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An Unforgettable Stay By Leon Lee
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hile hotels can provide a comfortable and glamorous stay, it can also feel a bit bland as the rooms tend to resemble one another. The layout or furniture might be different, but they often lack personality and just follow the same cookie-cutter formula. Hotel Pravo aims to break from this mold to give their guests a truly memorable experience.
Something for everyone Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, the hotel offers 92 specially-designed accommodations. Like any other hotel, guests can select from a range of room types to stay in such as standard rooms, superior rooms and suites. However at Hotel Pravo, guests can further decide on the theme of their rooms from themes such as Dark, Light, Feminine, Masculine and Luxury. The hotel is owned by the Bonds Group and its chairman Anson Chan had a unique vision for it. “Rather than doing a typical three-, four- or five-star hotel with the typical hotel facilities and design, he really wanted to customize his hotel’s individual rooms to cater to the different preferences of different guests from different countries,” Hang Song Chew, City Manager, Hong Kong and Macau, explains. As their names suggest, Dark-themed rooms come with black wallpapers and other shadowy furniture, giving the space a sleek,
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rock-and-roll feel. Light-themed rooms are the opposite with plenty of white and earth-toned furnishings for those who prefer softer colors. Feminine-themed rooms are specifically-designed with female travelers in mind but doesn’t necessarily mean it’s only for women. Standard rooms (ranging from 143-183 sq ft) and Superior rooms (181-216 sq ft) come in Light, Dark, Masculine and Feminine themes. The Luxury-themed rooms are available in the Deluxe suites (210-270 sq ft), which also comes in Light, Dark and Masculine, as well as the Premier suites (264-294 sq ft) and Presidential Suite (469 sq ft). Chew points out that the different themes mean different wallpapers, bed sizes and even different toilets and sinks as they are customized to compliment the theme of the room. On one floor, you might find five different kinds of rooms. This poses a challenge from a housekeeping perspective, but the guests have certainly taken to the idea. “We have a number of returning guests who try a different theme every time they come back, just to see which one fits them better. It’s quite an interesting take on the hotel stay experience,” Chew says.
Brand name service Besides Citadines Ashley, Somerset Victoria Park, The Mercer, Hotel Pravo is the fourth property managed by The Ascott Limited in Hong Kong. But unlike those three, it’s the first boutique hotel managed by the company.
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“Traditionally we have been strong in service apartment operation so this is a very interesting product not just for guests, but for The Ascott Limited as well,” Chew says. “We have many corporate travelers who come to Hong Kong to do their business every now and then. So other than our traditional service residences, we have another interesting product that we can offer to our guests.” The clientele is one of the biggest difference between managing a hotel to a service residence. Long-staying guests make up about 80 percent of the residents in a service apartment with travelers comprising of the rest. But at a hotel, it’s usually 70 percent travelers and 30 percent long-staying corporate guests. “For those who are here on business for more than a week or so, they’ll usually prefer to stay in a service residence with a small room and small kitchen where they can do their own cooking. But for those corporate travelers who are here for a shorter period of time, they don’t mind putting up in a hotel which is more personalized. So unlike going to a four-, five-star hotel where everything is more or less pretty much the same, if they come to Hotel Pravo, they can expect something different,” Chew says. With just a little over 90 guestrooms, the team is able to devote more time and attention to customize their service to the needs of the guests.
They can mingle and provide them with recommendations on places to visit, eat, shop, anything to make their stay in Hong Kong a great one. The quality service doesn’t come at a cost. Chew explains that while a stay at Hotel Pravo cost less than at a fourand five-star hotel, guests can still expect to get the same level of service and amenities like a gym, branded toiletries, a complimentary mini-bar, WiFi access and even a complimentary smartphone to help guests get around the city. This is quite an advantage in a prime location like Tsim Sha Tsui with its plethora of shopping, dining and entertainment options. There are a wide range of accommodations from the high-end hotels like Langham and Marco Polo, to other boutique hotels, to apartment-style options in places like Chungking Mansion. But while there might be cheaper options, it’s hard to know who their management is or the quality of their accommodations and service. With its desirable location, proven management and distinct rooms, Hotel Pravo stands out from the pack as the boutique hotel for a unique stay for both corporate and leisure travelers alike.
