The hotel held a series of activities including a recent cocktail to celebrate the milestone in its history.
Chairman Robert Badal, who took over the reins in May last year told the gathering at the cocktail on Wednesday that the hotel has witnessed many changes in its 40 years of service to the country’s political, economic and social landscape, as many of the events giving rise to those changes took place on the property.
Badal remarked that since taking over leadership of the company he outlined several upgrade plans with little appreciation for the level of analysis, reviews and discussion required. Notwithstanding the challenges posed by the unavailability of the right level of local expertise, he said, progress has been made in the back office areas of the hotel along with an enhanced security system with the construction of a 10ft concrete fence on the seawall perimeter of the property.
Further Badal pointed out that a new Finance and Administration office is under construction which would release an additional 10 rooms on the first floor of the Tower Block, currently used for office.
Further the hotel has purchased a new boiler and improvements have been made to its air conditioning systems. Proposals have been received to renew the electrical, plumbing and air conditioning pipes on the Tower Block.
Badal also disclosed that as part of the upgrade, the hotel has purchased a new reservation and management information system in order to improve guest services as well as management reporting and control.
Work is also to commence shortly on its current pool bar with a new multi- storey, trendy sports bar. A new two-storey gym with more professional equipment and a body treatment area is to replace the current gym. He said too that the popular Latino Bar will be the hotel’s new wine bar with an extensive collection of wines.
Browne’s café, the shopping arcade and banquets are also to undergo a facelift with new equipment and services.
Badal said too that the hotel’s rooms shall soon have fine 100% cotton linen, environmentally friendly amenities and equipment on par with those of the international luxury brands in the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe.
However, to support the upgrades and ensure the highest standard of service is delivered, he said, top-of-the-line trainers would be invited to train staff.
He told the gathering that plans are also in store for the hotel to forge alliances with international tour operators.
