Can All-Inclusive Work In The City?

Just when you think you have seen it all comes something new and so obviously overlooked. Far East Organization, Singapore, has launched an all-inclusive, city center boutique hotel in Singapore called the Quincy. That’s right, all-inclusive in a gateway city business hotel. Will it work? It must have flaws or someone would have tried this concept long ago, right?

I still have questions and have sent an email asking about average rate and how they make sure guests don’t over consume on the food and beverage side at this 108-room chic retreat. I will update this blog once I have answers. So far, it appears the hotel is a success as since it opened in early March it is running a 76% occupancy rate. Do you know how many hotels would kill for that rate right now?

The Quincy’s room rate includes a limousine transfer service from the airport (with free Wi-Fi access during the ride), all three meals at the hotel, high-speed Internet connections during the stay, all mini-bar amenities, and even cocktails and drinks each evening. On top of all that, the hotel will pick up the tab for two pieces of laundry per room, per night.

“We unhampered ourselves of rules and set out to achieve what travelers wanted and liked,” said Chia Boon Kuah, executive director in charge of Far East’s hospitality business. Far east has six other hotels and 11 serviced apartments. Perhaps it is stealing ideas for the serviced apartment concept.

 
From a design standpoint, the Quincy departs from the norm with its distinctive façade. Dark grey metal, anodized steel and shimmering windows form large modular shapes – giving the building a strong, modern, almost monolithic air. But breaking the almost severe lines is a whimsical, illuminated, glass-enclosed pool which is cantilevered from the 12th floor of the building.

Touches of this surprising quirkiness can be found throughout the hotel – from the distinctive furniture including peanut-shaped benches and illuminated torsos, to the surprising messages that appear each day in the lifts to the colour-changing LED lights dotting the pool deck.

So, what do you think? Can all-inclusive work as an alternative for city center, business hotels? It kinda has a nice feel and who wouldn’t like to know what an entire stay is going to cost in advance and never have to worry about being nickled and dimed with Internet access costs. And the mini-bar, oh my! Who wouldn’t just empty that out in a hurry!!