Heritage Hotel gets ahead in systems game - Micros Fidelio

Thursday, October 16, 2008

BIZZ FIZZ By Rene Martel Heritage Hotel gets ahead in systems game

WITH almost 20 new hotels expected to come on line over the next few years it's getting to be very competitive in the hospitality business, with staying ahead of the game (and the competition) being the key mode of operation. Doing just that is the Heritage Hotel Manila (managed by Millennium Hotels and Resorts) which has become the first hotel in the Philippines to use cutting edge software to upgrade its property management system (PMS) in view of its re-engineering program to enhance operations of the hotel's 450 newly refurbished rooms and suites. "Tried and tested in the European and Northern American hospitality industry, MICROS-Fidelio OPERA PMS's latest edition has only been recently introduced in the Asian market. We are delighted to be one of the 1st in the Philippines to roll out the system," states Heritage Hotel General Manager Eddie Yeo. "The key factor in our decision to upgrade our system to the newest version of MICROS-Fidelio OPERA PMS is anchored on its ability to provide us with a totally integrated solution for fast, seamless and superb service to our hotel guests in a stable, reliable and flexible Oracle-based platform," he noted. Heritage Hotel's PMS project management team spearheaded by GM Yeo, Resident Manager Stanley Kon, Director of Finance Marilyn Sy and MIS Manager Marvin Rancap worked closely with the MICROS-Fidelio team headed by Country Manager Robert Gabitan and Operations Manager Alvin Ballesteros to implement the new system. Added Yeo: "The cutting-edge technology of OPERA PMS together with our brand new product—the 450 newly refurbished rooms and suites—and the hotel's renown for impeccable hospitality are the pivotal elements that will further help enable it to carve its niche as the premier business hotel in the dynamic Manila Bay area." The OPERA Property Management System provides Heritage Hotel staff with the necessary tools for conducting day-to-day transactions with ease—from handling reservations, checking guests in and out, assigning rooms and managing room inventory to handling accounting and billing. Key department personnel have been undergoing a series of stringent training on the application of the OPERA PMS for enhanced administration of property, inventory and distribution, conference and events, accounts receivable, point of sale and sales and catering systems flow. Hotel guests will directly benefit from the installation of this new system and can look forward to an easier, more convenient and detailed anticipation of their preferences at every encounter from handling reservations, checking in and out, special and detailed guest needs as well as accurate and timely statement of account notice. The OPERA PMS's functionality is robust and provides Heritage Hotel management with unparalleled tools for customer relationship management, revenue management, forecasting and preparation of reports. Through the new property management system, Heritage Hotel also has the added advantage of streamlining management, lowering costs, and allowing easier access to information with a higher level of reliability. OPERA Customer Information System gathers and manages guest, travel agent, source, group, and company profile data in a central database. Other benefits from installing the OPERA Reservation System include offering central reservations agents and global sales staff the tools to maximize bookings and increase revenue in any size chain or multi-property environment. Additionally, OPERA Sales and Catering module will assist in streamlining the sales process, multi-choice menus, diary activities and quick booking for catering events. The Heritage Hotel upgraded its property management system fresh from the heels of a US$ 4.5-million refurbishment of its 450 rooms and suites that breathed life to a contemporary ambiance, bringing a bright look and feel of light earthen hues to the rooms. Aside from the systems enhancement to OPERA'S latest edition, the hotel has also upgraded its PABX system. Another phase of refurbishment, this time around focusing on the public areas such as the reception and lobby area and swimming pool is taking shape. All these projects are integrated and designed to heighten and enrich guests' experience at the Heritage Hotel. bizzfizz_98@yahoo.com