CIM NEWS MAGAZINE Issue 7 2016 | Page 34

VENUE UPDATE Raffles Singapore refurb for 2017 Raffles Singapore will embark on a restoration program over three phases beginning next year. Phase One will begin in January and see the Raffles Hotel Arcade undergo restoration works while other areas of the property operate as normal. Phase Two will begin in mid-2017 when restoration efforts will begin on the main hotel building and lobby as well as a portion of the hotel suites. Following that, Raffles Singapore will close for the final phase near the end of 2017 before a grand reopening in the second quarter of 2018. News in brief Mantra 2 Bond Street gets NY makeover Mantra 2 Bond Street in Sydney has received a $4.5 million refurbishment giving it a New York loft-style look. More than 120 guest rooms have been rejuvenated, with a unique pendant lighting feature acting as a focal point in the refurbished studio, one and two bedroom apartments’ new gourmet kitchen. Bangkok sees first purposedesigned AVANI Hotel Ballroom blitz for Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel has opened its doors as the first purposedesigned AVANI property in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya riverside. The 248-key hotel is aimed at a millennial aesthetic over 26 storeys. The hotel is also home to a new multipurpose events complex on the 10th floor offering over 4500sqm of flexible space. Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise has opened their newly refurbished Norfolk Ballroom, and announced plans for a range of additional refurbishments to take place at the Gold Coast property. The new refurbishment will include two new dining experiences, a retail wine shop as well as a refreshed design for the lobby and Relish Bar. 34   Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 7, 2016    www.cimmagazine.com