It’s all in the details.
Any seasoned traveler will tell you that what makes one’s hotel stay truly special are in the littlest of the details. For some, it could be about something as simple as the welcome platter of local delicacies or a fruit basket. For the finicky, it could be the thread count of the sheets, the luxurious toiletries, or even the little bonbons on one’s pillow after turndown.
In this age of wireless devices, for many it’s also about having high-speed WiFi Internet not just in your room but throughout the hotel property—for free—since nothing else can bum out a business trip or a holiday than getting slow Internet connection, and paying $15-20 for it daily!
It can also be having your own gourmet coffee machine in your room for those times when a coffee run to the Starbucks next door is out of the question—and instant Java from a sachet just won’t cut it.
At the Radisson Blu in Cebu, which just marked its first year with a 1920s-themed soiree complete with a brass band and jazz singing, the latter two are just among its standard amenities that other hotels charge for a premium, which may explain its increasing popularity among business and leisure travelers to the South.
In its Business Class rooms, for instance, each is equipped with a Nespresso machine with several choices of gourmet-blend pods, apart from the standard coffee and tea service. And if that doesn’t cut it, this might: It allows for late checkout up to 6 p.m., subject to room availability.
‘Yes, I Can’
“Our goal at Radisson is 100-percent guest satisfaction, which we guarantee,” says Lyle Lewis, the hotel’s general manager and VP for Philippines and Japan of the Carlson Hotels chain. “When you stay at Radisson, you will experience our ‘Yes I Can’ spirit of service that ensures we are always ready to greet, treat and serve you in a way that exceeds your expectations.”
Only 11 km from Mactan International Airport, 500 m from the pier and next door to SM City Cebu, its strategic location also seems key to the hotel’s success in such a short period.
“We are experiencing high occupancy since we opened due to good demand from both business and leisure travelers,” says Lewis. “Cebu is a thriving tourist and business destination.” Even as it’s known as a business hotel, he says Radisson’s “guests are a mix of both business and leisure travelers since the Radisson Blu is strategically situated minutes away from the airport, business hub, seaport, entertainment and commercial centers, malls, tourist spots, cultural heritage sites and resorts.”
Recently, the hotel unveiled the new blue gown uniform of its receptionists designed by eminent Cebu designer Philip Rodriguez.
“This unique hallmark of our service is part of our commitment to create an unforgettable and pleasant experience for guests,” says Lewis.
Ceremonial tree lighting
On Nov. 17, the Radisson marked its first anniversary with the ceremonial lighting of its magnificent 20-ft blue-and-white Christmas tree, with SM Hotels and Convention Corp. president Elizabeth Sy and SM Investments Corp. president Hans Sy. Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific president Simon Barlow, was also present. A flapper-themed party followed at the main ballroom, which was transformed into a jazz nightclub a la Harlem’s Cotton Club.
Inquirer Lifestyle columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes hosted the festivities, with entertainment provided by crooner Richard Poon, theater actress Lynn Sherman and the brass band Brass Munkeys.
Guests came in 1920s fashion—the women in drop-waist dresses, feather boas and headdresses, opera pearl necklaces, and the gentlemen in fedoras and brogues.
Says Lyle, “Cebuanos are naturally very warm and caring; through our people, we are able to deliver service with heart and soul.”
