A grand launch for Microtel Gensan

MANILA, Philippines - Only a few international franchises in the domestic hotel industry have experienced amazing growth as that of Microtel. In 10 years, the company has fulfilled its promise of establishing 10 hotels. Capping that amazing goal is none other than Microtel GenSan, the newest and second in Mindanao which promises to bring the Microtel experience to new and returning guests in the country’s “tuna capital.”

“The same great hotel everywhere you go” — that’s the promise of Microtel by Wyndham as it positions itself right in the heart of General Santos City. Located right at Valley High along the national highway, the hotel is within walking distance to malls, restaurants, hospitals and entertainment venues. Right beside Microtel’s stately facade is a commercial complex that offers additional food and beverage options to guests.

Microtel GenSan’s grand launch coincided with the Lunar New Year celebration last Feb. 10. Guests included General Santos City Mayor Darlene Custodio and members of the Florendo family which owns Microtel GenSan and Microtel Davao.

Jose Mari del Rosario, president and CEO of Microtel, in his opening speech, expressed joy and optimism on their newest venture. “In partnership with the Florendo group, we are happy to open this second property in Mindanao,” he said, “With a vibrant economy highlighted by the talents and skills of its people, GenSan is one of the country’s urban centers that stand out in terms of progress and development in the southern Philippines. This is the place to be — Microtel had to be right here — here in ‘Magandang Gensan.’”

Resident manager Ali Makabenta, who is grateful to the company for making this her first hotel opening, noted that the commercial complex component is a huge factor for the international franchise known for its minimalist, no-frills and affordable approach. “Just like in Davao, the commercial component is part of the hotel,” she said. “We are more than any hotel, considering we have these options in food and beverage.” She added that this is a setup that Microtel will consider for its new and upcoming properties.

At present, Microtel GenSan’s guests can choose to go to the complex and walk over to Café Amore, Big Ben steakhouse, and Red Trellis Seafood restaurant, among others. Soon, the commercial complex will house spas, dental clinics, and a drugstore or convenience store. The SM and Robinsons malls are just a short walk away.

Counting tuna production and farming as its main industries, General Santos doesn’t have much in terms of tourist sites aside from food festivals and the beach. It is no surprise then that many business people come here in droves. Many come from Davao where Microtel also caters to many corporate accounts and business travelers. It is safe to say that anyone conducting business in both locations have a Microtel where they can conduct their work in a relaxing and secure environment.

Makabenta said, “Every floor has a main security door going to the rooms that you can only open with your keycard. Elevator floors are also accessed by keycard.” Microtel GenSan has 65 rooms, a function room that can accommodate 130 guests and can be split into two, and a small meeting room for 15 guests.

“We are here to cater to the local corporate accounts and we can assure them that it’s the same great Microtel service and standard that we offer anywhere in the Philippines,” Makabenta said. “Since this is a bigger property, we are hoping to build our swimming pool in time for summer to target the local (non-corporate) market.”

The Microtel formula values consistency of good service and facilities — from its famous chiropractic beds sourced exclusively from the United States, to its no-frills room amenities and highly trained customer-centric staff. It’s everything you can expect from all of its existing properties in the country.

Rocky Jorolan, Microtel area manager for Davao and GenSan, said their newest venture “is a testament to the success of the Microtel concept. The 10th property, positioning ourselves in ‘Magandang Gensan’ with its thriving economy and excellent culture, is remarkable.”

“This is an international-class hotel, the first international-class chain of hotels to open here in General Santos, one of the key cities in Mindanao. We believe that we can contribute and share in changing the lodging landscape of General Santos.”

The year 2013 is shaping up to be a banner year for Microtel as it plans to open two more hotels in Libis, Quezon City and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Consistency is the hallmark of a Microtel hotel. With the launch of Microtel GenSan, guests can expect the same high standards that 10 years and 10 hotels have shaped.

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Microtel General Santos is located at Valley High, National Highway, General Santos City. For more information, call +63 83 553-8080, e-mail at gensan@microtel.ph or log on to http://www.microtel-gensan.com/. Photos by Fernan Nebres