Fewer table bookings but hotels expect more Valentine walk-ins
MIRI: Valentine’s Day is today — however, table bookings at hotels are still far from reaching their V-Day targets.
Meritz Hotel general manager John Teo said so far more than 70 couples have already made bookings to celebrate the occasion at Meritz’ Grand Old Lady All Day Dining Restaurant.
“Though it is less than our previous target, it is already a good sign, considering the bad economy.
“Being one of the highest hotels in Miri, Meritz Hotel provides the best view and romantic ambience to suit the occasion. Thus, we appreciate customers who choose Meritz to celebrate V- Day,” Teo told The Borneo Post via a phone interview yesterday.
Meanwhile, Imperial Palace Hotel advertising and promotion executive Nicholas Jong revealed that the bad economy has more or less affected the hotel, saying that there were less bookings compared to last year.
“We made a different adjustment and promotion for this year’s Valentine’s Day celebration whereby it will be semi-buffet style so that couples can enjoy a greater variety of food.
“Part of celebrating a special occasion like V- Day is about having good food and we like to offer this to our customers. Other than that, we hope each and every couple who dines with us, will enjoy the quiet ambience and have a good memory of dining here,” he said.
Jong also added that they were
Though it is less than our previous target, it is already a good sign, considering the bad economy. John Teo, Meritz Hotel general manager
looking forward to more walk-in customers.
“Our previous experience saw a lot of couples who come in without making reservations. We are expecting more walk-ins than pre-bookings.”
Meanwhile, The Borneo Post also spoke to two men about their views on Valentine’s Day.
“Celebrating V- Day is about showing appreciation to your better half, and the gestures are often buying flowers and bringing them to fancy restaurants that offer good food.
“Since my wife and I have been married for more than 30 years, I will leave out the flowers and prefer a more realistic way – bring her to eat good food. Of course, restaurants that offers full course meals may not suit us because we may not eat that much. I would prefer more economical places,” V C Wong said.
An interviewee who only wanted to be known as Chin shared the same view as Wong, saying that he will bring his wife of three years to enjoy good food.
“I am glad that my wife is not the type of woman who is helplessly romantic – requesting a candlelight dinner and flowers, etc. But as a husband, I will still do my part and bring her to a fancy restaurant. Now that there are a lot of choices of bistros mushrooming in Miri, I have surveyed them and chosen one that offers good food at a good price,” he said.
Chin added that spending money was unavoidable during special occasions.
“What matters is spending money at the right place and making people happy,” he said.