Millennium's new international brand. Thursday, 12th November 2009 Source : Millennium & Copthorne Hotels

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has launched a new international hotel brand, Studio M, aimed at the new generation of savvy business and leisure travellers.

Studio M is the latest addition to M&C’s portfolio of brands and underscores the
group’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Asia.

The Studio M brand aims to offer both style and functionality to the well-travelled guest who relishes the urban contemporary lifestyle and demands access to fuss-free integrated technology and high connectivity.

The Studio M brand will be unveiled in Singapore soon when its first hotel opens in the second quarter of 2010.

A focus on elegantly restrained accommodation that offers a high degree of connectivity will set Studio M apart from current offerings. Savvy travellers will also enjoy using the hotel’s unique open-air tropical deck, which offers private spaces in relaxed landscaped surroundings for both business meetings and leisurely conversations with friends. Guests will appreciate Studio M’s locality within the vibrant Robertson Quay and Mohamed Sultan entertainment district, which offers
abundant dining and leisure options.

“Studio M represents a new facet to the hospitality landscape in Singapore. The concept of smart business travel is evolving rapidly. There is increasing demand from this largely untapped market segment that craves a distinctive and unique experience from their hotel, even as they demand functional services like wireless connectivity. Studio M aims to fill this gap,” said Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M&C.

The Studio M brand is the latest addition to M&C’s global brands. M&C, listed in London and the largest Singapore-controlled hotel group in Asia, has a portfolio of over 120 hotels worldwide under several brands – the five-star Grand Millennium, the Millennium and Copthorne brands, and the budget Kingsgate which is located mainly in New Zealand.

Studio M’s forward-looking stance positions the brand as a modern, contemporary and fashionable offering that complements its sister brands.

“We can leverage our experience in running hotels globally, so we are confident of extending and growing our reach into this new market segment. The launch of Studio M expands our hotel offering and reaffirms our commitment to offering a wide variety of hotel styles to meet the diverse requirements of travellers,” said Mr Kwek, who is also Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group, the ultimate parent of M&C.

“We plan to take this new brand global,” added Mr Kwek. M&C has already received several enquiries from the Middle East to take the Studio M brand there.

Studio M Hotel has 365 distinctive rooms that will offer guests 24-hours integrated technology and wireless connectivity. The interiors and open-air tropical deck were designed by renowned Italian designer and architect Piero Lissoni to create a sleek yet comfortable environment. Lissoni uses clean lines, clear materials and subtle colours typical of Italian design, to craft a tranquil oasis for guests who appreciate chic and contemporary minimalism.

Guests will continue to enjoy integrated technology and wireless connectivity on the open-air tropical deck. Leisure options can also be found on the deck, with wading pools and a 25-metre lap pool. The architects for the project are Ong&Ong, a leading architectural firm in Singapore with a track record of over 30 years and over 500 projects to its name. Ong&Ong was also the landscape designer for the project.

Travellers today expect up-to-date information on the go. “Guests can request information on dining and entertainment options that can be immediately sent to their communication devices such as iPhones, iPods and laptops. This is just one of many unique guest experiences we plan to provide,” said Mr Ng Chee Theam, Chief Operating Officer Asia, of Millennium & Copthorne International Limited, the Singapore subsidiary of M&C.

Studio M Hotel is located at 3 Nanson Road in the iconic Robertson Quay entertainment precinct. Staff recruitment has started, while architectural finishing and fitting works are in progress.