As Comfort Suites tips its hat to the past, the Paradise Island property is also looking to the future. The 229-room hotel has embarked on a $2.5 million revamp, Guardian Business has learned, right in the middle of celebrating its 20th anniversary. The celebration, held last Saturday with a ball in the Imperial Towers at Atlantis, acknowledged the establishment's dedicated, long-term staff.
Arthurita Butler, the general manager of Comfort Suites, was there at the very beginning, starting on the check-in desk and rising through the ranks.
She said the current renovations are the largest in its history. "It seems like a long time ago that it first opened, but it has been a very short journey as well. The investors decided to put $2.5 million into the company to make it look pretty much like day one," she told Guardian Business.
"What we have done is completed some renovations to our rooms, our lobby area, and we're in the process of refurnishing our restaurant and completing other different projects."
Butler was one of 17 "life-long" honorees at last weekend's event, according to Shantillya Sand, the head of sales and marketing. The event also celebrated the 40th anniversary of "Funky Nassau", by the legendary Bahamian music group, The Beginning of The End. It was a night of nostalgia, but Sand said the reason Comfort Suites has been so successful is the practical business model, the loyal staff and keeping up with the times.
Known as a "value-added" hotel, Comfort Suites has long been a more affordable alternative on Paradise Island, located a stone's throw away from Atlantis.
Guests continue to have access to the mega resort's amenities, while also taking advantage of complementary breakfast and Wi-Fi. In a time when tourists are seeking to stretch their dollar, Comfort Suites has enjoyed success through a cost-cutting approach.
"When it was founded by William Naughton, our senior vice president and managing partner, he worked hard to make sure we maintained the value-added experience," Sand added.
"We offer things for free that others don't. We add these things in to give us a boost and bonus over the competition.
"I think it has been profitable because of lean management. Our employees work together as a team to get things done, while keeping prices moderate."
Butler agreed that success has been based on "watching the cost of everything".
Value-added specials help keep people coming back. But it's essential, she said, to keep costs at a minimum and "find opportunities where you can maximize revenue".
The recent $2.5 million renovations, designed entirely by Naughton's wife, Eltha, are perhaps the best example of investing money effectively to drive business. Butler told Guardian Business that the hotel is sensitive to keeping pace with other hotels in Nassau. In other words, just because Comfort Suites might present a more affordable price, doesn't mean the standard has to be any lower.
Comfort Suites is now in the second phase of renovations, she said. The lobby was given new furniture, tiles and drapes. The front desk was replaced with mahogany and granite tops. And the duty manager desk was brought out into the open so staff can better assist the guests.
"There is also a business center now," Butler added, "which will allow them to check their emails, print boarding passes, and things of that nature."
The main thrust at the moment is improvements to 50 guest rooms. Another 50 underwent a similar revamp a few months ago. The third phase will see improvements to yet another 50 rooms in Comfort Suites. The hotel's main restaurant is expected to also receive upgrades.
According to Butler, Comfort Suites is anticipating a strong Christmas season and an even better January. Occupancy has remained stable for the hotel compared to last year, with 2012 showing early signs of improvement. "We had an unusual January in 2010, and it was island wide," she explained. "Next year we hope to return to positive trends."
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
