Beat this: 7,351 rooms make First World Hotel in Genting the world's largest

With 7,351 rooms, First World Hotel at the Genting Highlands integrated resort near Kuala Lumpur has been named the world's largest hotel once again by the Guinness World Records.

The hotel had previously held the record between 2006 and 2013 when it had 6,118 rooms.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Alan Pixley presented the award to senior vice-president, hotel operations of Resorts World Genting Edward Holloway at the Guinness World Records office in London yesterday, a statement from the resort said.

"Our congratulations go to First World Hotel for the opening of the new block and for claiming back the Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest hotel," said Pixley.

Holloway said the hotel had received over 35.5 million guests over the nine years since its first record in 2006.

"The endorsement by the world's authority on this record-breaking achievement is icing on the cake, and more. It spells further excitement for the iconic hill resort even as it helps strengthen Malaysia on the international map for excellence in tourism and hospitality," he said.

The new block, Annex 2A, with its newly decorated rooms and accompanying entertainment and food and beverage outlets, offers a new phase to the hotel.

The transformation plans at Resorts World Genting have seen not only a higher number of rooms at First World Hotel but also a host of new features including Express Check-in and Check-out Kiosks – the first in Southeast Asia – and an innovatively-designed walkway leading to the lobby.

The hotel was originally designed as a basic hotel providing comfortable, clean and affordable rooms.

However, with today's travellers demanding better quality rooms, the hotel had upgraded the facilities.

A study on customer requirements preceded one-and-a-half years of planning and renovations at the Tower 2 Annex at the cost of RM300 million, the statement said.

The resort will unveil the 20th Century Fox World Theme Park, Genting Premium Outlet, brand new shopping mall Sky Avenue and a new cable car system next year.