The Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan sustained mostly water damage and some structural hits to outdoor areas following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, but quickly shifted to recovery mode while caring for stranded guests, according to Asia Pacific Hotels Inc. executive vice president Jennifer Tan.
At the Marianas Beach Resort, managing director Bart Jackson painted a picture of more widespread storm impact, while pushing back against misinformation.
Despite the damage and the loss of utility services during the storm, Tan said Crowne Plaza focused first on guest safety and welfare.
“I think first and foremost, we had to really ensure their safety through the storm. We had a team here, despite the conditions ready to keep them company, comfort them,” she said. “As the storm was passing, it was important then to make sure they are fed. We really used what we had in inventory to make sure that everybody in-house was fed and healthy and really show compassion.”
Now operating on generator power with a functioning reverse osmosis system, the Garapan hotel has prioritized supporting recovery efforts, housing first responders and federal teams.
“We felt immediately after the storm, it was very important to really try to get operational as quickly as we can, so that we could accommodate first responders, [Federal Emergency Management Agency], as they are crucial to the recovery of the CNMI,” Tan said.
Meanwhile, repairs are ongoing, with systems being restored incrementally.
“During the storm, we did, just like everybody else, lost power and water. So that was a priority. Wlowly, we're looking at system by system and every day, it's an improvement,” she said.
Tan said there is still no firm timeline for reopening to regular tourism, though the hotel is eyeing the expected return of international flights.
Beyond the main property, Tan said Managaha Island, which its sister company Sea, Air, and Island Leisure operates, remains closed and requires extensive cleanup despite limited structural damage.
“Because it's so beautiful, it's so lush there, there is a good amount of debris that will require cleanup… but I think system-wise, equipment-wise, the buildings there are strong,” she said.
Meanwhile, Century Hotel “took on a lot of damage,” including broken windows and system issues, and is also not yet accepting reservations.
Jackson, meanwhile, said Marianas Beach Resort experienced what other major hotels on Saipan during the onslaught of Sinlaku.
“First of all, the hotel, like all of the properties in Saipan and Tinian, was devastated by the typhoon. The hotel currently has no water and has no power,” Jackson said.
He clarified that rumors of a generator explosion were unfounded.
“Rumors about the generator blowing up or a fire in the power generation room are completely incorrect. We had a power distribution short,” he said. “Those distribution panels are no longer in working order. We’re going to have to go off-island to get them.”
During the storm’s aftermath, the resort housed about 280 guests and continued providing basic needs for nearly a week.
“We continued to provide water. We continued to provide meals for all of those who were staying with us… five or six days since last week,” Jackson said. “Any rumors about guests being asked to leave is fake news. We were able to provide meals free of charge for everyone staying with us.”
The property has since ceased normal operations due to lack of utilities, with all tourists having departed. Management is now focused on repairs while extending support to employees.
“Until then, we're allowing our employees to come to the property and charge their phones. We’re doing the best we can to help them as we get through this very difficult time together,” he said.
Damage across the resort includes destroyed beachfront structures and heavy debris.
“We have the Skipper’s Beach Bar and Godfather’s on the beach both were completely destroyed. We’ve lost fences, landscaping, trees are down,” Jackson said. “Structurally, there’s very little damage, but it’s the added stuff—the things that made this property so special were severely damaged.”
He added a message for the community: “Hang in there. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the CNMI [and] we can’t wait to welcome you all back.”
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