加载中…
Urban Oasis: Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai
(2006-10-20 17:20:21)| 分类： 酒店老总成功路 |
An Interview with
General Manager Phileas Law
He devotes
half of his life to the hospitality industry, a trade which he
loves dearly, and another half to the children’s charity cause. By
profession, he is the present general manager of Howard Johnson All
Suites Shanghai; in everyday life, he adopted three orphans, and
supported another four. Who is he? His name is Phileas Law, whom
I’m going to write about in this passage.
Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is the first service apartments in Shanghai run by the prestigious hotel management company, Howard Johnson International. Mr. Law, who just took the baton this April, values the hotel as highly potential. Despite the fact that the hotel is now in its embryonic stage, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai promises a very good prospect.
Situated in the premium location of Hongqiao Area, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is home to the most prestige shopping, business and cultural arena in the heart of Shanghai. It is only a short distance from Jiangsu Road Metro Station, Hongqiao Business Zone, Shanghai Exhibition Center and Shanghai Film Art Center, and can also be reached from other points of interests.
A newly completed twin-block high-rise forms the main body of the hotel, which comprises 455 spacious suites ranging in area from 50sq.meters to 100sq.meters. These tastefully decorated suites are categorized in Superior, Deluxe, Executive, Premier and HOJO, and each suite consists of individual living room, one or two bedroom(s) and a kitchen, making it an ideal option for families. Meanwhile, it also appeals to business travelers, with handy equipment like the internet access, writing desk and in-room safe. All suites are meticulously designed to offering higher level of comfort to individual travelers and families alike.
The hotel’s f&b, conference service and amenities are very impressive. The Monet Café on the first floor boasts an inviting atmosphere, to which a unique glass house with elegant interior and a back garden with running brooks and little bridge must contribute. Self-challenged and talented chefs provide you with top-notch A La Carte menus varying from Asian to western. Choice to tailor your special order is available as well.
Conferencing function is fulfilled by 3 meeting rooms, of which the multi-purpose Conference Room, located on the second floor, is a perfect venue for small and medium-size conferences. It can accommodate up to 80 guests. Monet Café is ideal for hosting a 60-guest meeting or launch, as well. Comprehensive modern facilities are matched with well-trained and seasoned attending staff. For an ideal combination of sportive and relaxed stay, pay a visit to the Fitness Center (2/F) fitted up with the state-of-the-art exercising equipment. After the exercise, a casual visit to the lush green garden can prolong the relaxation.
With renowned Howard Johnson service and décor, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is truly a sophisticated home for your extended stay. It’s worth noting that the exquisite Monet printed works that adorns each suite indeed attract the appreciating eye.
Assumed the GM-ship but five months ago, Mr. Law instantly devoted himself to the marketing campaign, instilling his 30-year professional experiences and theories into the yet young establishment. Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai started its test operation last June, and the formal inauguration was in September. Barely reaching the first anniversary, the hotel is still fumbling for a system. Phileas Law’s accession not only brings in the new blood, but is also crucial to shaping the system.
We must have a thorough understanding of a certain product before we trade them, stated Mr. Law, and the same rule can be applied to a hospitality establishment. The operation policy he is practicing now is to search for an ideal route during the actual practices. Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai has positioned itself as service apartments, that is to say, it will take advantage of both hotel and apartment, exploiting their respective vantages to the full.
On the one hand, the inclusion of a kitchen into each suite appeals to families; on the other hand, offering of professional services such as 24hrs room service, security and day & night reception ensures the patronage of individual business travelers. At present, long-stay guests account for 20% of the total occupancy, and Mr. Law plans to make it 30%, which are to make up the foundation of patrons in the down season. The remainder, 70% of the suites, is kept for accommodating individual business travelers with short-term or extensive stays. Staying for weekends and holidays is more attractive to families.
In terms of his operational and marketing strategies, Mr. Law concluded that the hardware facilities should be good and reliable, and the price reasonable. Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is now offering “5-star facilities at 4-star price”, a policy which makes the hotel a standout from similar establishments around the town, who are perhaps on average approximately 20% higher in price tag than it. Lower pricing makes the hotel highly competitive, leaving some space for a sustained development even in time of downturns. The ultimate goal, of course, is to foster the customer loyalty.
