The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Group, a subsidiary of City Developments, will launch its first five-star Millenium hotel in Malaysia next month.
It is reburbishing the Regent Kuala Lumpur, which will officially become the Millenium Kuala Lumpur on June 1.
The hotel, strategically located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, the capital city's prestigious shopping and entertainment districts, is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar makeover to reflect the new brand's style. When completed, it will feature 468 elegantly transformed guestrooms and suites, grand lobby and reception areas, and exciting dining and entertainment outlets poised to set new trends in Kuala Lumpur's hospitality scene.
Said Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of London-listed Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc: "The Millennium Kuala Lumpur is a truly valuable addition to the Millennium & Copthorne Group as this confirms our commitment to bring the highest levels of hospitality standards and quality renowned by the Millennium brand in the Asia-Pacific region. The hotel's longstanding reputation as one of Malaysia's premier hotels also brings further recognition to the brand in the global market."
Millennium is also expanding its five-star hotel portfolio in the Middle East, with the addition of its "five-star jewel" - the Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai.
Located next to the Mall of Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road, The Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai will be unveiled in summer 2007.
It will offer 149 furnished suites and 203 rooms along with specially handpicked selection of restaurants and meeting facilities to cater to business and leisure travellers.
Describing it as "a great opportunity for Millennium to add this five-star hotel in Dubai's expanding portfolio," Mr Kwek said that "with international brand names expanding their presence in the Middle East region, the Millennium Towers Hotel Dubai is coming at a time that will ideally position it for continuous long-term development, strong operating performance and sustainable growth well into the future."
Mr Ali Hamad Lakhraim, President of Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East and North Africa, said: "Our growth plans in the Middle East and North Africa region are consistent with the remarkable growth and demand for high-end hotels properties in this region.
"As a leading and dynamic hotel chain, our intention is to efficiently manage the various properties under the brand. We are following a definite expansion trend and aim to have 35 Millennium hotels and resorts in the region by 2011."
The Millennium also operates a range of five-star properties and resorts in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Doha and Marsa Aalam in Egypt.
In New Zealand, the Millennium Hotel Christchurch has been accorded a five-star rating from Qualmark - New Zealand tourism's official quality mark. It is the largest hotel in the South Island, and is one of only three five-star rated hotels in Christchurch.
"This rating is affirmation of world-class hospitality excellence provided by the Millennium Hotel Christchurch that has become intrinsic to the Millennium brand, said the hotel group.
Refurbished in 2006, the Millennium Hotel Christchurch has also been voted one of New Zealand's top three in Conde Nast Traveler magazine's Gold List 2007 for excellent service, superb location, and the ambiance of the Millennium Lounge with its live jazz performance.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, a global hotel company, has over 114 hotels in 18 countries around the world. The group owns some of the most coveted addresses across the world including the Mayfair in London and the Millennium Broadway in New York. It also has properties in the US, Europe, Asia and New Zealand, besides significant presence in the Middle East and North Africa.
