Hospitality Malta 05 | Page 51

I already loved Solana - now it just got better (quote is from the last tripadvisor post as per time of review) The fact that the Group owns two different hotels helped a great deal in keeping both staff and clien- tele happy while works were ongoing. This decision was reinforced by their experience in refurbishing the Pergola Hotel & Spa three years earlier, in which Daniel was directly involved. “Being timely in the enlarging and enhancing of the common areas, our outdoor facilities and extensive refurbishing was paramount, and working with some of Malta’s best contractors facilitated the smoothness of this transition,” Daniel said. He continued explaining that down-time came into play in a positive way. “For us this was also seen as The refurbishment of the Solana Hotel & Spa was based not only on increasing the number of rooms but on the need to give a lush feeling throughout because first impressions count. We’re trying to make tourists feel special right from the moment they arrive. We’re aiming to make the Solana Hotel & Spa the best Four Star on the Island. HOSPITALITY MALTA an in-house project with our full responsibility such that even kitchen staff gave a hand to help disman- tle certain parts of the hotel that needed to be refur- bished. A sort of all-in-the-family way! People who love the company wanted to be onboard even at this phase and it gave us much impetus and encourage- ment to move on,” he added. Looking at their recent experience, he found the Government as well as the institutions they needed to approach during their refurbishments to be very helpful, understanding and supportive, including the PA and the MTA. Environment and the cultural touch Daniel explained that whilst their two hotels focus on leisure more so than on business tourism, “DMCs are aware of our potential and we already serve their cli- ents with our conference facilities. And as of this year we will be able to cater for the larger conferences and events, and this has opened up new avenues for us.” He feels that Malta would not be the same, and such an attractive location, “if we don’t care for the envi- ronment. We therefore have to be strict, tough and we need to educate people.“ He believes that Malta’s hotels and restaurants have yet a long way to go in this area and would be fully on board: ”if the environment will be improved then we should go for what it takes. Issue 05 49