New Hotel Alert | Novotel Singapore on Kitchener offers guests an urban oasis in the heart of Little India

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, its latest addition to its portfolio in Singapore. With its brand identity deeply rooted in fostering genuine connections and cherishing life's daily moments, the 543-room property on 181 Kitchener Road is owned by Worldwide Hotels Group, Singapore's largest hotel operator by room numbers and long-standing partner of Accor.

Centrally located in the charismatic precinct of Little India, the hotel embodies the essence of Novotel: a blend of local charm with global standards, alongside convenient accessibility, with the Farrer Park MRT Station a mere 5-minute walk away, the dynamic Central Business District a short 10-minute drive, and the world-renowned Changi Airport only 20 minutes away.

For those with an appetite for retail therapy, Novotel Singapore on Kitchener is a dream come true, with the famed Mustafa Centre located adjacent to the hotel, offering an unparalleled 24-hour shopping odyssey, and City Square Mall across the road, teeming with a plethora of shopping and dining options.

Reflecting Novotel's commitment to enhancing life's balance, the hotel, fresh from a comprehensive refurbishment in 2020, showcases a harmonious fusion of intuitive design, modular spaces, and contemporary aesthetics. Whether a business traveller seeking efficient functionality or a family yearning for spacious comfort, the rooms, ranging from 28 sqm to a lavish 78 sqm, cater to every whim. The gastronomic journey is an affair to remember with CALI, the all-day dining restaurant serving up culinary wonders based on the traditions and styles of the Native American and Mexican heritage. The signature dishes include Spicy Jalapeno Tostada, Slow Cooked Beef Cheek, Chicken Tikka Pizza, and Lava Torte. 

Wellness and rejuvenation stand at the core of Novotel Singapore on Kitchener's offerings, with a tranquil swimming pool and a state-of-the-art gym. 

"At the heart of the pulsating Little India, Novotel Singapore on Kitchener is not just a hotel; it's an experience. An oasis where guests can press pause on their bustling lives, savour a moment, a meal, or a conversation, and seamlessly connect to the city's vibrant tapestry," shares Andrew Lee, the General Manager of Novotel Singapore on Kitchener.

Pullman Singapore Hill Street Opens!

Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a premium brand part of global hospitality player Accor, is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Pullman Singapore Hill Street will start welcoming guests from 1 October 2023.

Developed and owned by EL Development Pte Ltd, a leading Singapore-based real estate and investment company, the new 5-star hotel will make its mark as the company’s first foray into hotels with the most story-led property yet under the Pullman brand. Centrally located, Pullman Singapore Hill Street is poised to become the newest gathering point for modern nomads, who can call its 350 rooms their base, complemented by three sharp culinary concepts to explore, and a dynamic network of partnerships as a platform for some of Singapore’s cult favorite brands.

“With a prime position at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and business, we are honored to be the first Pullman in the world that pays homage to the brand’s roots in luxury train travel—from the keen design details that represent a modern take on the bygone era, to the spirit of high touch hospitality, and exciting journeys through thoughtfully curated spaces—the true meaning of innovative hospitality today is captured in a singular property, perfect for adventurous travelers,” says Mazen Abilmona, General Manager of Pullman Singapore Hill Street.

Designed by Singapore’s DP Architects, Pullman Singapore Hill Street is envisioned to be the first property that translates the George Pullman sleeping car past to a modern context—whether it’s from afar or the moment guests step into the lobby, up to the tiniest details. Built from the ground-up with cues from its surroundings, the property stands out as a visionary future of the locale with its contrast of terracotta-colored tiles, pockets of lush greenery and an extensive glass façade that allows clear views from every room.

Hotels may see 20-40% fall in occupancy rates in Mar-May due to COVID-19

Hotels in India are staring at a steep 20 to 40 per cent fall in occupancy rates during the three months ending May as lockdowns due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

While the plunge in occupancy could be 30-40 per cent for mid-scale and two-star hotels, the same for four-star hotels and above categories could be 20-25 per cent for the next three months beginning March -- which is peak season due to summer holidays and weddings,citing the increasing number of cities going under full or partial lockdowns.

On revenue side, hotels under the four-star or above categories could see 65-70 per cent fall in revenue per available room, while for two-star hotels it could be 50-60 per cent.

During the global financial crisis, the average absolute occupancy rates fell by over 9 per cent, with the highest fall being 10.40 per cent for four-star and above hotels, followed by three-stars at 8.5 per cent.

Markets like Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong, where the outbreak began in January, have seen sharp decline in occupancy rates -- much higher than seen during the SARS outbreak in 2003 when it fell to sub-20 per cent from around 70 per cent in China.

Singapore's Ascendas Hospitality acquires three Japan hotels for $93m

Singapore-listed Ascendas Hospitality Trust (A-HTrust) is acquiring a portfolio of three hotels in Osaka, Japan for ¥10.29 billion ($93 million), deepening its presence in the Japanese city with a strong hospitality market.

In a disclosure to the Singapore Exchange on Monday, A-HTrust said, it will acquire Hotel WBF Kitasemba West, Hotel WBF Kitasemba East, and Hotel WB Honmachi via Ascendas Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust.

Frasers Hospitality launched second Tianjin property

Frasers Hospitality launched second Tianjin property It has 224 Gold-Standard studio residences and two bedroom apartments.

Frasers Hospitality launched Fraser Place Binhai Tianjin as its second property in the city after its opening of Frasers Place Tianjin in 2016. The property is located in the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA), an announcement said.

Located in the residential development of Beacon Hill, the property is footsteps away from TEDA MSD shopping centre and the BMT station. It also offers direct access to Tianjin’s financial district.

The serviced-residence has a 224 Gold-Standard serviced residences ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments. It also houses facilities including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 room service, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, a swimming pool and a gym.