The Star - Towering Landmark in George Town
A new business cum leisure destination has opened its doors to customers in Macalister Road, Penang.
Courtyard by Marriott at Tropicana 218 Macalister in Macalister Road, Penang, is the first in Malaysia and Marriott International's 17th brand in the country.
This latest project is a partnership with property developer Tropicana Corporation Bhd.
The hotel is sited at Tropicana 218 Macalister, which is a high-rise residential project on 0.94ha or prime freehold land in George Town's bustling business district with a total gross development value of RM334.7mil. It consists of 199 smart and spacious rooms and suites that boast unobstructed views of George Town and the Straits of Malacca.
The hotel's all-day dining restaurant is called Penang Kitchen and Gin Library is the state's first and only distillery-themed bar.
Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Penang Hill and dynamic public spaces created to help guests transition seamlessly from work to restful moments. The facility also comes with a pillarless ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests, eight state-of-the-art meeting rooms and one VIP room, each fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the hotel's opening ceremony, said the event marked the welcome return of a favourite international hotel group to the city and in Penang.
'The Penang government is certainly committed to re-energise our tourism industry as we are the first state to initiate the Penang Accreditation System for tourism operators.
'This is for them to successfully comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"With the tourism industry as a fundamental pillar of the current and future socio-economic progress of Penang, we are convinced that the opening of the Courtyard by Marriott is in line with such a vision.
"We want to transform Penang into an international and intelligent state that is a location of choice for investors, a destination of choice for tourists and a habitat of choice for those who desire stylish living." Tropicana group managing director Dion Tan said the introduction of Courtyard by Marriott at Tropicana 218 Macalister marked the launch of its second hotel from the Marriott Group.
"This is in line with our strategy to strengthen our investment portfolio and increase our recurring income stream although this is a challenging time for hotel operators.
"With the support and swift action from both state and federal governments in controlling and combatting Covid-19, we are optimistic that the local tourism scene is slowly but steadily recovering even as our international borders remain closed." General manager Subash Basrur said Penang being the Pearl of the Orient presents its own unique combination of modern and old charm that continues to attract not only international travellers, but also domestic tourists who are never tired of the sights and sounds of the island.
"Cognisant of the current pandemic, we are committed to deliver a safe yet welcoming experience that inspires and re-energises guests and we are committed to Marriott's Commitment to Clean programme, which deploys a multi-pronged approach to elevate cleanliness standards."
Present were Tropicana Corporation Berhad group executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Tan Chee Sing and his wife Puan Sri Ivy Tan.
Chow (fourth from right) joining Chee Sing (on Chow's right) and Ivy (third from left) in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott Penang in George Town. With them (from left) are Subash, Tropicana group chief executive officer Alex Yeow, Chee Sing's mother Low Siew Beng, Dion, Marriott International marketing (SEA) area director Cindy Yoong and Tropicana executive director Din Tan.
