Dynamic Claire Xuereb, the Victoria Hotel's recently appointed acting general manager and one of the few women to occupy such a position locally, is a woman with a mission - to enhance an already luxurious hotel noted for its high quality standards.
Ms Xuereb, who was raised in the tourism industry (she is the daughter of hotel owner Angelo Xuereb), studied hospitality and tourism in Switzerland. She has worked her way up the ladder and knows every aspect of hotels, hospitality and tourism. She is now putting her knowledge and expertise in practice for this big project.
The Victoria Hotel is already well-known for its distinctive Victorian style, a slick city hotel embracing past and present in its decor. The hotel is among those achieving the highest average room rates, including a high occupancy level.
Just six years after opening, the hotel is about to be refurbished and extended. While retaining its four-star rating, the hotel will be upgraded to five-star standards, thereby offering customers five-star service at a four-star price.
International major interior design company Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) will be carrying out the design for refurbishments. Founded in 1964, HBA are noted for the highest level of design. They are one of the most influential design firms in the world and their clients include Hyatt, Marriott, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, Hilton, InterContinental, Le Meridien and Kempinski.
HBA's designers give clients original creations which combine comfort and safety with luxurious and high quality design. They create environments which are distinctive, adding an almost theatrical dimension to their work. HBA accept only quality projects, and Victoria Hotel's evident commitment to quality attracted the prestigious company.
Dedicated Ms Xuereb said. "This is an exciting trip, our biggest venture since the opening of the hotel." She is full of praise for the hotel's staff, saying they are offering their best, as always. This major reinvestment will hopefully lead to the hotel forming part of an international European chain specialising in boutique hotels, that is small luxury hotels offering individual service.
"We will be continuing to focus on quality and offering an individual service. If you do not offer a client quality, he will not come back," Ms Xuereb said. The Victoria Hotel firmly believes that quality and service can never be compromised. Its classic theme gives it distinction and an aura of chic comfort and elegance.
This ambience is about to be taken on another level. The already elegant guest rooms will be enhanced with soft furnishings and a greater attention to detail. "We are having everything specifically made for us so that we will exceed guests' expectations," Ms Xuereb said.
Rooms will feature more wood and better lighting. A sprinkler system, which does not clash with the decor, will be installed in all rooms and public areas, adding to the already existing safety measures. This project will cost Lm650,000 and its projected completion date is March 2004. Ms Xuereb said that the hotel is willing to invest this relatively large amount of money for the sake of quality, guest comfort and to offer an even more individualised experience.
The hotel will also be extended, with HBA offering their high quality interior design service. The hotel was built in such a way as to allow its evolution without compromising guest comfort and that of the area's residents. The main entrance will move to High Street, Sliema. The extension will house a luxurious and grand Victorian ballroom, a number of meeting rooms, a cafeteria spilling on the outside and another restaurant.
The current rooftop pool will be transformed into a glass-covered indoor pool and a spa and massage parlour and gym. A bigger roof top pool and larger deck space will be available in the new area. An atrium is also planned - and in keeping with the hotel's vision, it will have original high quality features, including Victorian-style sculptures, a winter garden and a distinctive water fountain in the middle.
The roof terrace will also house a restaurant commanding panoramic views of Sliema and Valletta harbour. The restaurant, which will offer all day dining, including salons privés, will be divided into different areas. Each area will provide a distinctive dining experience. An executive lounge will also provide alternative dining.
Refurbishment is being done in painstaking detail. HBA's designers offer little touches, for example matching ceiling and carpet motifs, which give the place a strong individual flavour. To the hotel's credit, operations are not only of the highest quality but also environment-friendly. Last June MTA awarded the hotel an Eco Certification award.
Guests also appreciate the hotel's excellent service. Ms Xuereb noted that they have many returning guests, who are on the increase. Guests are generally individuals on the look-out for a quiet hotel in a central area or couples wanting a romantic ambience. "Victoria Hotel's marketing mix keeps the hotel strong," Ms Xuereb said.
The hotel also owns Capua Palace (not the hospital, but the actual palace). This too will be refurbished by HBA. The palace's rich history will not be compromised. Refurbishment will take this history into account and enhance it. This palace will serve as an annex to the existing hotel.
"We strive for quality tourism - being consistent in quality will give you the market that you want. There is a lot of competition in the industry, but we refuse to cut costs at the expense of quality and guest comfort," Ms Xuereb said. "The entire project, whose projected completion date is towards the end of 2005, will cost us around Lm6 million," she added.
The Victoria Hotel, which is already offering a high quality, personalised service, firmly believes in targeting the high quality tourist market. Its personalised, premium quality service puts it at the forefront of this niche market. The luxurious and grand refurbishment plans will set new standards in Malta's hospitality industry.