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Living in HK Oct Version Fin 1.pdf 1 10/9/2015 6:45:52 PM
AmCham HK’s Go-To Guidebook for everything to know about the City that Truly Never Sleeps Now Available for Purchase at www.amcham.org.hk/publications
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GUIDE TO
Getaways 2015 Special Features With stunning views of the East Sea and the magnificent Truong Son mountain range in the background, the tranquil and intimate Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, Central Vietnam is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with that special someone. Enjoy a Night On Us when you book a minimum of three nights at this awe-inspiring sanctuary and look forward to a time of pampering and relaxation. From now until 19 September 2016, book the Stay 3 Pay 2* offer and enjoy the 3rd night on us from USD340 ++/ per night. Offer is valid for bookings of minimum three nights, and for stays from now until 23 September 2016 including breakfast for two.
Reservations Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam Tel: (84) 54 3695 888 Fax: (84) 54 3695 999 Email: langco@banyantree.com
www.banyantree.com/en/ap-vietnam-lang-co
The Mercer Hong Kong Your Home in the City
Special Features / Amenities
Conveniently located with walking proximity to the CBD in Central and the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Airport Express Hong Kong Station and Sheung Wan MTR, The Mercer offers 55 elegantly designed apartments and comes equipped with a gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool, a resident’s lounge and a 3 Michelin-star Japanese restaurant Sushi Shikon right at our doorstep. Each apartment is decked with contemporary furnishings and a handy smartphone with Wi-Fi connectivity, providing the perfect living space to relax while staying connected in the comfort of your home away from home. Because life is about living.
• Complimentary mini-bar with daily refreshment • Daily housekeeping • Free local calls • Free Wi-Fi • Free use of Handy Phone, offering unlimited IDD calls to 15 countries and unlimited 3G mobile internet access (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, UK & USA)
Reservations No. 29 Jervois Street Sheung Wan Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2922 9988 Fax: (852) 2922 9989 Email: enquiry.hongkong@the-ascott.com Key Personnel: Ms. Gigi Chow, Reservation Officer
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The Royal PaciďŹ c Hotel & Towers Ideally positioned in Tsimshatsui, The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers sits uniquely on the bank of the stunning Victoria Harbour and is the only hotel in Hong Kong with direct access to the China-Macau Ferry. Located on Canton Road in the heart of Tsimshatsui, MTR, Airport Express and Star Ferry are just moments away. It takes about 35 minutes to go to the Hong Kong International Airport. The Hotel offers 673 rooms and suites, commanding lush Kowloon Park, bustling city or spectacular harbour view. The Hotel also offers 4 award-winning restaurants, a business centre and lounge, a 24-hour fitness centre, 8 function spaces and complimentary wifi service to suit the needs of business and leisure travelers.
Reservations The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2736 1188 Fax: (852) 2738 2332 Email: info@royalpacific.com.hk RoyalPacificHotel
Royalpacifichtl
www.royalpacific.com.hk
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR Nov Party Plenums, Five Year Plans and the New Normal for
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Foreign Business in China
James McGregor, Greater China Chairman, APCO Worldwide, China After landmark Third and Fourth Plenums, China held its Fifth Plenary Session in late October. The Fifth Plenum provides insights into China’s overarching strategy for the next five years, which will be detailed in the 13th Five Year Plan to be ratified next March. How does all this mix and match to achieve the government's goals of maintaining sufficient economic growth while refurbishing an economic model and governing system that are searching for stability and sustainability? What are the implications and opportunities for foreign business in China as the New Normal takes shape and Chinese business struts onto the world stage? Join APCO’s Greater China Chairman James McGregor as he discusses how to frame thinking around China’s milestone plenary sessions, President Xi Jinping’s motivations and vision for China, and the implications to multinational companies operating in China.
Nov The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement -
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What does it mean to American companies’ businesses and disputes in the Asia Pacific? Chiann Bao, Secretary-General, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Romesh Weeramantry, Foreign Legal Consultant, Clifford Chance On October 4, 2015, 12 Pacific Rim countries representing 40 percent of the world’s economy signed an ambitious and comprehensive agreement to enhance trade and investment in the Asia Pacific region. Described by the US Government as “a landmark 21st–century agreement”, the TPP covers a wide range of trade-related matters and includes a clause providing for investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS). ISDS clauses are a regular feature of investment treaties and a useful tool for foreign investors of a TPP country to bring claims against the host government before an international arbitral tribunal. In this regard, Hong Kong and HKIAC have emerged as attractive fora for investor-state disputes. According to a recent global arbitration survey, Hong Kong and HKIAC are recognised as the world’s third most preferred seat and arbitral institution respectively. This seminar brings together investment treaty and arbitration experts from HKIAC and Clifford Chance to share their insights on the implications of the TPP agreement for US companies.
