The hospitality industry is looking forward to 2017 with “cautious optimism” and some hoteliers seem to have seen the light at the end of the tunnel as they are improving their product in order to deliver value to customers.
By Moses Mugugunyeki
Local hotel concern Holiday Inn has a rolling refurbishment programme of this nature, including the replacement of old elevators with new ones that meet modern safety and accessibility standards.
The hospitality group said the property owner for its hotels — Holiday Inn Harare and Holiday Inn Bulawayo — invested more than $800 000 to take care of the elevators, which had become a cause for concern at the two facilities.
“The first phase of the installation of the elevators at Holiday Inn Bulawayo will be completed by April 3, which is in time for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair while the entire project will be completed by June 22 this year. For the Bulawayo project, the landlord invested $284 946,” said Holiday Inn Zimbabwe divisional head Tich Hwingwiri.
“It will take 16 weeks to install the elevators at Holiday Inn Harare where the landlord poured in $515 000. The first phase would be done by April 27 while the whole project is expected to be completed by end of December this year.”
Hwingwiri said the state-of-the-art elevators had voice annunciation and LED display for floor levels and glide silently and smoothly.
With two hotels under its gamut, Holiday Inn has gone a step further by bringing in modern designs which are complemented by sleek, sustainable furnishings and décor as well as modern amenities.
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The two hotels boast of mini-bars, iron and iron organisers are available in guest rooms while at the same time, guests access free WiFi around the hotel.
“We know today travellers look up to sleek, unfussy design, flexible space, the latest technologies and connectivity and we have all of that at Holiday Inn,” said Hwingwiri.
“We have re-fitted guest rooms and conference as well as events facilities have been refurbished. We carefully timed these renovations to minimise disruption to our guests and customers.”
Holiday Inn Harare, which is the flagship of the hotel group, is a 201-roomed facility, ideally-located within the central business district.
“Holiday Inns are about convenience with comfort and the one in Harare is no exception. Not only does it uphold world-class standards, but also adds a ‘can do’ culture when it comes to guest requests and preferences,” said Holiday Inn Harare general manager Raymond Mavhumashava.
Business travellers are particularly well-catered for by Holiday Inn Harare’s newly-refurbished business centre. According to Mavhumashava, it is an “office from the office” where the hotel staff advises, guides and assists guests in their business and social arrangements.
Buoyed by state-of-the-art conference and event facilities, Holiday Inns have become preferred choices for most organisations and companies.
“Meetings and conference facilities for groups from three to 300 people are expertly arranged by qualified personnel and every need from food and beverages to the latest in audio and visual aids is available,” Hwingwiri said.
Holiday Inn Bulawayo general manager Chiku Mulinde said the hotel had played host to a number of events and is home to participants who attend annual expos like ZITF, Mine Entra and Sanganai/Hlanganani.
The hotel boasts of 91 standard rooms, 31 business plus rooms, 31 executive rooms and four suites, all with modern amenities.
“Of all the exquisite Bulawayo hotels, Holiday Inn Bulawayo offers, ‘great breakfast’, ‘rewarding stay’ and a ‘can-do friendly staff’. The warm welcome that guests receive is extended throughout their stay, as if they really were in someone’s home,” Mulinde said.
Meanwhile, Holiday Inn will rebrand African Sun Amber Hotel to Holiday Inn Mutare.
“We are in the process of rebranding the facility. By June, African Sun Amber Hotel will be rebranded back to Holiday Inn Mutare. It’s something we believe will add impetus to the Holiday Inn brand,” Hwingwiri said.
“Business and leisure travellers are well-catered for by African Sun Amber Hotel Mutare’s 96 rooms, all superbly appointed and maintained. The Forester Arms Bar, paying tribute to the surrounding forest areas, is a favourite watering hole for locals and guests, who can also enjoy refreshments by the swimming pool and on the sun deck.”
