As Bahrain’s InterContinental Regency prepares to open its doors following a major refit, general manager JAMES MCDONALD tells LIZ O’REILLY what’s in store at the all-new property.
The InterCon is one of the island’s oldest and best known hotels, what are the major changes regular guests will see following the facelift?
After closing our doors for the first time in 30 years, we are just about to complete a multi-million-dollar renovation where we have literally changed and remodelled every area of the hotel. From the moment our regular guests see the new facade, they will understand that they are returning to a fabulously modern hotel. Once in the hotel, they will immediately appreciate the contemporary feel of the lobby and other public areas. In the last year we have worked on changing every area of the hotel, from our striking new facade, to the bedrooms which are re-designed around the sophisticated needs of today’s traveller and to the various outlets where you can relax or socialise after a hard day at work.
What new and additional facilities are being introduced?
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McDonald…every aspect changed |
Intercontinental Regency has been redesigned with the demands of today’s traveller in mind, particularly those seeking style, comfort, luxury and personalised service. We have invested in different areas to go ‘beyond’ our guests’ expectations. Many of our guests run their lives through their iPad, laptop or Blackberry and we have made sure that while with us, their lives will continue seamlessly.
Our food and beverage outlets offer a range of modern and eclectic options from the vibrant bar with live entertainment to a more tranquil environment in which to experience a variety of international and local dishes.
We also have invested in the technical infrastructure of the hotel and put in a system to minimise wasted energy and water and to recycle as many materials as possible. This is very important to our owners, IHG and the government of Bahrain, and the right thing to do. With all these efforts behind, we are very confident that the reopening of InterContinental Regency will set a new benchmark for all other hotels in Bahrain to aspire too.
I understand the refurb has taken only 11 months, how has it been possible to achieve it so quickly and what have been the major challenges?
We have worked with a group of extremely good professionals across all areas of the renovation from the architects to the contractors, subcontractors, designers and project managers. They were given some very tight deadlines and together we have succeeded and that is a great achievement. With any renovation there will always be challenges and unforeseen problems but if together you focus your energy and expertise on them they are easily overcome.
What market will you be targeting for the relaunched property and how will you do this?
As Bahrain’s leading five star hotel, Intercontinental Regency has always been the most popular choice for business travellers from the GCC and Europe. Our location does very much lend itself for those travellers connected with Bahrain’s vibrant financial centre.
Anything else you want to add?
We look forward to welcoming our guests in a splendid hotel setting in the heart of the city where we assure an innovative and exceptional experience.