THE Granite Luxury Hotel is rolling the dice on a festive season like no other, turning its Christmas lighting ceremony into a Monopoly-themed extravaganza.
Blending tradition and festivity, the hotel not only illuminated its Christmas tree but also lit up the hearts of George Town’s residents with a month-long weekend bazaar in the hotel’s back lane, adding a unique Monopoly twist.
The Penang Monopoly edition, the first-ever Malaysian city edition, is available at a significant discount during the bazaar. This festive market is also the ideal spot to discover holiday gifts and treats.
M Summit Group, the hotel’s builder and operator, invested over RM1 million to adopt and refurbish the 135m back lane connecting Magazine Road with Gurdwara Road under the Penang Island City Council’s 15-year adoption programme.
Expressing delight, M Summit Group managing director Datuk Albert Moh shared: “For this Christmas Season, Santa came early to the hotel.”
“We are so happy to receive two presents from him. The first good news is that we have earned a spot in Penang Monopoly.
“The second being the hotel’s triumphant win of three World Luxury Hotel Awards in Athens. The awards, secured in Best Luxury Concept Hotel, Best Luxury Design Hotel, and Best Luxury New Hotel categories, were a result of public votes, a victory made possible by the collective effort of the hotel’s dedicated staff, supportive family, and loyal patrons,” Albert said.
Albert expressed that as a home-grown hotel, The Granite Luxury Hotel shares the same good old-fashioned family values which are embodied and associated with Monopoly.
“When I was a kid, I recalled enjoying so many hours of fun playing this game with my siblings.
“When the paper money got all crumpled, we made our own using Manila card! This game is also a good way to teach the young about buying and selling real estate.
Thus, this Monopoly-themed celebration is our tribute to wholesome fun and timeless traditions, as well as our commitment to offering experiences that are both unique and memorable,” Albert said.
Welcoming guests to the festive celebration, hotel general manager Moh Wei Ken highlighted the transformation of their once-forgotten back lane into a Christmas market, a vibrant testament to the spirit of community and celebration in Penang.
Expressing his vision, Wei Ken appealed to Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Tourism Malaysia for support to extend similar activities along Jalan Gurdwara, connecting the lively Hin Bus Depot weekend market with the hotel’s back lane market.
“With some funds from PGT and Tourism Malaysia, I believe this vision can be turned into reality,” he said.
In his speech, Chow said the special Christmas lighting ceremony at The Granite Luxury Hotel symbolises Penang’s vibrant culture and community spirit.
“I am delighted to see the transformation that The Granite Luxury Hotel has undertaken to create this Monopoly-themed celebration.
“As a child, I also played Monopoly but I did not end up being a real estate developer.
“But instead, being someone who makes policies involving real estate development in the government and in the local councils.
“Congratulations to Datuk Albert Moh for your business achievements and for transforming this piece of land into what it is today.
“You went beyond the call of duty by transforming the Magazine Road back lane.
“Thank you for your sponsorship of almost RM1 million to make this back lane an event space for the community to gather.
“Probably because of this upgrading work, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had also decided to upgrade Jalan Gurdwara, all the way to Hin Bus Depot.
“This exemplifies that through effective public-private partnerships, we have the potential to rejuvenate public spaces, enhance the liveability of our city, foster prosperity, and create a joyful destination for everyone to savour,” he said.
Chow added that Penang shared the hotel’s pride in being chosen as the first Monopoly city edition in Malaysia.
“This big boost will help promote our lovely island state in the world tourism arena.
“From the bustling Christmas market in the back lane to the exciting décor that surrounds us, every detail exemplifies the spirit of innovation that we so deeply cherish in Penang.
“The Granite Luxury Hotel has not only captured the essence of Penang’s heritage but has also projected our cultural identity onto the international stage.
“It is with immense pride that I congratulate the hotel on being the recipient of three World Luxury Hotel Awards. These awards are a testament to the hotel’s commitment to excellence and are accolades that all of Penang can be proud of,” he said.
Chow added that it is through such aspirations and achievements that Penang would continue to attract visitors from across the globe, eager to experience the warmth, the culture, and the unparalleled hospitality that the state is known for.
Gracing the event were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and Tourism Malaysia northern regional deputy director Siti Hajar Yunus, together with Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng.
Open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the end of December from 5pm to 9pm, the Christmas market welcomes all with free admission to indulge in the joyful offerings of the season.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix and video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat