Sabah Most Wanted

Hilton's Sabah debut to boost sector

Hilton's Sabah debut to boost sector
Published on: Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: The State Capital's appeal as a value destination will be further enhanced when Hilton Kota Kinabalu – a 12-storey international five-star hotel with 313 rooms, including 17 suites – opens June 2016 with world-class facilities and a speciality roof-top restaurant. Pekah Hotels Sdn Bhd Director Peter R. Cantwell, who revealed this, dismissed an erroneous report by a Sabah Hotel Association (SHA) source that DoubleTree by Hilton would be established in the city soon this year. Hilton Worldwide signed an agreement with Pekah Hotels Sdn Bhd to manage Hilton Kota Kinabalu which will be the fifth Hilton Hotels & Resorts branded hotel in Malaysia.
"We are delighted to fly yet another Hilton Hotels & Resorts flag in Malaysia. With more than 550 hotels across six continents, we continue to build upon our legacy as the world's leading hotel brand by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travellers while our team members shape experiences designed to make every guest cared for, valued and respected.
"Given its prime location in the city centre, Hilton Kota Kinabalu will welcome guests to this great city in Sabah with the world-class hospitality synonymous with the brand," said Rob Palleschi, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.
Dato' Steven Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Pekah Hotels Sdn Bhd said: "This signing marks our first partnership with Hilton Worldwide and combines the expertise of a truly global, award-winning hospitality company with strong local market expertise.
"Kota Kinabalu is a key leisure destination in Malaysia and we are confident that Hilton Kota Kinabalu is in a great position to take advantage of this growing market."
Hilton Worldwide senior vice president, development, Middle East & Asia Pacific, Andrew Clough said, "We have been operating in Malaysia for more than 30 years, and Hilton Kota Kinabalu will be our ninth property in Malaysia. As the capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu acts as the main industrial and commercial centre for the state.
With a strong partner like Pekah Hotels Sdn Bhd, we are confident that Hilton Kota Kinabalu will set the benchmark for quality hospitality experiences catering to both domestic and international travellers."
Hilton Kota Kinabalu will also offer an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop pool and lounge bar, business centre, health club and spa with 2,500 square metres of event space including a 1,000-square metre ballroom and 8-storey car park for the convenience of patrons.
The prestigious Hilton brand in the state capital will help to mitigate any negative perception from the travel advisory issued by embassies for their own citizens especially on travel to the East Coast, that not all parts of the state are unsafe.
Some hoteliers point out that the presence of international brands like Hilton is a mark of confidence in the state capital city for independent international and business travellers.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu is expected to enliven the Asia City area.