Davao's oldest hotel relaunched
APO View Hotel tries to recapture the older generation and now the millennial markets of Davao City as the new management marries memories and modern trends, targeting to finally be a five-star hotel after their full renovations.
Known to be the oldest hotel in Davao City which had been established in 1948, Apo View Hotel had been a witness to a number of celebrations. A true Dabawenyo may be able to share a memory or two about the hotel. However, as they move forward to their hotel services, more and more competitions had arrived and according to marketing manager Sue Geminiano, they have lagged behind in terms of tourism. Over the years, people would opt for other hotels for celebrations and events more than their hotel.
Because of this, as they relaunched under a new management which is now the Global Comfort Group Corporation (GCGC), they target to keep up with the current trends and modern standards of the younger generation without compromising the Apo View that the older generation had grown up with.
“Being up to date means we will be upgrading the cuisine that we will serve at our entrée, the coffee that we serve will be at its premium quality. At the same time, the facilities and amenities inside the rooms will be improved to be made available to business meetings, business conferences, and other functions,” she said.
According to Apo View managing director Edmundo Las they have started with the renovations of the Entrée, lobby, and the hallway, although they plan to maintain the walkway while putting in more lights and mirrors as well as more operating stores and boutiques that would interest the guests.
Aside from upgrading the menu, Las said it is also part of their plan to renovate and expand the kitchen to be able to also provide food and services to the function room as they should come in tandem.
Tourism Davao Regional Director Roberto Alabado III was grateful with the new management of Apo View Hotel for retaining the respect to the Lumad and the fact that the hotel is part of the city’s history.
As they move further forward into modern advancements, they are to start construction of the three new infrastructure buildings early 2018 which will be a condominium and business center buildings. All of these are thought to address the modern and fast-paced lifestyle demands of the millenials. The buildings are to be located at the background of the hotel in a triangular fashion.