Business Reporter
CRESTA Hotels has re-modelled its service offering at Jameson Hotel in Harare by creating a selected service operation that meets the changing expectations of customers who prefer accommodation, banqueting and conference options.

Chief executive Mr Glenn Stutchbury told The Herald Business that the hotel’s focus had changed in recent years to a customer base that sought quality facilities at lower prices, but did not require the full range of services that were previously provided.

“As a result we have changed its focus to a selected service hotel that retains key features of its longstanding offering but introduces new features that will better suit the market that it serves,” he said.

Cresta Jameson opened in 1958 and became Zimbabwe’s first four-star hotel in the late 1970s.

It has suites and bedrooms, as well as a series of five banqueting and conferences rooms.

For many years it had two full-service restaurants, the famed Tiffany’s and Sandawana. It also operates one of Harare’s most popular public bars on its ground floor.

“There is no longer a need for the hotel to operate these restaurants, so one of the most important features of the remodelling exercise is to limit food service to breakfast, and examine other means by which guests can source meals,” said Mr Stutchbury.

“For example, we could follow an international trend leading to the introduction of a dial-a-delivery food offering for guests staying in the hotel. Catering will still be provided for the banqueting and conference operations, but guests’ dining requirements will be met through this new service, which research tells us is the most preferred option.”

As a result, the hotel is able to offer rates that are among the most competitive for quality establishments in the capital city, both for accommodation and also for conferencing.

“What we are trying to achieve is a standard offering that meets changed expectations, but retains high standards of physical and service infrastructure, all of this being done in recognition of the changed market that the hotel now services,” added Mr Stutchbury.

However, the full service operation remains available at the group’s two other Harare hotels: the recently-refurbished Cresta Lodge, in the eastern suburbs of the city, and Cresta Oasis Hotel and apartments, which is on the fringe of the central business district, which offers a unique set of standard hotel accommodation and long-stay apartments.

“Cresta Hotels has long been known for its creative and innovative approach to hospitality services and we look forward to the successful outcome to the changes being made at Cresta Jameson, a hotel that has a long, fine tradition of hospitality but which must lead the way in terms of anticipating and catering for new market demands.”

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