Page 22 - Sphere No.14 (Jul 2005)

says Ms Koh. “We have been approached
to manage hotels for other owners but
so far have turned them down. Our
primary strategy is to combine owner-
ship and management but we do not
have an ego that says we have to manage
everything. For example, we could have
managed the Grand Hyatt Beijing, but
decided the Hyatt group would be a more
appropriate brand in that city. We work quite well
with the other managers to maximise cost efficien-
cies, management skills and purchasing power.”
According to Ms Koh, the group will continue to
focus on Hong Kong and Mainland China.
“There is no question that China is going to be a
big market,” she says. “The property
group is growing tremendously in China.
We are looking for the right locations
and the right properties. Of course, we
will always keep our eyes open world-
wide for the right opportunity.”
Ms Koh is particularly bullish about Hong
Kong. “If we were not positive, we would not
have acquired The Kowloon Hotel recently or
opened the Rambler Garden Hotel. Disneyland is
opening, which will mean increasing numbers of
visitors to Hong Kong. China is also continuing to
relax its travel restrictions for PRC residents.”
HPHR has proved adept at providing different
properties to appeal to a broad spectrum of the
W ITH AN UNPARALLELED LOCATION on the
Hunghom waterfront and amazing views over
Victoria Harbour, the luxurious Harbour Plaza
Hong Kong made a big impact as soon as it opened on 22
July 1995.
Its distinctive blend of relaxed sophistication, discreet luxury
and first-class service have made the Harbour Plaza renowned
as a haven from the bustle of Hong Kong, offering the ultimate
in understated style and comfort for discerning guests.
“Many people see us as an oasis,” says Jonathan Wilson,
who has been at the hotel for seven years and General
Manager for four. “Our location gives us the edge. Many of
our guests prefer our quieter, less bustling and more ambi-
ent waterfront environment and the fresher atmosphere
here. And our guests truly appreciate the fact that we have
the only dining terrace right on the harbour.”
Furnished to the highest standards and equipped with the
latest business and communications tools, the Harbour Plaza
Hong Kong features two 3,500 sq ft Presidential Suites famous
for their luxury and panoramic outlook. There are seven fabu-
lous restaurants, a well-equipped fitness centre and a glass-
sided rooftop pool where guests can enjoy the view and soak
up the unique atmosphere in absolute privacy. In partnership
with upmarket skin-care brand Jurlique, the fitness centre has
recently introduced a full range of spa services.
Just three years after opening, Harbour Plaza Hong Kong
was named one of the “World’s Ten Best Hotels” by New
York-based Leaders Magazine and in 2001, it was Travel Trade
Gazette’s “Best Business Hotel”.
Harbour Plaza Hong Kong caters mainly to business
guests but is also home to a growing number of leisure trav-
ellers. There has been a significant increase in guests from
Korea, driven by the hotel’s support for Korean entertain-
ment industry initiatives such as a Food Festival based on
the television programme Jewel in the Palace, and its partici-
pation in a new television production called Hong Kong
Express (currently airing in Korea and Japan).
But it is the core value of service in which the management
takes the most pride, and which ultimately drives the business.
“We are at guests’ service from the moment they reserve
their room – whether we’re providing champagne for a lim-
ousine ride from the airport or booking a yacht for a cus-
tomer who wants to get even closer to the harbour,” says
Wilson. “Every staff member is dedicated to this principle.”
“When we look for new candidates to join our team, we
focus on friendliness. Academic qualifications stand people in
good stead but it is their attitude that will take them, and us,
to the next level.”
As the longest established property in the group, the hotel
can offer supporting services to sister properties. “Our experi-
enced staff and complete back-of-house facilities mean we can
provide services ranging from creating chocolate showpieces
and pastries for festivals, to handling extra laundry operations
or the design and production of marketing materials,” says
Wilson. “Our position as one of the leading hotels in Hong
Kong is testament to our excellent team of professionals.”
No longer the “new kid on the block”, the Harbour Plaza
Hong Kong has established itself both as a luxurious land-
mark on the Hunghom waterfront and as a hotel with a big
heart. And on 22 July this year, the champagne corks will be
popping to celebrate the 10th jubilee.
HONG KONG’S OASIS
SPHERE 20
Attention to
detail makes the
Harbour Plaza
a truly special
haven of
hospitality