Marco Polo takes over management of Hotel in Cebu

The Marco Polo Hotel Group has signed a management contract to operate its second property in the Philippines – The Marco Polo Plaza, located in Cebu City, a major business and leisure destination in the Republic.

Formerly known as the Cebu Plaza Hotel, the property is located in the prestigious Nivel Hills district where it dominates the Cebu City skyline. It is 25 minutes from Mactan International Airport and five minutes away from the business and commercial center of Cebu City.

Federal Land, Inc. is the lead company and member of the Metrobank Group that is undertaking the development of the hotel property together with Asia Pacific Top Management Corporation (APTMC) overseeing the operational aspects.

“We are proud to have been selected by Asia Pacific Top Management to operate this landmark property. The addition of The Marco Polo Plaza, Cebu will further strengthen our brand presence in the Philippines which will create synergy in our business referral efforts. We see this hotel has great potential in the leisure and Meetings and Incentives market. We will leverage our hotels in Asia and our worldwide sales network to position the hotel as the leading hotel in Cebu,” said Jeffrey Flowers, President of Marco Polo Hotel Group.

A major refurbishment of the hotel is already in progress. The works include upgrading of all fire safety systems, electrical wiring and plumbing systems to international standards, installation of the latest communication and AV systems, renovation and enhancement of all public and guestroom areas. A major upgrade will also be carried out to replace the air-conditioning units of the hotel to a fully centralized system. It is the intent of Federal Land to upgrade all facilities of the property to bring it to world-class quality and standards to cater to the demands of international travelers.

Upon completion of the renovation, the hotel’s 25-storey tower will provide 335 guestrooms and suites including Marco Polo’s signature Continental Club Floor. The renewed guestrooms will reflect a classic yet contemporary style with a touch of local culture. The dining and entertainment options include the innovative Café Marco, an all-day restaurant featuring Al Fresco dining offering a wide variety of Western and Asian dishes served buffet style or a-la-carte. The Lobby Lounge, overlooking the poolside garden, will offer designer coffees, traditional teas, light snacks and contemporary entertainment.

Conference and banquet facilities include a grand ballroom of over a 1000 sq meters supported by 14 additional function rooms totaling 1380 sq meters. In addition to the fully equipped business center, the hotel will feature a state-of-the art fitness club, a spa and tennis facilities and a deluxe casino. The hotel’s swimming pool, which will be enlarged and reconstructed, will be designed to give a lush tropical setting.

“We deem The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu as a major step in making a significant contribution to the development of the tourism infrastructure in the Philippines.” said Alfred Ty, President of Federal Land, Inc. and APTMC, “and we are doing our best to respond to the clamor of the people of Cebu to reopen the hotel and its facilities as soon as we possibly can.”

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