With its 30th anniversary on the horizon, RHR Hospitality stands as a testament to homegrown excellence in Malaysia’s hospitality industry. At the helm is Rohanna Ramli, the spirited CEO whose journey mirrors the company’s own rise from modest roots to national acclaim. In this exclusive feature with Niaga Times, Rohanna opens up about the challenges, milestones, and aspirations that continue to shape RHR’s legacy.
Rohanna’s passion into the hospitality world began modestly, yet meaningfully, with her first job at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. “I started my hotel job there for about twelve years, in the sales and marketing department. I met a lot of people, and that experience gave me such a strong foundation,” she recalls.
From there, she transitioned to Pan Pacific, joining their opening team in 1985. Her talents did not go unnoticed, and she was soon promoted to Deputy General Manager at The Puteri Pan Pacific in Johor Bahru. “That was a turning point for me,” she explains. “It was during that time that my current partners approached me with the idea of starting our own hospitality company. I was hesitant at first, but eventually I said yes. We opened our first hotel in 1995 – and from there, there was no turning back.”
From managing a single hotel to a portfolio that once included 15 properties, Rohanna’s entrepreneurial leap turned out to be a visionary move.
Although the company was officially registered in 1993, operations truly began in 1995 under the original name Residence, Hotels and Resorts. “We rebranded to RHR Hospitality in 2014,” says Rohanna. “The new name reflects our more defined identity and direction.”
The Kahaani, or ‘Story’ in Hindi, represents the pinnacle of RHR Hospitality’s offerings. As a five-star boutique hotel, it exudes an air of exclusivity and refined elegance. Designed to capture the essence of Malaysian warmth, The Kahaani offers guests a personalised and intimate experience, where luxury meets cultural richness. “From bespoke services to thoughtfully curated interiors, every detail is tailored to delight the senses and provide a memorable stay,” says Rohanna.
While The Qamar, or ‘Room’ in Malay, is RHR’s range of four- to five-star resorts, offering a seamless blend of comfort, familiarity and understated luxury. Ideal for both leisure and business travellers, The Qamar properties are designed to evoke a sense of home away from home. With thoughtful touches and welcoming environments, these resorts deliver a hospitable experience grounded in genuine service and high standards.
RHR Hotel, the group’s three-star category, is built around the principles of practicality and value. These business-oriented hotels provide guests with comfortable accommodation, essential facilities, and efficient service — all at a competitive price point. Ideal for corporate stays and short visits, RHR Hotel locations offer convenience without compromising on quality or guest satisfaction.
“This classification allows us to cater to different market segments without compromising on quality or service excellence,” says Rohanna.
Having been in the industry for three decades, Rohanna fondly recalls some of the more significant projects undertaken by RHR Hospitality. “We did the Armada Hotel in Petaling Jaya from groundbreaking, which was a major milestone,” she says. But perhaps her proudest moment came in 1999 with the conversion of a Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) building into a functioning hotel within just 35 days.
“They gave us an empty building and 35 days,” she says with a chuckle. “We turned it into a fully operational hotel – staff in uniforms, ballroom done, coffeehouse completed. It was blood, sweat and tears. But I was so proud of what we had accomplished.”
Another noteworthy project was managing five properties for Telekom Malaysia across Penang, Cameron Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, Cherating and Kundasang. “At one point, we even managed and operated the resort for Petronas in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson, for 10 years until the resort had ceased operation,” she shares.
Furthermore, she adds, “We were also very fortunate to have the opportunity to operate the Central Bank of Malaysia properties such as The Lanai Kijang, Sasana Kijang and Seri Kijang in Langkawi for the last 15 years, from 2008 until 2023.”
While RHR Group’s portfolio is impressive, Rohanna is quick to credit her staff as the cornerstone of the company’s success. “To me, the main factor is the human resource. I’ve had over 500 staff across all our properties. I’ve been blessed with loyal, hardworking people. Teamwork is everything,” she emphasises.
As a leader, she believes in rewarding loyalty and encouraging growth. “Every year, we take our general managers overseas – places like Barcelona, Prague, Japan, Australia. It’s partly for conferences and partly to give them the opportunity to see the world.”
When asked about her leadership style, Rohanna has this to say: “I like speedy outcomes. My staff know that. When I expect something, I want it done efficiently. And I always tell them, take care of our company image. The RHR name is on the line if we don’t deliver.”
One of the key differentiators of RHR Hospitality is the firm’s close relationships with property owners. “We are very personal with them,” she explains. “We schedule monthly meetings, make sure we hit every target in the management agreement. That relationship and communication are what set us apart from others in the industry.”
RHR’s approach to hospitality management is based on genuine care – not just for guests and staff, but for their business partners as well. This philosophy has garnered long-term collaborations and repeat partnerships over the years.
As the hospitality landscape evolves, so does RHR’s vision. “We are now branching out into hospitals and facilities management,” Rohanna reveals. “There’s a lot of opportunity in this sector. And maybe in the upcoming years, I want to focus more on local business and possibly expand into ASEAN countries.”
This diversification speaks to RHR’s flexibility and forward-thinking approach – characteristics that have enabled them to stay resilient even in challenging times.
As a seasoned leader, Rohanna is passionate about mentoring the next generation. Her advice to young professionals entering the hospitality industry is as heartfelt as it is practical.
“First of all, you must have passion,” she says with conviction. “I have so much love for this industry. You talk to me about hotels, I’ll defend them with all my heart. It’s really in my blood.”
“You must be committed. You must be sincere and honest. Work from the heart, and lead by example. Walk the talk. Be innovative and creative – and most of all, be disciplined. Time is everything.”
Thirty years into the industry, Rohanna remains as energetic and driven as ever. Her story is not only one of business success, but of personal dedication and unshakable values. Through her stewardship, RHR Hospitality has become more than just a hotel management company – it’s a homegrown brand that embodies Malaysian hospitality with heart and soul.
As she looks to the future, it’s clear that her journey is far from over. With a clear vision, loyal team, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Rohanna Ramli continues to set the benchmark for hospitality leadership in Malaysia and beyond.
“I always tell my team that whatever you do, do it with pride. Our name is on the door – let’s ensure that it stands for something great,” she says with a smile.
