Pegasus to get US$3M upgrade

May 27, 2009 News

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…as hotel re-launched under new ownership

New owner of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, says that the new management has plans for a US$3M upgrade of the hotel to further enhance the level of hospitality and comfort offered by a true five-star hotel.
According to Badal, while the management will build on the strength as a business hotel, they will also increase the unique eco-tourism Guyana has to offer in such abundant variety in this area.
Badal was at the time addressing a large gathering at the re-launch of the Pegasus Hotel in the Savannah Room on Monday evening.
“This is a truly exciting new era for this hotel, its employees and patrons and certainly for all Guyana,” Badal asserted.

He stated that the project envisaged, include remodeling and redecorating all the rooms on the circular tower, adding new tiles, bathrooms, flat screen cable television and ultra-fast satellite internet all in a captivating ambience.
He added that all the rooms would have a unique replica of a site depicting Guyana’s natural beauty.
According to Badal, the hotel’s air conditioning system will also be upgraded for the comfort of guests. The Pegasus new indoor – outdoor pool area will incorporate a spacious sports bar with large flat screen televisions and added comforts unmatched anywhere in the country.
“Radically new gym and spa facilities will be built for patrons and guests, upgrades of the plumbing, electrical systems and water supply will be completed. The reception area will be completely remodeled and redecorated and an Internet café and tour desk will increase the services offered there.”
He noted that the café would also be remodeled and expanded to provide more space and comfort to diners.
“The new management intends to take no shortcuts; I’ve already assembled a very talented, not to mention, highly paid team of hospitality consultants who will carefully study the hotel’s operations for areas in which our levels of services offered can be upgraded, make recommendations for these and expertly implement the solutions devised…We intend to spare no expense on this project.
“Although the Pegasus charges higher room rates than other hotels in town, its offerings have always represented good value.”
Badal pointed out that beginning this weekend, the management will implement a special weekend rate of a US$100 per night to all Guyanese so that they can experience hospitality at an affordable rate.
“This is not so much about future profits as it is about a demonstration of true Guyanese hospitality.”
“Until recently, I never dreamed of owning a hotel and could never have imagined having interest in one…. But this just goes to show how one’s destiny changes…It was in this hotel I first saw my wife and it was here we got married. Maybe it was my karma that I play a role in the development of what is now a great Guyanese hotel. I am confident that we will succeed.”
Badal also told the gathering that this venture marks a moment in history for both the city of Georgetown and the Pegasus Hotel, its staff and its patrons.
“Built in 1969 by British Overseas Airways Corporation, the hotel has since had several foreign owners including Trust Houses Fort, the Le Meridien chain and most recently, Leeward Netherlands Holdings, a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers and Starwood Hotels.”
“This is the first time in its 40-year history that it has Guyanese ownership. It is with great pride and commensurate humility that I offer its hospitality to all my fellow Guyanese as well as to our other honoured guests.”
Over the years, Badal added, the Pegasus has been Guyana’s flagship hotel; it is the host and first choice for international conferences, seminars, guests at the pinnacle fields of their endeavour among these Her Majesty, the Queen of England, Sir Brian Lara and Guyana’s own Sir Shridat Ramphal.
He added that these persons from such diverse backgrounds and cultures are united by common appreciation of Excellence.
“The Guyana Pegasus owes its position as a flagship hotel in Guyana to its superb facilities, amenities and location. The hotel provides guests with a tropical resort atmosphere combined with all the amenities of a first rate hotel.”
Badal is a chartered accountant, the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Stockfeeds Limited locally and in Trinidad, owner of Popeye’s Fast Food and involved in several other investments locally and internationally.
Also speaking at the launch was Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, who said that he is pleased that the premier hotel in Guyana is now owned by Guyanese who through his stewardship over the years in the business enterprise has seen it fit to further invest in this country and in a hotel of this magnitude.
The Minister also commended Mr. Badal for being the first Guyanese to own an international hotel.

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