True Blu

MANILA, Philippines - When Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu opened late last year, its general manager then, Grant Gaskin, promised that the hotel is bound to make a positive, lasting impression on its guests. Now a few months short of its first anniversary, Radisson Blu has definitely made a strong impression with its quality services and product. Just how strong? One need to check only leading travel website TripAdvisor.com to see that Radisson Blu is ranked number one among Cebu hotels.

“We are so proud to get that number one rating,” gushes Gaskin, who recently turned over his post to Lyle Lewis. “We certainly did not expect it because, let’s face it, usually it takes a while to get to that ranking. Remember, we are the newest hotel on the block. Almost every month, we are on top,” Gaskin says.

Gaskin is pleased with Radisson Blu’s progress thus far. Who would not anyway? With mere months since it opened its doors to the public, the hotel has attracted a loyal customer base as well as new ones who discover its offerings. Gaskin admits that it took time to build up the features, the amenities, and the services of the hotel.

“We started off wanting to position ourselves as the best hotel in Cebu. We had this belief that we should add something to Cebu,” he says, adding that since their entry into the hotel scene, Radisson Blu has become more competitive. With this attribute, it has become more attractive to the market in the process. Corporate business groups looking for a venue for their meetings and events now turn to Radisson Blu for their functions.

He adds, “M.I.C.E. — that is, meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions and events — is the core of what we do. A lot of our corporate clients are starting to bring us events that they would normally hold in Manila because we have quality venues.”

Latest meeting facilities

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu boasts of the latest meeting facilities, with its two ballrooms and 10 multi-purpose meeting rooms. The Santa Maria Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 people, and the Niña Ballroom, 650 guests.

It also helps that the hotel’s location has proven to be one of its strongest points. Gaskin says, “Radisson Blu provides easy access to and from the airport. You have the export processing zones nearby. The corporate people have taken a liking to us because of these.”

He notes that being right beside SM City Cebu makes a huge difference. “You know that feeling in a hotel when you feel trapped?” he laughs. “Here you can go anywhere in Cebu. It is easy to get a cab from the mall. The mall works very well for us. We tie up with shops over there.”

“In some ways, our having a single restaurant, which is Feria, serves us well. We know people will use the mall restaurants over there. There will be times when some guests would want fast food for dinner but choose to stay with us,” Gaskin says.

“Some corporate guests would look for ways to unwind, and the mall provides those from movies to bowling. I think it is better than sitting in the room all day. Because of this advantage, people extend their stay with us because they feel like this is home,” he adds.

Business class suites

Gaskin is particularly proud of their 50 business class suites, from the complimentary high-speed Internet access to the crystal-clear sounds of the iPod dock. He recommends the Radisson Club Lounge at the 20th floor for its executive boardrooms, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails, complete with an amazing view of the city.

“The business class product came with the concept of Radisson Blu. We are the first Radisson Blu in Asia. We made sure we have bigger rooms, especially here in Cebu, where people tend to stay a little longer. Thirty percent of our guests are from overseas, something which really surpassed our expectations,” he adds.

Gaskin credits the staff for their continued success. “They are key to our being number one. It is great when you open a hotel, you have an empty canvass. You can start off and bring it to life. Our ‘Yes I Can’ program of giving 100 percent guest satisfaction is essential to our operation.”

“For example, the staff at Feria anticipates your every need. They make you feel that they want to be there, and it is something that comes through to guests,” he says. Feria, it must be added here, serves up one of the most exciting buffets in Cebu. The extensive buffet featuring Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Mediterranean, American, fresh produce, seafood, and desserts has made it a foodie destination.

Feria’s new executive chef Marco Amarone promises a bumper crop of the most thrilling dishes. He says, “At Feria, we focus on quality and diversity. Quality on a plate is what we are after. There are good local products in Cebu worth bringing to Feria.”

Meanwhile, Gaskin is basking in Radisson Blu’s impressive run. He tells us they want to remain number one among Cebu’s hotels.

“I think we have done quite a good job in updating the hotel scene here,” he declares. “We would like to show everyone that we are the hotel of choice. At the rate that we are delivering, I am confident we will.”

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Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu is located at Serging Osmeña Boulevard corner Juan Luna Avenue, Cebu City, Cebu. For more information, call +63 32 402-9900 or +63 32 505-1700 or visit its website at radissonblu.com/hotel-cebu.