spaces. The largest area, Level 3, offers a bright, airy space capable of hosting up to 2,200 guests. The grand ballroom now has extended digital canvases with dynamic video mapping capabilities, plus convenient public road access for vehicles. On Level 2, an innovative show kitchen and loft kitchen creates a residential feel – this will provide organisers with creative options to enhance events. Level 1 has been modelled after a contemporary art gallery, with creative studios and another loft kitchen. hyatt.com   Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore The Premier and Swiss Select rooms have been overhauled, with bold, modern floral motifs. The Premier Rooms offer a calming environment and contemporary functionality, while the Swiss Select series have a more stimulating colour scheme of daring yellow and muted grey. Business facilities have been extended to include high-speed internet access, voicemail, two separate IDD phones, fax and data ports. Further renovations will see the lobby and Swiss Executive Club Lounge completed in March and May respectively. swissotel.com   Parkroyal on Beach Road, Singapore All 130 Premier rooms have been updated with sleek, nature-inspired designs. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and a raised three-metre roof create a heightened sense of space. All rooms are equipped with high-speed wifi and 40-inch LED TVs, while power points have been installed near the bed stands for easy access and charging. The Orchid Club Lounge has also been expanded to accommodate a dedicated food and beverage area with an open kitchen that serves a daily speciality dish. parkroyalhotels.com   Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan An 18-month refurbishment encompassed all 420 rooms and suites, the Horizon Club Lounge, lobby, driveway, Lobby Court and Cake Room. The stunning ten-metre-high lobby has been adorned with modern copper chandeliers and natural tones, while the guestrooms have been sensitively updated to harmonise traditional features such as Chinese-inspired window frames with modern furnishings. The Horizon Club Lounge on the 36th floor has also been given a makeover, in tones of shimmering grey, with a central bar for guests to enjoy daily breakfast, refreshments and cocktails. shangri-la.com   Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka The North Wing of this historic colonial hotel has now completed a mammoth 30-month renovation of all 72 rooms and suites, restaurants, bars, lobby, ballroom and executive lounge. The refurbishment involved stripping every room to the bone and reviving the interiors with contemporary mahogany furnishings. Grey marble encases the bathroom, while private balconies with sea views now jut out from 21 of the rooms. The Americano Bar has been replaced with the Traveller’s Bar, featuring a hand-carved mahogany bar and a photo gallery of distinguished guests on the walls. The poolside bar and terrace has also extended its open-air perch along the waterfront. gallefacehotel.com   The Landmark, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Award-winning Hong Kong designer Joyce Wang was drafted in to oversee a refresh of all guestrooms and suites, which now feature a soothing colour palette and luxurious fabrics, while bathrooms have been revamped with deep-soaking tubs and power showers. Guests can also look forward to a daily selection of culinary treats prepared by the Michelin-starred Amber restaurant and stored in crystal vitrine coolers. Large TVs in each room are now equipped with top-notch BOSE speakers. mandarinoriental.com   Grand Hyatt Taipei, Taiwan After a top-to-toe renovation, all 853 rooms and suites have been redesigned with muted tones and textured walls. Luxury additions include the deep-soaking tubs in the bathrooms and goose-down duvets on the beds. A new presidential suite provides views of the iconic Taipei 101 Tower, while the Chinese restaurant Yun Jin now serves delicacies from Sichuan, Beijing, Zhejiang and Taiwan. New high counters cultivate opportunities for convivial breakfasts with fellow travellers in the Club Lounge, while window alcoves offer a measure of privacy. hyatt.com   Millennium Seoul Hilton, South Korea This renovation has seen the hotel suites upgraded with more luxurious and contemporary furnishings, while the guestrooms have been updated and rebranded into deluxe and executive room categories. A new mid-sized event space, the Atrium, has been created on the third floor. The venue benefits from large windows that allow lots of natural light into the room, and is also connected to an outdoor patio, making it a good option for receptions and parties. An art deco design has transformed the hotel lobby and the Cilantro Deli has been relocated to the entrance of the hotel, while a new open-kitchen concept, Café 395, now serves an international buffet. hilton.com   Grand Hyatt Hong Kong This hotel is undergoing a renovation of its rooms, suites and dining outlets, plus a total transformation of the Grand Club Lounge. Occupying two floors, the new lounge interior comprises warm and luxurious décor with contemporary aesthetics. The 30th floor offers a reception, living room, boardrooms and a private screening room, while the upper 31st floor has a multipurpose layout featuring a lounge, library and a kitchen where guests can socialise. The interior styling is a blend of classical and modern furniture, using dark wood and burnished gold finishes. hyatt.com   The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Rooms and suites have been given a modern makeover, with sleek shades of grey, silver and beige. Italian marble-tiled bathrooms have been redesigned and now include a separate shower stall and a large bathtub for added convenience, with luxurious amenities such as Asprey European bathroom toiletries and plush bathrobes. New in-room technology includes a huge 60-inch HD plasma TV and complimentary high-speed internet. ritzcarlton.com   The Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel Rebranded as a Pullman property, this iconic Causeway Bay hotel is in the middle of a major renovation (see Tried & Tested p21). So far over 