A couple of promotions are in practice now to increase the occupancy. Among them, we find the Special Promotion for Long Staying Guests, with which long-stay patrons can have a Deluxe Suite (approx. 65sq.meters) at Rmb13,000/month. What’s more, an upgrade from a Deluxe Suite to an extravagant two-bedroom HOJO Suite (approx. 100sq.meters) will only incur an additional Rmb9,000 each month. Valid from now till Sept. 30, Autumn Package allows travelers to stay in a Deluxe Suite overnight at Rmb698, subjecting to 15% surcharge. Please contact the hotel for the details of the Meeting Package and Moon Cake Promotion.
If the hardware facilities are at the same level and the price factor is put aside, software service should play a vital role in attracting patrons. Mr. Law pointed it out in particular that “Service must be customized for the good of the guests”, elaborating with the example of the shuttle bus, offered by Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai free of charge to run to and fro between the hotel, subway hubs and Shanghai Exhibition Center, picking up and sending guests who work or do business in remoter areas, especially in Pudong. This particular service can not only save guests traffic spending, but more importantly, it can save the precious time wasted on the road. It eliminates the worries of guests who “live in Puxi, while work in Pudong”.
Speaking of human resources, Mr. Law admitted that the speedy development of the local hospitality industry in the recent years has resulted in a shortage in the manpower. To keep the talents and lessen the conflict of supply and demand, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai places heavy emphasis on “Commitment, Education, Growth”. Committed to a bright future, the hotel gives more training to the staff, and leaves them ample space for future growth.
To Phileas Law, hotel is his home, and the staff his family members. With a tolerant heart, he accepts mistakes, “even saint errs”, but never lower standards. He smiled and called himself “open and despotic”.
When inquired of his management style, “a walking and working manager” was the answer. Mr. Law began to do part-time jobs in hotels in an early age, and has since met various people, savored different cultures. Experiences teach him that one cannot do everything by oneself. Team work is absolutely necessary, but a general manager can’t be absent from the work. After all, playing an exemplary role is the shortest approach to making the staff understand the theory of a general manager.
Loving and gentleman-like, Mr. Law is dedicated to public welfare in general, and to the cause of children’s charity in particular. It’s been sixteen years since he moved his family from Hong Kong to Shanghai, and his adoption of disabled orphans can be traced back to the year 1997, when he brought the first kid home from Shanghai Children’s Home. Till today, Mr. Law has adopted three parentless orphans, and financed another four. The eldest of the latter, a 29-year-old legal professional now, has also participated in supporting financially desperate people.
That doing charity makes one happier and healthier is the message Mr. Phileas Law delivered from the very beginning of the interview to the very end, through his every act and from every word he uttered. No reward is anticipated, because “their happiness is his greatest happiness”. Even when somebody does pay back, he takes it as a bonus from God above. His three children were adopted when they were small kids. Why? Because according to Mr. Law, small kids need extra love and care to sooth their hurt soul. What’s more, small children are like unstained white paper, on which the foster parents can write and draw to helping them form personality, so that they can stand on their own feet and in turn make contribution to the society. In the mean time, he supports bigger parentless boys and girls, financing their study and making them feel the warmth of a family.
Like hundreds and thousands of ordinary households, the extended family of the Laws has tears and laughter, bitterness and happiness. The only thing unusual about this family is that parents and kids have no blood connection, to which, suggested Mr. Law, people are not necessarily confined. Let blood-irrelevant folks get along with each other like a real family is the true essence of charity. He still continues the once-a-month call to the children’s home, and half of every Saturday is his customary happy hour with the foster children.
“Shanghai Children's Home - Education & Medical Fund” was first initiated by Mrs. Law, and Mr. Law serves as the Secretary General. Funds raised from various sources are used to support kids, 10 to 15 each year, in medical or educational means. The appropriated funds must be used for the designated purposes, clear and traceable, “because we must be responsible to the donors”. The Laws have devoted themselves wholly to doing charity, but for nothing in return.
The genius behind Microsoft legend and the richest guy in the world, Bill Gates and his wife struck me all of a sudden with their astronomical donation to charity undertaking each year. In stark contrast, very few of the domestic entrepreneurs has been aware of the word “philanthropy”, let alone to donate money for the sake of public welfare. If the rich people can join in refunding the society, I guess the “animosity” towards them might be somewhat weakened. Well, I’m just digressing a little bit.
