Hoteliers happy with World Cup bookings, no marked increase in short-term rentals
Stabroek News
March 24, 2007
Realtors say inquiries for short-term rentals are not significant for the local Cricket World Cup (CWC) matches while some hoteliers are happy about steady bookings.
Stabroek Business inquired from hoteliers and realtors if the CWC matches planned for Guyana from Wednesday until April 9 has brought more business in the light of the thousands of visitors expected for the matches. Over the past weeks, hotels, guesthouses and tour operators have vigorously advertised their products.
Veena Paul, the manager of the Church Street Sleepin Guest House and Bar told this newspaper that the 60-room hotel is fully booked for the period when the matches will be hosted. But Paul said that full bookings are not unusual for Sleepin, since peak seasons such as Easter, Mashramani and the August month and sporting events like car races normally see full bookings. Paul noted that its 'full' status for the CWC period means that its usual guests for Easter will have to make other hotel arrangements, noting that some bookings were made as early as last year. Guests at the Church Street hotel will also benefit from a recently constructed bar at the Brickdam branch. Paul said rooms will become available again after April 9, the day of the final match.
A representative from Grand Coastal Hotel at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, reported bookings so far as "ok," noting that a number of tentative bookings are now being confirmed. The facility, which boasts more than 40 rooms, recently underwent a series of upgrades.
An official at Ocean View International Hotel said the "rooms are going fast" and warned that persons seeking to make bookings there should do so soon. The representative also said that the hotel was encouraged by the response so far, for the CWC period.
An official from Mentore-Singh Realty Ltd, at 64 'B' Middle and Main streets said that the agency has not received many inquiries for short-term rentals for the period of the CWC matches here. The representative told Stabroek Business that the price range being offered for the short-term rentals were not compatible with the prices guests were seeking. The realtor said overseas persons seeking short-term rentals normally prefer homes where the rent is compounded; inclusive of electricity and water charges and are competitive with hotel rates. The official also noted that persons offering short-term rentals through the agency are not very flexible with their charges and as a result lose out on potential guests. Apart from the rates, other concerns included comfort and security, the realtor said, as guests were specific about comfortable and secure rentals. The potential guests are seeking competitive rates ranging from US$1,000-US$2,000 per month for three-bedroom homes.
Stabroek Business also understands that persons offering short-term rentals are asking for a minimum of US$50 per day for two bedrooms and a maximum, in some cases, of US$6,000 per month for the executive-style homes that are fully furnished with air-conditioning. The realty admitted that their major business is providing long-term rentals but they do facilitate persons seeking or offering short-term rentals.
An official from Lewis Real Estate and Property Management Agency also told this newspaper that inquiries for short-term rentals have not been particularly large and the realty was not expecting an increase in inquiries. In Lewis Realty's case, many persons are not offering properties for short-term rentals.
An official at Sugrim Real Estate Agency and Related Services said since its opening in 1986 his main concentration has been providing long-term executive-style rentals to embassy officials and overseas consultants, but if offers are received for short-term rentals, and he has the property available, then the service will be provided. However, he pointed out that at this time he has no short-term rentals.