EQUATORIAL KUALA LUMPUR CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Opened in December 1973, Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur is celebrating its 50^th 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.”

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

 

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.

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 50^th Anniversary, visit www.equatorial.com/equatorial-50

SERENE STAYCATION AT AMARI SPICE PENANG

Connected to SPICE Arena (Penang's newly renovated indoor sports arena and preferred MICE venue), the Amari SPICE Penang hotel in Bayan Baru is easily accessible via the second link from Butterworth. It's about 20 minutes away by car from  Georgetown but you won’t miss much of the hurly-burly pace.

Tastefully designed with a minimalist, arty approach, the 453-room hotel boasts a spacious lobby with lofty ceiling. Gigantic modernist sculpture of the nutmeg, shelves of bric-a-bracs and potted palms add visual interest and splashes of colour.

A smiling frontline team welcomed us upon check-in and formalities were swiftly dispensed with, allowing us to go straight to our Deluxe room. 

Spacious with neutral tones, the floor-to-ceiling window accords an expansive view of the SPICE arena and nearby buildings against a verdant green hilly backdrop.

The executive desk gave ample elbow room and together with an ergonomically design chair, made working a breeze. We give extra brownie points for the USB-type ports and international traveller-friendly plug points. My favourite is the cushy chaise lounge with ottoman, ideal for reading or power napping.

Like the lobby and public spaces, artworks by local artists adorn the rooms. A mini coffee brewing machine with a box filled with tea bags and accoutrements, a smart flat-panel TV with a wireless sound bar are the in-room conveniences.

I like the practical, sizeable bathroom with brightly-lit mirror and vanity top. The rain shower is powerful and its easily adjustable flow made us reluctant to step out whilst the wardrobe comes with an iron and ironing board, a weighing scale, a hairdryer, slippers and bathrobes.

The bed with just the right degree of firmness and fluffy pillows ensured we slept like logs.

Amaya Food Gallery – the all-day dining restaurant on Level 4 – comprises lots of seating space and dedicated live action kitchens. 

The generous spread of East-meets-West breakfast and dinner buffet selections draw inspiration from Penang, Malaysia, and Asia; leaving diners utterly spoiled for choice.

Outside patio seating overlooks nicely landscaped water feature, plenty of semi-alfresco and outdoor seating. Easy access to the purpose-designed jogging/walking path adjacent to SPICE Penang makes it a boon for exercise buffs.

Ascending a short flight of stairs from the patio, we found ourselves at the 25m salt water swimming pool. Insta-worthy nooks abound as the poolside cum sun deck area is surrounded by greenery and nice view. Breeze Spa and the 24-hour, well-equipped Fit Centre gym are mere steps away.

If there’s one compelling reason to stay at Amari SPICE Penang, it would be the heavenly massage therapies at Breeze Spa. The two spa consultants who attended to us are so patient and well-versed in their skills, my daughter and I couldn’t believe when our one-hour session flew past in the blink of an eye.

From the various Signature Mood Massages available, I chose Dreamy – a combination of hypnotic aromas and long, flowing massage strokes ideal for alleviating tension from a busy day, a long flight or life’s daily hustle. My daughter chose Serene – soothing long strokes and palm pressure techniques to get rid all the knots and kinks in her stiff muscles.

We surrendered to the petal-strewn foot wash and scrub before we were ushered to one of the dimly-lit spa treatment rooms. Employing our preferred choice of essential oil, the ladies gently yet firmly worked on us until we succumbed to a blissful state of mind. It was well-worth the price as we felt instantly invigorated and relaxed post-therapy.

For reservations at Amari SPICE Penang, tel: 04 683 1188. Address: 2 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang