PENANG Marriott Hotel is going online after its soft launch this Feb 7.
Being part of Marriott’s second ‘three-in-one’ complex in the world, and the first in Asia Pacific, it is a big plus for Penang. The other Marriott’s ‘three-in-one’ complex is in the United States.
The 55-storey ‘three-in-one’ complex in Gurney Drive includes the Penang Marriott Hotel, the Marriott Executive Apartments Penang, and the Marriott Residences Penang – making it the second tallest building in Penang.
The complex general manager Subash Basrur said there are 223 hotel rooms, 90 executive apartments, and 302 residence units.
“We have already received many of enquiries from foreign guests especially those coming for conferences.
“The Marriott brand presence is very strong, and it is good for Penang as we bring in foreign visitors to the state,” he said during a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at his office in Komtar today.
To date, Marriott International controls over 7,000 properties worldwide.
Marriott Residences Penang representative Mark Saw said the keys were handed over to the owners of the Marriott Residences Penang on Dec 1 last year.
“The Penang Marriott Hotel is going online after the soft launch on Feb 7, and the final component, which is the Marriott Executive Apartments Penang, is scheduled to be opened on June 1.
“The entire journey from start to construction, to the delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, until now, took eight years,” Saw said, anticipating exciting times ahead.
He also spoke highly about the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme which has registered over 250 million members worldwide.
“About 75-80% of the bookings were made through the Marriott Bonvoy,” Saw said.
Chow thanked Subash, Saw and their team for the meeting.
“I recalled that the Courtyard by Marriott Penang (another Marriott brand hotel) in Macalister Road, was opened during a challenging time when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
“It is now very vibrant compared to when it first started,” he said.
Among the topics discussed during the meeting was the highly anticipated opening of Gurney Bay in Gurney Drive.
Also present were Penang Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Penang director of sales Michelle Koay; and the Penang Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Penang marketing communications manager Ketty Ooi.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar