One of its kind

Many first-class hotels in the metropolis and across the country promise to shower

guests with everything they need: elegant accommodations, the best service, an array

of international cuisines, recreation and leisure facilities, etc. But, seldom can one find

a hotel which genuinely treats its guests the way Shangri-La's Traders Hotel Manila do

- personalized service starting from the highest executive of the hotel, the general

manager down to the hotel staff.

I had the opportunity to witness and also experience this kind of service one Thursday that

left me a deep impression and satisfaction beyond compare.

I was invited to try out and write about the hotel’s newly-refurbished Traders Club Floor

which was designed to cater to the needs of today’s modern and discerning travelers,

specially businessmen.

Located on the top three floors of the hotel, its 17th, 18th and 19th floors, the Traders

Club boasts aside from personalized service, a higher standard of accommodation, more

space and a host of special privileges and amenities not found in ordinary hotel floors.

Upon arrival, Club guests can skip the Front Desk and go straight to the Traders Club

Lounge at the 19th floor for an express check-in (as well as a checkout upon departure).

This particular privilege is very important for a businessman for it saves his time and effort

especially when the Front Desk is full of guests queuing to check-in.

Business travelers can also meet their clients and transact business without having to

leave the hotel as the Traders Club provides a complimentary 2-hour use of the boardroom

at the 19th floor. Club guests are also entitled to a free, unlimited use of the Internet and

other facilities at the Lounge’s exclusive Business Center.

After a long day of work, guests are treated to a spectacular view of the Manila Bay’s

famous sunset while enjoying their complimentary cocktails at the Lounge. Watching the

sun set rejuvenates the body and mind of a busy man making him more creative and

productive. Cocktails is from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

After cocktails, guests can either choose to stay for a quiet, elegant place like the Club’s

cozy reading room. Or exercise, stretch out some tensed nerves, practice putting or play

chess at the recreation studio.

If he gets thirsty, he can go back to the Lounge for a free drink - a glass of juice or iced tea

perhaps. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages are offered the whole day.

Other privileges include free pressing of one suit upon arrival, shoe shine and personalized

stationery upon request, selection of newspapers, magazines, books and board games

and airline ticket reconfirmation and limousine service.

And, the biggest reward of all, retiring in the sanctuary of your own guestroom. For most

people, including myself, the grand finale to a hectic day would be a hot shower, a good

movie and a peaceful slumber. It doesn’t matter whether it is a suite, deluxe or superior

room, as all 302 guestrooms are among the largest in the bay area, with full-length

windows offering fantastic views of Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard. The rooms are

spacious and furnished with king-size or two fullsize beds, cable TV, Pay-Per-View TV,

central air-conditioning with individual thermostat controls, IDD, voice mail and mini-bar.

The next day, guests can go back to the recreation studio for an early morning workout

and have an early or late complimentary Continental breakfast at the Lounge which is open

from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Later, for lunch and dinner, guests can choose from a variety of restaurants at the hotel.

Traders Café offers light meals to full themed buffets. Seafood lovers can avail of its

all-you-caneat seafood every Friday. Mongolian buffet is on during Saturday evenings while

Dim-Sum lunch buffet is served every Sunday. Other outlets are Kikufuji, a Japanese

restaurant and Cappuccino, a cake shop.

During my stay at the hotel, I wasn’t only satisfied with its facilities and amenities but more

importantly with the hotel staff who really go out of their way to welcome guests and

ensure that all their needs are met.

Just as I was relaxing at the Lounge that Thursday night, thinking that my writing

assignment would soon end in a matter of hours, I was approached by a gentleman who

immediately engaged in conversation with me. He was very simple, polite and hospitable. I

was really pleased to note that sincere curiosity in him to know if I was enjoying my stay.

Only to find out later in his nameplate, that he was Mr. Henry Lee, the general manager of

the hotel. I tried so hard to hide my embarrassment of not recognizing him (even though I

haven’t met him before). Who would have thought that a hotel general manager will still be

up and working at 15 minutes past ten!

I couldn’t help but admire the man who believes in prioritizing the hotel staff first among

other things. “We’d rather have guests come back because of our efficient staff then our

service,” Lee said.

Lee added that service is also important as well as the facilities. These are basically the

reason why they have upgraded the Traders Club Floor and refurbished its guestrooms.

Likewise, the hotel’s Health Club facilities are also being upgraded to accommodate a

fully-equipped gym, Jacuzzi and sauna rooms. Lee said the club will be ready by April.

“We need to change and adapt to the changing needs of the people”, said Lee who

believes guests will not mind to pay an extra fee if the personalized service and staff are

worth it.

Incidentally, Lee will be leaving the hotel as he was recently promoted general manager of

the 560-guestroom and suite ShangriLa Dingshan Nanjing, located along the Yangtze River

in China.

The Shangri-La’s Traders Hotel is a member of the Traders brand which represents

ShangriLa’s group of quality mid-range hotels developed with an emphasis on location,

efficiency, and genuine value for money.