p17 ttg_lux_Q&A 5/3/10 16:14 Page 15
what’s in thE portFolio now? And what about in thE UK?
Opposite House Beijing marked our debut in We feel there is a gap for Swire to step into
time for the Olympics and this was quickly with affordable and stylish hotels in period
followed by Upper House in Hong Kong buildings in secondary and tertiary locations
(pictured). Shanghai would be our next likely and we have acquired buildings in Exeter,
Q&A
location for a “house” within the next year or Cheltenham, Bristol and Brighton. Pricing
so, but these are as far removed from being would be around the £120 mark per room.
chain hotels as you can imagine. We also have The hotels will have spas, cosy fireplaces, open
the East brand developing – our philosophy kitchens and menus inspired by local produce.
there is to provide a stylish five-star business
hotel at a good price, and our first one opened So havE you bEEn shopping For
in January in Hong Kong. propErty across thE UK?
Yes, it’s been exciting! There are so many
HavE thE hotEls bEEn popular fantastic buildings and locations. The recession
so Far? has sadly left many wonderful buildings empty,
We have been pleasantly surprised by their but this becomes an opportunity for us.
BRIAN WILLIAMS reception. Our first East has seen good Cheltenham will be a prototype – there are
Swire Hotels may seem to have boldly occupancy since opening. It’s not in the usual many businesses based there and it’s on the
appeared out of nowhere, with its Opposite hotel districts of Hong Kong, but has caught doorstep of the Cotswolds. We aim to get
House and Upper House hotels in China, the interest of a young local crowd, given its involved with the local arts scene and make
but its team is vastly experienced under the location in Island East, a new mixed-use the hotel a part of the social fabric of the area.
steer of managing director Brian Williams. district in Hong Kong developed by Swire. (swirehotels.com)
April Hutchinson meets the man who has The 345-room East hotel has the rooftop
more plans in the pipeline harbour-view bar Sugar, with cocktails,
international tapas bar menu and DJs. Upper
How did SwirE HotEls comE House and Opposite House both created
about? such a buzz in their destinations, as there
We are part of John Swire & Sons, a huge was nothing else really like them.
global company including Swire Pacific, one
of Hong Kong’s leading businesses with Is thErE any crossovEr or will
diverse interests predominantly in the Greater all thE brands bE distinct?
China region. Swire Pacific also includes The “houses” will each be uniquely designed.
Cathay Pacific and has a major interest in But across all our hotels, the latest technology
hotels such as the Mandarin Orientals in and hospitality concepts will be employed,
Miami and Hong Kong. So making the move such as paperless check-in which is both
into developing our own hotels and hospitality environmentally friendly and does away with
management seemed the logical decision. the traditional check-in desks.
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