“Hong Kong and Shanghai have a close tie between them. It is my own choice to take root in Shanghai, and be part of the transition and development.” This is the wish of Phileas Law, simple and unassuming. Hopefully this Hongkonger can affect a group of people and a generation with his noble deeds, and make Shanghai and the whole China follow suit.
Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is the first service apartments in Shanghai run by the prestigious hotel management company, Howard Johnson International. Mr. Law, who just took the baton this April, values the hotel as highly potential. Despite the fact that the hotel is now in its embryonic stage, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai promises a very good prospect.
Situated in the premium location of Hongqiao Area, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is home to the most prestige shopping, business and cultural arena in the heart of Shanghai. It is only a short distance from Jiangsu Road Metro Station, Hongqiao Business Zone, Shanghai Exhibition Center and Shanghai Film Art Center, and can also be reached from other points of interests.
A newly completed twin-block high-rise forms the main body of the hotel, which comprises 455 spacious suites ranging in area from 50sq.meters to 100sq.meters. These tastefully decorated suites are categorized in Superior, Deluxe, Executive, Premier and HOJO, and each suite consists of individual living room, one or two bedroom(s) and a kitchen, making it an ideal option for families. Meanwhile, it also appeals to business travelers, with handy equipment like the internet access, writing desk and in-room safe. All suites are meticulously designed to offering higher level of comfort to individual travelers and families alike.
The hotel’s f&b, conference service and amenities are very impressive. The Monet Café on the first floor boasts an inviting atmosphere, to which a unique glass house with elegant interior and a back garden with running brooks and little bridge must contribute. Self-challenged and talented chefs provide you with top-notch A La Carte menus varying from Asian to western. Choice to tailor your special order is available as well.
Conferencing function is fulfilled by 3 meeting rooms, of which the multi-purpose Conference Room, located on the second floor, is a perfect venue for small and medium-size conferences. It can accommodate up to 80 guests. Monet Café is ideal for hosting a 60-guest meeting or launch, as well. Comprehensive modern facilities are matched with well-trained and seasoned attending staff. For an ideal combination of sportive and relaxed stay, pay a visit to the Fitness Center (2/F) fitted up with the state-of-the-art exercising equipment. After the exercise, a casual visit to the lush green garden can prolong the relaxation.
With renowned Howard Johnson service and décor, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is truly a sophisticated home for your extended stay. It’s worth noting that the exquisite Monet printed works that adorns each suite indeed attract the appreciating eye.
Assumed the GM-ship but five months ago, Mr. Law instantly devoted himself to the marketing campaign, instilling his 30-year professional experiences and theories into the yet young establishment. Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai started its test operation last June, and the formal inauguration was in September. Barely reaching the first anniversary, the hotel is still fumbling for a system. Phileas Law’s accession not only brings in the new blood, but is also crucial to shaping the system.
We must have a thorough understanding of a certain product before we trade them, stated Mr. Law, and the same rule can be applied to a hospitality establishment. The operation policy he is practicing now is to search for an ideal route during the actual practices. Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai has positioned itself as service apartments, that is to say, it will take advantage of both hotel and apartment, exploiting their respective vantages to the full.
On the one hand, the inclusion of a kitchen into each suite appeals to families; on the other hand, offering of professional services such as 24hrs room service, security and day & night reception ensures the patronage of individual business travelers. At present, long-stay guests account for 20% of the total occupancy, and Mr. Law plans to make it 30%, which are to make up the foundation of patrons in the down season. The remainder, 70% of the suites, is kept for accommodating individual business travelers with short-term or extensive stays. Staying for weekends and holidays is more attractive to families.
In terms of his operational and marketing strategies, Mr. Law concluded that the hardware facilities should be good and reliable, and the price reasonable. Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai is now offering “5-star facilities at 4-star price”, a policy which makes the hotel a standout from similar establishments around the town, who are perhaps on average approximately 20% higher in price tag than it. Lower pricing makes the hotel highly competitive, leaving some space for a sustained development even in time of downturns. The ultimate goal, of course, is to foster the customer loyalty.
A couple of promotions are in practice now to increase the occupancy. Among them, we find the Special Promotion for Long Staying Guests, with which long-stay patrons can have a Deluxe Suite (approx. 65sq.meters) at Rmb13,000/month. What’s more, an upgrade from a Deluxe Suite to an extravagant two-bedroom HOJO Suite (approx. 100sq.meters) will only incur an additional Rmb9,000 each month. Valid from now till Sept. 30, Autumn Package allows travelers to stay in a Deluxe Suite overnight at Rmb698, subjecting to 15% surcharge. Please contact the hotel for the details of the Meeting Package and Moon Cake Promotion.
