KUALA LUMPUR, March 1 — Long a favourite pastime for families, Malaysians will now be able to further enjoy the board game in the world’s first Monopoly-themed hotel set to open next year in the Bukit Bintang shopping district here.

Called the Monopoly Mansion by Sirocco, the 255-room hotel will be situated at the M101 Bukit Bintang development owned by M101 Holdings Sdn Bhd.

The hotel will feature 1920s Art Deco design and architecture for its thematic facilities, bar and restaurant, reminiscent of the popular board game’s origins.

(From left) Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, Datuk Seth Yap, Claire Gilchrist and Chew Yean Nee pose for a group photo during the licensing agreement signing ceremony for the world"s first Monopoly-branded hotel in Kuala Lumpur March 1, 2018.

The development is a partnership venture between M101 and multinational toymaker Hasbro.

M101 chief executive officer Datuk Seth Yap said his organisation’s concept is to promote Malaysia through property tourism.

"Working with Monopoly is not a brand tagging exercise but a brand experience. To live and feel the brand.

"As Hasbro is committed to creating the ‘World’s Best Play Experience’, so do we believe in creating endearing values when it comes to real estate through the property tourism platform,” he said during the signing of the licensing agreement.

Overseeing the signing was Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, who said thematic hotels play an important role in bringing more tourists into Malaysia.

"Many often seek memorable experiences, particularly millennials, who are attracted to the idea of being able to photograph themselves surrounded by interesting ambience, architecture, views or objects,

"In 2016 the average tourist stays up to 5.9 nights while in Malaysia. I hope such facilities will not only cause them to lengthen their stay but encourage them to return again and again,” he said.

Also in attendance was Hasbro Consumer Products Asia Pacific vice president Claire Gilchrist and Hasbro South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan managing director Jenny Chew.