Asian hotel owners tell Raini Hamdi which hotel in their portfolio was most memorable for them this year, and which one by the competitor captured their imagination
Falling in love in London and Rome
>> Kwek Leng Beng
Executive chairman, City Developments Limited (CDL), Singapore
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Two key hotels come to mind: The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, London and the Grand Hotel Palace Rome, Italy.
We acquired the former in March. It is the only five-star all-suite hotel in London and faces the picturesque Chelsea Harbour. I fell in love with this hotel primarily for its premium location and awesome harbour views. It is situated in a prestigious riverside area that is undergoing tremendous transformation and destined to be a burgeoning holiday destination.
We acquired the recently refurbished Grand Hotel Palace Rome in October. It is M&C’s (Millennium & Copthorne) first property in Italy.
I’ve waited 23 years to find my ideal property in Rome and this hotel’s location, a stone’s throw away from the famous Spanish Steps, is prime, prime, prime.
The rooms are beautifully appointed, the architecture and interior décor are magnificent, and this fully renovated hotel is in pristine condition.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why Some of the hotels I stayed or seen this year that impressed me included the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London and Rosewood London.
The Shard has one of the world’s most spectacular city views. The hotel is a popular staycation destination for locals and tourists. Given its distinctive tower and height, the panoramic views from the rooms are simply awesome.
It is admirable that the Shangri-La brand, which was started in Singapore by the Kuok family years ago, has grown to become one of the world’s most classic hotel chains.
I visited the ultra-luxurious Rosewood London on High Holborn and was impressed by this new deluxe brand. The inspirational design of the hotel’s public and event spaces were quite breathtaking in my view. Sonia Cheng, the CEO, has been leading the expansion of the Rosewood Hotel Group. I have great admiration for her as a young and dynamic hotelier. She has a good knack for the hospitality business and has created something quite unique. Under her leadership, I believe the group has good potential to grow.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why I am excited to see the progress of two key projects in 2015 by Hong Leong Group companies, CDL and M&C Hotels.
The Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo is a new hotel with great potential. The hotel is in the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza 4-Chome District and will soft open on December 17. The location is superb, and its Bottega-inspired facade is striking. It is M&C’s first flagship hotel in Japan, marking a definitive milestone for our group.
I have seen the development of this property from acquisition of the land site to its completion. I have witnessed the birth of a hotel in a country that is difficult for foreigners to invest in. Now we own a hotel in Tokyo.
I remember the year was 2011 when we decided to make this purchase. It was a hotly contested site, but due to the triple disasters that hit Japan – earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima – that March, sentiments among the contesters withered. But we remained confident, and were fortunate to have won the bid in July 2011.
The second property I am looking forward to in 2015 is CDL’s mega, integrated development – South Beach. Besides commercial and retail spaces, residences and a private club, South Beach – which spots a distinctive microclimatic wave canopy – will also house a 654-room hotel, which we aim to open in April next year.
South Beach Hotel, as it will be called, is not a cookie-cutter concept. You will be wowed by the 21st century design when you enter the hotel and be calmed by the minimalist style of the rooms. We decided to manage South Beach Hotel on our own and make it uniquely ours.
South Beach the development will be a 21st century landmark for Singapore. It’s located in the civic district and has direct underground and bridge connection to Suntec City Convention Centre. This will mean a symbiotic link to Suntec which does not have a hotel within. South Beach is therefore well positioned for the MICE industry. It has a 500-pax ballroom, meeting facilities and integrated amenities, I hope when the doors of South Beach Hotel open in the first half 2015, everyone will love what we have meticulously created.
Memorable W Samui performance
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Although all our properties in Thailand were affected by the political unrest, they performed well against their competitors. W Retreat Koh Samui faired extremely well considering the circumstances, for sure, so this property in terms of performance was the most memorable.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why I take all my competitors seriously and so each of our hotels’ competitive set continues to catch my eye as they are the best indicator for me personally on our porfolio’s performance.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why ALL! As 2014 was a tumultuous year in Thailand, not allowing the hospitality industry to thrive as it should have, we should hopefully see a bumper year for all hotels in the country – something we all are looking forward to and deserve.
I must say it’s pretty unfair of TTG to ask developers which of their babies they favour! May I ask in return which issue of TTG Asia do you think was the best in 2014 and which do you look forward to next year? (-:
Banking on Sri Lanka Holel
2) Rohit Reddy Managing director, Reddy Group, New Zealand
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Tanoa Tusitala hotel in Samoa. This hotel and destination have gone from strength to strength since we opened the property in 2009. Our team has done a fabulous job in hosting numerous conferences, culminating in the hotel hosting the head of the UN and other high-level delegates in the SIDS conference where a small country like Samoa hosted over 2,000 delegates. I urge you all to come and visit Samoa and enjoy the fabulous beaches!
