Runaway Bay Heart Hotel to be refurbished

Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The management of the Runaway Bay HEART Hotel is to undertake a multimillion dollar refurbishing exercise on the property and to reposition it in the marketplace.

The 24-year-old property is to be named the Cardiff Hotel and will also see the construction of a brand new restaurant - Isabella's, which promises to be one of the finest in the region, offering authentic Caribbean/Jamaican dishes.

Beautification work has already commenced at the front of the hotel, which includes the manicuring of the lawns, landscaping, among other aesthetical undertakings. The public areas are to undergo major physical changes. "There will be fundamental changes to the product," said James Samuels, the hotel's general manager.

$70-million audit

Samuels stated that the exact budget had not yet been finalised, pointing out that an audit carried out two years ago by PriceWater-houseCoopers had estimated a cost of J$70 million to undertake refurbishing/upgrading work.

Emphasising the importance which HEART attaches to the strategy being unfolded, Samuels said it was willing to provide the funds required to make the project a reality.

"We think this is the most sensible thing to do from a business perspective, as corroborated by some of our experts. We are comfortable that we are heading in the right direction," said Samuels.

He added: "We are moving towards upgrading the physical plant as well, which has become evident to guests arriving at the reception area. We are hoping that within another three months, the real changes will be seen."

Samuels said while they were embarking on a drive to look different, he also wanted to give the property a more authentic Caribbean ambience. He said returning guests should see several added features, both to the physical appearance, as well as to their service offerings, which he is confident will make a difference.

Radical room changes

All 56 rooms are to be radically refurbished, with special emphasis being placed on redesigning the bathrooms. "When we are done, we think that the rooms will be aesthetically attractive and will offer more comfort than they presently do," boasted Samuels.

Over the years, the Runaway Bay HEART Hotel has prided itself on the quality customer service that it offers and Samuels said he is committing to lift that a few notches higher.

A new spa is to be constructed, which the general manager said will form an important component of the services to be offered.

The Runaway Bay HEART Hotel is the only such facility with an affi-liated training institute in Jamaica, and is owned by the HEART Trust National Training Agency.