An experience on its own

MANILA, Philippines - We always looked forward to discovering new and exciting places in Cebu City, most certainly one of our favorite destinations. These discoveries enhance our Cebu experience every time. One such discovery is Hotel Elizabeth Cebu. We were there when it opened to the public last year, and it was thrilling to see that Hotel Elizabeth Cebu has quickly made a name for itself in the Queen City of the South.

In fact, Hotel Elizabeth Cebu is hard to miss. Take a cab, direct the driver to the hotel, and he would know, no questions asked. Be within the Archbishop Reyes Avenue area and easily spot the hotel’s 12-floor structure.

Now, if the name Hotel Elizabeth sounds familiar to the traveling set, that is because of its sister hotel in the City of Pines, a frequent holder of the Baguio Hotel of the Year title. With the opening of its Cebu branch, Hotel Elizabeth has been giving the same royal treatment that its loyal Baguio clientele has been receiving.

The current success of Hotel Elizabeth Cebu is leaving its parent company, Fersal Hotel Group, brimming with confidence and excitement over this development. Fersal’s president and chief executive officer Elizabeth Salonga Fernando says that choosing Cebu was a wise decision.

“Cebu, after Manila, is a fast-moving city in the Philippines. I am aware that about 60 percent of the tourists coming to the country go to Cebu while the remaining 40 percent is spread out in different tourist destinations,” Fernando says. “Tourists believe in Cebu, a city that continues to grow. Also, we want the presence of Hotel Elizabeth, for the Fersal Hotel Group, in every major city in the Philippines.”

Despite the stiff competition among Cebu hotels, Fernando is quick to cite Hotel Elizabeth’s place in the landscape. “There are so many hotels here that we distinguish ourselves by positioning Hotel Elizabeth as a kind of compact five-star hotel with affordable rates. I would think that is our difference here in Cebu.”

She also adds the hotel’s prime location as an important factor, “We are five minutes away from Ayala Center Cebu. We are near the Cebu Business Park and other tourist attractions. Downtown Cebu and the Mactan International Airport are just minutes away.”

Fernando likewise mentions the unique and eye-catching interior of the hotel, particularly the intricate details overseen by no less than Tessa Prieto Valdes. She remarks, “The Mediterranean feel of the property is something one does not easily forget. Basically, with our design, details, and overall character, Hotel Elizabeth Cebu will never be left behind.”

To make the Hotel Elizabeth Cebu positively memorable, all of its 131 well-appointed room offer class, comfort, and convenience with these amenities: air-conditioning, private toilet and bath, cable television, mini-bar, coffee and tea-making facilities, safe, telephone, daily newspaper, and complimentary breakfast.

These offerings have not only made the hotel popular among the leisure set but also the business travelers who appreciated the comfort, luxury, and personalized service.

A unique experience is also had at the hotel’s Flora Café, where international cuisine reigns supreme. Fernando says, “We have Mongolian cuisine on Fridays and US black angus and Japanese dishes on Saturdays. Guests can sit back and relax at the Piano Bar, too.”

She also adds that Hotel Elizabeth Cebu features the Santorini Ballroon, the Tuscany Function Room that houses 150 people, the two boardrooms for business functions, the Terrazas outdoor garden, the fitness center and spa, a boutique, and Wi-Fi connectivity, among others.

The hotel’s general manager, Ed Valencia, agrees. “We are turning one this year and we are encouraged by all the positive feedback we are getting. Our guests can expect consistent quality service in the years to come.”

Fernando nods, “They always mention our good service in their compliments. That is our intention: to deliver something like a home with our personalized service. We want our guests to feel at ease with our people. I think that is one reason why we have repeat guests. Our people are constantly reminded that there is no room for complacency. We must improve to meet the expectations of the discriminating guests.”

She reveals that they plan to bring this same dedication to their future hotels. “Our vision is, wherever you are, we are there. We want to be the standard of Filipino hospitality. You can expect more Hotel Elizabeth branches opening in major cities across the country in the next five years.”

With this piece of news, travelers can look forward to an experience that only Hotel Elizabeth can deliver.

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The Hotel Elizabeth Cebu is located at Archbishop Reyes, Cebu City. For more information, e-mail at cebusales@hotelelizabeth.com.ph or call the Central Reservations Office at (632) 912-2691 or fax at (632) 912-2693.