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why The Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Fiji. This hotel was the old lady of the Pacific and has been closed for decades. It has undergone a massive multi-million dollar refurbishment and has been restored to its former glory. It is the Raffles of the Pacific! I am glad it has re-opened with high rates, allowing us to also improve our rates in Suva.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why Jetwing Yala in Sri Lanka. It is in the middle of a safari park where in the mornings you can see leopards outside your window. We are also an investor in this property and I am taking my family there next year for a holiday. The location and the property itself are simply amazing, with great service and fantastic Sri Lankan food; I am looking forward to some yummy Sri Lankan hoppers…
Thought I’ve seen it all – not quite!
3) Bill Heinecke Chairman and CEO, The Minor Group, Thailand
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Our most memorable launch this year was Anantara Angkor in Siem Reap as it reminded me why we’re in this business. This boutique retreat is a product of passion and personalisation. Resembling a grand Khmer villa, the rooms and suites overlook a beautiful courtyard and pool inspired by ancient royalty. Everyone likes an element of surprise and delight and, having been in Asia for a few years now (laughs), I sometimes think I’ve seen it all – well, I haven’t!
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why Paris, the city of lights, has a brand new star – The Peninsula. I recently visited the hotel and was struck by the sheer elegance of the property, superior quality service and of course the wonderful location in the 16th arrondisement. If I had my own private residence in Paris, this would be it. The Peninsula is a fantastic indulgent escape.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is set to be the premier hotel in Qatar and one of the finest in the region. Set to launch by the end of the year, guests face a lot of tough decisions: Arrive by helicopter or take a 20-minute ride on a luxury yacht from the city? Retreat to Balance Wellness centre or Anantara Spa (both, I say!)? Dive or the surf pool? And perhaps the toughest decision of all – try and decide between a spot on the 800m beach, by the 100m pool, or my favourite – relax by the pool in your own private overwater pool villa. Ah, life is full of tough decisions…
Resorts renaissance
4) Thirayuth Chirathivat CEO, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why For me, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin because I have been involved in its revamp since we acquired this property from the state railway of Thailand. It’s the first resort in Asia and has a beautiful colonial style architecture with a beautiful beach. This year, the resort won the Best Beach Resort award from TTG Asia.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why I probably don’t look at competitors in the same way as a regular guest, some would say I am somewhat biased!
That said, I have a long list of admired properties and for all different reasons – the clever use of space, especially important in today’s market with soaring land prices; a design concept I wish I had thought about; the ability to sell at such low prices when clearly the investment was so high!
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why One of my nearest and dearest resorts is Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui. For many years, this resort has been welcoming guests from all over the world, many of whom are repeats year after year. This year we will make some major changes, not least a fantastic new Beach Club concept, and I cannot wait to see the work completed.
It really does start a new era for this most established Samui resort.
Capri, Capri
5) Choe Peng Sum CEO, Frasers Hospitality, Singapore
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why The full renovation and conversion of an office tower in the heart of Brisbane into Capri by Fraser, Brisbane gave me immense satisfaction. The cooperation and support of the Brisbane City Council and the Lord Mayor’s Office, plus bringing to life the edgy design of award-winning interior designer, Ministry of Design, make the soon-to-open property my most memorable experience of 2014.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why Each time I travel, I take the chance to stay and/or visit as many different hotels and serviced residences as I can. While I appreciate edgier designs and new trends, I still inevitably go back to my comfort zone – comfortable well thought through spaces, intuitive service and, don’t forget, even for me, high speed Internet access is a must! Many places fitted the bill, but I would give my vote to Les Suites in Shanghai.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why There are several on the horizon for us next year, but I will give a plug to Capri by Fraser, Frankfurt which will open in June. I am excited as this will be our first property in Germany, in a great location and in one of the key financial hubs in Europe. Just in case you are wondering, I am just as excited about the other properties which will open next year, from Fraser Suites Setia Budi Jakarta to Fraser Place Tianjin and Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur.
Watch this space
6) Kuno Fasel COO, COMO Hotels and Resorts, Singapore
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why There were just too many highlights in 2014 to name just one, as each of our properties achieved something very special in the last 12 months. If I have to shortlist some highlights, I would probably say the opening of Point Yamu, Phuket and Maalifushi, Maldives in the region, the launch of spectacular new rooms and restaurant at Uma by COMO Ubud, and the fact that Nahm was voted best restaurant in Asia in the prestigious 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why The One & Only in Hayman Island in Australia looks incredible. It is right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef and is simply a beautiful property in a beautiful location. This year, there has been a multi-million investment in renovations and I believe they have completely revamped the property.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why Keep a lookout early in the New Year for an announcement from COMO on an acquisition of a new property by our group in a market that we know and love. Also, we are very excited to be launching the Point Yamu villas, thus putting the final touches on Point Yamu by COMO, a property that will become the jewel in the COMO crown.
