News

The owners of the new Wyndham Kingston hotel, which replaced the Hilton Hotel Kingston yesterday, will pump some $500 million into renovating the property over the next three years.

At the same time, Ocean Chimo, the company that owns the hotel, has assured staffers that the management change will not result in lay-offs.

Ocean Chimo Chairman Delroy Howell told reporters yesterday that the priorities are still being assessed, but said the rooms and lobby areas will be renovated.

"I must say to you that whatever affects the guests in delivering the best treatment and the best environment, we are committed to doing so," Howell explained.

"You have to understand that we are in a global recession and once one makes an investment we have to be prudent about that investment, but also keep in mind that we cannot compromise the service and quality that we want to deliver," he added.

Wyndham managed the same property up to 1999 when the Hilton Hotel chain took over.

Howell said the decision to have Wyndham take over management of the hotel was a strategic move that will continue to deliver the highest quality service.

The Ocean Chimo chairman said in light of the global recession, the Wyndham Group brand will provide a wider market pull worldwide.