The AnCasa Royale Pekan highlights the rich culture and heritage of the royal town in its architecture and interior design, writes Eddy Osman
VISITORS to Pekan will not miss the beautiful hotel that sits majestically on the bank of Sungai Pahang, near the Sultan Abu Bakar Bridge.
The luxurious AnCasa Royale Pekan is the latest landmark in the royal town which is known for attractions that include the beautiful Sultan Abu Bakar palace and museum, Pulau Keladi Cultural Village and Royal Tenun Of Pahang Complex.
UDA Holdings senior vice-president Syed Ahmad Nazri Syed Kamaruzaman says the RM100 million boutique hotel is a “community hotel” as it also highlights the rich culture and heritage of the royal town in its architecture and interior design.
CULTURAL SHOWCASE
Guests will feel at home the moment they enter the main lobby, as friendly local staff will welcome them with smiles while a group of gamelan players soothe their ears with traditional music.
Part of the structure in the lobby is made from wood, replicating the external wall of traditional homes in the nearby village.
The carpets in the lobby are also a visual feast as they incorporate the geometric designs of the Royal Tenun Of Pahang, the traditional woven fabric produced by the villagers here.
“The motifs on the carpet are actually based on bunga pekan, the beautiful flower from which this town derives its name,” says Syed Ahmad Nazri.
Pointing to the chandeliers, he says the exclusive design is also based on bunga pekan and is not found in other hotels.
“It’s not easy to find the unique flowering tree nowadays and I’m sure that many Pekan folk, especially the young generation, would not have seen the real pekan flowers before,” he says.
INCREASING DEMAND
Syed Ahmad Nazri says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is Pekan MP, was among the first to moot the idea for such a hotel to cater to the increasing demand.
The first to offer four-star rooms and services in town, Ancasa Royale Pekan has a high standard of facilities and services as it was built to cater to discerning expatriates who work at Pekan Automotive Park (which has international marques such as Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Isuzu and Suzuki) and foreign and local dignitaries who come to Pekan during various celebrations and investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah’s birthday.
However, Syed Ahmad Nazri says, the hotel will never forget its role to serve the local community by providing affordable packages for them.
“We also provide jobs for the locals and about 80 per cent of our 110 staff are from the surrounding areas,” he says.
At present, 120 of its 177 rooms are ready for occupancy including deluxe premier, junior suite and executive suite.
FOUR-STAR FACILITIES
“Ancasa Royale rooms adopt a tropical modern concept. It will help our guests to unwind and sample the town’s offering without travelling far,” says Syed Ahmad Nazri.
Built on a 2.5-hectare site in Kampung Peramu, the seven-storey hotel has facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium and traditional spa.
For the Mice market, the Seri Mahkota ballroom can accommodate up to 500 people and there are five seminar rooms of various sizes.
Foodies can enjoy local and western delicacies at the Saffron Brasserie while those who favour finger food and cakes can either go to the Lobby Lounge or the Studio Club on the first floor.
Syed Ahmad Nazri says the hotel can provide Japanese food on request though its Japanese restaurant will only be opened in a few months’ time.
The hotel also has a jetty, which will be used to bring hotel guests for a boat ride along Sungai Pahang.
“We also have plans to get bigger boats for a river cruise package in future. Among others, guests can also dine onboard while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the longest river in the peninsula.”
FAST FACTS
HOTEL
Ancasa Royale Pekan, 2670 Kampung Peramu, Jalan
Pekan-Kuantan, Pahang. Tel: 09-424 6600 or 1-300-880-032 Website: ancasaroyale.com
GETTING THERE
A 45-minute drive from Kuantan.
MAIN ATTRACTION
The first to offer four-star rooms and services in town.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Homely.
ROOMS
177 rooms of deluxe premier, junior suite and executive suite.
F&B OUTLETS
Saffron Basserie, Lobby Lounge and Studio Club
OVERALL SERVICE
Friendly local staff.
PLACES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Watercraft Gallery, Tun Razak Memorial Hall, Silk Weaving Gallery and Sultan Abu Bakar Palace
RATES
First-year promotional room rate starts from RM260++.
