War correspondents boost occupancy at Kuwait Sheraton

The Sheraton hotel in Kuwait City is running at 90% occupancy as journalists settle in for what could be a long war.

The high occupancy rate is not unusual for this time of year. March is high season for Kuwait, when most hotels are busy with corporate business and weddings.

But with corporate business non-existent in Kuwait and few people in the mood for marriage, hotels are having to adjust to a different set of customers with very different needs.

"These guys travel with an enormous amount of equipment and we have to be flexible with our rooms to accommodate them," said general manager Fahad Abushar.

Two weeks ago, as war became more likely, Abushar prepared for an open-air studio on the roof of the hotel.

Toilet facilities and a "pantry" where journalists can help themselves to food and beverages were built on the roof of the hotel.

"Two weeks ago we realised that this would be needed. The journalists work day and night and, as with any other customers, we try to exceed their needs," said Abushar.

This has meant changing staff shifts. With no conferences or weddings, the hotel found it was overstaffed in its banqueting and conference division. These staff are now being used to maintain a 24-hour kitchen service.

Restaurants are open through the night and room service is available 24 hours. The health club is also open 24 hours and the laundry service has been extended to cope with higher demand.

"This is a service industry and we have to think ahead," said Abushar.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 27 March - 2 April 2003