220 rooms have been completed, along with the rooftop garden and a new Ebb & Flow lobby lounge. Designed by local architect William Lim of CL3 Architects, this funky space boasts plush furnishings and a contrast of textures such as stone, marble, copper and timber, creating a luxurious yet casual effect. Still to come is a revamp of the F&B and events spaces. pullmanhotels.com   The Langham, Hong Kong The property has recently completed a US$30 million facelift, adding 230 rooms and suites. The signature Penthouse and Director suites both feature distinctive living spaces with elegant bespoke furniture pieces and lofty views of Canton Road, as well as full trays of assorted spirits, iHome docking stations, Wedgwood chinaware and crystal glassware. The new Langham Club room sports a palette of soft greys, golds and beige that blend subtle references to 1920s glamour, while chic white marble bathrooms, a crafted work desk and minibar cabinet, plus a chaise longue by the window all add to the stylish mix. langhamhotels.com   Anantara Siam Bangkok HOTEL, Thailand This historic property was rebranded in March 2015. Destined to be the flagship Thai property for the Anantara brand, a total renovation is part of that vision. A third of the rooms have undergone a refit – out has gone the old, traditionally dark décor to be replaced by lighter tones of either silver-grey or gold, with brightened-up bathrooms also adding to the contemporary feel. Large lamps, richly coloured sofas and teakwood desks (retained from the old hotel) maintain the Anantara style, but this is a distinctly modern take on the brand. The rest of the rooms will be renovated before the meeting space, spa, F&B and lobby work begins. siam-bangkok.anantara.com   China World Hotel, Beijing This well-known property has renovated its Horizon Lounge to feel like a contemporary royal library. A sense of scholarly serenity has been created through architectural details such as modern Chinese lattice screens and decorative bookshelves showcasing contemporary Chinese art and esteemed publications. shangri-la.com   Swissotel Sydney, Australia A multimillion-dollar project has seen all 355 rooms refurbished with opulent wallpaper, textiles and contemporary furniture, plus the addition of 14 sophisticated new Signature rooms and suites. The lobby has also been given an artistic lift with the installation of a striking natural stone panel behind the reception area. swissotel.com   Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa This property on Singapore’s leisure island reopened as a Sofitel last November with refurbished rooms and two floors of MICE facilities – including two ballrooms, 15 meeting rooms, the outdoor verandah and bridal suite – that have been freshened up and given a new lease of life. sofitel.com   Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, Sydney The 90 rooms and suites have been given a vibrant overhaul, with bold, multicoloured murals and other splashes of colour in the furniture. Meanwhile, the hotel’s ground floor has been turned into the “Lo Lounge” – a sleek, multipurpose social area that features in all Ovolo hotels. ovolohotels.com   Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok Following an extensive renovation of the historic 140-year-old Authors’ Wing, the hotel has unveiled the lavish Royal Suite, encompassing the entire first floor of the wing. Six bedrooms consist of a master suite, two-bedroom Ambassador Suite, and three separate guestrooms. mandarinoriental.com   Cordis, Hong Kong To mark its rebrand from Langham Place to Cordis, the hotel has enjoyed some modernising touches as well as introducing a new “holistic concept” dedicated to guests’ needs and wellbeing. All-day dining restaurant The Place has reopened with a fresh new look featuring light oak, herringbone patterns and hints of lime and white that highlight the seafood bar. cordishotels.com   Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang, Malaysia Renovations at this hotel have centred on the 189 Garden Wing rooms. All of the old carpets have been ripped out and replaced with chic floor tiles. The elegant neutral colour scheme has been injected with splashes of colour and texture to highlight and complement the surroundings. Environmental considerations have also been given prominence, with LED lights, energy-saving key cards and air conditioning that automatically turns off if the balcony doors are open. shangri-la.com   Park Hyatt Saigon, Vietnam While maintaining the hotel’s signature French colonial feel, a palette of white and ivory has brightened the public areas and the Park Lounge, emphasising the feeling of a sophisticated sanctuary. Numerous crystal chandeliers have been added, which reflect the sunlight that streams in through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel’s 245 rooms and suites have been completely renovated, refreshed with lighter tones, handcrafted furniture, Vietnamese textiles and local artwork. Technological upgrades include in-room iPads, Nespresso machines and a sensor lighting system. hyatt.com   New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel Following the refurbishment of 88 rooms last year, a further 88 rooms on the Deluxe floor will be renovated this month with contemporary décor, clean lines and earthy tones. The refreshed lobby also features hexagonal walnut timber “Alexander” tiles from London-based Giles Miller Studio. newworldmillenniumhotel.com   The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, Japan The hotel has completed a multi-phase transformation. Guestrooms, including 36 suites, have been contemporised with dark shades of grey, purple and red, while the furnishings pay homage to Japanese aesthetics. The Club Lounge has also been revamped with details such as a new carpet inspired by Japanese stone pavement. ritzcarlton.com   Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 Refreshed F&B facilities include Le Chinois Cantonese restaurant, updated with peacock feather chairs and a dim sum station. Mistral, their international cuisine restaurant, has also been given a lift with new artworks focusing on Macau’s heritage. sofitel.com