MARCO POLO DAVAO: FIT FOR ROYALTY

Philippine Tatler's 2012 Seal of Excellence magazine insert

Just sharing some good news!

Marco Polo Davao is part of the special magazine insert in Philippine Tatler's September 2012 issue! It's the only city hotel featured in this set, which also happens to be the magazine's anniversary issue. Many thanks to Lynn Palma and Alessandra Salita. Happy 11th Anniversary, Philippine Tatler! 

Here's the feature story as published on pages 15 and 16.
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FIT FOR ROYALTY 

Having busy seaports, pristine beaches, bustling business centres and progressive economic policies, vibrant Davao City is considered the premier business, tourism and investment hub in southern Philippines.

It is little wonder then that Marco Polo Hotels, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wharf, a Hong Kong-listed group that has extensive interest in property, container terminal and communications, has chosen a prime spot in the area to call home.

Marco Polo Hotels uses the strategy of establishing first-class luxury hotels in gateway cities that have developing infrastructure and growing economies in the Asia Pacific region. It has 12 properties in its portfolio with the strategic goal of managing 20 hotels in the region by 2015; therefore becoming a forerunner in hotel management in Asia.

Only 20 minutes away from the Davao International Airport and located in the heart of the business and commercial district is one of its properties that embody the essence of its elegance, warmth and modernity. This 245-room international hotel boasts of elegant ballrooms and function rooms, five fine restaurants and bars, and an urban resort called The Deck, which features a 25-meter pool, the Lazuli Spa, Fitness Center, Polo Bistro, and Pool Lounge.

The tallest building in the city allows its guests to choose from variety of immaculate and well-appointed rooms suited to their budget and needs. The Continental Club guests can use the lounge where they can enjoy personalized amenities, butler services, and complimentary refreshments. The hotel has twelve function rooms and ballrooms for functions requiring space good for 16 people or 600, all supervised by dedicated banquet managers who will meticulously attend to your every need. And, of course, guests appreciate the variety of restaurants, from the buffet at Café Marco to the fine Cantonese cuisine at the Lotus Court, and the Polo Bistro. For informal gatherings, you can visit the Lobby Lounge or Eagles Bar for a cocktail or two. Last but not least, guests can either jump-start their day or unwind at the end of it at the Fitness Center, in the swimming pool, or the tranquil Lazuli Spa.

Featuring modern Asian architecture, soothing ambience and personalized signature treatments, Lazuli Spa is a favourite of both guests and locals alike. Guests can enjoy Asian or European massages whose massage oils are scented with ylang-ylang, lemongrass or virgin coconut, or treatments that use fresh products such as Davao’s coffee beans and rice, papaya, and pineapple or clay from the foot of Mt. Apo. Each treatment here offers a singular experience.

In 2007 and 2009, Marco Polo Davao won the prestigious award of the Hotel of the Year, besting its other sister hotels in Cebu, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Offering its consistent hotel customer service shown in all its surveys, the hotel has reinforced its position as the top tier hotel in the City of Bloom. “As we all know, we measure each hotel on the basis of many indicators such as guest satisfaction, financial achievements, and marketing strategies, to name a few. Marco Polo Davao demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment in its service and operations,” said Marco Polo Hotels President Eric Waldburger.

Besides its luxury amenities and excellent customer service, the Marco Polo Davao prides itself on its policies and strategies that bear in mind the environment. Because of this, it has won the ASEAN Green Hotel Award in 2010. The award recognizes outstanding efforts made by the hotel for environmental sustainability and energy conservation. It has been given to several other hotels in the Philippines, but this is the first green “light” for a city hotel in Mindanao. “We are very happy with this recognition of our efforts in improving and maintaining the environment-friendly strategies and policies of the Hotel,” General Manager Bruno Simeoni said.

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Reference: Pages 15 and 16, 2012 Seal of Excellence magazine insert, Philippine Tatler magazine, September 2012