Dorsett takes the lead to reopen two hotels, amid CMCO

Dorsett Hospitality International has reopened the doors for Dorsett Kuala Lumpur and Dorsett Hartamas and is also accepting bookings for Dorsett Residences Bukit Bintang. Courtesy Photo

By Sharen Kaur, NST Property

Dorsett Hospitality International (DHI), one of Asia's fastest-growing hotel groups is taking the lead to reopening the doors for Dorsett Kuala Lumpur and Dorsett Hartamas, following the conditional movement control order (CMCO), effective May 4.

The CMCO, or phase five of the MCO has begun to see almost all economic sectors reopened this week.

Malaysia imposed the MCO to restrict domestic and international travel on March 18 with the aim of curbing the spread of Covid-19.

This move had severely impacted all industries, including hoteliers who are bleeding red ink.

At least eight hotels in Penang and Perak have confirmed that they are shutting down permanently.

It was reported that from January to June this year, hotels are looking at potential losses of RM3.3 billion from room revenue alone, assuming that the MCO will end on April 28.

During the first phase of the MCO from March 18 to 31, hotels lost RM510.75 million in room revenue, while in the second phase from April 1 to 14, losses are estimated at RM570.35 million.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) chief executive officer Yap Lip Seng said recently that the soft approach of relaxing Covid-19 restrictions step-by-step is needed to prepare the tourism industry to operate according to the new normal.

He said based on a recent survey by MAH, the association is expecting average occupancy of less than 10 per cent for the month of May, about 16 per cent for June, and 20 per cent in July.

With the CMCO in its third day now, hoteliers are ready to resume business operation, and are offering up to 40 per cent discounts to get tourists back into the market.

Dorsett Kuala Lumpur and Dorsett Hartamas are offering their post-MCO room packages with up to 35 per cent discounts, aimed at boosting the local market and to generate revenue to sustain their workforce.

Dorsett Hartamas has launched the ‘Book Today For Tomorrow’ package, offering 22 per cent off for all bookings made directly via their website.

Dorsett Hartamas has launched the 'Book Today For Tomorrow' package, offering 22 per cent off for all bookings made directly via their website.

Booking is open up till June 30, 2020, for stays from now till July 31, 2020.

Guests can also opt for the Super Saver package offering up to 35 per cent off for all direct bookings made via the hotel's website and enjoy free cancellation up to 14 days prior to arrival.

Super Saver is recommended for guests looking for a true hotel stay deal and is open for bookings up till June 30, 2020, for stays from July 15 up till December 20, 2020.

Dorsett Kuala Lumpur is offering up to 29 per cent off their best available rates for all bookings made directly via the hotel's website. This package is available from now till September 30, 2020.

For guests opting to stay at Dorsett Residences Kuala Lumpur, a further 10 per cent discount will be accorded for stays of seven nights and above.