Hyatt Hakone is the one
7) Ricco deBlank CEO, SHKP (Sun Hung Kai Properties) Hotels, Hong Kong
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Hyatt Regency Hakone: the one place where I can go for owners’ meetings and feel totally relaxed. We have 100 per cent trust in the GM.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why Ace Hotel Shoreditch in London: a lesson in how to attract the neighbourhood to come and enjoy your hotel.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why Amanresort Tokyo – just because it is Aman.
Expecting a Bangkok upside in 2015
8) Brad Kirk COO, Harilela Hotels, Hong Kong
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Actually there are two. One is the Holiday Inn Golden Mile (Hong Kong) since we finally hired a great new general manager Anne Busfield – gotta be better than the last one for sure, who was me! Second is our Thompson Belgraves in London as we have such a wonderful opportunity with our London savvy new general manager, Andrew Coney, to really outperform the market with this little gem of a hotel.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why Not really a competitor but the Ovolo Southside (Hong Kong) has a nice vibe to it, cool rooms, a casual restaurant and great views from the rooftop bar.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why The Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok will have a great year due to the problems in Thailand fading away hopefully in the minds of the travellers. Great upside for 2015. Also 2015-2018 will be amazing as we will start building another hotel in Hong Kong, in Wanchai, from ground up. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.
25th anniversary of Regent Taipei
>> Steven Pan
Executive chairman, Hotels & Resorts and Formosa International Hotels Corporation, Taiwan
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Regent Porto Montenegro – modern architecture with timeless Venetian details. Sets a new benchmark in combining luxury accommodation seamlessly with Regent residences for sale. It’s the first new hotel to be built and opened after recent European financial crisis.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why Andaz Tokyo – outstanding bathroom design with open flow, and great amenities and details overall.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why Regent Taipei – year-round festivals celebrating 25th anniversary of this iconic Regent hotel. Events include a Gourmet Gallery (a collection of signature dishes from 25 Michelin starred chefs) with celebrities and luxury brands.
Reminiscing the birth of Banyan Tree
>> Ho Kwon Ping
Executive chairman, Banyan Tree Holdings, Singapore
Property of ours that was most memorable in 2014 and why Banyan Tree Phuket. I remember 20 years ago when Claire and I arrived at Bang Tao Bay in a jeep with no brakes. There were no roads and no electricity but what it lacked in infrastructure, it made up with a beautiful sunset and a stunning piece of land. The seed of Banyan Tree was born that day. We recently travelled to Phuket in September for our 20th anniversary celebrations. What we saw there made us feel privileged, grateful and moved, not for the successes of the group, but for what our associates have contributed to the Banyan Tree journey.
Property by competitor that caught my eye in 2014 and why There were several: The Segera Retreat in Kenya, which is part of the Wilderness Collection. Jochen Zeitz, its founder, created his own 4C philosophy – conservation, community, culture and commerce – where guests learn about wildlife conservation and how they can make an impact. This is similar to our philosophy of sustainable development.
ICE Hotel, built of snow and ice in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. It is interesting because it is a year-round project with visiting artists and designers. The hotel is only open every December to April and then it melts and the process begins again. I like that nature is intrinsic to their whole organisation and they take serious measures in protecting the environment. Fogo Island Inn, a project by Canadian tech entrepreneur Zita Cobb. It brings together members of the community, from artists and architects to fishermen and chefs, and they have created a beautiful hotel. The hotel has put in place a trust for Shorefast Foundation to ensure the economic well-being of the local community. I think this is a great initiative to keep the community invested in the property.
Old Mac Daddy Trailer Hotel, a collection of vintage Airstream trailers located in the Elgin Valley in Western Cape. I like the fact that all the trailers are individually designed, they are quirky and great for family get-togethers.
Property I most look forward to in 2015 and why Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay in Morocco, which will open in Q2. I am particularly excited about this property as it is a collection of beautiful pool villas facing the Mediterranean Sea. The resort pays tribute to the region’s Andalusian Moorish legacy and Moroccan heritage, and you will be able to see the influences with the arched doorways, fountains and Moroccan Moucharaby wood panels that we have put in place. There is also a lot of interesting things to do including visiting the iconic blue buildings in Chefchaouen or exploring the ancient Tetouan Medina. Everyone should go.
This article was first published in TTG Asia, December 12, 2014 issue, on page 4. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
