Lồng ghép bản sắc địa phương để mở rộng chuỗi khách sạn - Amar Lalvani, CEO, Standard International

TL;DR

Standard Hotels aims to redefine hospitality with unique, culturally infused experiences.

Transcript

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to another episode of Vietnam Innovators. This is our second ever episode that we're filming, not in Vietnam. We're recording today's podcast here in Bangkok, Thailand. And we're here in Bangkok today because we have two guests. We have one of two here on the podcast episode today. His name's Amar Lavani, Executive... Read More

Key Insights

• Amar Lalvani emphasizes the importance of hiring the right people who can bring creativity and authenticity to the Standard brand, making it stand out in the hospitality industry.
• The Standard brand focuses on creating culturally rich and vibrant hotel experiences that prioritize local community engagement over traditional hotel norms.
• Standard International's expansion strategy includes opening flagship hotels in key global cities, with a focus on creating unique experiences that resonate with local cultures.
• The brand's success in Asia is attributed to understanding local markets and collaborating with partners who share a passion for innovative hospitality concepts.
• Standard Hotels are designed to maximize revenue per square foot, focusing on efficient use of space and high-quality, yet cost-effective materials.
• The brand's F&B strategy is centered around creating local dining experiences that attract both hotel guests and the local community, making F&B a significant revenue driver.
• Standard International's approach to hotel development involves partnering with developers who appreciate the brand's unique value proposition and are willing to invest in long-term relationships.
• The hospitality industry faces challenges such as economic cycles and labor shortages, but Standard International aims to stay ahead by focusing on innovation and guest-centric experiences.

Questions & Answers

Q: What brought Amar Lalvani to Asia?

Amar Lalvani initially came to Asia about 25 years ago with Starwood Capital Group to explore distressed investments during the financial crisis in Thailand. This experience led him to live in the region, particularly in Thailand, for two years, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of the Asian market.

Q: How does Standard differentiate itself from competitors?

Standard differentiates itself through its unique hiring practices, focusing on individuals who bring creativity and authenticity to the brand. This approach allows the brand to infuse culture, style, nightlife, design, and fashion into its hotels, creating a vibrant and engaging experience that stands out from traditional hotel chains.

Q: What is the biggest lesson Amar Lalvani has learned in the hotel industry?

The biggest lesson Amar Lalvani has learned is that the success of a hotel brand is all about the people. Hiring the right individuals and treating them well is crucial, as they bring the brand to life and create memorable experiences for guests, which is more important than just having great buildings and design.

Q: What motivates Amar Lalvani in his role?

Amar Lalvani is motivated by his passion for creating enjoyable experiences for people. He finds fulfillment in developing things that people can appreciate and enjoy, which aligns with his role in leading Standard International to innovate and expand in the hospitality industry.

Q: How does Standard International approach F&B in their hotels?

Standard International approaches F&B by designing their hotel restaurants and bars to cater primarily to the local community, with hotel guests being a part of it. This strategy ensures that a significant portion of F&B revenue comes from locals, making the hotel a vibrant social hub and maximizing revenue potential.

Q: What are the challenges facing the hospitality industry according to Amar Lalvani?

The hospitality industry faces challenges such as economic cycles, travel restrictions, and labor shortages. Amar Lalvani highlights the importance of open travel and a healthy economy for the industry's success, as well as the need for a talented and well-compensated workforce to maintain high service standards.

Q: What innovations is Standard International focusing on?

Standard International is focusing on innovations such as direct booking channels to reduce dependency on OTAs and enhance guest experience. They also launched One Night Standard, a mobile booking app offering last-minute discounts, aiming to capture more direct bookings and provide guests with unique staycation opportunities.

Q: Why is Standard interested in expanding to emerging markets like Vietnam?

Standard is interested in expanding to emerging markets like Vietnam due to the potential for being a first mover and establishing the brand as a benchmark in these regions. The appeal of vibrant cities and the opportunity to create unique hotel experiences that resonate with local cultures drive their expansion strategy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Amar Lalvani, CEO of Standard International, shares insights into the brand's unique approach to hospitality, emphasizing the importance of hiring creative and authentic individuals to enhance the brand's identity.

• Standard Hotels prioritize local community engagement and cultural infusion in their design and operations, setting them apart from traditional hotel chains and appealing to a younger, experience-seeking demographic.

• The brand's expansion strategy involves opening flagship hotels in key global cities, leveraging local partnerships and focusing on efficient design and revenue generation to create sustainable and appealing hotel experiences.