NEW YORK While the J.W. Marriott here is catching some slack over its now branded status (the hotel was formerly run as the independent Rihga Royal), new GM Dan Flannery told HOTEL BUSINESS. that several improvements will be made to the property in an effort to boost its appeal.
Flannery said that its new owner Thayer Lodging will invest more than $20 million in rooms renovations, which had been started by the hotels previous owner but were never completed. In-room televisions will be upgraded from 19 inches to 25 inches, and more cable channels will be added to its entertainment line-up. In addition, Flannery said that the hotel will design a state-of-the-art fitness center and will add several treatment rooms for expanded spa therapy.
And while he termed operations “business as usual,” Flannery did recognize that former GM Frank Banks had somewhat of a following of clientele in New York City, which some might consider loyal to the Rihga but not the J.W. “He was in this city for decades… well just have to work that much harder to make sure our guests come back,” he said.
In reponse to recent reports that the hotel is losing its celebrity clientele, Flannery said: “If someone is looking for an independent hotel, it may affect their decision (about coming here), but the services and amenities arent going to change.”
“We havent had one celebrity cancellation since the conversion,” he added.
The New York Post had reported that the hotel was already suffering from the conversion, due to numerous cancellations of reservations from its celebrity guests who were used to the Rihgas culture and service level. (3/26/01) Shannon McMullen