Opened
in December 1973, Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur is celebrating its 50th
Anniversary this year.
Equatorial
Group CEO Donald Lim (pix above) said: “Over the past five decades, the Equatorial brand
has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and excellent
hospitality; its restaurants: the Kampachi, Chalet, Nipah Coffeeshop, Golden
Phoenix, Étoile Bistro and Blue Moon lounge were household names.
“We’ll
be celebrating our golden anniversary with our loyal customers, partners, and
employees who have supported us throughout the years. Starting
5 July 2023, we will have a series of 50
commemorative events spanning a whole year, each offering a distinctive take
against the historical backdrop or with an eye toward the future.”
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| The old Chalet restaurant remains fondly remembered by loyal guests |
Highlights
will include pop-ups of the famed Chalet and Golden
Phoenix restaurants in August 2023 and January 2024 respectively, and a Blue
Moon Night on 31 August 2023, evoking a playlist of the era. Also, in the
pipeline are visiting guest chefs, winemakers, sake masters and even specially
commissioned products — stay tuned for updates at
www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50
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| Boxing great Joe Bugner was a guest of Hotel Equatorial KL for his fight with the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1975 |
A memory wall will be created in the lobby of EQ where guests can view photos of memorable events involving Equatorial since 1973. Guests can share their own memories on Facebook and Instagram as well.
According to Lim, Equatorial has redefined the hospitality landscape; its well-regarded restaurants has successfully gain mindshare and familiarity with the many birthdays and weddings held at the Hotel.
He
also cited some of the groundbreaking trends set by Hotel Equatorial Kuala
Lumpur: it’s the first hotel to have electronic key cards and fire sprinklers,
and WiFi connectivity — things people take for granted now.
Kampachi,
the oldest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia, remains famed for its Sunday buffet.
During its heydays, reservations has to be made months in advance. The brand’s
endurance is unmatched and remains one of the best Japanese restaurants today.
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| Equatorial Group's Chief Commercial Officer Charles Lim (left), CEO Donald Lim (centre) and EQKL GM, Gerard Walker (right) |
In
the four years since opening in 2019, EQ has become the standard bearer among hotels
in the city, having won a slew of local and international accolades, including
being ranked #1 hotel in the city by Tripadvisor since August 2019. Just last
month, EQ was named Hotel of the Year Asia Pacific by Preferred Hotels group,
the first time any hotel from Malaysia has won the title.
The
new 440-room property is the first and only 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a
Green Building Index Gold certification. Lim explained EQ’s sustainability
measures in place means a night’s stay at EQ uses far fewer resources and has less
environmental impact compared to other hotel rooms. For example, the carbon
output which is equivalent to a return drive from KL to Ipoh can save up to
1500 trees.
 |
| Hotel Equatorial Penang will reopen in 2 years' time |
Lim said the newer EQ brand is more stylish and innovative; its premium positioning aimed at attracting today’s younger clientele whilst the Equatorial Hotel
brand - recognisable among the older generation - will retain its ‘business class’ offerings.
The Equatorial Penang is
currently under renovation and is anticipated to open in 2 years’ time. He
affirms should the opportunity arises, the group will consider expanding EQ and
Equatorial branded properties in Malaysia or even overseas.
For more information on EQ 50th
Anniversary, visit www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50
