The Suncrest Hotel in Qawra has reopened for business, following a three month shut down, during which time various maintenance works were carried out. The works consisted of a face lift in the lobby, main restaurant and snack bar area. The maintenance works follow last year’s e1.2 million investment, which comprised the upgrading of the technical plant, selective guest rooms, public areas, kitchen and service areas.

In the lobby area the works include a new colour scheme and in the Pavillion restaurant and the La Place snack bar the works were mainly structural. In the La Place the fountain was removed in an effort to create more space, while in the Pavillion new tiles were laid out throughout the whole restaurant. The terrace area outside the restaurant was also upgraded and more space for casual dining was created.

The Suncrest Hotel has also announced the appointment of Joseph Vella as the new Hotel general manager. Mr Vella, who will be overseeing the hotel’s operations, brings with him extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Mr Vella’s demanding task will ensure the continuation of excellent service and impeccable standards. His brief involves the consolidation of the efforts to strengthen the hotel’s concept of vacations ownership while focussing on directing staff to ensure the targets set are reached while constantly improving guest satisfaction levels.

While the hotel was closed between the 1 December 2008 and 7 March 2009, management hosted a number of training sessions for staff at all levels. This included customer service and hospitality management amongst others.

Speaking about the reopening AX Holdings’ Hospitality director, Claire Xuereb said that “with the continuous maintenance works and training we hope to be in a position to offer our guests better service and more value for their money. We have continued to invest in this hotel because of the potential it offers and its popularity. This popularity has been retained over the years and the hotel still enjoys a high percentage of repeat customers from the Benelux, Germany and UK markets.”

The hotel’s inauguration was marked with another special occasion, the sixteenth visit to Malta of Mr and Mrs B Corney who have been regular guests of the Suncrest. Mr and Mrs Corney were in fact the first visitors for the year and were given a warm welcome by the management and staff of the hotel.