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InterContinental Singapore Reopens after Completing $7.2 Million
Refurbishment of its Unique Shophouse Rooms and Suites
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News for the Hospitality Executive |
| Singapore,
August 2, 2011- InterContinental Singapore has stepped up its
focus on its unique Straits Chinese guest experience with the launch of
its revamped shophouse guest rooms and suites. The hotel, which preserves an entire row of the Peranakan-style shophouses from the 1920s as an integral feature of its architecture, has given its 65 shophouse rooms and suites a major makeover to reflect the Peranakan heritage that dates back to the 17th century when seafarers from China married indigenous Malays. However, room amenities are firmly based on 21st century, incorporating leading-edge technology including a Bose wave music system and an array of media connections including HDMI, USB, Internet data connection and PC link inputs allowing guests to project their laptop screen on the room’s 46” LED TV. An iPhone and iPod-compatible docking station, European designer bathroom fittings and sumptuous bedding complete the luxurious experience. Taking their inspiration from the private homes of Peranakan families who used to live on the upper floors of their businesses in the heart of the Bugis district where the InterContinental Singapore is located, the shophouse rooms and suites all feature touches of the rich Pernakan heritage including dark teak flooring, intricate carvings and artifacts. The ambience is further enhanced with wooden window shutters that overlook the narrow street below and evoke the lifestyle of the bygone era. Guests are served a special Welcome tea on arrival and at night, a short story, recalling a fascinating aspect of the Peranakan lifestyle, is placed on each bedside table. The Peranakan experience is not only confined to the shophouse rooms and suites. The hotel’s Club InterContinental lounge also exudes an old-world Peranakan charm, featuring wooden window shutters and original floorboards softened by lush fabrics and plush seating. “The shophouse rooms provide an opportunity for visitors to Singapore to really experience the heritage, get a feel for the traditional culture and lifestyle of the people who actually lived in this area,” said Ms Tash Tobias, General Manager, InterContinental Singapore commenting on the $7.2 million renovation. “Very often one city can look very much like another in terms of new buildings and modern hotel rooms”. “What makes a trip memorable is the opportunity to get a taste of the heritage, culture and local colour.” she added. The InterContinental Singapore’s newly refurbished Shophouse rooms and suites reflect the unique Peranakan heritage that is characteristic of the entire hotel, providing the very latest in modern amenities in a contemporary, luxurious setting combined with a warm attentive service style and special touches inspired by the gracious Straits Chinese culture. Taking their inspiration from the private homes of old Peranakan families who used to live on the upper floors of their businesses in the heart of historic Bugis, the Shophouse rooms and suites feature intimate touches of the rich Peranakan heritage, creating a unique ambience with luxurious furnishings, intricate carvings and artifacts. Modern amenities blend seamlessly into the décor and include a 46-inch LED TV, Bose sound system, iPod/iPhone docking station and high-speed Internet so that guests can stay connected effortlessly to the rest of the world or simply relax in a charming, exclusive enclave, while the hotel’s dedicated, professional team meets every need. InterContinental Singapore’s Shophouse Rooms and Suites have provided a uniquely cultural experience since the hotel first opened for business in 1995. A landmark in the heart of historic Bugis, InterContinental Singapore is the city-state’s only Peranakan-inspired luxury hotel with décor, ornate art and tapestry drawing from the Peranakan culture. Intricate mirrors, batu ribbons and louvered windows along the corridors permeate the ambience with a feel of old Singapore. Traditional Peranakan shophouses within the hotel have been preserved, imbuing a strong cultural flavour for the appreciative traveller. Located along Malay and Malabar streets where Peranakan merchants and their families lived in the 1920s, the Shophouse Rooms and Suites have been recently transformed into a tranquil space with special architectural accents and an eclectic décor style, reminiscent of the Straits-Chinese panache. Closed for an extensive $7.2 million refurbishment from February to July 2011, InterContinental Singapore’s Shophouse Rooms and Suites return to provide a unique guest experience for both corporate and leisure travellers. Environmental considerations are a priority at InterContinental Singapore. Wherever possible, LED lighting lamps and energy-saving fluorescent tubes have been installed, providing a saving of up to 80 per cent energy, contributing to the hotel’s ‘green’ commitment. |
| Contact: Rachel Hee InterContinental Singapore 80 Middle Road Singapore 188966 Telephone: +65 6825 1087 Facsimile: +65 6825 1257 Email: [email protected] Suzy Kooy T\PR 5 Kadayanallur Street Singapore 069183 Telephone: +65 6421 0329 Facsimile: +65 6224 8983 Email: [email protected] |