SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—For the first time in 23 years that the Subic Bay Freeport has existed, an internationally branded hotel opened here to bring a renowned name that is synonymous with cutting-edge facilities, expert management and first-rate maintenance.
This is the Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, a joint venture between the Phoenix-based Best Western chain of hotels and resorts, said to be the biggest branded hotel chain in the world with a network of more than 4,100 hotels; and the Philippine-based Savers Group of Companies.
The new facility, which is at the heart of Subic’s central business district, was formally opened on Thursday by Moishe Gordon, chairman of the Melbourne-based Gordon Group; and his partner Jaime Uy, president and CEO of the Savers Group.
Gordon, whose family has interests in Australia in the hotel industry, manufacturing and aviation, sits as co-CEO and COO of the hotel, while Uy, who built the Savers Group from his Jack’s Video rental outfit in 1983, serves as co-CEO.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is marketed as a midscale hotel, with its 77 rooms fetching overnight rates ranging from P3,300 (Value Plus) to P7,150 (Deluxe King Plus), depending on the size. But each room, Gordon said, “is basically the same in terms of luxurious comfort and style.”
The rooms all feature a king-size bed, 42-inch flat-screen TV, mini bar, work desk, safety deposit box and has complimentary Wi-Fi.
The hotel also has three function rooms, small meeting rooms, fitness center and spa, gift shop, bar, two restaurants and a rooftop pool on the fifth floor.
The hotel General Manager James Arbizo said the management is pushing for a four-star classification, as it plans to put up a Presidential Suite (with room rate of P20,000 per 24 hours), some junior suites and a convention center at the lot next door. Asked how much the hotel had cost, Uy said, “We’re still spending money on it,” pointing out, for example, that the pool is now on its third alteration in the quest for just the right design.
The ongoing construction and finishing being undertaken on the upper floor facilities, like the pool and gym, is expected to be completed within four weeks and ought to be ready by the coming New Year, Uy said.
While the management is apparently sparing no expense to provide the hotel with world-class amenities, Gordon said they prefer the Best Western Plus Hotel Subic be known for its service, genuine care and hospitality.
“Our people bring life to the hotel. And the Philippines is the best place to build a hotel because people here are genuinely warm and caring. You can’t find that in Europe or elsewhere,” Gordon said.
He added that because the Philippines “is boringly stable”—with a booming economy, a 7-percent economic growth, as well as a stable currency—his family’s hotel chain has decided to expand in the country.
Gordon said Subic makes for an ideal hotel location because of its pristine environment, as well as facilities for leisure activities and shopping experience.
“What Subic lacks is an iconic, branded hotel that people from all around the world would recognize. And we’re excited to bring to Subic the Best Western Plus brand,” he said.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is located within 10 minutes of shopping malls, corporate offices of Subic-based business locators and the popular Waterfront leisure area of the Subic Bay Freeport.
Arbizo said the hotel management has also established tie-ups with theme parks in Subic, like the Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, Treetop Adventure and JEST Camp, where their guests can enjoy outdoor adventures. In-house, Arbizo said hotel guests can try out the pool and gym, listen to music at the bar, experience in-room massage service, or sample the magic of fusion food concocted by the hotel’s chefs who had mixed Italian and Mexican food, Korean and Mexican dishes, and Filipino and Japanese cuisine.
The results are exotic creations, like the kimchi Bulgogi nachos, Italian-style tofu, spicy curry spaghetti and adobo sushi.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is said to be the seventh such Best Western property in the Philippines, the others being in Manila, Makati City, Cebu City and the resort-island of Boracay. Gordon said it is the first hotel to sport the newest Best Western logo.
Subic’s franchise is also considered the third most upscale Best Western hotel in the country, with only the Best Western Plus Antel Hotel in Makati City and the Best Western Plus Lex Cebu ahead of it.