MICROTEL asserts leadership

Photos by Fernan Nebres

MANILA, Philippines - The first half of 2012 is something Microtel Inns & Suites Philippines will positively remember. Just recently, Microtel unveiled its latest brand name and received multiple accolades from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website.

For starters, the hotel chain introduced its newest logo and brand name: Microtel by Wyndham. By identifying itself as a Wyndham brand, Microtel elevates itself as a truly world-class hotel and showcases the quality that comes from being an all-new construction chain.

Jose Mari del Rosario, president and chief executive officer of Microtel Inns & Suites (Pilipinas) Inc., the Philippine master franchisor of Microtel, says, “The new logo that includes ‘by Wyndham’ is a clear and powerful reminder that Microtel, already admired as it is, is actually part of one of the biggest collections of hotel chains in the world.” Wyndham is the world’s largest hotel company with over 7,150 hotels and approximately 609,300 rooms in 65 countries.

The new logo, along with the ‘by Wyndham’ label, sports the brand’s signature blue and yellow colors while integrating key design elements of the Wyndham logo.

“That means Microtel is backed up by decades of experience gained in a multiplicity of locations, all focused on building great hotels for the delight and satisfaction of its guests,” Del Rosario says. It builds on the consistent 10 straight years as best limited service hotel, ranked highest in guest satisfaction among limited service hotels by JD Power & Associates, a leading global marketing information services company.

Del Rosario is confident that the Microtel brand will become even more trusted by travelers. “I think other hotels will begin to understand the essence of the hospitality industry as embodied by our brand. Many new players are emerging. However, they need to grasp more the essence of what a good hotel is made of.”

Speaking of award-winning, Microtel recently earned three Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor for its Baguio, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa properties. These three Microtel hotels were ranked as among the most consistently praised hotels in the world by delighted guests.

“Only the very best in the business are given a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor,” says a beaming Del Rosario.

Why should not he, when only 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor get this coveted award, which recognizes establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.

“We are overwhelmed by the positive comments and reviews we receive. We have always known that the guests appreciate our hotels and staff. People are always smiling in all our Microtels, whether they be staff or guest.”

Dean Cid, area general manager for North Luzon, says of Microtel Baguio’s Trip-Advisor award, “Microtel Baguio has been a consistent performer, with its on-time delivery, consistency of service, and friendliness of staff. With this recognition, our hard work is paying off. Right now, we plan to continue focusing on giving our guests the total experience. Microtel Baguio already has Te Quiero, its own restaurant, and will soon add more rooms.”

Albert Banaag, group director for sales and marketing, says, “The awards are a validation from our end that the public is embracing the Microtel philosophy. We provide travelers with clean comfortable rooms and the opportunity to explore the destination more. So with these certificates, it confirms that Microtel is on the right track, and we are thankful to those who have patronized us through the years.”

In addition, the just-concluded 2012 Wyndham Hotel Group-Achieve Conference yielded a bumper crop of awards such as Microtel Baguio winning Hotel of the Year-Microtel/Asia-Pacific; Microtel Boracay for Most Improved Hotel-Microtel/Asia-Pacific; and Microtel Mall of Asia for Most Engaged Team-Housekeeping (Bronze) and Sustainability-Green Award (Silver).

So indeed, with all these good things happening at Microtel, it is safe to say that bigger and better things are coming, with new branches soon to open in General Santos City; Libis, Quezon City; UP Technohub, Quezon City; and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. As what Del Rosario happily pronounces, “More of the same, only better!”