Sited in close proximity to several key downtown locations and essential services, the newly-developed $200M four-storey Regency Suites and Hotel at 98 Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, is billed as an establishment with a touch of class.

The 21-room facility is soon to be increased to 35 and boasts single rooms and suites. According to its management, this hotel is designed to cater for foreign visitors who wish to enjoy the best the country has to offer while being accommodated in a pleasant, relaxed and classy atmosphere.

The single room accommodation at US$70 offers two beds in a room with such amenities as an electric kettle and writing desk, while the suites at US$130 feature an enclosed bedroom, kitchenette with stove and microwave, along with a sitting room and television. Each room has an air-conditioning unit, in addition to a fan.

And an arrangement could be made for additional sleeping facilities for families with young children. This apart, all suites are equipped with sofa beds in the event that these are necessary.

All rooms come with complimentary continental breakfast for the duration of a guest's stay and round-the-clock room service is also available on request.

The rooms are complemented by rooftop facilities of a mini gym, tennis court and games arena equipped with a full-size billiards table. From the roof of this four-storey building, guests would have an enchanting view of the city's skyline with its many historical buildings.

It is envisaged that once fully completed and operational, this rooftop area will also have a bar for the convenience of guests while they relax in the breezy area.

The dining room features a Gothic setting with lights hanging from the ceiling and could cater for up to fifty persons. It is also enhanced by a cocktail bar.

During a media briefing and tour of the establishment yesterday, reporters were shown around its richly designed and decorated interior.

Prior to the tour, manager of the establishment, Walter Sahai and Doreen Humphrey both spoke of the services on offer while tracing the conception of the project.

According to Sahai, the plan to develop the hotel came about when its owner, Paul Shivraj, better known as a pioneer in the auto dealership business, decided to diversify in the face of a proliferation of similar entities.

With positive responses from the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry, an under-utilised building was rapidly reconfigured to house a modern hotel. A conscious decision was also taken to give the venture a touch of class to meet every level of competition. And even before the hotel's official opening, it has already begun receiving guests.

Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry, Manzoor Nadir, who was on hand to welcome the new investment, stated that it was indeed timely as the tourism industry is showing positive signs with a significant number of arrivals. Citing statistics, Nadir stated that December last year showed the best arrival numbers with 13,000 visitors coming into the country, a rise over previous years.

He encouraged the proprietors to seek to attract tourists, especially those from the European continent, specifically German and British nationals who have longer vacation periods and are likely to appreciate nature travel opportunities.

Executive Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Indira Anandjit, in welcoming the new establishment stated that the tourism organisation was keenly looking forward to working with the hotel's management in developing the local tourism sector.

Director of Tourism in the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry, Tessa Fraser in congratulating the hotel's management, observed that the facility has added to the quantity of room stock which the country could offer. She further envisaged that the hotel and her ministry would continue working together to further the development of the tourism industry.

The management intends to attract visitors by way of aggressive marketing overseas as well as linking its website: shivraj.com to that of THAG's. It also hopes to sell its product by inviting tour operators to view the experience being offered.

A security service has been engaged to ensure the safety of customers as a priority and several pieces of electronic equipment have been installed to efficiently secure the premises.

Plans are also in train for the installation of conference room facilities, among other features.