Tourists, Brides, Grooms, Wedding guests, and Corporate clients of the Pelican Bay Hotel on Grand Bahama Island now have even more reasons to be happy as the boutique resort known as the ‘Happiest Hotel’ has upgraded their room facilities to provide guests with even more style, comfort, and relaxation.

The Management and staff hosted a Customer Appreciation and New Room Viewing evening for their large volume clients last week, to show gratitude to a sector of business that has significantly contributed to the record numbers the hotel has experienced over the past two years and to allow them the first viewing of the newly renovated hotel rooms.

“We really wanted to express our thanks to our corporate bookers for the business they have sent us over the past two years and we hope the business they will send us in the future,” said Magnus Alnebeck, General Manager, Pelican Bay.

“We now have 45 beautiful rooms that have been totally renovated by local contractors with new bathrooms, new air-conditioning units, new technology and new furniture, which will be in use for Christmas. Our goal is to then work on another 42 rooms with a mid-March 2019 deadline, expecting to have half of the hotel renovated.”

Following the damage wrought by Hurricane Matthew, the hotel began a schedule of planned repairs, utilizing the expertise of Bahamian companies YellowFin Construction, who was the lead company throughout the renovation, and FRECON, who executed minor hurricane repairs.

During that time, the property continued to operate, with a large percentage of room bookings coming from local and new businesses coming to the island.

“Our Corporate sector is doing very well,” explained Alnebeck. “We decided to invest our repair funds and profits right back into the property.

The renovated rooms have not been changed since 1996, some minor work was done to the rooms over the years, but this time they were completely gutted and totally re-done.”

The rooms have been transformed into a new modern but comfortable, décor encompassing both European and island accents.

A total investment of some four million dollars has been spent to create subtle but impactful changes.

Corporate clients attending the Customer Appreciation event approved of the new esthetic. One guest remarked the new design is “trendy, saucy and chic”, noting she likes the combination of the island colours while incorporating a new modern furniture.

What began as a routine renovation project however, quickly blossomed into an opportunity to infuse the room designs with a uniquely Bahamian esthetic as well.

“We know that our guests come to The Bahamas to enjoy things that are distinctly Bahamian, and we wanted them to have that authentic island experience from the moment that they check in to their hotel rooms,” noted Pelican Bay Operations Manager, Della Bridgewater.

Walls with vibrant colours hung with artwork depicting an island theme and bedding with decorative pillows covered with star-fish prints now greet every guest upon arrival to their rooms.

“We value our Corporate and Leisure guests. We want our new décor to be an addition to our visitors’ experience at the hotel.

We appreciate every room reservation booked. Pelican Bay has built a great Corporate culture with our local, domestic, and international guests; they have sustained us and have really contributed to our bottom line.”

Invited guests were given the opportunity inspect the brand new decor and were also gifted bags from Pelican Bay for attending the event. Pictured: Dominic Petty, REV Cable Bahamas Director, Northern Bahamas and Della Bridgewater, Operations Manager, Pelican Bay Hotel.(Photo courtesy of Derek Carroll Photography for Barefoot Marketing)

The Pelican Bay Team was happy to show appreciation to its clients at the Customer Appreciation event. The resort's Corporate customer base has experienced significant growth over the past 2 years. Pictured (L-R): Marissa Russel, Reservations; Jordan Burke, Front Office; Pearl Russell, Polymers International Ltd.; Renaldo Brown, Front Office; Patra Albury, Financial Controller and Dominique Smith, Reservations Supervisor.(Photo courtesy of Derek Carroll Photography for Barefoot Marketing) 

The newly renovated rooms showcase a modern island decor with European accents, new bathrooms, furniture and upgraded technology. Rooms will be available for booking this Christmas season. (Photos courtesy of Derek Carroll Photography for Barefoot Marketing)

Pelican Bay unveiled 45 newly renovated rooms at the Customer Appreciation and New Room Viewing Event. Renovations began in August and utilised the expertise of local construction company YellowFin Construction. Pictured (L-R): Magnus Alnebeck, General Manager, Pelican Bay Hotel and Ryan Graham, YellowFin, President, YellowFin Construction. (Photo courtesy of Derek Carroll Photography for Barefoot Marketing)