By V. Sivaji
The first Citadines Connect opened its doors recently in the very heart of Georgetown, Penang.
The new hotel is brought by CapitaLand Investment Limited’s (CLI) owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott).
In line with Ascott’s expansion plan in Malaysia, within the next two years, it is expected to launch a few more properties across the cities of Malaysia.
Among them are the Citadines Tanjung Tokong Penang and Harris Sunshine Penang in Penang.
Other properties in the pipeline are lyf Raja Chulan Kuala Lumpur, Domitys Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, Somerset KL Metropolis Kuala Lumpur and Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu.
Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang marks the third operational property within Penang for Ascott Malaysia.
Present at the launching ceremony was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin along with Mondi Mecja, Ascott’s Country General Manager for Malaysia.
Also present was Ascott group CEO, David Ng and CFO, David Yip along with Penang MAH chairman Tony Goh, PCEB CEO Ashwin Gunasekeran and PGT CEO Ooi Chok Yan,
Launched to be an extraordinary urban oasis, the well-preserved pre-war building has 143 chic and modern rooms, suites, and apartments with all the comforts and amenities one can ask for.
It is surrounded by famous eateries from hawker food, Penang traditional food outlets to high end restaurants, iconic heritage buildings and there is even a walking path nearby the property making one walk down memory lane, learning the history of Penang.
Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang assures its guest’s plenty to see and explore during their stay. A perfect haven for shopaholics and food hunters, flagship stores of world-famous brands, are all reachable within walking distance.
“Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang seeks to further extend the operational excellence of the brand across Penang. There’s RE-SPACE, a shared space that allows guests to catch a breather, connect and recharge before check-in and after check-out while CONNECT is a flexible breakaway spaces for guests who are seeking some extra privacy to catch up on work or small group discussions and thrive through GRAB and GO concept as guests can recharge at any time of day with on-the-go lite bites, available via the 24-hour self-service at our Grab & Go station in the lobby. As a globally leading lodging owner-operator, Ascott brand has been recognized, awarded the ‘Malaysia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’ at the recent World Travel Awards. The testament brings much honor and recognition to our world-renowned hospitality, especially in support of Ascott’s strong potential for future growth. Bringing forward a robust experience of world-class services in the hospitality industry.” said Mecja.
The event also saw a fashion show by local models and a fine array of food and drinks.
