Singaporean architect puts history back into buildings; interview with Helen Chen explores how restoration should adhere to a structure's character

Article Abstract:

Singaporean architect Helen Chen's job is to restore landmark hotels which she has accomplished remarkably well in several countries. She has proven her skill in restoring the $96-million hotel Raffles neoclassical buildings, which were constructed between 1887 and 1915, to their former glory in 1991. Her two other projects were the Hotel Le Royal and Grand Hotel D'Angkor which were built in the 1920s and in 1930, respectively. She has embarked on restoring the Fullerton Building which will be transformed from a public building to a five-star hotel in Singapore.

New capacity, new plant construction, Singapore, Historical Sites, Architectural Services, Historic Landmarks, Interview, Architects, Remodeling and renovation, Historic buildings, Historic sites, Chen, Helen

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It pays to be picky among Hong Kong's hotels: promotional rates, mileage points, amenities compete for guests

Article Abstract:

Hotels in Hong Kong are improving their customer services as a result of the increasing discriminate expectations of their clients. Hotels were compelled to offer lower room rates and complimentary services to attract customers in the hope of battling the Asian economic crisis. However, most luxury hotels are reluctant to cut their rates because of their high overhead costs in maintaining luxury services. Unlike business travelers, budget-conscious tourists prefer three-star or four-star hotels because of their bargain rates.

Services information, Hong Kong, Consumer prices, Travel industry

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Per diem is getting trickier

Article Abstract:

Corporate budgeters are having difficulty in predicting per-diem costs for travelling executives amid fluctuating prices of room rates and food prices in hotels. Several hotels in Asia's hard hit countries have actually increased US dollar rates to gain more from foreign currency, while others are reducing tariffs. Moreover, there are contrasting rates of increase at various types of hotels.

International Affairs, Travel & Tourism NEC, Economic aspects, Asia, Business travel, Tourism

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