The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Story and photos by Alvin I. Dacanay
Early this month, a midscale hotel bearing a globally recognized brand formally opened at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales province. This hotel—Best Western Plus Hotel Subic—is the first of its kind in the former United States naval base, and the first in the world to carry the Phoenix, Arizona-headquartered hotel and resort chain’s new identity and streamlined logo.
It is also, one hopes, the first of many establishments that would help hasten the fulfillment of Subic’s potential as a top commercial, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) and adventure-tourism destination in the Philippines. A Philippines that Australian hotelier Moishe Gordon, the affable co-chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operating officer of Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, has described as “boringly stable” and having “warm and genuine” people.
Guests will experience genuine warmth at almost every turn once they arrive at the six-story, 77-room Best Western Plus Hotel Subic, designed by Arch. Owen S. Macalino and in which, Gordon said, “between $10 million [and] under $50 million” were invested for its construction.
They would feel it from the accommodating and courteous front-desk personnel, and the tastefully designed and illuminated lobby that features, among others, curved, tiered ceilings at the front-desk and lounge areas. They remind one, appropriately enough, of ripples.
They would also feel it at Spencer’s Fusion Restaurant and Bar, found near Best Western Plus Hotel Subic’s lobby entrance. The flavorful dishes its chefs prepare can prompt satisfied diners to help themselves to another serving or two; its soups, especially its seafood chowder—the appetizing chunks of fish, shrimp and other seafood spin pleasantly on the tongue—are to die for.
The warmth can also be felt at the Sky Oasis Pool, which, unlike some hotels of its kind, is on the top floor. Whether they sunbathe on a clear day or swim in the cool, sapphire-hued pool under the starlit sky, guests would be treated to, among others, a calming view of Subic Bay and the promise of progress the surrounding area holds.
But as warm and inviting as these are, none could probably match Best Western Plus Hotel Subic’s impressive, air-conditioned rooms, which are classified into six types that range from Value Plus ($73, or P3,300, a night) to Deluxe King Plus ($159, or P7,150, a night). Reaching these rooms, however, may take a few minutes, because the way they’re numbered can be confusing.
Another room type is the Deluxe King room ($134, or P6,050, a night), which this writer was fortunate enough to stay in. For professionals, particularly business executives, it’s a room that relaxes, one that virtually has all the amenities needed for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. These—like in all the other rooms—include a 42-inch, high-definition cable television set; complete set of toiletries, safety deposit box; free local and international calls; work desk with a lamp; and, probably the most important, reliable and strong running water—be it hot or cold—and wireless-fidelity Internet, which was quite fast and easy to access.
What truly impresses about the room—at least, for this writer—was its elegant and spotless appearance. Clean lines and various shades of warm brown dominate: from the parchment-colored wall and the wooden bedside tables and closet, to the chocolate-hued cushioned chairs at one corner and the mocha-colored cushioned panels above the bed.
And about the stylish bathroom: the beige blinds in the shower area that can be raised to reveal clear glass windows—they have got to be among the room’s most interesting features.
Gordon said he expects about 25,000 local and foreign tourists to stay at Best Western Plus Hotel Subic next year. It’s a perfectly acceptable number that, considering the great care and attention to detail that Gordon, hotel co-CEO and chairman Jaime “Jack” Uy, and general manager James Arbizo paid to this hotel, deserves to be increased in the coming years.
Best Western Plus Hotel Subic is managed by the Simon & Stanley International Trading and Development Co. Inc. For more information, visit www.bestwesternsubic.com.