The rise of the business boutique hotel

MANILA, Philippines - It is mainly a matter of reputation and name recall. When unsure of a product or service, the consumer will likely rely on well-known brands that have a history of delivering good results. The principle holds true in the hotel industry, where consumers will generally opt to stay at any of the more established hotel chains because they are tentative about risking convenience and comfort. Still, there are advantages in choosing to stay in a smaller, lesser-known hotel. Other than the thrill of trying something new, it is expected that the smaller establishments offer a more personal, “homey” quality of service. Rates may be more affordable, too.

Apart from competition from the big hotel chains, what are some of the challenges encountered in running a smaller hotel? We asked Isabel Golamco, financial officer of Hotel 878, a 71-room business boutique hotel in Libis, Quezon City.

“The challenge, of course, is logistics,” she states. “A small property cannot have the luxury of a huge staff.” But she is convinced that this drawback can easily be overcome “if everyone involved has the right attitude of ‘service above all’ and extending to each guest the hospitality of one’s home.” She continues, “True, there are difficulties in running a smaller hotel, but there are also advantages. In a hotel such as ours, it is easier to keep track of our guests and attend to their various needs and concerns.” She is convinced that “flexibility is the key to great service.”

“A smaller-size boutique hotel can afford to give the best service at affordable rates,” she continues. “We are just following the trend nowadays of bringing travel to a more affordable yet still pleasant level.” She is certain that as in any industry, knowing one’s market is key to business success. “We are targeting the business or independent traveler who finds it convenient to be in the area of Libis, Quezon City.”  Areas within a five- to 10-minute radius to Golamco’s Hotel 878 are Eastwood City, Marikina, Cubao, Ortigas Center, Pasig, Cainta and the exclusive residential subdivisions of Corinthian, Greenmeadows, White Plains, St. Ignatius Village, Blue Ridge and Valle Verde 1 to 6. The hotel is just a few minutes away from health institutions like The Medical City and universities like the Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines.

“Our location is accessible both by private and public vehicles. We are right along C-5, the main artery running north to south of Metro Manila connecting the North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway.  The visitor does not have to get caught in the traffic gridlock of entering the metropolis, especially if you just have to move north to south or vice versa, or if your business activities are concentrated in the areas within the five- to 10-minute radius of Libis, QC.   In this case, our hotel becomes the most pleasant and practical option.”

Why put up a smaller-sized hotel? “The idea actually came from the Department of Tourism,” shares Golamco.  “We attended a meeting a few years back where it was mentioned that, although there were so many tourists interested in coming to Metro Manila and the Philippines, there were not enough good-quality hotels that offered affordable accommodation.  Oftentimes, travelers would have to book in one of the international hotel chains of the four- or five-star variety in order to get the comfort and service they wanted.  Unfortunately, not all travelers found this to be a practical idea.  At the same time, we also noticed the growing development and business activity in the Libis area.  That was when we decided to invest in putting up a boutique hotel and address this pressing need.”

Business boutique hotel Hotel 878 provides good service at affordable rates. (Photo by Maplandia.com)

For Golamco, however, the most rewarding aspect about being in the hotel industry is that “it gives us the opportunity to promote our city or country to all transients — whether they are local or international visitors — each time we ‘sell’ our hotel.  We feel a tremendous sense of satisfaction when repeat guests tell us that this is their home away from home.”

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For inquiries, reservations and to avail of ongoing promotions, call Hotel 878’s sales office at 709-0154, 585-8500, 506-6508 or 624-8398. Or e-mail sales@hotel878libis.com or visit www.hotel878libis.com.