Budget hotel chain plans to double branches in RP

MANILA, Philippines - Budget hotel chain Gran Prix plans to double the number of its branches to 10 over the next three years to take advantage of the booming tourism industry and rising demand for affordable but quality accommodation in the Philippines.

Gran Prix, which currently operates branches in Boracay, Cebu, Cubao, Pasay and Tarlac, will soon add a new branch in the tourist district of Ermita, Manila to cater to both foreign and local guests. Other future branches are being considered in strategic locations around the country.

The 100-percent Filipino-owned Gran Prix is a chain of econotels offering affordable, secure and clean accommodations and efficient hotel service for transients and travellers. It began its operations in 2006.

This week, Gran Prix opened its first boutique hotel in the tourist belt of Ermita, which will differ from other existing hotels in the area. “Gran Prix Malate will be unique in that it will provide a personalized levels of accommodation, services and facilities,” the hotel chain said.

In particular, guests of Gran Prix Manila can expect their names to be remembered by all the hotel staff members, an experience that is clearly difficult to achieve in other large hotel brands.

Gran Prix Manila has 36 well-designed rooms providing the look and comfort of high branded hotels, while still providing the convenience that foreign tourists and travelers seek in affordable accommodations. Rooms offer free wi-fi access, flat-screen television, mini fridge, and bathtubs.

Modern security system will be a major feature of the hotel, which will have a trailblazing self-check in system where guests only need to key in their reservation codes, encode pertinent data such as name and length of stay, so that the room key will be dispensed from the automatic key-dispensing machine.

The self-check in system was designed to facilitate faster check in and check out for guests. The machine may also be programmed to shut down electricity in the rooms and disable room keys as soon as the guests’ valid stay expires.

Gran Prix occupies the fifth and sixth levels of the landmark Tesoro Building. The third level will feature a wellness spa for guests who desire a stress relieving time and relaxation, while the second level will house the administration offices.