Best Western to open 1st hotel in Cebu in Dec.

CEBU, Philippines - International hotel chain Best Western will open its first hotel in Cebu this December.

Developed by Tanchan Business Ventures Inc., Best Western Plus Lex Cebu is the first and only Best Western Plus brand in the Philippines. The 10-storey hotel on Escario Street will have a total of 83 rooms.

In an interview, Bernard Neil U. Tanchan, the hotel’s general manager said that the family decided to venture into the hotel business to take advantage of  the fertile opportunity brought about by the dynamic tourism and business sectors in Cebu.

Best Western Plus, is the four-star brand of the American hotel management chain Best Western. 

Tanchan, whose family in Cebu is into cold storage trade, said that the family saw the opportunity to bring in more international hotel chains here to provide  “best alternative to first class hotel accommodations.” 

The Best Western Plus Lex Cebu is the first hotel venture of the Tanchan family. He said this new company is looking at opening more hotels in other tourism hotspots in the country, particularly in Palawan.

The Tanchan Business Ventures Inc. incurred an initial investment of P150 million for the building structure of the hotel, and more will be spent for the  elaborate and contemporary interiors of the hotel.

About 50 percent of the total number of rooms will be opened by December this year. The hotel will have its grand opening by January 2013,  said Tanchan.

“Choosing an international brand with a strong commitment and dedication to promote quality service and excellent standards for each of its guests was important for us. We are confident about Best Western name and we are proud to be awarded the distinguished Best Western Pluz brand,” said Best Western Plus Lex Cebu hotel consultant Fay Paras.

The Best Western Plus brand offers above-standard features and services. Its distinct amenities are designed for the modern-day traveler—practical, updated and appreciates great comfort, Paras emphasized.

She said the hotel’s primary target market is the business transients with average stay of 1.5 day or the “check-in-check-out” who are frequent business travellers and who visit Cebu  regularly  especially those from Manila.

Significantly, Paras said about 15 percent of its guests will come from different countries, as the hotel is part of the Best Western International Reservations Portal which is marketed globally.

Asia is one of the growth areas of Best Western brand, the reason why most of its expansion is focused on the region, Paras said.

With over 4,000 hotels globally, Best Western   is also looking at opening hotels in other parts of the Philippines such as Batangas, Boracay, Bohol and Palawan. (FREEMAN)