Accor takes over Hotel Nikko Jakarta

ACCOR has taken over the management of Hotel Nikko Jakarta, which had been run by Nikko Hotels International for the past 39 years, and rebranded it as Pullman Jakarta Indonesia.

The property becomes the third Pullman hotel in Indonesia, joining the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana and Pullman Jakarta Central Park, which opened last February and November respectively.

Accor vice president Indonesia, Singapore & Malaysia, Gerard Guillouet, said: "We are very excited with Pullman Jakarta Indonesia, as it offers not only a wider choice for Accor guests, but also strengthens our presence in the upscale market (in Indonesia).”

The hotel will receive a major upgrading of its recreation and meetings facilities, as well as its executive rooms, to enable it to target upscale and MICE travellers.

According to Franky Montung Setjoadinata, president director of the property owner, Wisma Nusantara International, renovations are estimated to cost in the range of US$5 million-US$10 million, and are scheduled to finish by mid-2013.

"We finished renovating 317 out of 427 rooms last year. What are left are the executive tower rooms, and the public and meeting facilities,” he said, adding that the average room rate was expected to increase by 30-40 per cent.

Setjoadinata attributed the management switch to “(identifying) a growing business opportunity in the MICE segment in Jakarta, and we felt that Pullman would be able to leverage in this area”.

He added: "Accor has managed our Novotel Bali Tanjung Benoa for many years, so we are familiar with the network, with the management team, locally and regionally. That was a major factor in us choosing Accor."

Asked if the hotel would continue targeting the Japanese market, which makes up 50 per cent of its clientele, Guillouet said: "The Japanese will continue to be important for the hotel, but we need to create a balanced mix with other (domestic and overseas) markets."

Central Java to get inaugural Central Plaza

INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels Group (IHG) will launch the first-ever Crowne Plaza hotel in Central Java on January 22.

Owned by the Golden Flower Group and managed by IHG, the Crowne Plaza Semarang, located within the city’s central business district, will offer 270 keys – including one presidential, four junior and 20 executive suites.

Ian Reid, general manager, Crowne Plaza Semarang, said: “Being the first Crowne Plaza-branded hotel in Central Java – and the second in Indonesia following Jakarta – Crowne Plaza Semarang will add to the thriving tourism and economic activities in this part of the region.”

Facilities will include restaurants offering local and international cuisine, a business centre, a health club, an outdoor pool, and a sauna. The hotel will also feature the largest pillar-less hotel ballroom in Central Java, complete with a wedding chapel and gallery, and able to accommodate more than 2,000 pax.

“The opening of Crowne Plaza Semarang underscores IHG’s strong expansion in South-east Asia,” said Alan Watts, vice president of operations, South-east Asia at IHG.

Crowne Plaza Semarang will be IHG’s seventh property in Indonesia; two of which are under the Crowne Plaza brand. The group currently has a pipeline of 32 hotels and resorts under various brands across the region.

The first quarter of the year will see four other openings in South-east Asia – Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, InterContinental Danang Resort, and Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22.

Ascott to expand in Indonesia

The Ascott Limited, a subsidiary of CapitaLand, has secured a new management contract for its first Citadines property in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The 288-units Citadines Marvell Surabaya, is scheduled to open in 2014 and will form part of an integrated development named Marvell City. Marvel City will include several restaurants and bars, a supermarket, cinema and various retail outlets. The developments will also house commercial towers, educational institutions and MICE facilities.

Citadines Marvell Surabaya will offer a range of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with a kitchen, en-suite bathroom, separate work and sleeping areas and other amenities. Facilities in the 12-storey serviced residence will include a swimming pool and residents’ lounge.

Ascott will also open Citadines Kuta Bali and Citadines Rasuna Jakarta in 2012, Ascott Kuningan Jakarta in 2013 and Somerset Kencana Jakarta in 2014.

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa, Bali certified by Green Globe

The Maya Ubud Resort and Spa in Bali has been certified by Green Globe for conducting sustainable management in its operations. Not only did the resort has passed the audit in 4 key areas including Sustainable Management, Socio/Economic, Cultural Heritage and Environmental, but also did well in the ultra-competitive hospitality industry working with the local community.

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali announces renovation

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali announces the renovation of 87 rooms from Resort View, Jimbaran Bay View and Deluxe Ocean View categories, to enhance the comfort and overall experience for its guests. The renovations are scheduled to begin on 1 February 2012 and to be completed by 10 April 2012.

To minimize potential impact on guests, they have made a progressive schedule for this project to upgrade a few rooms at a time, and scheduled to fall outside of peak travel periods. In the first stage beginning 1 February, 54 rooms will be renovated and are scheduled for completion by the second week of March. The second stage beginning 9 March will upgrade the remaining 33 rooms with completion scheduled for mid-April. The rooms being upgraded are located in isolated areas of the hotel building, which will also ensure minimal disruption to guests staying with the hotel at this time. 

The upgrade will include: 

• sound-proof ceilings to insulate against noise 
• new bathrooms with rain showers, new mirrors, elevated bathtubs and adjustable mirror lighting
• new décor including bedding, indoor and outdoor furniture, fixtures and amenities
•  master light switches to set lighting to individual preference.

This project follows the completion of 144 renovated rooms, suites and villas in late 2011. 

Intercontinental Bali Resort Tsunami ready

A private consulting company specializing in the implementation of international tsunami safety standards has recently certified the Intercontinental Bali Resort as "tsunami ready". The certification was issued following a series of intensive simulation exercises and evacuation drills. Tsunami Ready is actively supported by the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) and cooperates with the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Swiss-Belhotel International signs new hotel in Jakarta

The Swiss-Belhotel Cengkareng is the latest addition to the portfolio of Swiss-Belhotel International. This new hotel is currently under construction and is located ten minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International airport. The Swiss-Belhotel Cengkareng will feature 147 guest rooms, guest facilities will include a Bar, Restaurant, & Lounge, 6 meeting Rooms and a function hall.

Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa - Bonus Nights

We are delighted to inform you about the stay pay promotion of the Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa for the stay period of January 5th until March 31, 2012.

Stay 4 pay 3 (based on Anantara Ocean Suite)

• valid for European Markets (exclude German and Russian market) and Asia (exclude Japan)
• valid for new bookings only