Nguyễn Hoàng Việt’s Post

What Exactly Is a “Boutique” Hotel? The term "boutique" hotel is often misunderstood, especially in markets like Malaysia, where it is sometimes confused with budget accommodations that simply feature artistic designs. But let's trace the history back to its roots. In 1981, Bill Kimpton, a pioneer in the industry, opened the first-ever boutique hotel in San Francisco. His vision was simple yet revolutionary: create smaller hotels with distinct style, personalized service, and intimate experiences that larger chains couldn't offer. Kimpton’s model was driven by character, design, and the unique feel of each property. As highlighted by Tiffany M. Braun in her 2017 case study on the emergence of boutique and lifestyle hotels, boutique properties emphasize individuality, creativity, and personal touches that resonate with travelers seeking unique experiences. They’re not just about aesthetics, but about crafting a one-of-a-kind stay. Boutique hotels typically feature: Size: 10 to 100 rooms for a more intimate environment. Personalization: Highly customized guest experiences. Design: Unique, stylish, and reflective of local culture or artistic themes. In a world where travelers seek experiences over standardization, boutique hotels are gaining momentum globally. The question is: are you delivering true boutique hospitality, or is it just budget with a creative twist? Hi! My name is Rudin and I'm a HOTELIAR. Lets discuss the current challenges and potentials of boutique hotels in Malaysia. Boutique Hotel Strategy, Redefined. #BoutiqueHotels #HospitalityIndustry #IndependentResorts #SustainableHospitality #HoteliarVoyageSeries

In Singapore recently, I stayed at where else but the city's new kid on the block, Mercure Icon, which opened April 15. What's it like? Well, I was completely floored as I think the owner, Worldwide Hotels, is the latest player to reinvent the mid-tier hotel, a difficult task as the segment has little room for meaningful change. Yet they did it. Read why I think so in Hotels-Asia (link below). My stay made me think about how our industry loves to throw around jargons like "affordable luxury,” which are ambiguous and meaningless. There's no room for ambiguity with this hotel, which raises the bar for mid-market stays with perfect location, thoughtful design and smart rooms. I left feeling I had experienced the true luxury of affordability – not "affordable luxury." Last year, I interviewed Worldwide Hotels Group CEO Carolyn Choo on her $1 billion hotel shopping spree, which included the Mercure Icon – here's the link for that Hotel Investment Today article: https://lnkd.in/gB7HQ79P The challenge for her now is filling up the nearly 1,000-room hotel. The Mercure franchise is a wise move, as Worldwide Hotels needs Accor's global distribution and loyalty network to fill up those rooms. But judging by the buzz at the hotel during my stay, this hotel will be a “hit” – pardon the jargon :) https://lnkd.in/gbvepExu #midmarkethotels #singaporehotels #newhotelopenings

Looking for a stylish getaway in Singapore? Check out this article about Momentus Hotel Alexandra! With its chic design and perfect location, it’s an ideal spot for your next adventure. What’s your favourite hotel feature when choosing a place to stay? Let us know in the comments! Read more here

Capella Hotels to Open in Taipei, Macau and Kyoto: Capella Hotel Group has announced its strategic expansion initiatives for 2025, which are supported by collaborations with renowned architects and designers who align with the group’s mission of merging heritage with modern luxury. This ambitious development plan encompasses Capella locations in Taipei, Macau, and Kyoto, as well as a Patina property in Osaka, each exemplifying […] SOURCE: Capella Hotels to Open in Taipei, Macau and Kyoto BY: eTurboNews | eTN #travelnews

Issue No.49 of Hotel SPACE magazine has arrived! Inside, the partners at 1508 London provide insights into leading a successful design firm from three perspectives, whilst one Italian hotelier reminds us that authenticity is at the heart of luxury hospitality, and Casa Collective’s Managing Director shares their plans and ambitions for growth. As the most fashionable face in hospitality, NO UNIFORM’s founder and creative director shares the intricacies of dressing those who welcome us into some of the world’s finest hotels. Meanwhile, the visionary behind the newly opened The St. Regis Red Sea Resort discusses the property’s nature driven design. Our exploration of the world's hottest hotel openings took us to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s second property in London, The Store in the historic town centre of Oxford, and Autograph Collection’s Lissoni & Partners designed Dorothea Hotel in Budapest, which makes a curious backdrop for our cover. We also checked into Gundari’s first resort on the island of Folegandros, explored the unique t’Huys wing at Amsterdam’s Hôtel de l'Europe, before heading over to Tokyo for a look at Hotel Toranomon Hills - Unbound Collection by Hyatt. With sleep tourism on the rise, we close the issue by rounding up the best of the best for a perfect night’s sleep in our Suite Dreams supplement. Read more in the latest issue of SPACE: https://lnkd.in/dkh2KaT

Exciting news for Phnom Penh! 🏙️ Royal Group of Companies International has teamed up with Marriott Hotels to bring the iconic The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. brand to Cambodia, marking a major milestone for the hospitality sector. 🌟 Here are the main Points: 1️⃣ Royal Group + Marriott Partnership: A landmark collaboration to introduce The Ritz-Carlton 🏨, setting a new 6-star standard for luxury in Cambodia. 2️⃣ Prime Location: The Ritz-Carlton Phnom Penh will be strategically located on Norodom Boulevard 📍, offering breathtaking views 🌅 and a mix of luxury residences, offices, and hotel amenities. 3️⃣ Boost for Cambodia’s Economy: This project is set to create numerous jobs 💼 and attract further international investment 🌏, boosting confidence in Cambodia’s growing real estate sector. 4️⃣ Luxury Hospitality on the Rise: With state-of-the-art facilities 🛎️, five fine dining restaurants 🍽️, and bespoke services tailored to elite guests, this development is set to elevate Phnom Penh as a premier destination for luxury travelers. 5️⃣ No Start/Finish Date Confirmed Yet: While the project is highly anticipated, specific dates for the start or completion 🕒 of the development have not been confirmed.

