By V. Sivaji
With news of the former Syuen Hotel in the heart of Ipoh city being bought over by YTL Real Estate Investment Trust (REID), it marks the first entry of an international chain hotel to Ipoh.
As reported, the Syuen was bought over at RM55 million and is expected to be operated under the AC Hotels by Marriott brand.
The former Syuen once boasted the largest pillarless ballroom in Ipoh with a capacity of accommodating 1,000 guests.
The ballroom was boisterous with authentic Chinese dinner spread flowing almost nightly.
Among the popular dinner gatherings were by the Perak Turf Club, financial organisations, semiconductor operators like Carsem and Unisem, Perak Bar annual dinners, Rotary Club gatherings, private dinners, birthdays, weddings and many other joyous occasions.
They also offered decent rooms along with a swimming pool, gym and their coffeehouse on the ground floor. Not forgetting their popular lobby lounge offering Filipino bands.
For partygoers, they also offered their basement “Car Disco” which was a popular haunt for locals as well as visiting guests.
Then there was the popular “Sports Bistro” located along the driveway to the hotel. In their heyday, they offered retro music and live telecast of Premier league matches for fans to gather on weekends.
Their ideal location near the Ipoh Parade (Parkson Mall), Ipoh City Council, banks, food courts, Greentown Business Centre and other facilities, make it a a popular stopover destination.
Moving forward, the Marriott International chain has 31 brands under their portfolio and 8,700 hotels and resorts across 139 countries
They also offer their Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme which has 180 million members all over the world.
Hopefully, the foray of the first Marriott International brand to Ipoh will attract more international chain hotels to the “City That Tin Built”.
Ipoh City Council