Property developer Tropi­cana Corp Bhd, in partnership with Marriott International, opened Courtyard by Marriott Penang on Sept 4. Comprising 199 rooms and suites, the new hotel is the first Courtyard by Marriott in Malaysia and the hotel chain’s 17th in the country.

“The introduction of Courtyard by Marriott at Tropicana 218 Macalister marks the launch of our second hotel by the Marriott Group, in line with our strategy to strengthen our investment portfolio and increase our recurring income stream,” Tropicana group managing director Dion Tan said in a statement.

Courtyard by Marriott Penang is located at the developer’s RM334.7 million high-rise residential project Tropicana 218 Macalister in Georgetown — a 2.09-acre freehold development that also offers 211 units of Neo Suites, 88 serviced residences and 20 re­tail shops.

“We recognise that this is a challenging time for hotel operators. However, with the support and swift action from both state and federal governments in controlling and combating Covid-19, we are optimistic that the local tourism scene is slowly but steadily recovering even as our international borders remain closed,” he added.

In its statement, the developer noted that Penang had seen steady growth in its domestic tourism sector, owing to the easing of interstate travel restrictions, coupled with attractive promotions offered by hoteliers on the island. It added that this partnership is expected to re-energise the tourism industry, increase employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

Officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, the launch of Courtyard by Marriott Penang was attended by Tropicana group executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Tan Chee Sing, his wife Puan Sri Ivy Tan, his mother Low Siew Beng, group CEO Alex Yeow, Courtyard by Marriott Penang general manager Subash Basrur, Marriott International area director of marketing (SEA) Cindy Yoong and Tropicana executive director Din Tan.

In his speech, Chow said the Penang state government is committed to re-energising its tourism industry. “We have introduced initiatives to help revive the tourism industry and we believe that these initiatives will help Penang stay ahead as one of the leading tourism destinations in Malaysia.

“I am delighted that Courtyard by Marriott is now part of the Penang experience for our visitors. With the tourism industry as a fundamental pillar of the current and future socioeconomic progress of Penang, the opening of Courtyard by Marriott is in line with our vision to transform Penang into an international and intelligent city that is a location of choice for investors, a destination of choice for tourists and a habitat of choice for those who desire [stylish] living,” Chow added.

With rooms and suites boasting unobstructed views of Penang’s Unesco World Heritage Site, Courtyard by Marriott Penang includes Penang Kitchen, a restaurant that offers all-day dining, as well as the state’s first distillery-themed bar Gin Library, slated to open in the last quarter of 2020.

Other facilities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Penang Hill, a pillarless ballroom that can accommodate up to 150 guests, as well as eight meeting rooms and a VIP room — each fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment. The hotel is also a stone’s throw away from Penang’s hawker food stalls and the Komtar building.

In conjunction with the launch, Courtyard by Marriott Penang is offering special opening rates starting at RM300 nett per room per night, with complimentary high-speed WiFi for stays from Sept 3 to Dec 23 this year.

“Cognisant of the current pandemic, we are committed to delivering a safe yet welcoming experience that inspires and re-energises guests. Courtyard by Marriott Penang complies with all the local regulations as well as Marriott’s Commitment to Clean programme, which deploys a multi-pronged approach to elevate cleanliness standards,” said Subash in the statement.