Gareth Manning, Gleaner Writer
The Hilton Kingston Hotel in New Kingston, St. Andrew.
THE HILTON Kingston Hotel is getting a face-lift to help build business.
The renovations are being done in collaboration with owners of the property, Propco, a company registered under the Canadian Commercial Workers Industry Pension Plan (CCWIPP). But Sales and Public Relations Officer, Mitzie Pratt says the Hilton is doing most of the renovation itself.
The hotel has already extended its lobby, adding a 24-hour cappuccino café, a deli area, an upgraded cyber centre and a new colour scheme.
Pratt, says the 'face- lift' has brought new life to the lobby area .
The front desk space has also been widened to accommodate the inflow of people who visit the hotel and the waterfalls by the pool have been improved.
"We have bigger and enhanced fountains," Hilton public relations manager Douglas Harrisingh said. "We've widened it and added fish and aquatic plants. We've [also] raised the falls."
PLACE OF MEDITATION
Pratt said the waterfalls have become a place of meditation for many visitors. "The feel is great. You find people just stand or sit by the falls looking in the pond."
In addition, the hotel is also upgrading some of its rooms overlooking the pool. Pratt said, "We're doing things slowly but surely."
But the most significant improvement to the hotel so far is the beautification of its Palm Court dining area on the second floor. The hotel has added new chandeliers, silk drapes and new dining tables to the area. Murals of palms swaying in the wind are also a feature of the new dining area that has improved the ambience of the court area. The area is to be officially opened in a few months.
Formerly known as the Wyndham in New Kingston, says the improvements began last October with the extension of the lobby and should be completed with the official opening of the renovated Palm Court. With 303 rooms, the 18 storey hotel is situated on a 7.5 acre property.
Though it is hard to say how the face-lift will improve business, Pratt says the improvements adds interest in the hotel and keeps visitors coming back.
"It enhances the hotel," Ms. Pratt said when asked how the changes would impact business. "It is like an old house that you just renovated. It adds new life."
