The Mombasa Beach Hotel that is expected to undergo a Sh200 million facelift. Photo/ tripadvisor.co.uk
The management of Mombasa Beach Hotel has announced the establishment will undergo a Sh200 million facelift as the investment seeks to return to profitability.The hotel which used to be among the best in Coast region has over the years degenerated due to poor management and neglect.Tourism Finance Corporation (TFC) chief executive Jonah Orumoi said on Tuesday the corporation in March hired an experienced manager to help turn around the hotel which, was last refurbished in 2006.The hotel was built under the management of Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels in 1969.“Poor management is among the challenges which affected the hotel,” he said as quoted by Business Daily.“So, we brought in an experienced manager from the private sector to transform the facility,” said Orumoi.TFC appointed Victor Shitakha as general manager to manage the hotel as well as Voi and Ngulia Safari Lodges.Before his appointment, Mr Shitakha was the general manager at Tamarind Group, Mombasa.The hotel, according to Orumoi will be renovated in phases. Its property will also be upgraded.Shitakha on Tuesday revealed that Sh20 million has already been released for the initial upgrading works.The work will involve renovating the establishment's 151 rooms and a public area.He said in the first phase of the renovation, 50 rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean will be refurbished to give visitors quality accommodation adding that its conference rooms would be equipped with modern meeting furniture.“We are also modernising our kitchen to provide quality food to our guests,” he said.Mombasa Beach Hotel used to be popular among international holiday makers from Germany, Switzerland and United Kingdom.