Casa del Rio (M) Bhd has teamed up with Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd and Sin Seong Hin Sdn Bhd to develop a RM102 million four-storey boutique hotel in Melaka.

The developer will receive RM50 million term loan facilities from the bank and an investment of approximately RM60 million from Sin Seong Hin Sdn Bhd, which will be channeled towards the second phase of the main building works for the hotel.

Named Casa del Rio Melaka, the hotel takes up 3.2 acres along the Melaka River with a capacity of 64 bedroom suites and 32 apartments. Designed along Mediterranean architecture akin to its popular sister property, Casa del Mar Langkawi, the hotel is scheduled for completion at the end of 2010.

Owned and managed by Casa del Rio (M) Sdn Bhd, the boutique resort offers river view accommodation, innovative dining options and spa facilities. Its philosophy is “to create unique experiences, providing guests with a tranquil hideaway”.

Group managing director of Casa del Rio (M) Sdn Bhd, Tan Sri Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir applauded the many spectacular development, preservation and conservation of historical and cultural heritage in Melaka. The signing ceremony signifies the parties’ commitment to support social, cultural and economic development in Melaka, he added.

Tan Sri Syed Yusof also operates the 570-room Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, 381-room Concorde Shah Alam, 338-room Concorde Inn KLIA, 18-room Lakehouse in Cameron Highlands and 34-room Casa del Mar in Langkawi. He also operates specialty restaurants in Malaysia namely, Saloma Theatre Restaurant, Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood, as well as boutique radio station, Capital FM88.9.