M&C Hotels expands Asian footprint with Studio M brand

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc (M&C) today launched a new international hotel brand, Studio M, aimed at the new generation of savvy business and leisure travellers. Studio M is the latest addition to M&C’s portfolio of brands and underscores the group’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Asia.

The Studio M brand aims to offer both style and functionality to the well-travelled guest who relishes the urban contemporary lifestyle and demands access to fuss-free integrated technology and high connectivity.

The Studio M brand will be unveiled in Singapore soon when its first hotel opens in the second quarter of 2010.

A focus on elegantly restrained accommodation that offers a high degree of connectivity will set Studio M apart from current offerings. Savvy travellers will also enjoy using the hotel’s unique open-air tropical deck, which offers private spaces in relaxed landscaped surroundings for both business meetings and leisurely conversations with friends. Guests will appreciate Studio M’s locality within the vibrant Robertson Quay and Mohamed Sultan entertainment district, which offers abundant dining and leisure options.

“Studio M represents a new facet to the hospitality landscape in Singapore. The concept of smart business travel is evolving rapidly. There is increasing demand from this largely untapped market segment that craves a distinctive and unique experience from their hotel, even as they demand functional services like wireless connectivity. Studio M aims to fill this gap,” said Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M&C.

The Studio M brand is the latest addition to M&C’s global brands. M&C, listed in London and the largest Singapore-controlled hotel group in Asia, has a portfolio of over 120 hotels worldwide under several brands – the five-star Grand Millennium, the Millennium and Copthorne brands, and the budget Kingsgate which is located mainly in New Zealand.

Studio M’s forward-looking stance positions the brand as a modern, contemporary and fashionable offering that complements its sister brands.

“We can leverage our experience in running hotels globally, so we are confident of extending and growing our reach into this new market segment. The launch of Studio M expands our hotel offering and reaffirms our commitment to offering a wide variety of hotel styles to meet the diverse requirements of travellers,” said Mr Kwek, who is also Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group, the ultimate parent of M&C.

“We plan to take this new brand global,” added Mr Kwek. M&C has already received several enquiries from the Middle East to take the Studio M brand there.

Studio M Hotel has 365 distinctive rooms that will offer guests 24-hours integrated technology and wireless connectivity. The interiors and open-air tropical deck were designed by renowned Italian designer and architect Piero Lissoni to create a sleek yet comfortable environment. Lissoni uses clean lines, clear materials and subtle colours typical of Italian design, to craft a tranquil oasis for guests who appreciate chic and contemporary minimalism.