Carlos Albendea. General Manager of the Meliá Havana Hotel
Q.- Can you talk about your experience in the realm of tourism?
A.- I worked in this particular business in Spain for a number of years. Then I came to Cuba, specifically to the Holguin tourist circuit, where I gathered significant experience. For the last two months I’ve been acting as general manager of the Meliá Havana Hotel and I can assure you this resort is great and is working on all six.
Q.- Can you mention some of the hotel’s major highlights?
A.- This is no doubt a luxury hotel spotted in one of Havana’s most beautiful and elegant neighborhoods: Miramar. Its rooms are very comfortable, chiefly the 67 accommodations slotted in the Royal Service category. This is by far a great place for congress and incentive tourism because it’s outfitted with a business center and seven meeting halls equipped with cutting-edge technology.
In general terms, this assortment of options and choices makes it one of the best hotels in the island nation’s capital. I can also mention to you the hotel’s round-the-clock room service, its top-of-the-line cuisine with a smorgasbord, one a-la-carte restaurant, an Italian restaurant and rice-grill outlet, let alone its many bars, including the VIP Bar. On the other hand, the establishment features a Cigar Store. I must confess I’ve been struck positively by the hotel’s profound cultural ambience, and this is something we truly want to keep up at any rate. We also offer top-quality services for weddings and honeymoons.
Q.- Could you refer to the top tourist-sending markets for the Meliá Havana?
A.- First of all, Spain, followed by France, Germany, Italy and Mexico.
Q.- What about the hotel’s occupancy rate?
A.- The actual average occupancy rate by the end of June was hovering 65.6 percent. Indeed, we’ve been tagging along all year round with over 50 occupancy percent rates.
Q.- We’ve heard time and time again about this hotel’s cultural program. What can you say about it?
A.- As I said before, the hotel’s cultural program has always ranked among the very best there are. We’re weighing the possibility of bringing in a larger number of professional artists.
Q.- What can you tell us about the new offers or privileges being offered by the hotel?
A.- First of all, we must mention La Bella Cubana, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, opened last August 1 with a great array of international dishes. At the opening ceremony, we presented the Bella Cubana Gourmet Card, a distinction only reserved for our most distinguished patrons and featuring a 20 percent discount.
We must inevitably talk about the Partner Card, a personal card only that expires on June 30, 2004 and is granted by the Meliá Havana Hotel to companies and diplomats stationed in Cuba. With this card in his hand, any customer may have access to:
. 25 percent off in all the hotel’s sale outlets, except in the banquet area.
. Free admission to the swimming pool (accompanied by an adult) with towel service. Free admission for kids under 12 years old who come with them. Access is only available through 80th Street or down the hotel’s cafeteria.
. A free monthly cocktail and hairdo for the card holder or the companion that the holder declared in the application form.
. Free use of the hotel’s public areas for taking pictures, shooting videos, coming-of-age parties and weddings (only once a year).
. A point-scoring system whereby guests chalk up one point for every $250 dollars spent with his card. According to the number of points the holder scores, he or she is entitled to:
1.- One point: dinner for two (beverage included) at the Miramar Smorgasbord (previous reservation is required) or a session at the beauty salon that includes shampoo, haircut, hairdo, manicure, facial massage and pedicure.
2.- Two points: free access for a whole month to the hotel’s gym.
3.- Three points: a-la-carte dinner for two (free cover of up to $80) at the La Scala Italian restaurant (previous reservation is required).
4.- Four points: a-la-carte gala dinner for two (free cover of up to $100) at the La Bella Cubana gourmet restaurant (previous reservation is required).
