NEW HOTEL PAINTS THE TOWN RED

Recognised by The Malaysia Book of Records, ‘The Tallest Mural in Malaysia’ graces the exterior of RED by Sirocco, a new 4-star boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Painted in less than a month by local artist Kenji Chai, the eye-catching mural conceptualises the hotel’s Relax, Enjoy and Dream (hence R-E-D geddit?) approach to hospitality.

Located at Menara M101 in the retro Dang Wangi neighbourhood, the 143-key hotel is anything but old school. A welcome refuge for business and leisure visitors, RED by Sirocco reminds me of those quirky hipster boutique abodes in Taipei I had stayed in.

Pix courtesy of RED by Sirocco

Eclectic furniture and colourful art pieces by local artists are the norm rather than the exception in the lobby and key public spaces. The Grand Sky Ballroom on the 23^rd floor accords a breathtaking view of the city skyline including the solitary KL Tower.

 

The Grand Opening party got off to an auspicious, rousing start with a pair of luminous LED lion dancers performing the symbolic blessing ritual, to herald prosperity and good luck for the hotel. Then it was the RED squad’s turn as the hotel employees sportingly delivered a dynamic dance performance.

Datin Lea Chan (centre), CEO of Sirocco Hospitality Group, said “RED by Sirocco Kuala Lumpur is the new kid on the block, committed to provide the best hotel experience to our guests. We want to make sure everyone has 101 reasons to stay with us.”

For more information on RED by Sirocco, check www.facebook.com/RedbySirocco

READ, PLAY, ACT AND INFINITE POSSIBILITIES AT THE STORY BOOK

Everyone loves a good story. In our world where ‘smart’ gadgets and digital connectivity dominate modern life, The Story Book — Malaysia’s first ever story book themed event space — aims to stimulate fresh interest, keep the art of story telling alive and sow a greater love for reading and good story books among the general populace.

A bold venture founded by Jeanisha Wan, director of The Story World Sdn Bhd, The Story Book opened its doors at Plaza Arkadia, Desa ParkCity recently. I admire her guts, courage and fearlessness, going into an unexplored territory where eagles fear to tread. Like the humble but brave Frodo in The Lord of The Rings, Jeanisha is unafraid of reaching for the stars while her feet remains firmly on the ground.

After working tireless around the clock, The Story Book team should be applauded for successfully pulling off the short but sweet and interesting opening day programme. Perdana Parkcity Sdn Bhd, township management general manager Sukhdev Singh lauded Jeanisha for her innovative enterprise which has started to garner mutual collaboration between fellow tenants in Plaza Arkadia.

True to The Story Book's tagline "Where Stories Live", invited guests were greeted by story book characters: Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, one of The Musketeers, Gandalf from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series and a dinosaur mascot on the opening day. The simple launch gambit saw the founder 'stepping out' from a 'story book cover' followed by the various characters.

While guests were feted to a delicious tea spread by The Hermitage All Day Dining, some of us browsed through the books on display sourced from Bookalicious and whimsical knick-knacks such as bookmarks, puzzles, games and writing paraphernalia from Kadeiloscope – lifestyle store.

The Story Book already got off to a flying start with a series of well-attended children’s reading and activities workshops. Coming in April and the months ahead will be adult-centric workshops and programmes, ranging from author readings to hands-on writing workshops.

You can also be a member of The Story Book and enjoy first dibs for discounts, event reservations and various other perks. Annual membership fee is only RM30 per person.  

For more information, call The Story Book, tel: 018-229 4361 or visit: https://www.facebook.com/thestorybooklives/