IHG opens first Crowne Plaza in the city

Crowne Plaza Macau, a 5-star hotel brand under the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) situated in the city’s northern district, opened for business yesterday after some delays. With various pre-opening experience, Crowne Plaza Macau General Manager Dominique Berhouet admitted the experience of opening an hotel in Macau was quite challenging, saying “it was just the most interesting thing I have ever been associated with.” “What it is, is just all of the different steps you need to take in Macau. I mean, from the human resources quota to the licencing process, making sure the fire/life safety is spot on…” Mr. Berhouet told Business Daily. “I’ve never experienced so many bureaus that I’ve had to gain permission from, and the time it took to gain that permission, as I did here.” Having been in the industry for more than 30 years, Mr. Berhouet has experience across the United States, Europe, Hong Kong and China. Mr. Berhouet joined IHG in 1999, and has opened or rebranded various hotels, primarily with Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts during his 16 years with the group. Upbeat outlook Featuring 208 hotel rooms, Crowne Plaza Macau occupies part of The Residencia project, a luxury housing complex in the heart of Areia Preta district which is predominantly a residential area. Targeting business and leisure travellers, the hotel without any gaming elements that usually draw visitors to Macau, is confident in its positioning despite the recent economic downturn in the SAR. The General Manager is upbeat about the business, adding the first week looks ‘very strong’. Without disclosing exact numbers, Dominique Berhouet said “our rate is doing very well and our bookings are doing well.” Official website of Crowne Plaza Macau shows from superior room to superior suite, prices range from HK$1,461 (MOP1,504/US$188.5) to HK$2,932, while the average room rate of 5-star hotels in Macau stood at MOP1,675 in November according to the latest data released by the Macau Government Tourists Office (MGTO). Local market With a 780 square meter ballroom and several multifunction rooms, the hotel also targets the local market with banquets and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) offerings. Billboards with advertisements of a bride throwing a bouquet can be seen around town. Mr. Berhouet said in the coming January, they have already had bookings for a banquet hosting more than 700 people and another wedding. “There is huge interest,” he said. The newly-opened hotel is within a short distance of the busiest inland checkpoint of the Border Gate, and is near the future Zhuhai-Macau-Hong Kong Bridge connection. While being managed by IHG Group, it is owned by San You Development Co. Ltd., the developer of the Residencia housing complex.