When most planners think of Riu Hotels & Resorts, it’s likely that images of beachside all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean come to mind. What they may not know, however, is that the Mallorca, Spain-based hotelier, which has more than 100 properties in 16 different countries and counting, is also opening itself up to businesss and meetings groups.
With its Riu Plaza Hotels brand, which officially launched in 2010 in Panama City, the hotelier is appealing to corporate travelers and meeting attendees. Since the launch, Riu has opened another Riu Plaza-branded property in Guadalajara, Mexico, with more to follow in Berlin (January 2014) and in New York City’s Times Square (2015).
To find out more about Riu’s plans for expanding the Riu Plaza Hotels brand, SuccessfulMeetings.com reached out to Ricardo Luque Ferrandez, managing director for Riu Plaza Hotels.
SM: Riu is much more known for its all-inclusive hotel products. How are you trying to let meeting planners know that it also has properties and features that are geared toward MICE groups as well?
Riu Plaza Hotels is a new brand with a different new focus. Our urban hotels were developed with the corporate customer in mind. We are located in the most important cities; we are equipped with the newest facilities for the MICE segment; and we have the largest in-side convention centers in Panama City and Guadalajara, Mexico. The important recognition of our leisure brand, RIU Hotels & Resorts, helps us to be one of the preferred option for families, couples and friends when selecting their hotel during city breaks.
SM: What makes Riu properties well equipped to handle MICE groups?
We have the whole package to host the best social events, expos, and conferences in town. Riu Plaza hotels offer more than 20 conference rooms with several breakouts to set up events of all sizes. We also have the latest technology in our conference rooms, a variety of inside and outdoor locations, and a professional operations team that can handle all of the guests’ needs in order to ensure the success of each event.
SM: Can you tell me more specifically about the Riu Plaza Hotels and what sets them apart from other Riu properties?
From the very first sight of the hotels you can tell the difference. The Riu Plaza Hotels are located in city centers and are tall modern buildings, very different from the Riu resorts by the sea in the Caribbean and Mexico. The first Riu Plaza to open was the Riu Plaza Panama in 2010. For Riu, it was a total revolution to open a city hotel after almost 60 years specializing in holiday resorts. We tried to take the best of our experiences to our new brand. After three years of operation, another hotel in Mexico and two more openings coming, we think we have consolidated our experiences into a very good urban product. Riu Plaza also offers special services as the Crown Level Executive floor; a complete Business Center; a floor for female business travelers, called Double-U®; and meeting spaces for up to 2.000 people.
SM: What are some trends that you are seeing among MICE groups that are booking with you? What are they asking for/seeking in terms of their meetings, events, incentives, and conventions?
Meeting planners are now requesting an all-inclusive option. They ask for rates that include rooms, meeting spaces, food and beverage, and technology equipment for their events. We are, as well, focusing on providing our clients with easier solutions in terms of contracts and negotiation. We also try to included added values. For example, Riu Plaza Hotels offer the initial contents of the minibar and Wi-Fi Internet access for free, as well as a complete breakfast buffet. All of these added values are included in the room rates.
SM: How does Riu plan to stay competitive in the MICE market going forward?
We are always looking to innovate ourselves and improve our clients’ experiences through new options for their events with great meeting spaces, added values, and our ability to maintain our personalized service in order to establish long-term clients. For example, we have adapted our penthouses — many of which offer the best city views — into social areas, or we’ll offer our customers outdoor options to relax after their meetings, with cocktail set ups or private parties. At the Riu Plaza Guadalajara and Riu Plaza Panama hotels, we even have a "Customer Service Meeting Point" in order to help our groups with all their requests and needs, too.