Nov China's Connected Consumers -
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When 10,000 Chinese shop... Insights from a 2015 survey
Anson Bailey, Principal, Business Development, KPMG China At this briefing, KPMG will share highlights from their recently launched new e-commerce survey of online spending in China, titled China’s Connected Consumers, in partnership with Mei.com (A China-based online flash retailer of luxury brands) and Weibo. The new report analyses responses from 10,150 Chinese online consumers on their online spending patterns. It is a sequel to a 2014 survey on online luxury spending in China and highlights the rise of online transactions, as well as the increasingly important roles of social media and mobile devices. The top driver for purchasing online remains pricing and better deals. However, the survey found that close to one-third of respondents had made luxury online purchases at the full, non-discounted price. This is a development as other factors are starting to have more of an impact on people’s purchases, including product origin and its uniqueness.
For information, see website: www.amcham.org.hk
Tel: (852) 2530 6900
Fax: (852) 2810 1289
Venue: The American Chamber of Commerce in HK 1904 Bank of America Tower 12 Harcourt Road Central, Hong Kong
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Venue: The American Chamber of Commerce in HK 1904 Bank of America Tower 12 Harcourt Road Central, Hong Kong Time: 12:00pm - 01:45pm (Sandwiches and beverages included) Fee(s): Member: HK$280 Non-member: HK$400
Venue: The American Chamber of Commerce in HK 1904 Bank of America Tower 12 Harcourt Road Central, Hong Kong Time: 12:00pm - 01:45pm (Sandwiches and beverages included) Fee(s): Member: HK$280 Non-member: HK$400
Email: byau@amcham.org.hk
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20151028-Human Resource Flyer Final3.pdf 1 10/28/2015 3:48:26 PM
2015 AMCHAM HUMAN RESOURCES CONFERENCE THE INNOVATION IMPERATIVE: IGNITING ADVANTAGE THROUGH PROPLE AND CULTURE Friday, December 4, 2015 8:00am - 3:00pm Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
In today’s fast changing disruptive environment, it is critical for organizations to think transformational, and out of the box, to stay ahead of competition. With easy access to information, advancement in technology, and digitization, the biggest differentiator for leading companies is their focus on talent, and differentiated people strategies. The 2015 Human Resources Conference is an event specifically designed for senior HR professionals, academics and business leaders. Throughout the conference, participants will have an opportunity to hear best in class practices from Senior HR and Business Leaders from leading companies that have an exceptional track record of being transformational and innovative. C
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SPEAKERS Allen Ma
CEO, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (Opening Keynote)
Sean Ferguson
Associate Dean of Master’s Programs, Director of MBA Programs, HKUST Business School (Luncheon Address)
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Platimun Sponsors
Dr. Alison Eyring
CEO, Organisation Solutions (Closing Keynote)
Kate Bravery
Global Solutions Leader, Talent Business, Mercer
Paul Choi
Co-Head Goldman Sachs University Asia, Executive Director Human Capital Management, Goldman Sachs Asia
Matt Collier
Regional Ambassador, LUMA Lead Instructor
Simon Galpin
Director-General, Invest HK
Annie Qiao
Asia Pacific Learning & Development Leader, EY
Tony O’Driscoll
Regional Managing Director, Duke Corporate Education
Bronze Sponsors
PROGRAM *Opening Keynote *Panel Session *Three Concurrent Breakout Sessions (each session is run twice at 10:45am – 11:45am & 12pm-1pm) 1) Culture and Mindset 2) Talent & People 3) Method *Luncheon Address: How is higher education evolving to fuel entrepreneurship and innovation?
Media Partner
*Closing Keynote: How great HR leaders empower growth and innovation More speakers and topics to be announced
For registration and more details about the conference, please visit
http://www.amcham.org.hk/events/signature-events/human-resources-conference
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN HONG KONG
www.amcham.org.hk
November 2015 • VOLUME 47 NUMBER 11