By DAISY SAMPSON daisy.sampson@theresidentgroup.com
A dispute between a construction company and the management of the new Hotel Crowne Plaza in Vilamoura saw the entrance to the hotel being blocked by lorries and building blocks on Tuesday.
Works to remodel the hotel, formerly the Vilamoura Beach Hotel, had been undertaken by FDO Construções and the hotel and the building company are now in dispute over levels of safety for guests.
FDO Construções company director António Veloso told Portuguese television channel TVI: “The safety conditions of the hotel are still not assured, with remodelling works still ongoing on three floors of the hotel.
“The hotel should not have guests and we are here to warn people of the danger and that we cannot be to blame if there are any problems.”
In a statement to the Algarve Resident, the management of the Hotel Crowne Plaza in Vilamoura, said: “We hereby express our surprise at the incident caused by FDO Construções at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in Vilamoura. This is an unpleasant and regrettable episode between the administration and FDO Construções.”
The security of the guests at the hotel was assured, it said: “The remodelling works of the hotel were submitted to the correct authorities and approved, and the hotel has maintained the safety of the guests according to the requirements by law.”
The statement continued: “The management of the hotel will not be blackmailed and reserves the right to act against anyone who tries to affect the good name of the hotel and those who are trying to gain or create business from this episode.
“We express our sincere wishes that FDO Construções are able to quickly and effectively resolve their internal problems so they will then be able to fulfil their obligations with suppliers, customers and employees.”
In an interview with Diário de Notícias newspaper, António Veloso said the building company was not blocking the entrance to the hotel as “it was simply trying to fulfil its work obligations”. Work on the hotel is due to be concluded on September 15, but the hotel director is concerned that there will be delays in the official opening of the five star hotel.
