The perfect fit

MANILA, Philippines - Drifting to the Islands Souvenirs outlets in our travels is a hard habit to break. We catch ourselves raiding the racks for witty and colorful Island Souvenirs shirts either as pasalubong for friends or for personal keepsakes. Either way, their outlets evoke everything that is festive and vibrant about the Philippines, something we all deserve any day.

So it was with great excitement that we recently discovered that their mother company, The Islands Group, has opened a chain of value-chic hotels called Islands Stay Hotels. Their two branches, so far, bring out the celebratory and vivacious island spirit. We were both at the Uptown Cebu, across Ayala Center Cebu, and the Mactan branch, and came out impressed at the straightforward offerings.

First of all, it is difficult not to notice Islands Stay’s pulsating colors, the kind of neon-happy hues one would associate with the Islands Souvenirs shirts. Thoughtful wall quotations abound, from the lobby to the rooms. The hotel rooms are simple yet classy, well-stocked and clean. Those descriptions alone merit the approval of travelers, who are always on the lookout for value-for-money accommodations.

Islands Stay rooms are named after shirt sizes.

If it is any indication, the market receptions to both branches have been nothing short of spectacular. The Islands Group chief executive officer Jay Aldeguer happily reports, “Since our openings in the first half of 2011, we have averaged an 85 percent occupancy between both properties, and 100 percent occupancy daily for the Mactan branch — quite a feat, considering that for most opening hotels, average occupancy rate for the first six months is usually 20 percent. So people are quick to recognize the Islands brand and what it stands for. In the first half of next year, we hope to open new branches in Palawan and Davao as well more branches in Cebu.”

The Islands Group entered the hospitality market knowledgeable of travelers’ needs. With Islands Stay, the design is to fit the needs of the modern-day traveler or the “flashpacker,” someone with disposable income but is inclined toward no-frills value, who does his own research and itinerary, and who would rather embark on new adventures than stay cooped up in his room. Aldeguer says their ability to understand customers’ needs come from their extensive retail experience through Islands Souvenirs.

In fact, true to form, Islands Stay rooms are named after shirt sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. He says matter-of-factly, “After all, nobody ever really knows the difference (among) standard, deluxe, executive or superior rooms. So we make staying in our hotel straightforward and simple without any of those hidden ‘plus-pluses.’ Guests only pay for what they need. Like our retail stores, we have made the lobby very inviting and cheerful.”

These user-friendly rooms are comfortable and suitably equipped, with quality beds and linen, rain showers, flat-screen television sets, and free wireless broadband. The lobby is clutter-free, has a well-stocked snack bar, and overseen by cheerful and attentive staff who offer cold towels to just-arrived guests.

The latter is something Aldeguer is evidently proud of: “Our customer service has always been our strongest point. We always imbue the trademark ‘Islands experience’ in the products and services we offer, and we’ve adapted it to Islands Stay. On the front end, I cannot fail to mention the staff manning the hotel. It is their service that our customers remember the most. Just because it is a value hotel, it does not mean you won’t be treated well.”

Indeed, Islands Stay has a lot going for it. As what Aldeguer says, their design alone speaks volumes. “Our hotels are vibrantly designed and keep the destination in mind. In fact, we are probably the only hotel in the value-chic category — most hotels are either from international brands or business hotels. On the other end of the spectrum, there are pension houses and inns. So I would say we are in a unique niche, particularly in how we communicate to our customers and how we deliver that experience — it’s very Islands.”

When he says that “We really also try to pack it all in with what we offer, given our low prices,” we believe him. After all, where on earth can you get the most comfortable hotel room at a price as low as P850? Jaw-droppingly good news for everyone, yes.

Aside from these features, the very hip Islands Stay hotels are centrally located, as will all of their other future properties. The Archbishop Reyes branch is just across Ayala Center Cebu, so travelers with incurable shopping habits are getting it right staying here. The Mactan branch, meanwhile, is mere minutes away from the airport and so close to Cebu’s fabled beaches. Whichever branch guests choose, they can be sure they are where the action is.

Islands Stay reception area

Islands Stay guests are giving their approval, commenting on the staff’s efficiency and warmth. Aldeguer hopes that all these factors and developments will translate into how they want to position the Islands brand. Truth to tell, the hotel’s business concept is modeled with franchising in mind. It is also the group’s main mode of expansion.

Aldeguer states, “We just joined the Franchise Asia Expo 2011, and we are overwhelmed with the inquiries we have been getting from all places; from the usual high-profile tourist destinations such as Bohol, Camsur, Vigan, Palawan, Baguio as well as bustling commercial destinations like Butuan, Bataan, Iloilo, Legazpi, and many more. In fact, Philippine Franchise Association Chairman-Emeritus Samie Lim, also known as the Father of Philippine Franchising, has said, ‘Hotels are going to be the biggest franchises, especially budget hotels. It’s going to be the next big thing.’”

One big thing that has earned raves from travelers is the Islands Group’s Islands Banca Cruises. Well, if one is going for the Islands experience, then why not go all the way? We have taken the Islands Banca Cruises a couple of times already, and never got tired of the very kick-back-and-relax atmosphere. Just cruising along the waters of Mactan in the sunset with friends over pica-pica and drinks and enjoying the great view along the way is our idea of holiday heaven.

Of course, Islands Banca can go further: it has packages and services tailor-fit for guests with specific activities in mind. It can put together fun activities such as sunset cruises, lechon or barbecue picnics on board the banca or on a sandbar, theme parties, candlelight dinners for a couple, snorkeling, diving, and many other irresistible things to do and enjoy. Aside from Cebu, Islands Banca Cruises is now bringing the unique island-hopping experience to Davao.

The big white Islands bancas may look bare but it comes complete with an iPod dock, wireless Internet access, beanbags, sunbathing decks, and even a comfort room! Who needs anything else?

Islands Stay Mactan branch

Aldeguer declares, “Islands Stay Hotels is part of The Islands Group’s long-term plan to introduce new concepts in the travel and tourism industry. The Islands Group is all about enhancing the way people travel in the Philippines and it started out with Islands Souvenirs in the 90s, which became the country’s top brand for premium-quality souvenir items.”

With The Island Group’s thrilling entry into the travel market by way of Islands Stay Hotels, as well as Islands Banca Cruises, they are bringing a whole new level of experience — the Islands experience. Now that is the perfect fit for travelers.

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Islands Stay Hotel Uptown branch is at Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City, (032) 266-0832. The Mactan branch is at M.L. Quezon, Lapu-Lapu City, (032) 239-5456. Visit http://www.islandsstay.com/.