travel
Singapore hotel offers artistic slant for business travel
The Rendzevous Hotel is fronted by a heritage-certified building which lends an air of nostalgia to the otherwise contemporary business hotel. – The Malaysian Insider pic, July 29, 2015.Travelling for work is often associated with efficient, no-nonsense services, but a newly refurbished hotel in the heart of Singapore’s artistic district is hoping to inject some artistic flair into an otherwise-routine business trip.
The Rendezvous Hotel – part of the Far East Hospitality group – is located in what locals refer to as the “artistic hub” of the island state, surrounded by museums and arts and heritage buildings in the Bras Basah area.
It made sense to inject some of that surrounding artistic flair into the mood of the hotel, said the group’s Chief Executive Officer Arthur Kiong.
“Business travelling isn’t as wonderful as it looks, in fact it can be really stressful,” Kiong said at a press conference recently.
He said he believes that the hotel’s latest Far More Driven business package will be able to provide the convenience and efficiency expected of a business hotel, with the added artistic touch as a balance.
The details that go into the decoration and fittings go a long way in creating a relaxed, stimulating and artistic feel to the hotel. – The Malaysian Insider pic, July 29, 2015.Under the package, business guests will enjoy free laundry services for a business suit, complimentary usage of the Changi airport lounge as well as a city tour for those with a few free hours to spare.
“We pinpoint the inconveniences of our business customers and try to provide solutions for all of them. At the same time, the artistic flair of the hotel provides a sort of creative outlet,” said Kiong.
The artistic approach of the hotel goes beyond just displays of locally-commissioned art pieces on the wall – its entire theme is built around an appreciation of the arts, from traditional and retro fittings to edgy, artistic displays.
From porcelain mannequinns perched on top of the reception counter to greet guests, to the charming use of marbles to mark each level of the hotel’s 11 floors, everything about the hotel seemingly seeks to provide a sensory experience to guests.
A separate theme is used at each of the hotel’s three club floors, injecting a unique feel to an otherwise no-nonsense business trip.
A retro-inspired artwork on display at one of the club rooms. – The Malaysian Insider pic, July 29, 2015.The hotel also works closely with the local community, organising fairs and exhibitions in collaboration with the arts schools and centres around its vicinity.
“Sometimes, I wonder if I’m managing an art museum or a hotel,” joked Rendezvous’ marketing communications executive Serene Lim.
She said guests would hopefully not only enjoy the efficient services offered by the hotel, but would leave having a greater appreciation of Singapore’s vibrant art scene.
“We hope to be more than just a hotel in an artistic district, but to be a part of the arts community around us,” said Lim.
“Our guests also appreciate that their business travel can now also be interesting and artistically stimulating.” – July 29, 2015.
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