IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a landmark partnership with STC Property Management Sdn Bhd, the Developer of Straits City, to bring the first Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts to Penang.
The partnership will see the flagship hotel integrated as part of Straits City - an expansive 40-acre, sustainable mix development strategically located at the waterfront of Butterworth Penang. Envisioned as the future catalyst of growth for Penang in the State Government's Vision 2030 plan, the development combines green technologies to promote more sustainable living and spaces and encourage interaction, communication and creation.
Situated within Straits City, the 343-room Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth Straits City will overlook Georgetown with breathtaking views of the Straits of Penang. Beyond the host of amenities and facilities that will cater to every traveller, the true strength of the property lies in its integration with Straits City.
"Upon completion, Straits City will help elevate Butterworth Penang as the future city, comprising an integrated mix of residential, retail, offices and commercial components. We are confident that the partnership," said Eric Teng, CEO of Straits Developments Pte Ltd.
IHG is set to bring Straits Developments' vision of transforming Straits City into a world-class work-live-play destination to life.
The signing underscores IHG's commitment to further expand its footprint across Malaysia and portfolio in strategic destinations. The Crowne Plaza brand is a perfect fit for modern travellers who seek a seamless transition between work and life, especially those working remotely across the globe.
"We are confident that Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth Straits City will enhance the hospitality offering in Butterworth and set a new standard for blended travel," said Rajit Sukumaran, Managing Director, South East Asia and Korea, IHG.
Located a five-minute drive from Penang Sentral, Malaysia's northern region transportation hub, Straits City boasts excellent connectivity to all major roads and highways in the area, including the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR). Guests embarking on a nostalgic cultural experience can expect a 35-minute drive to Georgetown.
The Crowne Plaza brand continues to extend its presence rapidly across the Asia Pacific, where it has become the ideal choice of the modern business traveller through a purposeful design that offers flexible spaces to work, meet and unwind while satisfying and inspiring the needs of its guests both personally and professionally.
Crowne Plaza Penang Butterworth Straits City joins IHG's impressive list of properties scheduled to open in Malaysia in the next few years, most notably, Crowne Plaza Kota Kinabalu, Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park, and Kimpton Kuala Lumpur. These hotels will complement existing IHG brands: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
