Lyf Georgetown Penang officially opened its doors on January 15. This new lifestyle hotel in Malaysia offers unique spaces that promote connections among guests, including shared kitchens and co-working areas.
Lyf currently has 35 lifestyle hotels worldwide and aims to expand to 150 by 2030. Mondi Mecja, the country general manager of Ascott Malaysia, emphasizes the importance of creating experiences that foster social interactions. For instance, they plan to have kitchens where guests from different countries can cook and bond over meals.
Beyond the basics of a bed and shower, hotel guests today seek experiences that set them apart. Mecja believes that hotels must provide these unique offerings to attract modern travelers.
Growth in Malaysian Tourism
Malaysian tourism is expected to thrive, with more domestic and international visitors arriving, especially from Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. Despite the industry just recovering to pre-COVID levels, upcoming events like the Asean Summit and a visa-free scheme for Indian and Chinese tourists are likely to boost interest.
Recent events, such as safety concerns among Chinese travelers regarding Thailand, have also played in Malaysia’s favor. As a result, hotels are hiring staff who can communicate in Chinese to improve interactions with guests and raise awareness on Chinese social media.
However, Mecja points out that rising utility costs in Malaysia could pose challenges for hotel operations. Furthermore, the unregulated nature of Airbnb may impact traditional hospitality revenues.
Expanding in Thailand
In Thailand, Ascott operates over 20 properties in Bangkok and Chonburi. Currently, Lyf Sukhumvit 8 is the only lifestyle hotel, but plans are in place for additional locations in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
Law Zhe Wen, Lyf’s business development partner, believes there’s a wealth of creativity and culture in Thailand waiting to be explored. He hopes Lyf can offer guests a place to stay while they immerse themselves in local cultures.
Despite the competitive landscape in Thailand’s hospitality sector, he remains optimistic about the brand’s growth. “While there are challenges, we see plenty of opportunities ahead,” he says.
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