New Westin hotel opens in CBD

THE Westin Singapore yesterday officially opened its doors to welcome its first hotel guests after an absence of 12 years.

Its re-entry into the hospitality sector also marks the first time that a hotel here is incorporated within an office building.

Located on levels 32 to 46 of Asia Square Tower Two in the Central Business District (CBD), the five-star hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows in all of its 305 guest rooms and suites.

It also boasts the highest hotel lobby here, located on the 32nd floor and an infinity pool on the 35th floor with a view of the South China Sea.

International hotel chain Westin Hotels & Resorts under Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide previously managed what was once the world's tallest hotel, Westin The Stamford, as well as Westin The Plaza in Raffles City until its management contract expired in 2001.

The two have since been replaced by Swissotel The Stamford and Fairmont Hotel respectively.

"If we had an opportunity, we would have been here a lot sooner. It was a matter of waiting for the right location among other factors," said Westin Singapore's general manager Lance Ourednik.

Mr Ourednik also said the hotel's integration within an office building will be its distinct feature even though the concept has been adopted by hotels overseas.

He said: "Many successful hotels around the world are located in mixed-use buildings, which allow hotel-stayers to use the facilities for various purposes. For instance, a businessman would be able to enjoy the hotel's facilities for his own leisure, yet also use them for meetings and work."

Singaporeans make up 70 per cent of its 250 hotel staff. The Westin brand, which now has more than 40 Westin properties in Asia-Pacific, is expected to add a further 20 properties in the region, said the hotel in a statement.

Mr Ourednik expects more guests to be drawn to the hotel once the nearby Downtown MRT station is open with the completion of the first stage of the Downtown Line next month. The station will be one of six along the 4.3km-long line which will connect Chinatown to Bugis.

He said: "Guests will be able to get on a train from the airport and come straight to the hotel."

Occupancy at the hotel this weekend is almost half filled, with business travellers and local guests forming the majority of guests.

Managing director of tourism consultancy firm MasterConsult Services, Mr Christopher Khoo, said that convenience is an important factor for business travellers in where they choose to stay.

"From a businessman's point of view, you don't really want to visit other attractions in Singapore. Rather, you would appreciate it if the hotel is located near where your business meetings are going to be held," added Mr Khoo.

Dr Michael Chiam, a senior tourism lecturer at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, also said that he foresees land constraints in the CBD driving up the demand for hotels located within office buildings.

He said: "There isn't much land space in the CBD area and this could give rise to more mixed property use."

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New Westin hotel opens in CBD

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