Exclusively for Travel2latam, Brock Hochhalter, Area General Manager of the Dominican Republic and Haiti of Marriott International, tells details about this property.
How did the hotel project come about and with what objectives?
The project emerges as an evolution of the iconic Hotel Jaragua, inspired by its rich history as a venue for iconic events. After a remodel in 2015, it reopened as Renaissance Santo Domingo Jaragua Hotel & Casino.
Our goals are to offer a world-class hospitality experience that combines architectural elegance with contemporary amenities, while promoting sustainability and corporate social responsibility. These values align with the Marriott chain's Renaissance brand philosophy, which invites travelers to discover the area where the hotel is located, live the experience like a local and explore everything the destination has to offer.
What infrastructure do you have at this time?
Currently, Renaissance Jaragua stands out as an Urban Resort, being the only city hotel that offers this type of space. Our infrastructure is characterized by large gardens and recreational areas accompanied by an offer of rooms and suites that offer panoramic views of the ocean, providing a unique experience for our visitors. We have a swimming pool where our guests can enjoy an oasis of tranquility as well as a complete Spa, modern gym, four tennis courts and the Jaragua Casino. Our ten meeting rooms are equipped with the most advanced technology and the La Fiesta theater, with capacity for 1,200 people, is the perfect complement for parties, corporate meetings and concerts. Our property offers an exclusive and cozy atmosphere to satisfy the needs of our guests.
Who is the audience you are currently targeting and what are the most important markets?
Our hotel is strategically designed to meet the needs of a wide range of travelers, ranging from those visiting for business reasons to tourists seeking a luxurious and comfortable experience in Santo Domingo. We especially target corporate travelers who value efficiency and high-quality service, as well as international tourists who want to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture. Additionally, our Renaissance brand focuses on attracting travelers looking to discover something new and authentic, living genuine experiences like locals would.
What type of attractions do you offer to MICE operators, agencies and professionals?
From the versatility of our meeting spaces to customized catering services, we are committed to delivering successful and memorable experiences for our business clients. With 10 meeting rooms fully equipped with cutting-edge technology and the capacity to adapt to any type of event, as well as the La Fiesta theater, with capacity for 1,200 people, we provide the perfect setting for conferences, conventions, exhibitions and corporate events of any scale. .
Our goal is to exceed our clients' expectations, offering an elegant atmosphere, high-quality services and personalized attention to guarantee the success of each event.
How do you work to have quality human resources in such a competitive context?
In a competitive context, we strive to recruit, train and retain the best talent in the hospitality industry. We offer ongoing training programs, professional development opportunities, and an inclusive and collaborative work environment for our team. Additionally, we foster a culture of recognition and reward to motivate and empower our employees to reach their full potential. Marriott recognizes that our associates are the most important element in our commitment to service our guests.
What type of programs are you putting into practice to be at the forefront of sustainability and corporate social responsibility?
At Renaissance Jaragua, we are actively committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility, implementing a variety of programs to lead in this area. Some of our initiatives include:
Using products grown in our urban garden in our kitchen and bar, which not only reduces our carbon footprint, but also highlights the importance of local and fresh ingredients in our gastronomy.
Collaboration on a soap waste recycling program with a local company, providing essential hygiene products to low-income communities, demonstrating our commitment to the well-being of society.
Implementation of a comprehensive recycling program that covers plastics, paper, cardboard and glass, responsibly managing materials and thus minimizing our environmental impact.
Active participation in community recycling programs. For example, in 2023, we joined a bottle cap collection campaign to support children with cancer and promote the culture of recycling in our community.
We are currently in the process of installing a solar energy system on our property, a significant move to further reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable environment both locally and globally.