Microtel hunts for MICE in Manila

Ollie Quiniquini (2010-01-29)

MICROTEL Hotels and Resorts is going after the MICE market with the Microtel Mall of Asia, opening in March.

The group's flagship will have 150 rooms, an f&b outlet and banquet space for 200 pax. Commanding rates from 3,500 pesos (US$75) to 4,500 pesos, this will be the first Microtel property in Metro Manila and the biggest, since the brand usually has 50- to 70-room hotels.

Microtel director of sales Roy Martin said: “Microtel Mall of Asia will target MICE business since it's next to the SMX Convention Center, and the leisure market because we're in the Mall of Asia complex. It will help us establish that we're not just a mid-market brand but also a MICE and convention hotel.”

The group will also open the Microtel Libis in Metro Manila and the Microtel General Santos in the southern city of General Santos by year-end or early 2011. Both properties will have around 70 rooms.

Microtel is also scouting for a new site in Cebu, now that it has disengaged from the Microtel Mactan after a year of operation. Martin said the split was amicable as the property's owners had chosen to turn the hotel into a boutique hotel.