CEKKMATE - Cititel Express KK

After all the room curtains are installed, it is time to make the exterior shot for the hotel. We have to wait for the right moment as it is either cloudy or rainy.

A shot for the Superior Triple room was also done. Now our web site is updated, finally.

With just 5 floors open with about 120 rooms, this gives us many opportunities to run and prepare the hotel for full operations. More floors will eventually be released and as Housekeeping slowly setting up more rooms, business also pick up gradually.

The response from the public has been very encouraging. The web booking is strong but unfortunately it is still unstable and we faced many glitches such as lost confirmation, double charge and inability to even log unto the site. the IT department responded immidiately each time we notified them but it would be so much better if the site is stable.

After months of being used as storage and working area, the car park was re-surfaced on 3/8/09. Parking can be a serious problem during the day in Sedco/Asia City area and our hotel car park will come in handy. This 43 parking bay will be operated 24 hours by an outside operator. Hotel guests who are staying with us will have free parking during their stay.




Signages for the hotel has been the talk of town. I reckon there are not many hotels in town that have such a hugh signage on top on almost everyside of the building. The innovative idea of having separate LED light for every spot means easier and cheaper maintenance as oppose to strip of light.

24 more days to go till our opening day. A lot is happening on the outside as well as on the inside. The canopy work had been going on for two weeks already and it still looks like there are still more work to be done.

All basement offices and back office are finally carpeted and we begin to set up tables, chairs and cabinets. At the same time, office network is also being set up. All key personnels will have a computer and email account to work with. This is making our communication so much easier.

Front desk reception counter also have the marble installed. We have a very classy counter and the work space is also well design with many cabinet space and easy access by the staff for computer, printer, credit card machine and all the necessary stationary.

Ever since our on-line booking started on 18/7/09, we are receiving many bookings. Now with the system and Maybank credit card machine up and functioning, we can't wait to get to work.

At the same time, Receiving staff is busy with the delivery of more goods. Trolleys for front Desk and Housekeeping, irons, hair dryers, Engineering tools and equipment.

We made a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman on 16/7. Together with TBL, ET, CB and the GM from Sedco, we were at our best and the meeting went well. The CM was briefed about IGB and our hotel. The CM consented to officiate the opeing of Cititel Express KK on 18/8/09.

So the preparation work for the business opening ceremony begins.

We have 12 rooms set up on the 1st floor for trial stay for a group from KL. Housekeeping and Engineering were very fast and responsive. Right after the group check in, the air cond mal-functioned because of the key card by pass. However, all was in order before the group return from their afternoon outing.

Feedbacks from the group are positive that the shower is strong, air cond very effective and the bed comfortable. However, some rooms shower head and drainage can be improved. A couple of rooms also have foul smell as the drainage was never clean since the conctruction. Door seal at the bottom may be required for dust and sound proof. All these feedbacks give our team the necessary actions to take when we set up the other rooms.

Serena was in KK back in Dec 2008 and she had taken a shot of the hotel. I thought it is interesting just to see the progress by comparing the photos taken in December 2008, April 2009 and July 2009.

The outer scaffolds are removed and revealed a beautiful and attractive building. The colour of surrounding Asia City buildings actually blend with our corporate color of the hotel.

Mattress, linen and more hotel stuff arrived. The lobby was full of action as the deliveries and the construction activities were in full swing. Mattress for rooms in all 9 floors were delivered in four 40 foot containers and it took us 2 days to unload and bring them into the rooms.

The contractor also began the installation of corridor carpet on 1st floor. All rooms on 1st floor were handed to us after the curtains were installed. Housekeeping were busy cleaning and set up the rooms. Engineering also started to install the soap dispenser.

26"LCD TVs also arrived and installed in all 1st floor rooms. We stored the remaining units in Engineering office sice the other rooms do not have any door lock installed yet.

Opera training begins on 6/7/09 for 1 week. Thereafter Thevan and Lily from our sister properties in KL will assist with further training for 2 weeks. We hope to be able to do some simulation run for 2 weeks before the hotel open on 18/8/09.

As the staff is a mixture of experienced and freshies, it adds more fun and excitement into the training.

Back Office Finance system and payroll system training is schedule on 12/7/09 for 1 week.

We recieved more items today. Our Purchasing Officer, AR was busy receiving and storing them. Chairs, tables, vacuum cleaners, filing cabinets are just a few of these items.

Housekeeping custom made filing cabinet was installed by the supplier. Then TV brackets for all rooms on 1st floor were also installed by the supplier and our Engineering staff. On the front drive way, the special design floor tiles with Kadazan motif also begins to take shape. The room number sign was also finalised. It has silver background with black number.

PCS was scheduled for the week of 22-26 June in Boulevard Hotel. All configuration and system set up will be done in KL and the machines will be shipped out by 28/06/09. I flew to KL on 24th morning and we wrap up everything on 26th. The idea is to have a system that is able to capture all the essentials yet do not burden the staff with all the processes. Although the Opera System is the "Lite" version, it is sufficient. Together with Elaine Wong of Micros Fidelio, Serena Tan, Thevan and Lily put in hours of work to complete the tasks.

I have the privilege to attend The Gardens Hotel & Residences one year anniversary cake cutting at the Executive Lounge on 25th June 2009.

On 26th June morning, Jeane and I had a discussion with TBL over the outlook of 2010. The labour cost issue was discussed. The marketing of CEKK over the internet is a significant factor. TBL emphasize on the key factor that the hotel must be clean, comfortable and safe. CEKK will be the model for future Express and thus all the pitfalls and success stories are to be shared.