Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (Rebirth of a landmark)

For over two decades, this structure has been a proud witness to every wedding, debut, birthday, reunion, or any other occasion of the Cebuanos. The former Cebu Plaza Hotel was long considered a landmark by the people in the Queen City of the South, not only for its imposing presence nestled atop a hill, but primarily for being woven into the colorful tapestry of the Cebuano lifestyle.

Today, the same landmark – revived and transformed into an vibrant, elegant, and modern hotel – is living a much-awaited, new chapter in its history as the world-class Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (MPPC).

A year after new owners Asia Pacific Top Management International Resources Corp. (APTMIRC) and the Marco Polo Hotel Group breathed new life to it, the hotel is once again beating with life and vitality as top hotel management officials, government leaders, VIPs, loyal patrons and the media found themselves gathered for the first anniversary of the hotel’s rebirth in the hospitality scene in Cebu.

CEBU’S MANILA HOTEL

Federal Land Inc. president Reynaldo Villar likened its significance and nostalgic charm to no less than the Manila Hotel.

"I compare it to the Manila Hotel. It’s a legend, a landmark. It may not be that historical but this hotel certainly has its own history from the Osmeñas to the ordinary patrons of the hotel. When we were contemplating on selling this place, we got a lot of requests from the local community not to sell a part of their lives! So now, we brought back the hotel to the Cebuanos and judging from the turn-out of guests, we’re glad they appreciate it," he said.

In their attempt to come up with a better, grander hotel for the Cebuanos, close to R900 million was spent for the renovation of the hotel, Villar disclosed. Although the old structure was retained, the 24-storey hotel underwent a massive renovation program that included even the minutest detail.

MPPC general manager Hans Hauri said "every wire, every pipe, every duct was changed." The air-conditioning units, sprinklers, CCTV cameras and beds are all new. Although the layout of the hotel and most of its divisions resembled the old Cebu Plaza, there is no denying the huge extent of renovation.

The erstwhile dim lobby is now lit up by a stunning Swarovski-accented chandelier, revealing an opulent lobby that leads to a grand staircase.

A casual, laidback meeting place-cum-coffee shop by day and a watering hole by night, the Lobby Lounge’s elegance and modern design is complemented by the contemporary music played every night by the top bands in Cebu.

Café Marco, the hotel’s signature outlet, sports an urban chic design defined by its wooden floors and panels, earth-toned tabletops, Asian-inspired light fixtures and chair cushions of green, mustard and deep red. Its best features are its show kitchens which feature the preparations and skills of its chefs in making Asia, Japanese and Western ala carte and buffet dishes.

The Pool Bar leads to a much-improved mango-shaped, infinity pool and the Garden Terrace which provides the ideal setting for intimate cocktails and receptions. A leisurely lounge by the pool is among the best sites to breathe in the fresh air and marvel at the view of the Cebu mountains and the Hilutungan channel, as the hilltop hotel is located 600 feet above sea level.

Each of the 329 guestrooms and suites have been transformed to reflect a classic yet modern design with a touch of local culture. Fully equipped with complete amenities and first-rate facilities, the rooms also offer splendid views of the Cebu city skyline. Other hotel facilities include The Continental Club and Lounge, a scenic elevator, Jacuzzi, health club and a soon-to-open spa facility.

Villar noted that the four-star Marco Polo Plaza needs only one more restaurant for it to earn the five-star rating of the Department of Tourism. He said the hotel which is already 95 percent complete, is nearing its final stage. Most of the work is now focused on the entertainment and additional recreational facilities.

Meanwhile, Villar said there are plans to convert the Plaza Club, the lowrise building situated in the sprawling 7.5-hectare property nestled on top of the Nivel Hills, into serviced apartments or a residential building. He added that this kind of accommodation is fast gaining popularity and a growing market of long-staying guests and expatriates in Cebu. The Plaza Club used to be a part of the Cebu Plaza Hotel when it opened in 1984.

URBAN RESORT IMAGE and MICE DESTINATION

MPPC public relations manager Carlo Borromeo revealed that their concentration is now geared towards reestablishing the hotel’s position in the competitive hospitality market in Cebu.

"We are positioning the hotel as an urban resort to distinguish it from our competitors. Marriot is for rooms, while Waterfront Lahug is for functions and events. We would like to be both an urban resort and a MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and events) destination, providing excellent accommodations, ideal venues for events and social gatherings and resort-style living in the city. We would also like to revive the hotel to what it once was and had become for the Cebuanos," Borromeo said.

Business is brisk these days, Villar confirmed, with hotel occupancy rate hitting 95 percent from Thursdays to Saturdays, a substantial increase from the 30 percent occupancy rate recorded last year. Its year to date occupancy rate also posted 55 percent, which is a good start for the one-year-old Marco Polo hotel.

A part of the early success enjoyed by the hotel is largely due to the leadership, guidance, hardworking and humble character of its Swiss-German general manager Hans Hauri. The seasoned hotelier who boasts of 40 years experience in the field is a hands-on leader whose passion for his work can be gleaned from his 24/7 duty at the hotel.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, managed by the Hong Kong-based Marco Polo Group, opened on April 27, 2006, as the eighth addition to the renowned chain of hotels. Its owners, the APTMIRC is a part of the Metrobank group which also owns Federal Land Inc., a property development company. The hotel is the first venture of the Metrobank group in the hotel business. Metrobank took over ownership of the hotel after its former owner Pathfinder Holdings Philippines Inc. (PHPI) closed the Cebu Plaza Hotel in 2003, and turned it over to Metrobank in payment of its R900-million debt.