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Measuring What Matters: Carbon Certification, Year Three

April 6, 2026

Measuring What Matters: Carbon Certification, Year Three

Sustainability is an ongoing journey at Millennium Hotels and Resorts in New Zealand. 

Making its third consecutive year of Toitu Carbon Reduce certification, the group has once again measured and reported the carbon footprint across all owned and managed hotels in New Zealand. This milestone reflects a continued commitment to understanding environmental impact and taking meaningful steps towards reducing it.

From Insight to Action

Each year, tracking emissions provides valuable insight into where impact is greatest – enabling smarter, more informed decisions that not only reduce environmental footprint but also enhance operational efficiency. At the property level, this empowers hotel teams to identify opportunities for improvement, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability across the portfolio.

As travel demand continues to grow, so does the importance of managing resources responsibly. Key focus areas include gas and electricity consumption, waste management, and business travel. In response, across New Zealand, hotels are introducing energy-efficient initiatives such as LED lighting replacements and upgrades to heating and appliances to improve energy efficiency.

Encouragingly, progress is being made where 31% of the hotel waste was diverted from landfill, reflecting a stronger focus on recycling and waste management across the portfolio.

Expanding the Commitment 

This year marked a significant improvement in reporting with the addition of new indirect (Scope 3) emissions such as franchised hotels, investment property emissions, and staff commuting. By broadening the scope, it  provides a more holistic view of the group’s environmental footprint, strengthening transparency and accountability. 

The group is also beginning to see a small decrease in emissions intensity over time, assessed as tonnes of emissions per million dollars of revenue. Backed by independent Toitu certification, these efforts provide confidence to guests, partners, and stakeholders that sustainability commitments are both credible and measurable.

Looking Ahead

In the coming year, the group will continue to work with all New Zealand properties, alongside hotel teams and locally based sustainability champions, to introduce initiatives that further reduce environmental impact.

From enhancing energy efficiency and preventative maintenance to upgrading building systems and lighting, these efforts are part of a broader commitment to Millennium’s Green Path – creating a more sustainable way to stay, now and into the future.

Millennium Place Marina Swaps Plastic for Glass

April 6, 2026

Millennium Place Marina Swaps Plastic for Glass

At Millennium Place Marina, sustainability is more than a commitment – it’s a conscious shift towards more responsible hospitality.

The hotel has officially transitioned from single-use plastic water bottles to refillable glass bottles across all guest rooms, eliminating approximately 420,000 plastic bottles annually. This initiative not only significantly reduces waste but also reflects Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ broader goals to create more sustainable guest experiences.

In-House, Thoughtfully Done 

What sets this initiative apart is its fully integrated, in-house approach. From bottling to labelling, the entire process is carried out on-site through a dedicated bottling facility – ensuring quality control while reducing transportation needs and lowering the overall carbon footprint.

A small change with a powerful environmental impact, reinforcing Millennium Place Marina’s commitment to responsible hospitality and a greener future.

International Women’s Day at M Social Hotel Singapore and Studio M Singapore

April 6, 2026

International Women’s Day at M Social Hotel Singapore and Studio M Singapore

On 8 March, M Social Hotel Singapore took the opportunity to recognise the remarkable women who contribute to the heart and success of the hotel. Women across the team bring dedication, professionalism, and passion to their roles every day, helping to create the vibrant and welcoming environment that defines the M Social experience. Their efforts in leadership, teamwork, and everyday moments of care and service continue to shape a positive and supportive workplace culture.

Each woman at M Social Hotel Singapore was presented with a rose as a gesture of appreciation.

Studio M Hotel Singapore

Studio M Hotel Singapore marked International Women’s Day by recognising the strength, resilience, and contributions of the women within the team. Across departments, the women of Studio M continue to inspire those around them through leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit. Roses were presented to every woman in Studio M as a token of appreciation for the passion, commitment, and professionalism they bring to their work each day.

