By Dikachi Franklin, in Owerri
- Benchmark Hotel offers unique features when placed side by side with its peers in Imo State hotel and hospitality sector of the economy.
The hotel began full operations about ten years ago and is located strategically in Odu Obi Crescent, Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri. It is often described as a place where physical beauty merges with class and quality.
Benchmark Hotel offers scenic views with tranquillity; luxury rooms furnished and equipped with state-of-the art Internet facility, and its peaceful surroundings with 24 hours electric power supply distinguish it as a unique and pleasant place for important and high profile personalities.
A further examination of the hotel reveals a modern gym facility firmly installed to keep guests and habitual guests and customers fit to enable them confront their daily activities and routine jobs, an environment that is also conducive for both local and foreign guests and customers.
As may be common with its peers in Imo State and the South-east geopolitical zone in general, Benchmark Hotel, with tight security architecture, provides comfortable, clean and romantic getaways, parties, weddings, family vacations and reunion, corporate retreats and conferences, among others.
Also, the wine and dine facilities offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and the homestead bar and lounge, where guests are served with tea and coffee, as well as snacks.
Behind the thriving Benchmark Hotel is a seasoned hotel administrator, Ogunyemi Odunayo, who sits as the general manager. He told Business A.M. in an interview that the growth of the hotel is attributable to the management’s foresight to embark on training and retraining of staff.
“Training and retraining of staff is the key to getting the staff equipped and updated. It is very important now as there is adjustment in modus operandi as a result of the pandemic.
“To get staff informed about happenings in the hospitality industry goes a long way to keep our guests satisfied and safe to attend to clients professionally, adequately and firmly,” Ogunyemi said.
When a company embarks on training and retraining, there is the tendency that the company may likely save some money to engage in other ventures because most of the staff will see themselves as a part and parcel of the firm, he further explained.
“This will also lead to cutting cost in the running of the business since they have been properly briefed, are reminded of the protocols and procedures for safety of internal and external customers,” the general manager said.
Now, most hotels in the state have gone a long way to train their staff in handling outdoor catering services. This Ogunyemi sees as an added service to what they do internally because it generates additional income for the hotel, just as it tells the outside world the quality of food served in the hotel.
“It could be for wedding reception, house warming, child dedication, political gathering, etc. It is an opportunity for us to showcase our food, and beverages and proof of our expertise in food and beverages handling,” adding that these and numerous other services distinguish Benchmark from others.
