Lan Kwai Fong @ Kau U Fong shows why boutique is better

As one of Hong Kong’s first boutique Hotels, Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong is not only leading the industry, but constantly reinventing itself, setting new standards for what it means to be a great boutique hotel with its attention to detail and passion for inspiring travelers.

It’s been almost ten years since Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong opened in Sheung Wan. The area was nothing like the gentrified face it holds today, where there is now award winning restaurants and edgy clothing stores were just some tired printing shops and ch chaan tengs. As general manager of the hotel Rebecca Kwan explains, “We’ve been doing a lot of education and exploring at the very beginning, not just about the area but also the boutique concept. Before people had no idea of the area and insisted on the star rating. After the years, boutique hotels mushroomed and widely accepted, even in the Asian and Chinese markets.

With such an intense competition, we have to work even harder and be innovative in order to stay at the top. We are lucky to be in an area full of actions and wonders which is the first rule of boutique hotels - where their buzzy ambiance feels just right. The hotel is blended together with the neighbourhood and the whole area becomes a hidden gem mixed with old and new element, history and design.”

Also, the hotel always work as partner with different festivals and associations, bring together a handsome and happening crowd to the hotel – the second rule of boutique hotel. There are famous violinists, singers, designers, artists from the surrounding galleries, world famous chef from neighbourhood restaurants, well-known authors and popular anchors. Therefore the guests can feel the cultural atmosphere everywhere.

A market leader
When it comes to what makes them a market leader, Kwan insists it’s her staff that differentiates them from their competition. “I think we have a professional team who has worked quite a long time with us. More than half of my management team has worked for ten years and 50 percent of the general staff have worked with us for five years. I really appreciate all of their effort and the low turnover rate is definitely the synergy for our success.”

Kwan further notes, “The great teamwork together and the positive norm help to speed up the process and find the best solution balancing both the interest of guests and hotel, based on our corporate core values of integrity, innovation, inspiration and initiative. Together with staff loyalty, continuous support from regular customers also contributes to the mystique of boutique hotel. Our repeat guests make up to around 20% of customers daily. We have some guests even stayed with us for over a hundred times. If you’re a guest in the hotel and you see familiar faces with big smiles every time, recognize you, remember your preferences, that’ll make your day. It’s as simple as that.”

Another reason behind the secret of success is probably because Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong always tries to enhance the guests experience by letting them to try the best in town during their stay. Kwan will go out to explore the area, experience new restaurants and shops and then share the hottest picks with the guests. It’s not only about suggesting activities for guests, but also to show them an authentic side of Hong Kong and let them experience Hong Kong like a local. The hotel will keep guests update of what’s going on and offering them free tickets to the hottest show e.g. Art Basel, Asia Contemporary Art Show, Art Central, BODW, wine & dine, golf tournaments etc. Moreover, guests can enjoy privileges in restaurants or designer shops when showing the hotel keycard in the neighbourhood. Therefore guests have their unique experiences every time they stayed in the hotel.

Kwan hopes this will not only attract travelers to the hotel, but also given them a reason to return the next time they find themselves in Hong Kong.

A stay at ease and comfort
The oriental design boutique hotel not only providing an exclusive experience for their guests but also aim for a stay at ease and comfort. The hotel is equipped with free WIFI, a handy mobile in every room so guests have a local number and can make free IDD calls to seven counties around the world with free data. Complimentary freshly brewed coffee and tea with snacks is available at BreeZe Lounge throughout the day while free wine is available during happy hour. The outdoor terrace BreeZe Lounge is a perfect area for unwind and relax after spending a day at the busy buzzy city.

Dorsett Hospitality International currently have nine hotels in Hong Kong area are planning another one in the Tsuen Wan area.

With 27 hotels worldwide including locations in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, China, be sure there are more to come.