Tourism House of avant garde by Anna Tong French style a competitive edge Staying competitive in the hotel business does not simply depend on location. A hotel's facilities, and the quality of its services, are prime factors, too. In the case of Le M  ridien Cyberport, the mystic aura of its design has a significant part to play. "We hope that clients feel our distinctive French culture," says Angelina Chan, the hotel's assistant director of sales. Every individual detail of the hotel, from the exterior and interior down to the staff's attire, has been specially designed and crafted to create an exclusive and relaxing atmosphere. "We've had photo-journalists from Japan and Italy who have taken photo-spreads of different aspects of the hotel's design for use in various noted publications," adds Ms Chan. "Also our hotel has been featured in books about avant garde hotel design." The perfectionism even extends to the spectacles worn by the staff. "We have strong ties with designer Alain Mikli, and all of our staff wear glasses designed by him as part of projecting our unique image as a chic hotel," she remarks. Design and culture apart, Le M  ridien, with its green surroundings and spectacular views of the sea, is blessed with a fabulous location. Ms Chan says, "We are the only hotel on Hong Kong Island with a 180-degree view of the sea." Best new hotel Part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc group, Le M  ridien was awarded the title of "Best New Hotel in Asia 2006" by the Asian & Banking Finance magazine. Apart from the local market, the hotel's major business comprises clients from the US, Europe and Asia Pacific. "Most guests are here for particular events, including celebrities whom we invite to sign our circle display in the hotel lobby," says Ms Chan. This "showcase" of signatures is yet another feature of the hotel. There are three restaurants — Japanese, Chinese and a chic restaurant bar catering to clients' tastes. Private hospitality functions that can be arranged include a BBQ. The 16 meeting rooms range in size and design, but mostly are spacious with high ceilings. "This is a major selling point and is very popular with clients wishing to stage meetings and other business functions," says Ms Chan, who adds that the "cinema room" located at the Cyberport Arcade takes as many as 370 people. In delivering customer service, the emphasis is placed on friendliness, and making guests feel at home. "We go to the customer, not the other way round," she points out. As part of the friendly ambience, staff are dressed in a casual yet fashionable style. Main events As an example of how the hotel goes out of its way to meet clients' wishes, it can even arrange a lion dance display to give a glimpse of Chinese culture. Placing the organisation of this or some other event in the hands of meeting and event staff takes the whole load off the clients' shoulders, with all the organisational work and arrangements being capably done on their behalf. "Our conference and event associates provide a one-stop service and arrange everything for the client," says Ms Chan. An innovative A to Z checklist is used to ensure that every detail is covered. Experience, versatility and an imaginative flair are important qualities for a successful event organiser, who must always be prepared to go beyond traditional thinking to meet the client's needs. "We always think out of the box to fulfil client requirements," remarks Ms Chan. For example, the staff can design the banners and even the cocktails based on a client's corporate colours. To be able to offer such services Le M  ridien has some talented staff, some able to speak five or more languages. "Such good interpersonal skills are essential," adds Ms Chan. The hotel provides a broad platform where talents can work, gaining experience as they move from one department to the next, thereby gaining a complete view of the hotel's activities as a whole. For example, event staff must constantly work closely with several other departments to ensure that any event or conference is run smoothly and successfully. "We also encourage staff to work in other departments they are interested in," says Ms Chan. "The more experience staff have across various departments, the better fitted they are for their careers." Taken from Career Times 26 May 2007 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]