M Hotel Singapore City Centre Marks World Water Day

April 6, 2026

M Hotel Singapore City Centre Marks World Water Day

In support of Singapore World Water Day 2026, M Hotel Singapore City Centre marked the month of March with a series of thoughtful initiatives that bring sustainability to the forefront of the guest experience.

From the moment guests arrive, prominent PUB campaign displays across the hotel’s exterior and lobby invite reflection on the importance of water conservation, encouraging more mindful habits throughout their stay.

Sustainable Dining at Cafe 2000

At Cafe 2000, sustainability takes centre stage with “Meat The Seafood,” a dinner buffet featuring sustainable produce curated by Head Chef Jacky Zhang. The spread includes fresh seafood on ice, roasted meats, and local delicacies such as Grilled Beef, Roasted Lamb Leg, Singapore Chilli-style Seafood with Deep-fried Mantou, and more – bringing together indulgence and conscious dining.

Café 2000 at M Hotel Singapore City Centre brings together sustainability and mindful dining, with the introduction of “Meat The Seafood” dinner buffet.
Families and Young Guests

Extending the experience to younger guests, a family-friendly social media campaign aimed at families with children rounds up the programme. Children aged five to eleven can answer a simple water conservation quiz, with hints provided through a curated social media post. By presenting proof of completion to team members, each child dines free with every paying adult. In-house guests are also welcome to participate in the quiz.This initiative makes sustainability both engaging and rewarding for families. 

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to creating more meaningful, sustainable moments for every guest.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua Completes Two-Year Transformation

April 6, 2026

Millennium Hotel Rotorua Completes Two-Year Transformation

A New Standard for Rotorua

Millennium Hotel Rotorua has completed a two-year, multimillion-dollar refurbishment, the largest upgrade in nearly 20 years. All 228 rooms have been remodelled alongside the club lounge, corridors, and alcoves, delivering a refreshed guest experience from arrival to departure.

The Club Lounge Returns

The anticipated final stage of the project saw the Club Lounge reopen for the first time since 2020. Club floor and deluxe spa guests now enjoy access to the exclusive space, with continental breakfast, daily refreshments, and hosted evening drinks featuring chef’s selections seven days a week.

Ms Whiston, General Manager of Millennium Hotel Rotorua, noted the response since reopening:

The popularity of our club lounge since its reopening reinforces that travellers are seeking out the luxury comforts, personable service, and addons that will elevate their stay. Every aspect of this project has been designed with our guest in mind and Rotorua at its heart, blending local identity with world-class hospitality.
– Ms Whiston, General Manager of Millennium Hotel Rotorua
A Cohesive Guest Experience

The refreshed rooms and public spaces now complement the hotel’s other well-loved features. As Ms Whiston added:

Our in-house spa, Zazu lounge bar, and Nikau restaurant come together to deliver a cohesive, upscale offering that strengthens our ability to provide the warm, welcoming stays we are known for.
– Ms Whiston, General Manager of Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Aroha Matthews Takes the Helm at Kingsgate Hotel Paihia

April 3, 2026

Aroha Matthews Takes the Helm at Kingsgate Hotel Paihia

Aroha Matthews has been appointed General Manager of Kingsgate Hotel Paihia, a move that brings her Millennium Hotels and Resorts journey full circle. She first joined the organisation in June 2021 as Operations Manager at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, only a stone’s throw away from the hotels she will now be leading.

Growing Through the Portfolio

During her first year and a half, Matthews stepped into the Acting General Manager role, demonstrating the capability and people-focused leadership style she has since become known for. In December 2022, she moved into a Relief General Manager role, travelling across the country to support a wide range of hotels, leading diverse teams, strengthening operations, and delivering hands-on project support wherever it was needed.

Most recently, she spent two successful years as General Manager of Copthorne Hotel Greymouth, where she played a key role in building a strong, engaged team, elevating the hotel’s profile, and driving creative initiatives that attracted both travellers and locals to the restaurant and hotel.

Closer to Home

Matthews is known for her practical, hands-on approach, strong organisational skills, resourcefulness, and commitment to achieving targets. She thrives on developing people, fostering positive culture, and delivering consistent guest experiences.

