Northstar

HOTEL www.travelweeklyweb.com Singapore hotel rooms the most expensive in Asia Pacifi c SINGAPORE – Singapore remains the most expensive Asian country for hotel rooms at an average room rate of S$239, despite a notable drop in hotel prices across Asia Pacific – according to the latest Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®) for 2011. However, in world ranking, it is the 6th most expensive – behind Switzerland (S$282), United Kingdom ($258), Italy, ($248), Denmark ($244) and France ($242) It was one of two Asia Pacifi c countries on the list. The other was Australia ($218). The Hotels.com HPI, part of Expedia group, was launched in 2004, and is based on bookings made on Hotels.com sites around the world. It tracks the real prices paid per hotel room (rather than advertised rates) for about 149,000 properties in more than 19,800 locations in over 85 countries. It also has a Singapore version which tracked rates in Singapore dollars. Singapore was also ranked second most expensive city for five-star hotels. Its five-star hotels commanded a rate of S$494, behind London at $537. Singapore had higher rates than Dubai ($424) Hong Kong ($408), Munich ($404), Bali ($372), Taipei ($368) and Sydney ($359). Johan Svanstrom, managing director, Asia Pacific for Hotels. com said that Singapore's hotel industry had developed tremendously especially with the opening of "prestigious hotels targeted at affl uent, business travellers". "On top of being a business hub and a stopover for long-haul travellers, the country has also invested in upscale attractions such as the integrated resorts that have proved to be a great hit with tourists – these make Singapore the perfect vacation option for luxury travel," he added. Another obser vation made by Hotels.com was that "stayvacationers" Singaporeans paid Rhombus opens its fl agship hotel in China HONGKONG – Rhombus International Hotels Group is proud to announce the opening of its China flagship hotel in Chengdu, China – Rhombus Fantasia Chengdu Hotel. The 185-room Rhombus Fantasia Chengdu Hotel is a five-star all-suite hip hotel, connected to the tallest 49-storey office building in Chengdu. It is conveniently located in the central district of Chengdu, and the hotel's spacious and uniquely designed guestrooms range in size from 50sqm to 120sqm. Most guestrooms include a cosy living room, dressing area, and www.travelweeklyweb.com Rhombus Fantasia Chengdu Hotel bathrooms designed with 'his & her' details. Based in North America with over 25 years of international experience, Rhombus International manages four proper ties in Hong Kong: Hotel Panorama by Rhombus, Hotel LKF by Rhombus, Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus and Hotel Bonaparte by Rhombus. With the acquisition of Hotel Verta by Rhombus in London in December 2011 and an additional two hotels scheduled to open in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong in 2012 and 2013, the group is poised for international growth. Iconic Landmarks of the World S$239 to stay in a hotel in their own country compared to $175 when abroad. Hotel rates in some of Singaporeans' favourite destinations saw signifi cant price falls. The strength of the Singapore dollar and substantial price falls in some of Singaporeans' favourite destinations made their hotel stays cheaper in Asian countries. "With their busy schedules, Singaporeans do not always have time for trips abroad; some prefer to enjoy higher quality for less with 'staycations' at home. "The number of new luxury hotels have definitely provided Singaporeans with many options for a short but affordable luxurious getaway," Johan continued. Check-in on the way SINGAPORE – Marina Bay Sands has introduced a new check-in service on their couches ferrying their guests to the 2560-room hotel from Changi Airport terminals. Complaints of queues lasting for half an hour has led to the hotel looking at ways to improve and minimise inconvenience to its guests, and the latest is an industry's fi rst. Guests check-in onboard its coaches from the airport with the help of the hotel's guest service agent, who uses a tablet to key in all the details. Upon reaching the hotel, guests may go straight up to their rooms. This unique check- in service makes use of real-time data updating, complete with credit card verifi cation and key collection. It was successfully launched during the recent Young Presidents' Organisation World Leadership Summit 2012 when 1,000 delegates checked into Marina Bay Sands Hotel on their way from Changi Airport late last month. Outfitting of the technology on board the entire fleet of Marina Bay Sands airport coaches is expected to be completed by end of this month. Its full fleet of airport coaches has recently been outfitted with wifi capability, allowing guests to surf seamlessly. MBS has also recently rolled out a similar technology for speedy check-outs service. Mobile guest service agents approach guests to offer them check-outs via handheld tablets. The entire transaction is completed wthin minutes once the guest verifies his information and hotel charges display on the handheld tablet. Other fast check-out options include the Express checkout (dropping key in a box) and in-room TV check-out. 06 MARCH 2012 | TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA ■ | 3

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