Sunshine assured (Sunshine Suites Resort)
In its 12 years of operation, Sunshine Suites Resort has managed to create a unique offering among larger branded hotels in the Grand Cayman-Seven Mile Beach arena.
When the ownership decided to part ways with the franchise under which it had operated since opening, many thought the hotel had made a huge mistake. Could an independent resort survive in a competitive market like Grand Cayman?
Six years later, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. The hotel has continued to grow in popularity both locally and abroad. The fact that the hotel has been able to develop its own operating policies that truly favour the guest has enabled the hotel to improve customer service and guest satisfaction drastically. As a case in point, the hotel has a 93 percent overall recommendation on tripadvisor.com with a 4.6 out of 5 positive traveller rating.
What are the reasons behind this surprising success? Different people will give a variety of answers, but there is a common theme among all the answers—great value for money, outstanding customer service and impeccable cleanliness.
Because the hotel is an independent resort, the general manager, Greg Wray, believes the staff and management have to work harder to ensure that every guest is treated with the highest respect, with the property maintained to the highest level. These actions translate into better overall customer experience.
The Sunshine team, which has a very low turnover rate, takes genuine pride in every positive comment received. Guests love to return year after year and see the same helpful and friendly staff, whether it is at the front desk, the porters or ‘their’ housekeeper.
The property has an exemplary cleaning and maintenance schedule that ensures the physical surroundings are always kept fresh and spotless, including the resort’s famous manicured lawns. Sunshine Suites continues to upgrade its amenities. The new bedding package and room décor was in place by 2010, followed by flat screen TV’s in each suite. For 2011, a more contemporary lighting package was installed in April and new vanity mirrors are being added to the one bedroom suite as well as new drapes to complement the décor.
Further new features have been the addition of a business centre with computers and printers, as well as a complementary guest library. Wireless Internet is already provided throughout the property free of charge and this coupled with the free deluxe continental breakfast, makes the overall cost of a stay the bestdeal on the Island. The Sunshine Grill now provides a full hot buffet breakfast for $6.25 per person. This is for hotel guests only and is the best value breakfast on island currently. The selection includes hot oatmeal, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, Mahi fish dish, French toast, sausages, fruit and pastries. A wonderful and tasty selection for the price!
The director of sales, Nadia Hardie, agrees with the views of her general manager but also believes the hotel’s less rigid approach to ‘policies’ is another factor in its success. If a hotel guest encounters a problem, they do not want to hear that it’s ‘company policy’ that prevents the hotel solving the problem. Larger franchised hotels often tend to enforce rules and regulations; however, a smaller independent property has more leeway and flexibility to truly assist its corporate clients and leisure guests. They are treated like a guest in the home of Sunshine Suites rather than just a room number in a larger hotel.
With its unique and distinctive British colonial style and vibrant colours, Sunshine Suites may look like a veritable oasis for leisure guests; however, well over 50 percent of its guests are business people. Whether it is new employees arriving on Cayman or shortterm business visitors, Sunshine Suites offers great value for all. It is the only Seven Mile Beach hotel offering full kitchens in all 127 of its rooms. A large fridge, stove top, microwave, toaster, coffee machine with tea and coffee, plus all cooking and dining utensils come standard in all rooms.
The award-winning Sunshine Bar & Grill located at Sunshine Suites continues to exceed expectations. It offers exotic Caribbean cocktails and a fusion of American/Caribbean casual cuisine all delivered in an informal poolside setting. The menu is varied and features some of the best (and biggest) burgers in town as well as the award-winning fish tacos. Currently ranked the Number One restaurant on Seven Mile Beach by Tripadvisor, its delicious food coupled with affordable prices makes it a firm favourite for all.
Despite its growing success and increased occupancy, the hotel remains committed to providing a cost-effective option to guests in Grand Cayman. Sunshine Suites along with the award-winning Sunshine Bar & Grill is the ideal venue for the discerning client who values a more intimate and personal experience, whether it be for leisure or business at an affordable cost. As a guest recently stated: “It is worth every penny!”
Sunshine Suites Resort can be contacted on (345) 949 3000 or US toll-free: 877-786-1110. Email: sales@sunshinesuites.com. Competitive leisure and corporate rates are available year-round.