India Projected to Lead Asia Pacific, excluding China, in New Hotel Openings Through 2026 https://loom.ly/dFTU_cE #asiapacific #newhotel #asia #vacationmood #hospitality #hospitalitypodcast #hotel #investing #hoteldesign #travel #hospitalityindustry #hospitalitymanagement #hospitalitymarketing #hoteliers #hospitalitystrong #hospitalitylife #hospitalitybusiness #hotelindustry #hotelsandresorts #hotellife #hospitalitynews #novacancynews

Behold the largest Mercure hotel in the world with nearly 1,000 rooms which opens in Singapore today. It's a towering achievement for Worldwide Hotels Group, which started with one budget Hotel 81 in 1995 in Singapore's red-light district, Geylang. Look where it is now – in the city-center with a gleaming ‘Mercure Icon’. It bought the land plot in late 2018/early 2019 for S$562 million. So congrats Carolyn Choo (and also Accor’s Garth Simmons and Andrew Langdon). Read the inspiring story of Worldwide Hotels here: https://lnkd.in/gB7HQ79P The massive hotel on Club Street soars over rows of pre-war houses in the heart of Chinatown close to the CBD. It is guaranteed to be a serious competitor to other hotels, given the attractive location although I understand the largest room size is 22sqm. But hey I've stayed in an 18sqm room at YOTEL Singapore, which totally convinced me it's not what room size you have, but the chops to make the room feel larger than it is. Hopefully rates at this newcomer are 'smaller' too as I keep getting remarks that Singapore is getting to be more expensive (not just the hotel rates). The city definitely needs more midscale hotels such as this, but even more critical are hotels that are a rung or a few rungs below the Mercure or Ibis brands, but done and operated in smart ways. A kind of irony is that Worldwide started as a low budget chain and is perhaps one player that can reinvent the category with all the insights the company has acquired by now. #midscalehotels #Singaporehotels

Sri Lankan hotels, including those up to the 5-star category, generally compare well with international standards, particularly in terms of hospitality, natural surroundings, and value for money. Here are a few ways they stand out compared to other countries: 1. Unique Locations Many Sri Lankan 5-star hotels are located in stunning natural environments like beachfronts, rainforests, and cultural heritage sites. This setting often surpasses what some other countries can offer due to Sri Lanka's diversity in landscapes. 2. Cultural Influence The architecture and design of many high-end hotels incorporate traditional Sri Lankan art, local craftsmanship, and cultural elements, offering guests an immersive experience that blends luxury with heritage. 3. Service and Hospitality Sri Lanka is known for its warm hospitality. The personalized and friendly service in most high-end hotels often compares favorably with other international destinations. 4. Affordability In comparison to regions like Europe or North America, 5-star hotels in Sri Lanka tend to be more affordable while offering similar levels of luxury, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking high-end experiences at a relatively lower cost. 5. Sustainability Many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka focus on sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices in their operations. This is becoming a global trend, and Sri Lankan hotels have been increasingly following this path, especially in eco-resorts and boutique hotels. However, in terms of ultra-modern facilities or cutting-edge technology, some Sri Lankan hotels may fall behind compared to the larger global chains in places like Dubai or Singapore.

Is This the Era of the Boutique Hotel? As travelers crave more personalized and memorable experiences, boutique hotels are taking center stage in the hospitality world. These intimate, design-forward spaces offer something that larger chains can’t—character, charm, and a true sense of place. What sets boutique hotels apart? *Unique Design* :Each boutique hotel tells its own story, often reflecting the local culture or an artistic vision. *Tailored Experiences* :With fewer rooms, service is more personalized, catering to the unique preferences of each guest. *Intimate Atmosphere* : A smaller scale creates a cozy, exclusive vibe that feels like a hidden gem. *Curated Offerings* :Whether it’s artisanal cuisine, wellness retreats, or eco-friendly stays, boutique hotels offer niche experiences that resonate with today’s discerning travelers. *Mindset Matters* : Boutique hotels thrive on the mindset of their staff and owners. With owners often deeply involved, there’s a passion and personal touch that permeates every aspect of the guest experience. The team’s commitment to creativity, attention to detail, and genuine care sets a boutique hotels apart. Because of this commitment to uniqueness and quality, boutique hotels are often priced as true luxury. This is what makes them not just a place to stay, but an experience to be cherished. Are we witnessing the rise of a new golden age in hospitality? #BoutiqueHotels #LuxuryTravel #UniqueExperiences #HospitalityTrends #TrueLuxury