GEORGETOWN (Sept 4): Property developer Tropicana Corp Bhd, in a partnership with Marriott International, launched Courtyard by Marriott Penang today. The launch was officiated by Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow. 

Situated at the developer’s RM334.7 million Tropicana 218 Macalister luxury high-rise project in Georgetown, the hotel is the first Courtyard by Marriott and the 17th Marriott branded hotel in the country.  

The new hotel comprises 199 rooms and suites that boasts unobstructed views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Straits of Malacca. It also offers all-day dining at Penang Kitchen and the state’s first and only distillery-themed bar Gin Library, according to a press release.

Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor infinity pool overlooking Penang Hill, a pillarless ballroom that accommodates up to 150 guests, eight meeting rooms and one VIP room — each fitted with audio-visual equipment.  

According to the developer, the launch of the hotel aims to further energise the tourism industry and increase employment opportunities to boost the local economy. 

Tropicana group managing director Dion Tan notes that Courtyard by Marriott is the developer’s second hotel by the Marriott Group. “[This goes] in line with our strategy to strengthen our investment portfolio and increase our recurring income stream.  

“We recognise that this is a challenging time for hotel operators, however, with the support and swift action from both the 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 said. 

The developer, in a statement, said the tourism sector in Penang has witnessed a steady growth in domestic tourism since the easing of interstate travel restrictions and given the attractive promotions offered in the market. 

In conjunction with the launch, visitors can enjoy special rates starting at RM300 nett per room per night, with complimentary high-speed WiFi, for stays from Sept 3 to Dec 23 this year.