Claude Wilson, Hospitality Jamaica WriterWHEN HOSPITALITY Jamaica visited Morgan's Harbour Hotel and Marina two weeks ago, renovations were well advanced, workmen were putting on finishing touches to meet its mid-December reopening and the official start of the winter tourist season.
General Manager Paul Gardner updated the publication on what was visibly a major work in progress.
"We have undertaken major additions and renovating work to the existing property. Completely renovated and refurbished the 60 rooms, including changing out of all furniture, adding love seats and drapery and putting in new plumbing and electrical systems," Mr. Gardner revealed.
The seafront Morgan's Harbour Hotel, which was purchased in April 2004 by a group that includes its present Chairman Neville Blythe, will have a soft opening today, with a new concept and theme that are intended to lure a specialised market with interest in the type of historic legends that have made Port Royal world-famous.
PIRATE CONCEPT
Mr. Gardner said, "The whole property is being themed in the pirate concept of the buccaneer era. The rooms are being named for specific buccaneers and pirates who existed during that era. For example, there will be pub featuring decor from Henry Morgan's ship that has been incorporated in the concept details.
And, according to the hotel's brochure, a stay in the well-appointed Morgan Suite includes the service of a 'Suite Wench', an exclusive concierge with the option of an en suite masseuse, and round-trip limousine transfer from the airport.
The resort is casting its net at a guest register blending local and corporate clients and local honeymooners, but its largest number is expected to come out of the European market, and to a lesser extent North America.
"We have been marketing in Europe, we have been in touch with travel agencies and tour operators in the UK." Pointing to several private pleasure boats lining the hotel's deck, Mr. Gardner reminded Hospitality Jamaica that the hotel's name is suggestive of the existence of a marina that does not only attract mariners but also enhances the ambience which offers a pleasing atmosphere to guests who lounge at the pub or dine on the deck.
The hotel will provide 130 jobs in its
current phase, 40 per cent is being drawn from Port Royal and nearby Harbour View communities.
As of today, Morgan's Harbour will be offering 60 new rooms of four-star standard, indoor and outdoor dining, a pub on the marina, trips to Lime Cay and the in-house Pirate's Gold gaming room. Later, the Siren Spa, The Rack and The Rake Health Club, the Cascabel Wedding Chapel, and a shopping arcade will complete the hotel property.
