Rhombus International Hotels Group has big plans

Expansion into Mainland China and Europe does not slow down the development and construction of the company’s new Hong Kong hotels.

Sitting in the stylish AVA Restaurant Slash Bar atop Hotel Panorama by Rhombus in Tsim Sha Tsui, it is impossible not to enjoy and savour the stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. The ambience, warmth and elegance speak volumes about the tone which Rhombus International Hotels Group establishes at all the hotels under its supervision in Hong Kong. Hotel Panorama by Rhombus delivers a genuine style in facilities and accommodations featuring pure comfort and relaxation for both corporate and leisure travelers. AVA Restaurant Slash Bar’s open- plan makes it a perfect venue for weddings, corporate events and other special occasions. Its eight-person private room allows for intimate dinners or exclusive functions.

The hotel’s 324 large guest rooms range in themes - Silver, Gold, and Executive Club HarbourView. Each has differing amenities and services including 12 spacious suites. All guestrooms are contemporarily designed and equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows. Unlike traditional hotels, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus’ 40 floors are uniquely designed with an innovative one-sided guestroom corridor. This unique corridor design allows the hotel to maximize its unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour as well as the vibrant city scenes of Tsim Sha Tsui, all basking in natural light.

Mr. Calvin Mak is Rhombus International Hotel Group’s Founder & CEO has big plans for the company. A veteran in the hospitality industry, he has worked for three major hotel chains: Hilton International, Four Seasons and Delta Hotels and Resorts. Now, he heads Rhombus International Hotels Group, which currently operates four hotels in Hong Kong, with more new properties planned in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Europe. Hotel Panorama by Rhombus, Hotel LKF by Rhombus in trendy Lan Kwai Fong, Hotel Bonaparte by Rhombus in Wanchai and Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus in Sheung Wan, which opened in May of 2011, are currently serving corporate groups as well as leisure travellers from all over  the globe. Additionally, the company has two more hotels in Causeway Bay on the drawing board, which are scheduled to open in 2012 and 2013, respectively. 

Not sitting still nor concentrating in only one area, Rhombus will be opening its China flagship hotel, Rhombus Fantasia Chengdu Hotel in early 2012. In December 2011, Hotel Verta by Rhombus was launched in London, England, a property which the group took over and remodeled as its first foray into Europe.

Mak says, “Our goals are simple, to achieve Excellence in Service while Maximising Profits and Increasing Asset Values. I will personally recruit all management staff and oversee their training to ensure our standards are upheld. As a company, we expect each and every team member to provide personalised service from the heart and to take pride in serving people. As we expand, our practice is to provide every staff member with opportunities to advance and grow and, whenever possible, we will promote from within. Many of our Hong Kong team will have opportunities and a choice to work and expand their experience in China and eventually Europe.”

“With the London debut being in early December, I am flying back and forth between the UK and Hong Kong, in addition to overseeing the upcoming opening of our Chengdu property, so my schedule is extremely hectic; but it is very rewarding to see the growth and development of our people, our portfolio and the diverse service offerings to our guests.”

His company has a proven track record of overseeing and managing hotels, but it also offers services to resorts, private clubs, service apartments, restaurants, extended-stay facilities as well as strata operations.

“Rhombus International Hotels Group offers consolidated, realistic and practical turn-key packages for various development projects, including technical assistance and consulting services, advisory and representation services, management contract services, branding, quality assurance programmes and sales and marketing expertise. Our services may be provided as a complete package or customised to meet specific needs,” Mak explained.

Always conscious of the return on investment for the owners of the various properties, Mak would rather attack the market than be controlled by its ups and downs. He is always looking for ways to improve the bottom line for owners and stakeholders.

“Our hotels are consistently over 90 percent full, even during the economic downturn. The company has plenty of room to grow, as we are approached all the time by people wishing us to manage their properties. As we expand in Hong Kong, China and Europe, we have our eye on the North American market, so that we can round out our scope”, Mak said. He certainly is an experienced international thinker and planner for the group.

Additionally, he is certain that the demand for management expertise and knowledge, that is practical, efficient and customised to meet each property and region’s specific needs and requirements, will continue to be a demand in the hospitality marketplace. Client referrals have facilitated the company’s presence and expansion of operations in Asia within a relatively short period of time while collecting quite a few awards along the way. For example, the group was just named “Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Company 2011” by Mediazone Group, the “Most Progressive Hotel Group of the Year” in 2011 by the Asia Hotel Forum 2011, and the “Best Choice International Hotel Management Company for Investors” at the 11th China Hotel Forum in 2010-11. These are just a few of the awards and accolades acquired by this fast-moving, progressive company, with all the operating hotels winning various awards each.

FAST FACTS
• Named ‘Hong Kong’s Most Valuable Company 2011’ by Mediazone Group

• Awarded ‘Most Progressive Hotel Group of the Year’ at the Asia Hotel Forum 2011

• One of the ‘Best Choice International Hotel Management Company for Investors’ at the 11th China Hotel Forum 2010-2011

• One of the ‘Best 10  Hotel Management Companies’ at the 10th China Hotel