The Empire Brunei
Hotel in Jerudong, Brunei From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Empire Brunei is a luxury hotel located in Kampong Jerudong, near the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, in the Brunei–Muara District of Brunei.[4] Originally funded by Prince Jefri Bolkiah and completed in 2000, the hotel encountered financial difficulties that resulted in government investment and a transfer of ownership.[5] Relaunched in 2019 with updated branding,[6] the hotel offers a range of accommodations, including the "Emperor Suite".[7] The hotel has won some awards, including for its golf course, and has hosted a number of ASEAN events.
| The Empire Brunei | |
|---|---|
 The Empire Brunei in 2023 | |
 | |
| Former names | The Empire Hotel & Country Club |
| General information | |
| Status | Completed |
| Type | Luxury hotel |
| Location | Jerudong, BG3122, Brunei |
| Coordinates | 4°58′05″N 114°51′13″E |
| Construction started | 1994 |
| Completed | 2000 |
| Opened | 16 October 2000 |
| Cost | US$1.1 billion |
| Owner | Brunei Investment Agency |
| Grounds | 180 hectares (440 acres) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | McKerrell Lynch |
| Other designers | Jack Nicklaus |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 532 |
| Website | |
| theempirebrunei | |
| References | |
| [1][2][3] | |
In the 1990s, Prince Jefri Bolkiah financed the construction of a hotel valued at approximately US$1.1 billion.[1] The financial strain on state resources led the government to invest in what was initially intended as a private enterprise.[8] Construction commenced in 1994 and spanned six years, involving 220 architects and designers from the Australian firm McKerrell Lynch.[3] Initially owned by Amedeo Development Corporation,[9] and led by the Prince,[1] ownership was transferred to the Brunei Investment Agency following Amedeo's collapse in 1998.[1]
The hotel was formerly known as the Jerudong Park Hotel.[10] The Empire Hotel and Country Club, developed over a period of six years with the collaboration of approximately 300 designers, technologists, and artisans, officially opened on 16 October 2000.[5] The opening of the hotel was scheduled to precede the November APEC Brunei Darussalam 2000 meeting, to help address a lack of hotel space in Bandar Seri Begawan.[10]
On 30 October 2019, the hotel was rebranded as The Empire Brunei to mark its 19th anniversary. The rebranding, managed by & SMITH, maintained the original name "The Empire" while adding "Brunei" to emphasise its location. The updated logo incorporates the national flower, bunga simpur, surrounded by lilies and employs a gold and teal color scheme to represent the sea and woods.[6]
The hotel is situated on a 180-hectare (445-acre) beachfront property overlooking the South China Sea.[11] It offers both rooms and conference facilities.[2] It has been considered a "six-star" hotel.[12]
Recreational facilities include an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course,[13][14] other sports facilities, two private beaches,[15] restaurants, and a three-screen movie theatre.[2] The "Emperor Suite", the hotel's most expensive accommodation,[7] spans 665 or 675 square metres (7,160 or 7,270 sq ft)[16][3] of the seventh floor,[17] and includes features such as a private dining area, swimming pool, grand piano, sauna, Jacuzzi, private elevator access, and a movie theatre,[18] as well as security features, bulletproof glass, and private elevators.[18] Rates range from $16,600 to $23,000 per night.[19][better source needed] The suite is often reserved for high-profile guests.[18] Its first guest was United States President Bill Clinton who stayed there during the APEC Brunei Darussalam 2000 meeting. Other former guests include the then-Prince Charles.[20]
The 25th ASEAN Summit was held at the Empire Hotel on 18 March 2015, in the hotel's largest conference room.[21]
A meeting of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community was hosted at the hotel by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports from 28 to 29 May 2024.[22] In August 2024 the hotel hosted a ASEAN Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) meeting.[23]
The hotel's golf course hosted the Brunei Open.[24]
The Empire Hotel has been recognised and awarded the following:
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