Good things are happening at The Lancaster Hotel in Mandaluyong City. In the midst of ongoing renovations, among the fresh changes it's made is to open Barriotic, a popular restaurant in Pampanga.
When the lockdowns happened two years ago, hotel owner Ronald Lim found himself having to close down his restaurants and slow down operations in his property.

Lim thought of focusing on improving the facilities and amenities in his hotel while getting established restaurants—those that he personally enjoys and frequents. Thus, there's Barriotic. And soon, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants all serving buffets at an affordable price.

His reimagination of the property as a "food hub" seems to be working. At a very affordable price of P499 and with 50 dishes served every day, the "not in a mall" restaurant has been getting a good number of patrons especially on weekends. Barriotic has also trended on socials for its affordable buffet and, but of course, its delicious entrées like callos, lechon, adobong pusit, pancit palabok, and more.

Lim is the president and CEO of Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., which also owns the Lancaster Group of Companies.

And now that hotels are fully operational and people are just raring to dine, relax, and go back to having staycations when urban living gets tough, Lancaster Hotel rooms and amenities like its two swimming pools and gym are ready for guests.

Fractional ownership
Lim, who confesses to thriving during challenging times said that besides being a food hub, Lancaster Hotel is also preparing to offer a unique concept called Fractional Ownership Program when the second tower of the property is finished.

"We are thinking of launching the concept during the first quarter of next year," Lim said. "Each fractional owner has an equal part of the real estate title while lessening the liability towards taxes and maintenance. Plus, additional benefits are exclusively extended to the owners.

"For each purchased fraction of a room, a client will get to enjoy 21 days in the hotel. I noticed that we have a lot of OFW who live in the province do not have a Metro Manila address. Or, there are those without an office address. They can use Lancaster Hotel's facilities as their office and they can stay in the room for the fraction they paid. So, they can stay in the hotel for P1,500 per night, which is very affordable. It's value for money."

But more good things are in the pipeline, said Lim. There'll also be a Presidential Suite with a 360-view of the city and — just to complete his dining and entertainment vision — a super club to handled by a posh dance club in BGC.

Lancaster Hotel is located at 622 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

With reports from Princess Jade Flores