NEW YORK -- Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts spent
$200 million in property upgrades in the last two years; now it has
begun launching its first hotels outside Asia -- in Australia and
the Middle East.
In other news, the group reports properties are back on track
after the losses incurred by SARS earlier in the year. Kent Zhu,
Shangri-La's vice president of sales and marketing for China, said
the company's business in China is better than it was a year ago
for 14 of the 16 properties there, and the two that aren't beating
last year's numbers lag for reasons unrelated to SARS.
He said all markets are back, including the U.S. Part of the
recovery, he said, represents postponed business travel; some,
postponed conferences.
"We believe people are seeking better hotels for security and
hygiene [reasons]," he said.
SARS is no longer front and center, but it is not forgotten. Zhu
said Shangri-La has prepared a manual laying out steps to be taken
if the disease resurfaces. But if it does, he added, it will be
contained much more quickly because it will be recognized the next
time around.
Meanwhile, he and other Shangri-La executives reported on key
developments in their markets as follows:
• Judging by dollars spent and local enthusiasm, the biggest
news comes from Singapore where, in mid-September, the 760-unit
Shangri-La Singapore reopened its exclusive 136-unit Valley Wing
after a six-month, $31.8 million overhaul.
Cetin Sekercioglu, the hotel's general manager, said the debut
includes a number of new elements all designed to offer "privacy,
luxury and connectivity, " from a private elevator to an upgraded
lobby with champagne bar, broadband Internet access and an
all-in-one fax, printer and copier with private fax number. Guests
in suites are provided with a laptop, as well.
• A $31 million upgrade to public areas and all 700 guest rooms
at the Kowloon Shangri-La will be done this month.
Belinda Goh, director of sales and marketing, at the Kowloon
(China) Shangri-La, said the enhancements include two new "concept"
restaurants: the Ta-
pas Bar and Cafe Kool, featuring buffets of varying cuisines.
All rooms have broadband Internet connections and three telephones,
including a line for teleconferencing. As of July, an "IT butler"
service provides technical support 24/7 to guests in all rooms.
Horizon Club floors (designed for business executives) feature
as a machine used as a printer, copier, scanner and fax; a
flat-screen TV with surround sound; a cordless telephone (to be
available soon) that can be used throughout the hotel; and a fully
adjustable, ergonomic chair.
• The $30 million upgrade to all of the China World Hotel's
public spaces and its 716 rooms, completed in August, was described
as Beijing's most expensive hotel facelift.
That investment yielded such features as an "oxygen room" in the
refitted health club and the Premier room category, the moniker for
units of nearly 600 square feet each.
The hotel's casual restaurant was transformed into the "Scene a
cafe," a coffee shop/entertainment venue, New amenities for guests
include "airport butler" services, including assistance with
customs and immigration.
• Completed this August, renovations at the Makati Shangri-La in
Manila, Philippines, cost $25 million, according to Jarlath Lynch,
general manager. All 699 rooms were redesigned and decorated with
fabrics in muted earth colors.
Lynch said he is frequently asked about security in Manila and
the hotel. First, declaring Manila "a safe and wonderful city," he
said the hotel monitors 200 cameras on property and employs 80
security personnel and five dogs, all to foster guest comfort about
the subject. A company spokeswoman said Shangri-La recently spent
"several million" on the best in security technology.
• The 839-room Shangri-La Bangkok invested $22 million in its
recent renovation; most of the work was completed early this year,
but the last touch, a new cafe, opens this month. All rooms were
overhauled, but statements by Pipat Patthananusorn, the property's
director of business development, emphasized the enlarged lobby, a
two-story affair designed to turn guests' eyes toward grand views
of the Chao Phraya River.
You can reach the journalist who wrote this article at [email protected].
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