The move to Paihia also brings her closer to her roots and whanau, and her deep knowledge of the Bay of Islands and Northland community will be an asset as she leads the Kingsgate Hotel Paihia team into its next chapter.

Trendy Run by the Lake: Redefining the Su-style Lunar New Year

March 9, 2026

Trendy Run by the Lake: Redefining the Su-style Lunar New Year

On 25 January 2026, M Social Hotel Suzhou, the first M Social property under Millennium Hotels and Resorts in China, executed a strategic brand collaboration with Swiss premium sports brand On Running, hosting the Jinji Lake Exclusive Run. 

Bringing together 25 like-minded fitness enthusiasts, the event blended movement, community, and Suzhou-inspired heritage in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Against the scenic backdrop of Jinji Lake, participants embraced an active start to the festive season, redefining tradition through a modern, lifestyle-driven lens.

The collaboration seamlessly connected high-performance athletic culture with the hotel’s creative spaces, including the Ink Wash Co-working Space, reinforcing M Social Hotel Suzhou’s identity as a vibrant hub for wellness, connection, and contemporary living.

Vitality by the Water: The Jinji Lake Run

Set against the picturesque shores of Jinji Lake, the run brought M Social’s “Breaking Boundaries” spirit to life. This run was not merely a fitness activity but a celebration of movement, community, and modern lifestyle. Designed to engage the trendy, health-conscious market segment by offering an experience that combines aesthetic lake views with elite sports culture.

Intangible Heritage: Weaving the Year of the Horse

Balancing the dynamic energy of the run, guests were invited to slow down and immerse themselves in a Song Brocade (Song锦) handcraft workshop. Guided by skilled artisans, participants used traditional Su-style patterns to create their own handcrafted “little horse”, which was a heartfelt tribute to the upcoming Year of the Horse.

Blending heritage with hands-on creativity, the session successfully modernised a millennium-old intangible cultural heritage, transforming it into a high-value personal keepsake.

This multifaceted event underscores M Social Hotel Suzhou’s commitment to “Integrating Diversity,” proving that heritage and modern sport can coexist to drive guest loyalty and market distinction.

Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago Honours Service Legacy

March 9, 2026

Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago Honours Service Legacy

For over three decades, the spirit of Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago has been shaped by the dedication of its long-standing pillars of service. Among them is Craig Rupert, a Bellman whose remarkable journey reflects the living history of the property. Having joined the team at the Regal Hotel Chicago (as the property was then known) in 1993, Rupert has remained a steadfast presence through major transitions, including the landmark acquisition by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels PLC in 1999.

Where Service Meets Storytelling

At the heart of Craig’s career is his ability to create genuine connections. Over the years, he has welcomed an extraordinary range of guests, including world-renowned athletes and music legends such as Muhammad Ali and “Maestro of Soul”, Barry White.

Through warmth, attentiveness, and an instinct for meaningful conversation, Craig transforms arrivals into memorable experiences. His interactions go beyond service – they embody the hotel’s identity as a historic landmark where stories are shared and lasting impressions are made.

The Strategic Impact of Service Heritage

Craig Rupert is more than an employee; he represents a historical journey within the hotel, demonstrating that authentic hospitality is constructed through dedicated service, the sharing of stories, and genuine soul. The human element remains the most significant driver of brand inspiration, and his more than 30 years of commitment serve as a testament to the M Team culture, where individual longevity and personal integrity support the long-term sustainability of the company.

By fostering an environment where staff find inspiration in the diverse tapestry of people they encounter, Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago ensures its service remains rooted in excellence and authentic connection. As the property moves forward, it continues to leverage this rich heritage of service to maintain a competitive edge and operationalise the vision of world-class, story-led hospitality.

M Hotel Singapore City Centre Starts 2026 by Celebrating Its People

March 9, 2026

M Hotel Singapore City Centre Starts 2026 by Celebrating Its People

M Hotel Singapore City Centre kickstarted the new year by hosting its first celebratory gathering for 2026 – a meaningful occasion centred on appreciation, recognition, and shared purpose.

