This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:08:55
Jorge Mario Bonifaz Lagrange shares the story of how his family started the Bonifaz Pension in Quetzaltenango with just two rooms, eventually expanding to 75 rooms across six properties. The hotel faced challenges but persevered, even hosting Queen Sofía and surviving the pandemic shutdown. Their dedication to staff welfare and the beauty of Guatemala are emphasized, urging people to explore their country. The journey of the Bonifaz family showcases resilience, growth, and a deep connection to their hospitality business and Guatemala.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Jorge Mario Bonifaz Lagrange shares the story of how his family started the Bonifaz Pension in Quetzaltenango. His mother, a widow with four children, decided to open the guest house to support her family. They initially had two rooms, but due to circumstances, they were able to rent a larger house from the municipality for 25 quetzales a month. Despite his father’s initial concern over the rent cost, they moved into the new space and expanded the guest house to eventually have 75 rooms. The family worked hard to maintain the business, with his father bartending at La Sevillana.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the origins of the Bonifaz Pension, which initially started with two rooms. Over time, they expanded to 15 rooms without bathrooms and later added 15 rooms with bathrooms. The speaker shares a story of acquiring additional properties for the hotel, including a house from Dr. Alberto Fuentes Mohr. Despite financial challenges, they secured a loan through a bank overdraft to purchase the property. This event marked a significant growth period for the hotel, showcasing the speaker’s unexpected journey into the hospitality industry.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses how their hotel business grew by purchasing properties over time, now comprising over six properties and 75 rooms. They also mention hosting Queen Sofía for lunch and highlight the impact of the pandemic, during which the hotel had to close for five months but ensured staff were paid and provided with perishable products. The speaker values long-serving staff, including one individual who worked 50 years as a hotel auditor. They emphasize the beauty of Guatemala and its attractions, encouraging locals to explore their country.