AN ADRENALIN-CHARGED F1 WEEKEND AT SWISSOTEL THE STAMFORD, SINGAPORE
Released on: October 9, 2008, 3:10 am
Press Release Author: Swisstel Hotels & Resorts
Industry: Entertainment
Press Release Summary: SINGAPORE, 7 October 2008 - It was an exhilarating F1 weekend at Swisstel The Stamford, which was in the thick of the action at Singapore's inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1(tm) SingTel Singapore Grand Prix from 26 to 28 September 2008. Towering at 226 metres and 72 storeys high, Singapore's tallest trackside hotel served no less than 30,000 outside catering meals, 15,000 in-house guests and gave away some 7,500 commemorative F1 amenities over the three days.
Press Release Body: In its review of the Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore's main local daily The Straits Times remarked, "Service standards of staff at trackside hotels like Swisstel The Stamford, food and beverage and merchandise outlets around the circuit were praised".
Swisstel The Stamford's strategic location in the heart of the world's first night street circuit provided guests with a myriad of superb vantage points from its luxurious guest rooms and food & beverage outlets, boasting the most extensive views of the Formula One racetrack all round.
The hotel was abuzz with activity as it housed sponsors and teams from BMW Sauber, Ferrari and Honda, and played host to numerous VIPs and dignitaries during the F1 season. It staged numerous stellar corporate events and activities, which saw top international celebrities and world-class Formula One drivers such as Kimi Rikknen, Felipe Massa, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, walk through its doors. The BMW Sauber F1.07 racecar displayed at the lobby was a favourite photo-spot, captivating both passers-by and guests within the hotel.
Hotel guests enjoyed special collectible F1 amenities which they could take home as souvenirs after the race. Earplug sets were placed in every room, whilst guests at track-facing rooms and suites were given a set of binoculars and treated to racecar chocolates as part of their turndown service. More than 7,500 of these commemorative F1 items were given out during the F1 weekend, leaving guests with a memorable F1 experience at Swisstel The Stamford.
Diners and partygoers revelled in the F1 fever and caught a piece of the action at Equinox, an integrated F&B complex situated from levels 69 to 72 of the hotel. Window seats at the Equinox Restaurant were fully occupied by guests, who paid a premium to enjoy the spectacular views of the racetrack. Fine-dining French restaurant Jaan, was booked by high profile corporate clients for private functions on all three days of the F1 weekend.
The newly revamped New Asia was packed with revellers epitomising the glitz and glamour of Formula One, sipping on more than 5,000 glasses of premium champagnes, fine wines and signature cocktails whilst watching the race from the bar's floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The sleek nightspot also hosted a dynamic fashion show by an American apparel brand renowned for its unique, colourful and artistic creations. International models, specially flown in for the event, strutted down the runway in cutting-edge togs at the stroke of midnight on the first day of the F1 season.
Equinox's private dining rooms were also booked for exclusive corporate events during the season, most notably for a private concert by Grammy award-winning Jazz artiste Diana Krall, who entertained about 250 VIP guests against the magnificent backdrop of the city skyline.
On the racetrack, Raffles City Convention Centre was the Singapore Grand Prix's single largest outside caterer, preparing close to 30,000 meals over the 3 days. The banquet team served an international array of cuisine for high tea, dinner and supper for 9,600 guests daily at 42 exclusive Club and Sky suites across the Paddock club. Local media and guests highly lauded the food and beverage standards at the corporate hospitality suites, noting that it befitted the discerning palates of its elite guests.
General Manager of Swisstel The Stamford, Mr Aiden McAuley says, "The inaugural 2008 FORMULA 1(tm) SingTel Singapore Grand Prix was a tremendous success and a great boost to Singapore's tourism and hospitality sector. In fact, we have already received many bookings and enquiries for next year's F1, and we are reviewing how we can create an even more memorable F1 experience for our guests at Swisstel The Stamford in the years to come."