If the hardware facilities are at the same level and the price factor is put aside, software service should play a vital role in attracting patrons. Mr. Law pointed it out in particular that “Service must be customized for the good of the guests”, elaborating with the example of the shuttle bus, offered by Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai free of charge to run to and fro between the hotel, subway hubs and Shanghai Exhibition Center, picking up and sending guests who work or do business in remoter areas, especially in Pudong. This particular service can not only save guests traffic spending, but more importantly, it can save the precious time wasted on the road. It eliminates the worries of guests who “live in Puxi, while work in Pudong”.
Speaking of human resources, Mr. Law admitted that the speedy development of the local hospitality industry in the recent years has resulted in a shortage in the manpower. To keep the talents and lessen the conflict of supply and demand, Howard Johnson All Suites Shanghai places heavy emphasis on “Commitment, Education, Growth”. Committed to a bright future, the hotel gives more training to the staff, and leaves them ample space for future growth.
To Phileas Law, hotel is his home, and the staff his family members. With a tolerant heart, he accepts mistakes, “even saint errs”, but never lower standards. He smiled and called himself “open and despotic”.
When inquired of his management style, “a walking and working manager” was the answer. Mr. Law began to do part-time jobs in hotels in an early age, and has since met various people, savored different cultures. Experiences teach him that one cannot do everything by oneself. Team work is absolutely necessary, but a general manager can’t be absent from the work. After all, playing an exemplary role is the shortest approach to making the staff understand the theory of a general manager.
Loving and gentleman-like, Mr. Law is dedicated to public welfare in general, and to the cause of children’s charity in particular. It’s been sixteen years since he moved his family from Hong Kong to Shanghai, and his adoption of disabled orphans can be traced back to the year 1997, when he brought the first kid home from Shanghai Children’s Home. Till today, Mr. Law has adopted three parentless orphans, and financed another four. The eldest of the latter, a 29-year-old legal professional now, has also participated in supporting financially desperate people.
That doing charity makes one happier and healthier is the message Mr. Phileas Law delivered from the very beginning of the interview to the very end, through his every act and from every word he uttered. No reward is anticipated, because “their happiness is his greatest happiness”. Even when somebody does pay back, he takes it as a bonus from God above. His three children were adopted when they were small kids. Why? Because according to Mr. Law, small kids need extra love and care to sooth their hurt soul. What’s more, small children are like unstained white paper, on which the foster parents can write and draw to helping them form personality, so that they can stand on their own feet and in turn make contribution to the society. In the mean time, he supports bigger parentless boys and girls, financing their study and making them feel the warmth of a family.
Like hundreds and thousands of ordinary households, the extended family of the Laws has tears and laughter, bitterness and happiness. The only thing unusual about this family is that parents and kids have no blood connection, to which, suggested Mr. Law, people are not necessarily confined. Let blood-irrelevant folks get along with each other like a real family is the true essence of charity. He still continues the once-a-month call to the children’s home, and half of every Saturday is his customary happy hour with the foster children.
“Shanghai Children's Home - Education & Medical Fund” was first initiated by Mrs. Law, and Mr. Law serves as the Secretary General. Funds raised from various sources are used to support kids, 10 to 15 each year, in medical or educational means. The appropriated funds must be used for the designated purposes, clear and traceable, “because we must be responsible to the donors”. The Laws have devoted themselves wholly to doing charity, but for nothing in return.
The genius behind Microsoft legend and the richest guy in the world, Bill Gates and his wife struck me all of a sudden with their astronomical donation to charity undertaking each year. In stark contrast, very few of the domestic entrepreneurs has been aware of the word “philanthropy”, let alone to donate money for the sake of public welfare. If the rich people can join in refunding the society, I guess the “animosity” towards them might be somewhat weakened. Well, I’m just digressing a little bit.
“Hong Kong and Shanghai have a close tie between them. It is my own choice to take root in Shanghai, and be part of the transition and development.” This is the wish of Phileas Law, simple and unassuming. Hopefully this Hongkonger can affect a group of people and a generation with his noble deeds, and make Shanghai and the whole China follow suit.
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