We're first! Resorts World Sentosa beats Sands to Singapore

Crockfords Tower - Crockfords Lounge

In the unofficial but cutthroat race to open Singapore's first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa will begin opening in stages from January 20, 2010, starting with its four hotels opening on the same day. It's a long-drawn tussle between the resort and Marina Bay Sands, which just announced that it is looking to open its casino resort at the end of March, but is facing delays due to rains, according to the Wall Street Journal.

It's the first shot in the IR salvo, and in a press statement that just smacks ever so slightly of gloating, chairman of the Genting Group and Resorts World Sentosa Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said, 'We have been single-minded about the promise to deliver a true IR that will make Singapore and Singaporeans proud -- no distractions or excuses -- and today, we are happy to say we marked the first milestone towards delivering on that promise."

As to the opening of the Universal Studios Singapore theme park and more importantly, the casino license, no details are yet available but are in the process of approvals.

Resorts World Sentosa has began operations at two of its four hotels, celebrating with a lion dance and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The four hotels -- Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael -- will offer a total of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurant outlets at the opening, while another two hotels, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas, will add another 500 rooms when they launch after 2010.
Here's a brief introduction at the four opening hotels and check out the image gallery above on what they'd look like.

Festive Hotel

"Fun and vibrant, with lots of design surprises to delight families, Festive Hotel rooms come with separate chambers for parents and loft beds for kids. Every room comes with a sofa bed for extra sleeping room. Kids will have a festive time in this hotel, which offers candies, special welcome packs and bathrobes for them."
Number of rooms: 390, including Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Family Rooms and Deluxe Suites.

Hard Rock Hotel Singapore

"Hip and trendy, with an attitude and dramatic ambiance, guests at Hard Rock Hotel Singapore are welcomed like rock stars. Rooms are fitted out with unique furnishings like magic 'chandeliers' and the edgy Hard Rock tattoo. A retreat for trendy jet-setters, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is also suitable for families. Deluxe Twins can accommodate up to 5 guests, with an extra pull-out bed for kids."
Number of rooms: 360, including Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Suites.

Crockfords Tower

"An all-suite hotel with 24-hour butler service, Crockfords Tower’s suites are elegant and intimate. Dressed in stately dark wood, luxurious fabrics, hues of red and gold, the Crockfords’ suite comes with lavish touches, such as a magic mirror that doubles as a TV screen, an en-suite pantry and a personal steam room. Guests who check into Crockfords Tower are by-invitation only, and enjoy a range of complimentary and private dining, gaming and VIP facilities within the exclusive hotel tower."
Number of rooms: 120 rooms, including Deluxe Suites, Mansions and Villas.

Hotel Michael

"Named after and designed entirely by Michael Graves & Associates, Hotel Michael pays tribute to Michael Graves’ design genius. Call it a 'collection' of Michael Graves’ favorite things, this one-and-only Hotel Michael in the world carries Graves’ stamp in everything from the rooms’ honey-coloured maple walls and the 'archaic landscape' murals to their circular blue mosaic showers. Hotel Michael offers fine and contemporary dining at its restaurants."

Number of rooms: 470, including Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Suites, Club Rooms and Suite Rooms.
Room and restaurant reservations begin at 1000 hours on Monday, 11 Jan 2010 on hotline +65 6577 8899. Details will be posted on http://www.rwsentosa.com/


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