New $150M hotel at Le Ressouvenir for monthend opening
By Desiree Jodah
Tourism is expected by many to experience strong growth in the coming years and among local players preparing for this revolution is entrepreneur Mokesh Daby who is about to open a new $150 million 19-room hotel. Situated at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, the Grand Coastal Inn is a beautiful boutique-type accommodation overlooking the Atlantic. The Grand Coastal Inn offers three types of rooms: deluxe, executive and executive suites. Daby speaking with Stabroek News said there are 11 deluxe rooms at US$70 per night. Each of these is air-conditioned and equipped with a queen-size bed, bedside lamp, television, hot and cold water, computer desk and clock and radio. At a price of US$90, patrons could have one of four executive rooms. These too are air-conditioned and contain queen-size or twin beds, television, telephone, hot and cold water, computer desk, clock and radio, iron, hair dryer, newspaper, refrigerator and mini bar. Continental breakfast is inclusive. There are three executive suites at US$120 per night and these guests will get a fruit basket welcome. The air-conditioned suites contain a king-size bed, desk lamp, television, telephone, hot and cold water, clock and radio, computer desk, iron and ironing board, newspaper, hair dryer, breakfast of choice, stocked mini bar and coffee maker. There is also one standard room at US$55, Daby said. Guests would be served a complimentary drink on arrival and a continental breakfast during their stay. According to the businessman who is one of the directors of Lake Mainstay Resort, besides the 19 rooms, there is an "activity" room, which could accommodate between 20 to 25 persons. This would be suitable for small conferences, parties and other social events. Among other facilities are a relaxation room, dining facilities, an indoor bar, and another that is outdoor in the beautifully landscaped courtyard with colourful beach umbrellas. A business room equipped with Internet, fax and other facilities would also be available for guests. Asked why he had invested in another hotel when there were reports that some others were not doing very well, Daby, who is also vice-president of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, said he saw tourism as this country's "biggest" drive toward development. Amidst his optimism about the country's tourism future, Daby sees Grand Coastal Inn as supplying a need. In his view, hotel rooms in the city are "totally overpriced," and there is great need for high standards and a quality product. He said he has heard many complaints from overseas visitors, especially those from the Caribbean about the high price of accommodation in the city. Many of these persons, he said, were business people who wanted a decent place to stay at an affordable price. Daby is optimistic about Guyana's future, but stated that bureaucratic red tape for similar investments should be eliminated. He said it was a nightmare getting information on the required documentation for establishing a hotel. The businessman said he was sent from one place to another, and no one seemed to know what the procedure was. He called on the government to train people in the relevant offices to deal with potential investors. People who wish to open a new hotel should not have to go to several places to obtain the necessary documents, he noted. Grand Coastal Inn is expected to be opened later this month.
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