Monday, November 12, 2007 New boutique hotel to rise in uptown Cebu
BOUTIQUE hotel is a term that is normally referred to an intimate, usually luxurious hotel development.
Its unique differentiating factor compared to larger hotel operations are its personalized accommodation and service. The said concept started in the 1980s in New York, San Francisco and London, initially pioneered by independent, non-brand hotel operators, but has since then evolved into various models, particularly in look, room finish, room size and number, and even levels of accommodation and service.
Top choice
In the Philippines, especially in major commercial business districts, there are a lot of these boutique hotel operations.
In Cebu City, one of the top choices for local and domestic tourists, boutique hotel operations account for 20 to 30 percent patronage.
Since 2001, this segment has been experiencing an average of 60 to 65 percent occupancy based on statistics gathered from the Department of Tourism Region 7.
With the increase of tourist arrival as well as their longer staying period, patronage and occupancy are expected to improve dramatically.
Transformation
It is for the reason that Cebu INN-ovations, Inc., has thought of transforming one of the old structure along Maxilom Ave., into a boutique hotel.
JRG Building, popularly known as Belvic Building, is currently home to several retail and food shops in the ground floor. Its upper floors, except the cinema area, were leased by Cebu INN-ovations and are presently undergoing renovation to accommodate about 60 boutique hotel rooms.
Internal and external renovation works are slated for completion by end of Nov. 2007. Soft operation is targeted on Dec. 2007.
Cebu INN-ovation, Inc. is a joint venture between Hijos de Gullas Realty Corp. and Sampaguita Tourist Inn. The boutique hotel will be operated by myHometel, Inc., a hospitality management company that is affiliated with FPD Asia, Inc., a leading, ISO certified property management company in the Philippines.
