The launch of two properties in Malaysia marks UK-based Thistle Hotels’ entry into Asia.
Thistle Port Dickson Resort and Thistle Johor Bahru, both owned by Hong Leong Group Malaysia, will open in June and July respectively.
Targeting leisure, meetings and incentives travellers, Thistle Port Dickson (rebranded from Guoman Port Dickson) features 251 guestrooms, a nine-hole golf course, two tennis courts, three restaurants, two bars and three outdoor swimming pools, as well as beach and sea views.
Thistle Johor Bahru (rebranded from Hyatt Regency Johor Bahru) is strategically located across the border from Singapore. “Approximately 60 percent of travellers come in to Malaysia via Singapore and a significant percentage of these are business travellers. Located in a strategic venue, close to business support areas such as banks, ports and the Iskandar Development Region and Nusajaya, makes Thistle Johor Bahru an ideal venue for any business needs,” said Hasnina Hafiz, area director of marketing communications, Guoman Hotels Malaysia of Hong Leong Group.
Offering 381 rooms, it will also have two restaurants, two bars, event space with a capacity for 650, an outdoor “resort-style” swimming pool and a ladies-only floor with controlled security access, as well as 19 apartments for extended-stay guests. Other perks include round-the-clock guest service called “Knock! Knock” via a one-touch telephone button.
Regional expansion plans for Thistle are under way.
Hafiz said: “We have plans to open a third hotel in the Damansara area of Kuala Lumpur in 2011, but the exact details for this have not yet been finalised. We are (also) looking at other locations across Asia to open future hotels, with a particular focus on China.” They include properties in Beijing and Shanghai slated for opening early next year.
For more information, visit www.thistle.com
Sandy Goh
