The Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila is such a “happy place.” The moment I walk in, I immediately feel a sense of joy, looking at the happy faces of the people who meet and greet me with courteous tones in their voices.
Just the other day, the 230-room property celebrated its 10th anniversary, attracting personalities from the tourism industry, business and social circles, and their valued clients. The all-suite hotel dressed itself up for the landmark event and certainly wore the happiest face ever.
Guest registration at the lobby was handled by a bevy of smiling pretty ladies, garbed in attractive modern Filipiniana pieces, making the welcome even more warm and gracious. We were then led to a photo wall in the adjoining area by a young couple in glamorous Filipino outfits.
The lady’s gown immediately caught my attention because her balloon skirt was held together by a wooden lattice bearing filled champagne glasses precariously tucked in notches all around it. Guests could help themselves with the champagne as they came in. What a unique welcome gesture!
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The Nostalgia Lounge and Bar, where the celebration was held, was already packed with guests when I got there. The jovial celebratory mood was so palpable in the happy chatter of the crowd, which was cheerfully partaking of the delectable culinary specialties laid out on the buffet. And, I hasten to add, the prime rib was to-die-for!
The hotel’s amiable general manager, Antoine Weinstein, being only two months old in his position, was all over the room, merrily pumping as many hands, towards getting well-connected with his hotel’s market. I asked him if he also sings, like the other French general manager who runs another deluxe property. He said he will still have to excavate such skill.
I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to chat with Dennis Tan, the dapper chief operating officer of Leisure Development Corporation, Joy Nostalg Group of Companies’ division that runs the hotel. He and I have the same views on leadership and teamwork. Now I know why everybody in the hotel exhibits the much-valued “can do” attitude which I easily noticed in my dealings with the Rooms Division staff, the Food and Beverage personnel, and other public contact employees. I’m sure that such likable trait cascaded down to them from the winsome persona of their genial COO.
And thanks to his prodding, I discovered that evening an impressive strategy which the Sales Team initiated recently—an interactive Showroom procedure. I made a promise not to divulge the details of this innovative and trendsetting sales activity, lest it be copied by their competitors. All I can say is that it was such an enjoyable experience, and it gave a relevant dimension to the hotel’s guest rooms.
But, even without this creative Showroom procedure, Joy Nostalg’s guest rooms are worth raving about. They are BIG, by any standard. In fact, its Sales Team continues to eat up a much bigger chunk of the high-yield market of corporate conferences and family “staycations.” These guests have become loyal to their spacious and well-furnished suites.
Inside the guest rooms, I like the interplay between the living and dining areas and the kitchen. It spells CONVENIENCE which fastidious guests appreciate. And the luxury of having a steam bath and be able to do your laundry in your own room is definitely a PLUS factor. In fact, I know of a group of doctors from Cebu who attend medical conventions twice a year here in Manila, tagging along their families. They go “Joy Nostalg or bust” because of these advantages.
Adding more glitter to the occasion was the husband-and-wife team of Robert Sena and Isay Alvarez who regaled us with their trademark Broadway hits and classic Filipino songs, in keeping with the evening’s theme. Listening to their brand of music made chomping on the delectable hors d’oeuvres most pleasurable!
I always enjoy anniversary celebrations simply because, to me, they mean only one thing—SUCCESS, the main ingredient and power source of longevity! And having enjoyed the modern and luxurious facilities, impeccable service, and delectable cuisine of Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila, I am convinced that “10” does not only mark its anniversary; it is also a well-deserved rating—a perfect 10.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com.
YOUR weekend CHUCKLE
What is the worst combination of illnesses: ALZHEIMER’S and DIARRHEA. You’re running but can’t remember where to and why.