Business convenience at Alpa

CEBU, Philippines - One of the dilemma facing long staying out-of-town businessmen is to find a comfortable place that could help them cut the cost of their stay. Where to dine, almost always, becomes one of the considerations to make, since it would be too costly if he has to go to restaurants for every meal, every day of his stay.

To address this dilemma, many companies would decide to get condominium units or serviced apartments where they can house their long staying guests at a supposed lesser cost, especially since the guest would have the option to whip up his own meals.

The disadvantage with these properties is the maintenance of the unit, considering that the companies would not have the guests all year round. This means that they would again shoulder the expenses of an uninhabited abode, making it a liability for the time that it is not in use.

“When the hotel was built, we had the businessman in mind,” said Stephanie Grace Trocio, sales and marketing manager of Alpa City Suites.

“Our target were the business process outsourcing companies because they usually have long staying guests,” she said, referring to trainers who are usually flown to the city to train new recruits for two weeks to a month, or even more.

“That is why our rooms are equipped with facilities that any busy businessman would need,” she said.

On entering the room, the first thing that you would notice is the kitchenette with an elegant sink and a spacious work area, equipped with a 6-cubic feet refrigerator, microwave oven, and exquisite silver fit for the equally tasteful Martha Stewart china. A couple of rooms, I was told, have been installed with a range hood and a stove, ideal for those who would stay longer and expects some serious cooking.

Opposite the kitchenette is the spacious restroom and bathroom. Other suites would have tubs, but the shower is just as tempting.

And then there are the usual amenities of a hotel room like a super comfortable king size bed (or you may choose a room with two separate beds), a cozy living area, a mini bar, a 27-inch LCD television with cable service, and 24-hour free access to high speed internet. The room also has its own safety deposit box, large enough for your laptop to fit.

And for ultimate connectivity, the lobby and other public area in the hotel are equipped with WiFi which guests can freely access.

Should you decide that cooking or simply heating prepared food in the microwave is a bit of a hassle, then, the hip Amo’s Café is the answer. The café has an intercontinental menu and recently they added some Japanese flavors to meet the demand of their growing Japanese market.

“We plan to put up a sushi bar,” said Food and Beverage Manager Mario Cadiz.

Cadiz came from a reputable Japanese-owned property in South Cebu, catering to an exclusive lot of Japanese clients and reportedly, a few Hollywood celebrities.

Cadiz also revealed that soon Amo’s Café will be coming up with specials to highlight the restaurant’s entrees and also to introduce new fares for possible inclusion in the regular menu.

To make the hotel a total solution for the busy businessman, they also have several function rooms fit for “small intimate meetings.” Alpa City Suites can accommodate functions with a maximum of 120 guests in theater set-up.

Alpa City Suites is in Hernan Cortes cor. F. Cabahug Sts., Mandaue City. For information, the hotel can be reached at 238-1668, or through their website at www.alpacitysuites.com.