Image makeover to give Caleta four-star status

Gibraltar investment

Image makeover to give Caleta four-star status

Report by Lee Winter

GIBRALTAR’S Caleta Hotel will be upgraded to four-star status next year following a £2.5 million investment programme.

General manager Franco Ostuni, who worked for Thistle Hotels in London before heading to Gibraltar 14 months ago, has set about updating the image of the hotel in the hope of boosting occupancy from 50% to 70% within two years.

He said: “Once the work is complete, we will be upgraded to four-star status putting us in the same league as the two other four-star hotels in Gibraltar – The Elliott and The Rock. Success will depend on more people choosing Gibraltar as a destination.”

Ostuni said a new flight service from Manchester Airport, currently being considered by Monarch Airlines, would open up new markets for Gibraltar and The Caleta Hotel.

He added that the Gibraltarian government’s desire to sell former Ministry of Defence land for the development of a three-star resort would also boost the number of people visiting the area.

Caleta’s three restaurants have already had a facelift with two – Nuno’s and The Garden Grill – given a Moroccan style.

Two-thirds of the 169 rooms have also been upgraded this summer with modem points added and a business centre built with room for 400 delegates.

Work will start next month on the remaining rooms with modem points fitted as standard throughout. This will be followed by a revamp of the pool area including a new terrace area. A members-only nightclub is also proposed for later next year.

Caleta Hotel: following investment and renovation the hotel will be upgraded to four-star status