Go Hotels Celebrates a Decade of Quality & Excellent Value
The “essential value” hotel chain turns 10
by Robinsons Land And JG Summit Teams| Nov 6, 2020
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Robinsons Hotels and Resorts reached a milestone this year as its Go Hotels chain observed its 10th anniversary of providing travelers with excellent quality and exceptional value.
The Go Hotels concept was the brainchild of Frederick Go, President and CEO of Robinsons Land Corporation, who recalls that the idea behind it was formed while on a local business trip. “Even though the area we were in was well developed, I had difficulty looking for suitable accommodations,” remembers Go.
The “essential value” hotel model was further inspired by the value-for-money offerings of other companies under the Gokongwei Group, which include Cebu Pacific and, at that time, Sun Cellular. “Just like the no-frills approach of the pocket-friendly airline Cebu Pacific, Go Hotels offers a way for savvy travelers to save money by providing hotel essentials at a base room rate,” says Go. This business model continues to appeal to travelers who want a no-frills, hassle-free stay.
The facade of Go Hotels Mandaluyong, the first property of the popular essential value hotel chain.
The hotel chain’s first property, Go Hotels Mandaluyong opened with 223 rooms, divided between 93 rooms with queen size beds and 130 twin-bed rooms. For price-conscious travelers, the value received for the base rate offered at the time was practically unbeatable. For as low as P388+ a night, they could get a room that was simply but tastefully appointed, with a comfortable bed and pillows, 100% cotton sheets, a shower, free Wi-Fi, and an LCD TV. It was also the first time the “book early, pay less” concept was used, which became an instant hit with guests. Cohesive with the Cebu Pacific tagline “Where Every Juan Flies,” “A Place for Every Juan” became the initial slogan of Go Hotels.
By 2012, the chain had expanded to Puerto Princesa in Palawan and to the Visayas region with properties in key areas in Tacloban, Bacolod, and Dumaguete. The following year (2013), Go Hotels Otis opened in the City of Manila, and the group opened its seventh Go Hotel in Iloilo.
Since then, the chain has grown much stronger in destinations served by Cebu Pacific; it leveraged on its strategic locations as well, which are mostly beside or near a Robinsons Mall. With this unique selling point, Go Hotels became an instant pitstop for travelers eager to explore the country’s exciting tourist destinations.
The year 2014 welcomed a new Go Hotel in Metro Manila, this time in the dynamic and bustling business district of Ortigas. This was followed by Go Hotels Butuan, the first value-essential property in Mindanao serving the growing needs of travelers in the South. Go Hotels Lanang-Davao followed suit and opened its doors in 2016.
With Go Hotels’ increasing reputation for affordable yet high quality accommodations, the brand looked to expand its footprint by offering franchising opportunities to the public. In 2016, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Roxaco Asia Hospitality Corporation, opened five new Go Hotels in Metro Manila: Airport Road, Ermita-Manila, North Edsa, Cubao and Timog.
In 2018, a new Go Hotel opened in Iligan to cater to the increasing demand in Southern Philippines. Two additions to the growing Go Hotels portfolio are expected soon. Its hotels in Naga and Tuguegarao are both slated to open next year, giving more reasons for travelers to #GoExploreMore.
The current pandemic tested the resilience of the local tourism industry, but Go Hotels has been quick to respond to the evolving needs of its guests, which include an assurance of safety and wellness. This led to the launch of “Circle of Clean,” a program focused on implementing an elevated standard of hygiene and sanitation protocols based on the WHO and DOH New Normal recommendations to ensure a safe stay for all guests.
At the height of the Community Quarantine period, select Go Hotels pivoted to new business models and catered to changing consumer demands. It began offering “Home to Go,” which addresses the needs of young urban professionals, friends, and students searching for a place to stay that’s near their place of work or school, and “Working On-The-Go,” which is marketed as a fresh take on the Work-From-Home concept.
In addition, select Go Hotels accredited by the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration opened its doors to returning OFWs serving their mandatory quarantine requirements at the convenience and comfort of a hotel.
As Go Hotels marches on towards its second decade, Arthur Gindap, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, says that the brand is keen to keep improving. “Our thrust is to build a stronger Go Hotels brand, one that is a solid and strong value hotel by introducing new unique selling points,” says Gindap.
To breathe life into this vision, the new Go Hotels unique selling points — the 5Gs — are being introduced.
Go Relax, where all aspects relating to comfort are delivered;
Go Connect, which ensures guests’ internet connectivity and reliability 24/7;
Go Handy, which highlights convenience, whether in terms of services or location;
Go Local, which aims to provide recommendations on immersive localized experiences for guests;
Go Green, which promotes cooperative, sustainable, and eco-friendly tourism practices.
According to Gindap, the next time they visit, guests will be pleasantly surprised to discover how much good value they can receive at such a great price, only at Go Hotels.
The number 10 symbolizes a completion of a cycle, and the opportunity to start anew. At Go Hotels, 10 is also a symbol of celebration. One decade down and more to GOH!
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