Carcosa Seri Negara's final countdown

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WHEN news that Carcosa Seri Negara might soon close its doors for the final time came out, many former guests took the opportunity to visit the stately mansion once more, if only to catch a final glimpse at a place close to their hearts.

For one 98-year-old great-great-grandmother, the visit was especially poignant as she had been married on the grounds of the hotel when she was a young lass of only 16.

Carcosa Seri Negara is actually an amalgamation of two stately bungalows, Carcosa and Seri Negara.

Classy touches: The interior of the French restaurant is a sight to behold with lush furnishings and trimmings.

Construction of the Carcosa began in 1896 and it was to be the official residence of the first Resident-General to the Federated Malay States Sir Frank Swettenham, who moved in in 1904. When Malaysia gained its Independence in 1957, Carcosa remained the property of the British government until it was returned in 1987.

Carcosa Seri Negara was opened in 1913 as the official guest house for the Governor of the Straits Settlement and was later referred to as King’s House.

Since 1989, the two properties, collectively known as Carcosa Seri Negara, have been leased to Landmark Hotels and Realty Sdn Bhd on a 10-year renewable contract basis. Since 2004, it has been managed by General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM).

With the second 10-year lease expiring on Dec 31 this year, speculation is rife as to the future of the hotel, and calls for fresh bids and a redevelopment exercise have been made.

Details on the redevelopment project are vague but sources claim that tenders have already been called for and meetings have been held with interested parties.

Relaxed: The verandah of The Dining Room, where guests can savour English afternoon tea or enjoy a meal.

For the moment, the future of Carcosa Seri Negara hangs in the balance, with the outcome largely dependent on the type of redevelopment that will take place.

Hotel manager Caroline Flitzinger said she had initially received hundreds of emails from the public protesting the redevelopment plan but some had written in support of the idea as long as the existing colonial style and charm were retained.

“After 20 years, the hotel is admittedly a little old and tired. The Malaysian government, which is the owner, might also have some other plans for the land, especially the revenue it could generate and this redevelopment could also help offset the huge maintenance costs of a property this size,” she said.

The hotel has hosted dignitaries and VIPs from the world over and many of those who come for a visit now are regulars. However, most Malaysians visit Carcosa Seri Negara for special events and rarely spend the night.

This might be because of a perception that the hotel is expensive and exclusive.

Gleaming in white: The Langkasuka foyer at the meeting room where many guests have walked over the years.

“While we do target a rather niche group of clients, our doors are still open to anyone. We would also like to see more traffic here,” Filtzinger, who has been with the hotel for the past two years, said.

According to her, bookings have increased tremendously since news of the possible closure was announced but the hotel has had to turn down any reservations for next year.

For the hotel’s long-serving employees, the next few months are difficult time for them as they wonder about the future.

All 78 employeers would have to be retrenched if the lease is not renewed but GHM is looking out for vacancies at other properties it manages to fit them in.

“I find it hard to accept that it may close soon. It was something we could not have predicted,” pastry chef Muhammad Raz Firdaus said.

“I remember being the last of the 25 people they interviewed for the pastry chef job. I felt like the luckiest person alive when I got the job.

“It’s been an honour serving our guests over the years. If the development is for the better, then that’s good but Carcosa must be remembered for what it was.

“Development can continue but the heritage must be maintained,” he said, adding that if the new owners offered him a job, he would consider staying on.

GHM has announced that it is offering visitors one last chance to stay at the hotel with various packages available for guests.

The package prices start from RM900++. For now, savouring an Englsih Afternoon Tea at The Dining Room is another option for those who prefer not to stay overnight.