Travel

Coral Rock Hikkaduwa to build second hotel

With state of the art bakery, laundry:

General Manager Manilal de Mel

The recent change of management at Coral Roak hotel Hikkaduwa with Amaya Leisure, has helped them to project itself as a highend hotel.

The hotel which was built almost in the last century also went through a complete refurbishment where departments of the hotel were up graded to meet modern day demands of travellers. Due to this the hotel was also closed for almost 10 months and was opened last December.

The manager of Coral Rock Hotel, Manilal de Mel said that since the opening the property is well received by both the local and foreign clientele.

"We have maintained high occupancy levels since the opening", he said. Due to the success the owners headed by Managing Director Dilrukshi Perera have decided to build another hotel opposite Coral Rock. "We are hoping to add another 20 to 30 rooms at two star levels and also looking at introducing a 'quality' open restaurant to the area where both locals and foreigners could have a spacious dining experience at an affordable price," Manilal said. "We are also looking our own bakery and laundry."

The hotel over looking the pool.

Manilal who has several years of working experience in star class hotels in Australia said that Coral Rock is also looking at a roof top bar and an area for conferences to attract the MICE market. He also said that the hotel also has a very good 'Walk in market' (FIT) .'If we have a free room due to the demand we can always occupy it'.

Manilal said that another success of the hotel is the personalised service that is being offered. Due to this the service charge of staff is always in excess of Rs 23,000 on avarange per month.

Coral Rock which has a swimming pool adjoining, the sea has 50 air conditioned rooms which are equipped with LCE, Plasma screen TV's with satellite and cable channels and have individual balconies making it a true three star plus hotel.(SS)