Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia – Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center has commenced its 3-phase refurbishment and redevelopment plans. Expected to complete in September 2008, the RM20.0 million refurbishment would provide a new level of comfort in its 110 suites covering five corporate floors and a new sleek design to the reception, restaurant, lounge and public area.

"Gearing for this first phase of renovation, we wanted to provide our guests with a tangible indication of our commitment to exceeding customer expectations”, stated M. Gopal, General Manager. Constructed to be part of the Berjaya Times Square shopping mall, the hotel is connected by the monorail (Imbi station) providing convenience and accessibility to guests and clients. With these new suites facelift, the 610-suites Berjaya Times Square Hotel & Convention Center would seek to cater to the specific needs of the corporate and MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) segment. M. Gopal said in 2008, MICE and corporate travel would comprise 40% of total business while the leisure market 60%. Corporate group packages have been designed to meet the needs of this high-yield and lucrative market. A private check-in, a dedicated breakfast venue and special corporate club benefits are part of the exclusivities dedicated for guest of these new suites.

The first phase of the refurbishment includes the enhancement of all suites; Brooklyn Suite (99.4m²), Deluxe Suite (58.9m²), Superior Suite (53.7m²) and Studio Suite (51m²). Incorporating an urban contemporary design that would appeal to business travelers as well as leisure clienteles, each new suite will house a featured wall inspired by the national flower of Malaysia, the Hibiscus. Offering stunning views of Kuala Lumpur city centre, the new suites would include all-new solid wood furniture, featuring new wardrobes, workspace with desks and sitting chairs, mirrors and bed frames. New doors and windows have been installed, replacing those dating back to the hotel’s original construction. Finishing touches for the suites include a day-bed, the finest in-room entertainment system, flat screen television, telephone with data port and speaker phone, coffee maker, iron with built-in ironing board and cable TV with premium channels. High speed wireless Internet access will be available in all suites and in all public areas of the hotel.

The second phase of the refurbishment project would see the Big Apple Restaurant to be redeveloped into a lively and sophisticated all-day dining restaurant furnished with an open kitchen and full height windows overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Complementing this, Broadway Lounge will be exquisitely re-designed within the “living room” concept where guests can comfortably rest and relax, perform a group discussion, entertain one-on-one or unwind with the accompaniment of live music as the evening progresses.

The lobby and reception area represent the final phase of the hotel’s refurbishment program, which will reflect a sleek and contemporary design with a touch of urban New York chic to retain the hotel’s current theme of all things New York. Making way for more space to extend the Big Apple Restaurant and Broadway Lounge, the current reception area at Level 14 will be re-located to the Ground Level. Jiving the new interiors and existing New York-inspired elements of the hotel, the refurbishment will transform the facilities of the hotel into a new, modern and corporate-functional environment so that each guest would experience the convenience of business dealings in this strategically-located city hotel.

Meanwhile, the hotel is gearing to get bookings from its website. With the strategy to offer a great product at an attractive introductory price, the hotel is anticipating an increase in its average room rate by at least 12% by the time the refurbishment completes in September this year.