“Farewell to an Icon: KL’s Legendary Concorde Hotel Set for Sale & Demolition!”

Source: TRP

It looks like Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Concorde Hotel, a long-standing symbol of the city’s hospitality, is about to close its doors for good! The famous 4-star hotel on Jalan Sultan Ismail, which boasts 581 rooms, is reportedly being sold for a jaw-dropping RM700 million, including its surrounding land.

Rumour has it that if a buyer steps forward, the hotel will be demolished to make way for a massive, multi-billion ringgit development project, according to sources from NST.

But wait – this isn’t the only Concorde on the chopping block. Over in Singapore, the Concorde Hotel & Shopping Centre is also up for sale. The property, owned by Hotel Properties Ltd. (HPL) and others, is being offered at a cool S$820 million (around RM2.8 billion). HPL, founded by Singaporean billionaire Ong Beng Seng, has decided to make some big moves!

A Glimpse Into the Past: Concorde’s Historical Significance

Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur was one of the very first international-standard hotels to pop up in the city. Originally known as Hotel Merlin from 1957 to 1990, it represented KL’s journey towards modernisation after independence. With its unique 1950s design and signature curved facade, the hotel was a nostalgic piece of KL’s architectural heritage.

Throughout the years, Concorde hosted countless political meetings, cultural events, and entertainment spectacles, making it an unforgettable part of the city’s history.

A VIP Hub for the Stars and Politicians

The hotel has seen its fair share of famous guests, from politicians to A-list celebrities. One of its most memorable moments was when the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, stayed there during his 1996 HIStory World Tour. MJ even took over the entire 14th floor, booking multiple suites and rooms!

For many fans, the Concorde holds a special place in their hearts thanks to Jackson’s stay – an unforgettable chapter in the hotel’s star-studded history.

Dining Delights: XIN Cuisine’s Legendary Dim Sum

One thing that’s hard to forget about Concorde is its legendary Chinese restaurant, Dragon Court (now XIN Cuisine). Famous for its mouth-watering dim sum, this spot has been a go-to for generations of foodies. It was the perfect blend of traditional flavours and exceptional culinary skill, keeping its charm alive even as new competitors popped up.

Fighting the Hotel Boom of the ’90s

As Kuala Lumpur boomed in the mid-1990s, the Concorde faced stiff competition from fancy five-star hotels popping up everywhere. But the hotel didn’t go down without a fight – it renovated its upper floors into luxurious premium suites, maintaining its classic vibe while adapting to the new era.

While the future of Concorde Hotel remains uncertain, one thing’s for sure – its legacy will never be forgotten.