CONVERGENCE MAR-APR2017

Travel
THE MAJESTIC HOTEL
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
In its heyday, The Majestic was touted the
grandest hotel in the city for its prestige and
luxury. Why wouldn't it when it was favoured by
the colonial elite and prominent international
visitors for extravagant parties, Sunday curry tiffin
lunches and afternoon tea with dancing. A
national heritage site, the original hotel was built
and designed in 1932 by Dutch architectural firm
Keyes and Dowdeswell for the trustees of the
estate of Loke Wan Tho, the youngest son of the
Chinese businessman and philanthropist Wong
Loke Yew.
As Wong was one of the founding fathers of
Victoria Institution (VI), one of the oldest schools
in the country, the hotel played an important part
in the lives of former VI students as the Victoria
Institution Old Boys' Association used to hold
its annual dinner and dance on the rooftop
balcony of the hotel. However, by the 1970s, the
hotel had more competition from other hotels
and soon lost its charm. It was only in 2012 that
the hotel reopened after a prominent developer
refurbished the old wing and added a new wing,
allowing the hotel to reposition its glamour,
heritage and success since its early days.
THE OBEROI GRAND HOTEL
KOLKATA, INDIA
Dating back to the late 1880s, the hotel
was frequented by the country's leading
figures during colonial times and till this
very day, it hosts grand functions for Heads
of State in the city's largest Grand Ballroom.
Situated near the central business district,
bustling markets and cultural landmarks,The
Oberoi Grand Hotel lobby is also known
for its more than a century old wooden
handmade piano and grand chandelier. It
was the first hotel to be acquired by The
Oberoi Group Founder, Rai Bahadur MS
Oberoi. Today, the hotel is known for its
classic style and modern facilities, traditions
that were upheld over the years.
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