A multi-million refurbishment project is currently being undertaken by the Hotel Phoenicia in Floriana with the aim of attracting more high quality tourists to the island. The first phase of the project will be completed by March.
Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco visited the project this morning and stated that to see such an investment at such challenging times was “not only encouraging but shows the level of confidence and trust that the Phoenicia owners have in the local tourism sector and in the local economy in general”.
Investor Ray Byrne explained how the Phoenicia’s refurbishment is progressing in two main phases.
The first phase carries an overall investment of €2.5 million and will be completed by March. During this phase, 50 per cent of the hotel’s bedroom stock will be refurbished with bespoke rosewood furniture, softer and better distributed lighting, new furnishings and carpets.
For entertainment, new LCD televisions with a new digital system will be installed. All the rooms on the fourth floor will be designated as Executive Rooms to cater for today’s business travellers’ needs, including complimentary high speed internet access.
This phase will also include the refurbishment of the hotel’s reception area, lobby, Palm Court Lounge, Club Bar and Phoenix Restaurant.
Designers will make the most of the colonial atmosphere that the Lobby and the Club Bar exude. These will also have an added local element - on the ground floor, the hallways leading to the Club Bar and Palm Court Lounge will hold a permanent exhibition of the largest single collection of Chevalier Caruana Dingli paintings.
The Palm Court Lounge will shine with a new marble floor, lighting, sofas, armchairs and a central bar which will be open all day.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, the Phoenix, is also being refurbished. Here, new counters, cooking areas and seating will make for a more intimate dining experience.
The second phase will include the upgrading of the meeting rooms and the remaining bedroom stock.