By V. Sivaji
One of Ipoh’s oldest hotels which is still going strong is the Excelsior Hotel located in the heart of the city.
This hotel has weathered the test of time and marks its 40 years of providing service and hospitality to guests.
Guests from local and foreign destinations patronise the hotel.
The hotel was officiated in 1984 by the late Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah on 19th August 1984.
The hotel offers 197 rooms in the categories of deluxe, superior and executive suites.
Among the longest serving employees at the hotel is R. Kachiravan who is now the security head at the hotel. He joined in the Year 2007 and started off his career as a security personnel.
Kachiravan
He remembers among the former general managers of the hotel was Lyndon Ng who served at the hotel for a long time.
At that time, the hotel’s Dulang Coffeehouse was a popular destination for diners and entertainment as they featured Filipino bands.
It was also a hive of activity during Xmas eve and New Year Eve dinner gatherings.
Then, there was the Excelsior disco which was one of the hottest nightlife spots in the city. They featured deejays and regular fashion shows and beauty pageants.
Then, the Sonata Lounge (still operating) on the mezzanine floor, the ballroom which hosted corporate and private functions.
Rajah
Presently, the operations manager at the hotel is T. Rajah who is also the MAH Perak deputy chairman.
“We are popular with travel agents, government events, corporate and church events too.
“The hotel had undergone necessary renovations and upgrades to suit current times and client expectations,” he said.
He also added that they are popular for Chinese weddings too.
Heading the Food and Beverage department is Victorious Kong while the head of finance department is Carmen Liew, who worked for previous owners.
Seong
Another employee is Seong Khong Foo, 56 years-old who is the Chinese Chef and specialises on the menu for weddings and private dinners.
The Excelsior hotel also offers gym facilities and ample car park for guests. For safety reasons lift access is only to their floors where their rooms are located.
Check out the hotel the next time you are in the Town That Tin Built.