Bringing the team together, the session reinforced the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences by aligning individual contributions with the broader vision of the Millennium Hotels and Resorts brand.

Recognising Excellence in Action

The gathering was headlined by a motivating address from General Manager Edeline Tiong, who encouraged the team to continue raising the bar in service and performance. Central to this vision was the formal recognition of top-tier talent, identifying individuals whose dedication serves as a benchmark for the wider organisation.

By rewarding these milestones, M Hotel Singapore City Centre demonstrates a disciplined approach to human capital management, positioning individual achievement as a key proof point of the Millennium Hotels and Resorts operational strategy.

Cultivating Workforce Engagement and Synergy

Beyond awards, the celebration included joint birthday recognitions for January and February colleagues, creating moments of connection and camaraderie across departments. By investing in recognition and engagement, M Hotel Singapore City Centre continues to cultivate a motivated and united team, ready to deliver seamless experiences and achieve its 2026 goals. 

M Hotel Singapore City Centre staff participate in joint birthday celebrations, a strategic initiative aimed at building the internal synergy required to meet the region's 2026 commercial targets.
M Hotel Singapore City Centre staff participate in joint birthday celebrations, a strategic initiative aimed at building the internal synergy required to meet the region's 2026 commercial targets.

Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta Aligns for 2026 Strategic Targets

March 9, 2026

Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta Aligns for 2026 Strategic Targets

Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta kicked off the year with its first Townhall on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, bringing the team together to align on priorities, celebrate achievements, and set a clear direction for the year ahead.

The session reinforced a shared commitment to delivering strong results in 2026 – ensuring that global brand ambitions translate into focused, measurable action at the property level.

Recognising Excellence in Action

The Townhall underscored that while global strategy sets the direction, operational excellence at the property level remains the primary engine for growth. This was exemplified by the recognition of Dipo Sersan, who has been with Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta since 2022. Serving as Senior Income Auditor, she was named Employee of the Year 2025 and received the Millennium Hotels and Resorts Recognition Award Q3 2025 for “Best Contributor to Profitability” across all Millennium South East Asia properties.

From left to right: Rohmadi (Financial Controller), Dewi Satiti (Director of Human Resource), Dipo Sersan (Senior Income Audit), and Manny Mercado (General Manager) recognise the strategic financial impact of meticulous income auditing on the property’s bottom line.

Sersan’s success in navigating complex regulatory frameworks to secure IDR 1,510,134,677 in government tax incentives between August and December 2025 serves as a benchmark for how individual diligence impacts the group’s profitability. By operationalising fiscal discipline, the hotel continues to demonstrate its ability to protect and enhance shareholder value within the competitive Jakarta market.

Cultivating a High-Performance Culture

While strategy drives the business, the Townhall reaffirmed that a high-performance culture is the foundation of long-term sustainability. Celebrating excellence within the ranks ensures that the brand’s standards for quality and precision are not just maintained but consistently exceeded.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the management and the entire team of Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta for the trust and support that have been given. For me, working as an Income Auditor is not only about numbers, but about safeguarding trust, integrity, and the sustainability of the company.
– Dipo Sersan, Senior Income Auditor, Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta

By celebrating top talent like Dipo Sersan, leadership reinforces a culture where individual accountability is directly linked to the financial integrity and strategic resilience of the Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta operation. The session also took the time to appreciate the wider team through monthly staff birthday celebrations, reinforcing the belief that a shared purpose is best fuelled by recognition.

The Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta team stands unified following the 2026 strategy briefing, demonstrating the collective alignment required to deliver on the brand’s regional commercial targets and operational benchmarks.
The Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta team stands unified following the 2026 strategy briefing, demonstrating the collective alignment required to deliver on the brand’s regional commercial targets and operational benchmarks.
Integrating Local Success into Global Strategy

As part of the Millennium Hotels and Resorts portfolio, Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta remains focused on delivering contemporary hospitality through disciplined operations. By integrating global brand standards with local efficiency, the hotel continues to position itself as a reliable proof point of the group’s regional growth and asset management strategy.

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