Brentwood Bay Resort and Spa is planning to pump up service, increase occupancy and rework the menu and decor of its Seagrille dining room as it moves forward under new owners.
The hotel has hired Natasha Richardson as its general manager. Richardson, who grew up on Quadra Island, was previously managing the upscale Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa in Courtenay.
Brentwood Resort already has a top reputation. It is in eighth place among the best resorts in Canada in Conde Nast Travelers’ readers’ choice awards for 2013. The hotel has 33 rooms and opened in 2004.
The chef and food and beverage team have been asked to create a new direction at competitive prices, Richardson said Wednesday. “People will be able to expect more unique and interesting cuisine.”
The aim is to draw more of the local community through the doors.
A more warm and intimate decor will be part of the new food service.
Most of the management team remains in place, along with approximately 100 full and part-time employees. Dan Behune, one of its three former owners and former managing director, has left.
Forebase International Holdings, of Chongqing, China, bought the hotel for $13.9 million. The sale closed Nov. 20. The company, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is a real estate and hotel development firm.
Richardson is focusing on service and building a strong organization.
“I believe in creating a very healthy organizational culture where we have staff that are empowered and love to come to work. That equates to exceptional guest service.”
Richardson will be teaching staff the WorldHost customer service program as well as another service course that she developed.
Another goal is to boost average annual hotel occupancy to between 70 and 80 per cent, from 60 per cent in the 2012-2013 fiscal year, which ended in October, Richardson said.
Other hotels on the market recently include Poet’s Cove on Pender Island. It is for sale for an undisclosed price through CBRE Canada.
The 22-unit luxury resort sits on nearly 14 acres, facing Bedwell Harbour, and includes an 85-slip marina, four commercial lots, a spa and food and beverage features.
Mark Sparrow, CBRE director of hotels for Western Canada, said there has been a strong amount of interest from Western Canada and regionally.
Hotel sales are expected to reach record levels this year, he said. “A lot of it is the performance of the hotels within their regional markets as well as the diverse buyer group.”
The Pacific Sands Beach Resort on 41 acres at Cox Bay south of Tofino was listed for sale in August, also with no price specified. Expressions of interest were sought. A sale has not been finalized, a DTZ Victoria Real Estate representative said. Pacific Sands is owned by the Pettinger family of Victoria. It includes 77 units, two houses and other buildings.
