PENANG, 29 September 2023 - Iconic Penang Sdn Bhd (“Iconic”) is investing RM180 million into the upcoming 298-room Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a five-star hotel slated to open mid-2024.
Iconic also announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International (“Marriott”), which will see the Iconic Marjorie Hotel join the Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott’s illustrious range of brands, travel programs, and experiential offerings. The hotel will be located in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
On Thursday (28 September 2023), Iconic Penang held a ceremony to mark the signing of the agreement with Marriott. The signing ceremony was witnessed by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, the Chief Minister of Penang, at the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Also present at the event, YB Tuan Wong Hon Wai, EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy; YB Dato' Seri Sundarajoo Somu, EXCO for Housing and Environment; YB Tuan Fahmi Zainol, EXCO for Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development; and YB Tuan Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang state EXCO for Local Government and Town & Country Planning.
“As we continue to build our presence in the hotel industry, we have sought to work with only the most desirable partners. Marriott International is the world’s largest hotel company and has consistently delivered the highest levels of service, style and sophistication. I believe our partnership will further unlock the potential value of Iconic’s property and hotel assets, leveraging Marriott’s extraordinary brand and presence,” said Dato' Seri Tan Kean Tet, Chairman of Iconic Group. “We are honored to work with Marriott International and look forward to bringing Penang a truly five-star hotel experience, as part of the Tribute Portfolio family.”
“We are excited to be part of such a unique property and a chapter in Penang’s ever-evolving story. We look forward to growing and fostering a close and long-term relationship with Iconic Group as we welcome them to our community of owners and strive to continue creating mutually beneficial opportunities,” said Kevin Chen, Senior Vice President – Development, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates individuality, and I have no doubt that Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Penang will exceed expectations in offering both leisure and business travelers a thoroughly enjoyable stay and a fresh, colorful, and deeply meaningful perspective of Penang.”
Slated to open in 2024, the five-star Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, will be a new landmark in the heart of Bayan Lepas, Penang. Iconic Group has appointed Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), ranked #1 in Interior Design’s list of top hospitality design firms, to lead interior design efforts at Iconic Marjorie Hotel. Established in 1965, HBA is renowned as a pioneer and originator of hospitality design, and a global industry influencer. By collaborating with HBA, Iconic Marjorie Hotel aims to elevate and enhance its brand experience, ensuring that every guest's stay is imbued with the highest standards of design excellence. HBA's contribution will add significant value to the hotel, offering a truly exceptional and unforgettable experience for its guests.
In line with the Iconic Group's commitment to advancing sustainable real estate development, the Iconic Marjorie Hotel is embracing industry-recognized ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. The Iconic Marjorie Hotel is poised to be the first hotel in Penang to achieve the prestigious Gold standard within the Green Building Index (GBI) rating system. The GBI, an affiliate of the World Green Building Council (WGBC), is a green rating system designed to promote sustainability in the built environment among developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors and the public.
Bayan Lepas, is known as the 'Silicon Valley of the East,' thanks to the presence of technology giants from all over the world. With various event spaces and meeting rooms, the Iconic Marjorie Hotel is uniquely suited for seminars, workshops, business talks, and conferences. Among the hotel’s myriad offerings is the Pearl Ballroom, which will be one of the largest grand ballrooms in Penang with a capacity of up to 850 people. The hotel will also feature an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge and pool bar, and an outdoor swimming pool, serving as a hub for both leisure and corporate travelers alike.
The Iconic Marjorie Hotel will be a tribute to Penang Island’s cherished Baba-Nyonya culture, a testament to the enduring power of love and family, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of warmth and beauty passed down through generations.
The hotel aims to welcome guests from all walks of life and offers a unique opportunity to experience the captivating beauty and multicultural spirit of Penang Island, known as the Pearl of the Orient where the island's rich heritage comes alive through personalized experiences, enticing design, and exceptional hospitality.
Notably, the Iconic Marjorie Hotel is the second hotel project spearheaded by Dato' Seri Tan Kean Tet. The Iconic Group’s first hotel is the 195-room Iconic Hotel in Seberang Perai, Penang, which opened in 2016.
Expanding on Iconic’s new partnership with Marriott, Dato' Seri Tan Kean Tet said: “Joining forces with Marriott will allow the Group to create a hotel that truly reflects Penang’s status as a world-class destination for tourists and investors. Besides offering guests and locals exceptional hospitality, dining and entertainment, the Iconic Marjorie Hotel is expected to create hundreds of jobs and other valuable economic opportunities. We are incredibly honored to open another hotel in this city, and we wish to thank the Penang State Government for their support.”
