The newly acquired beachfront property in Watamu Bay presented significant challenges. The 150-room hotel was dilapidated and lacked the essential operational infrastructure needed for smooth functioning. The existing machinery and equipment were outdated or non-functional, requiring a thorough audit to determine salvageable assets and procurement needs. Moreover, there was no established sales and marketing strategy, and the property was missing essential operating supplies and equipment (OSE). The investor required a detailed and actionable plan to address these issues, including a comprehensive investment assessment, renovation strategy, staffing plan, and market re-entry strategy to ensure the hotel’s successful relaunch.

Hospitality Associates International embarked on a two-phase approach to address the property’s challenges. In Phase 1, a detailed investment assessment was conducted. This included a structural and infrastructure evaluation, a machinery and equipment audit, and an analysis of operational and staffing needs. Financial projections were developed to align with the investor’s budget and goals. Phase 2, a pre-opening strategy, was crafted, focusing on snagging and renovation management, detailed budgeting, recruitment, and comprehensive training programs. The team managed the procurement of OSE, established a robust sales and marketing infrastructure, and crafted a market re-entry strategy. The rebranding efforts culminated in a successful relaunch campaign.

Through strategic interventions, Hospitality Associates International transformed the property into a fully operational and market-ready hotel. Renovations, a key aspect of the transformation, were completed within budget and on schedule, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the project management. This resulted in a modern and inviting guest environment. The recruitment and training efforts ensured that a competent and motivated team was in place to deliver exceptional service. The successful procurement of high-quality OSE and the establishment of a solid sales and marketing infrastructure positioned the hotel competitively in the market. The rebranding and relaunch campaign generated significant interest, leading to strong initial bookings and positive market reception. The hotel quickly gained a reputation for quality and service, laying the foundation for sustained growth and profitability in the competitive Watamu Bay tourism market.