Emphasis shifts from business to pleasure

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur have traditionally targeted meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) organisers and business travellers, but a move is afoot to broaden their base by attracting more leisure travellers. Their efforts are supported by Tourism Malaysia, which is focusing increasingly on the leisure travel segment by promoting festivals and other tourist-friendly events and activities.

The number of hotel rooms in Kuala Lumpur increased by an average of 3.6 per cent between 2007 and 2013, when there were 34,700 rooms spread across 226 properties. Between 2011 and 2014, occupancy averaged just over 70 per cent, with the average daily room rate fluctuating between US$160 and US$175.

With 300 rooms, the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is the grande dame of the Malaysian capital's hospitality sector. Opening in 1932, the original hotel was the largest and most luxurious property in town. By the 1970s, however, it had lost its former lustre, overshadowed by newer, more luxurious properties. It closed in 1983, then served as an art gallery for several years.

After the gallery moved out, permission was given to YTL Hotels to restore the hotel to its former glory, and it reopened in 2013. Set amid landscaped grounds, it has six food and beverage outlets, a spa, fitness centre, and niche facilities including a cigar room, card room, a bespoke tailor, and a private cinema that shows black and white movies. Meanwhile, existing hotels are upgrading their facilities to stay competitive. The Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, which opened in 1998, just completed renovations of its meeting facilities and its spa, fitness and wellness centre.

"This is important to keep us as the leading hotel in the city, as the market is very competitive," says Rachel Wong, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. "During the low season, such as Ramadan, we often have tactical offers and promotions to our various key markets such as Asia, Britain, Europe and Australia."

Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, which opened in 2006, underwent a full rejuvenation of its 571 rooms between 2012 and 2013.

"The iconic SkyBar had a facelift and was renovated in 2012 after seven years in operation," says Christian Nannucci, general manager of the hotel. "The hotel has also created a series of food and beverage promotions to further enhance our present offerings. The hotel is constantly creating fresh and exciting food and beverage experiences to cater to the ever-demanding public and is actively utilising its social media platform to reach out to the masses."