Everly Lhesson Kuching gets off to roaring start

KUCHING: The Everly Lhesson Kuching Hotel achieved positive cash flow within six months of opening, ranking second among major hotels in Kuching in terms of social media presence.

In disclosing this, The Everly Group’s Managing Director, Dennis Tan said the 238-room hotel, located above Vivacity Megamall, had already recorded encouraging performance since beginning operations about six months ago.

“We opened about six months ago, and the hotel has already achieved positive cash flow and is ranked second in the social media of the major hotels in Kuching,” he said in his welcoming speech during the hotel’s grand opening here today, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Tan said the achievement reflected the group’s experience in hotel development and management, particularly in designing the right business mix and ensuring operational efficiency.

He said The Everly Group had a long-standing relationship with Sarawak, dating back to 1990 when it was appointed to manage Rajah Court Hotel in Kuching.

“We turned around this hotel within three months of our appointment and managed it until 2000,” he said.

During its time in Sarawak, the group was also involved in the commercial and layout design of Pelagus Resort, the business efficiency design of Mega Hotel Miri, and the development of Park City Everly Hotel Bintulu.

Tan said Park City Everly Hotel Bintulu, which the group had managed since its concept stage, was designed with a balance between its commercial requirements and back-of-house efficiency.

“We believe it is one of the most profitable, if not the most profitable hotel in Sarawak, because of the combination of the correct business mix, efficient design and efficient management,” he said.

He said the group was subsequently appointed by Samling Group to manage its Miri hotel after the property was not generating sufficient returns, and managed to turn it around within three months.

The group was also involved in developing the business mix and back-office efficiency for what was initially planned as The Everly Sibu, now known as RH Hotel.

Tan said the group’s core strengths are in designing new hotels to optimise their catchment areas and profitability with the lowest possible investment, as well as improving the performance of existing hotels.

“For existing hotels, we guarantee a profit improvement or turnaround within six months, or we pay two times our fee in penalty. We haven’t failed yet,” he said.

He said the group had so far recorded 14 hotel turnarounds and one golf course under its track record.

Tan said the opening of The Everly Lhesson Kuching marked the group’s return to the city after 26 years, with the hotel’s design and management entrusted to The Everly Group.

The hotel, he said, combines Sarawakian hospitality with The Everly Group’s service approach, with its operations supported by Sarawakian talents.

The hotel features guestrooms, family suites, loft rooms, executive rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium, executive lounge and meeting facilities.

Its dining offerings include Fuze Café, Skybar De Sepik and Eastern City Restaurant, which serves local and international dishes including Sarawak Laksa, Bintangor Kampua and Bintangor Rojak.

The hotel also offers event and banquet facilities, including the Grand Lhesson Ballroom, Executive Lounge and Diamond and Pearl Meeting Rooms.

Tan said the hotel’s location next to Vivacity Megamall further complemented its offering by providing guests with convenient access to shopping, dining and entertainment.