Inside Iloilo's first international hotel

Iloilo City’s first international hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott, welcomed its first guests last May 1.

Standing where the old Iloilo Airport used to be, the 15-storey Courtyard by Marriott is located at the Megaworld Iloilo Business Park.

It has 326 rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness center, his-and-hers sauna, function rooms for conferences and events, and three food and beverage outlets.

The hotel is perhaps the best option Ilonggos and people visiting Iloilo City have if they want to experience above-average amenities and service. Hotel associates can even help make arrangements for tours within the city and to nearby Guimaras Island.

Courtyard, a separate brand under Marriott International, is up-to-date in hospitality trends, which is reflected in innovations in its room and interior design.

For example, the new room design at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo is “intuitive” and “thoughtful.” Upon arrival, guests can store their bags in the Luggage Drop and plug personal devices into the Tech Drop. Rooms are equipped with at least four USB ports so guests can connect and charge their devices instantly.

The hotel also offers a “refreshing business” lobby environment with media pods, fast and complimentary Wi-Fi and a variety of seating zones.

Measuring 14 feet from floor to ceiling — easily the highest hotel lobby in the city — the lobby features a framed mixed-media art piece behind friendly hotel associates that handle check-ins and check-outs at the front office.

The hotel’s interior was designed by P49 Design, a Bangkok-based company.

Two of the dining outlets—Runway Kitchen and The Courtyard Iloilo—are just off to one side. The business library has several computer terminals along with a printer and separate computer stations dedicated specifically for printing flight tickets and boarding passes.

Costing around Php1.5 billion, the hotel is owned by Travellers International Hotel Group, a joint venture between billionnaire Andrew Tan’s Allliance Global and Genting Hong Kong Limited. Rates start at Php6,000 per night (plus taxes and service charge), inclusive of buffet breakfast for two.

Here's an insider's look at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.

— LA, GMA News