Princess Hotel renamed; massive upgrades promised

By Kurt Campbell

It is against this backdrop that Princess Hotel will invest US$7M into renovation and refurbishing of its rooms, pool, restaurant, lobby, ballroom, reception and other public areas as well as new elevators.

All Princess Hotels in the Region will undergo upgrades to RAMADA standards and the name change as a consequence to a worldwide contract signed between the two.

General Manager of the Hotel Cuneyt Dalcan explained that all upgrades will be in keeping with RAMADA standards and will see the repositioning in the market place.

The GM added that being cognizant of global warming the Hotel will also be eco-friendly by using LED technology, solar water heating system and energy saving systems.

He told reporters at a media conference that RAMADA in 1990 joined the Wyndham Hotel group which is the world’s largest company with over 7,200 hotels in over 65 countries.

Dalcan said that it is with this in mind that Princess Hotel signed a contract with RAMADA to use their reservation services which is expected to increase the Princess Hotel’s occupancy. Princess Hotel made it clear that it has not sold any shares to RAMADA and its management remains the same.

The rebranding was endorsed by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Tourism on December 19, 2013.

Speaking at the event Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali posited that it was not only a name change but a change in the level of services offered, adding that the RAMADA service was second to none.

He said it was a major investment in Guyana’s tourism sector while acknowledging the commitment of the Princess Hotel management to improve the local tourism product.

The Minister said over the years the sector has been gaining traction and recognized the ability of large investment as these to foster smaller investments.

Interestingly, Ali stated that the Guyana Tourism Authority has been working to drive traffic to all hotels particularly during off peak seasons.

Princess Hotel currently has 191 rooms comprising Presidential Suites, VIP rooms and standard rooms. In addition there is indoor and outdoor food and beverage facilities, has the largest conference, banqueting hall and the largest outdoor pool in the country.