Feb 15, 2008

Majestic Hotel reopens (Malacca)

Majestic Hotel reopens
By Steven Daniel
Friday February 15, 2008


MALACCA: The Majestic Hotel has regained its colonial grandeur and sophistication that made it one of the prestigious hotels around in its heyday after a RM30mil restoration and expansion project.

Reopened recently by Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Khalil Yaakob, the Majestic Hotel is now part of the YTL stable of high-end, world-class luxury five-star hotels and resorts.

Constructed in 1929 as a private mansion for a prominent businessman, it was sold and converted to a hotel in 1953.

Fit for a king: The Majestic Hotel recently underwent a RM30mil renovation project.

Fit for a king: The Majestic Hotel recently underwent a RM30mil renovation project.



It was closed down in 2000 and restoration works on the hotel commenced in October 2006.

In its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, the Majestic Hotel was one of the most prestigious hotels in the state with a wide ranging guest list comprising Cabinet members, local and foreign dignitaries, as well as artistes and movie stars.

The hotel draws influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, British and Peranakan cultures, with an architectural style that mirrors the state’s multi-faceted colonial past.

During restoration works, the original floor tiles, stain glass windows, roof tiles, reception table and many more items were left untouched so as to preserve the hotel’s mixed colonial past.

In the rooms, four-poster beds are draped in a mixture of rich silks and cool cottons and bathtubs for two provide the comfort and romance required by the discerning modern traveller.

“Like its sister properties, Tanjong Jara Resort, Cameron Highlands Resort and Pangkor Laut Resort, this 54-room hotel on the banks of the Sungai Melaka is set to be placed among the world’s best, providing the quality, service, luxury and the absolute authenticity of every YTL hotel and resort,” said YTL Hotels executive director Datuk Mark Yeoh.

Adhering to the brand’s philosophy of honouring the healing traditions of the local region, the Spa Village is the only spa in the world to base its therapies on the healing heritage of the Baba-Nyonya culture.

Colourful ceremony: Mohd Khalil (centre) cutting the ribbon to signal the reopening of the hotel. Looking on are Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (second from right) and Datuk Mark Yeoh.
Colourful ceremony: Mohd Khalil (centre) cutting the ribbon to signal the reopening of the hotel. Looking on are Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam (second from right) and Datuk Mark Yeoh.



Malacca’s newly invigorated landmark is expected to provide a unique and memorable experience to visitors who walk through its doors to be transported back to the hotel’s glorious past. -- The Star Metro

0 comments: