FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO WHEN THE RESORTS WORLD MANILA HOTELS REOPEN

The hospitality industry has been hit hardest by the pandemic—no one’s travelling for either business or leisure, people are working at home, families aren’t eating out—but in an online YouTube live press conference held by the top managers of hotel brands Manila Marriott Hotel, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Savoy and Belmont, Hilton Manila, and Hotel Okura, the industry is raring to reopen.

- KRIZETTE CHU

Gone are the days guests’ primary concern is: “How will you pamper me?” Now, the focus is, “How can you keep me safe?”

With three months of preparation, Manila’s top hospitality leaders are ready to change the landscape.

01 Sheraton Hotel Manila is offering a work from hotel concept, and Marriott Manila will work with “flexible” hours.

Sheraton Hotel Manila’s Anna Vergara says that the property is looking at a “work from hotel” concept, launching the first

co-working space by the Sheraton brand in Asia Pacific. The idea: Provide additional space—with perks—for companies who do not have enough space at a time when employees are expected to be socially distancing.

“The WFH concept is not just offering a space but a one-stop solution specifically for BPOs,” says Vergara. “At our co-working space, they have their teams intact, dedicated internet connection, Teams A and B provided with all the resources.” The co-working space is an ample 1,300 square meters, plus imagine working with a view of the airport, plus have a nice gym, pool, and great restaurants a few steps away.

At Marriott, general manager Bruce Winton has announced the introduction of flexible hours. “Having a day rate from 7 am to 7 pm will be perfect for executives,” he says. “They can order room service, have it delivered to their rooms, and have 12 hours of dedicated space. Multiple guest rooms can also be booked, or a single room for somebody who needs quiet with additional extra service.”