More awards added to the Portman-Ritz list - Best Business Hotels In Asia Awards - Brief Article

Business Asia, Sept, 2002

OVERALL BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN ASIA BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN CHINA

Winner: The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

THE PORTMAN RITZ-CARLTON,
SHANGHAI
Shanghai Centre
1376 Nanjing Xi Lu
Shanghai 200040, China
Ph: +86 21 6279 8888
Fax: +86 21 6279 8800
www.ritzcarlton.com

As if winning the Best Business Hotels in Asia award twice in a row was not achievement enough, the general manager of The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, says the hotel is already looking forward to winning it again next year.

Such a competitive spirit is inherent in Mark DeCocinis, who says the key to retaining the title involves a mix of superior staff and constantly upgrading the "product". "Most important is the people--our ladies and gentlemen ... it's the foundation of our company, our hotel," says DeCocinis.

DeCocinis and the staff have worked hard in recent months to stage the Best Business Hotel in Asia Awards 2002 awards ceremony, which DeCocinis believes reflects well on all involved, including the city of Shanghai.

DeCocinis is vice president of the Shanghai Tourism Association's Hotel Industry Committee, and is the first foreigner to be on the board. Business has been good this year--occupancy is sitting at 83 per cent, compared to about 76 per cent last year.

But when you ask DeCocinis, who has been in the hotel industry for almost 30 years, what his most important achievements are, he immediately says the results of the Ritz-Carlton annual employee survey.

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai scored 97 per cent employee satisfaction this year, placing it number one in the global company for the second year running.

Another personal achievement high on the list is DeCocinis running the Great Wall Marathon--an extreme feat over difficult terrain in 42-degree heat. DeCocinis trained for this event by running up and down the stairs of the 45-storey hotel. Director of Communications Michelle Wan says this dedication to achieve a goal inspires people.

"The personal passion ... also extends to professional life. It's a very inspiring environment to work in," says Wan.

DeCocinis is big on encouraging his 800 staff members to always look to improve not only themselves, but also the hotel, in order to keep ahead.

"We have 800 general managers in this hotel. They know what decisions to make to deliver to the customer what the customer needs, because things change very quickly, and that's how you stay on top," says DeCocinis.

The News

Guests checking in at The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai, for the 100th visit are treated to a welcome fit for a president. Not only will they be upgraded to one of four Presidential Suites, but they will also be treated to a host of luxurious amenities and an exclusive ride in general manager Mark DeCocinis' vintage motorcycle. The unique tour of Shanghai in the sidecar of DeCocinis' vintage motorcycle is personalised to cater to the guests' sightseeing needs. The limited edition Chang Jiang 750cc motorcycle is a replica of the 1938 BMW R-71.

The Hotel

The Portman Ritz-Carlton offers services and facilities that are a step above the rest. The hotel boasts 564 guest rooms, including 446 deluxe rooms, 54 Ritz-Carlton Club rooms, 34 junior suites, 26 executive suites and four Ritz-Carlton suites. Functions can be held in one of several rooms, including the recently renovated Grand Ballroom, ensuring the most up-to-date decor and technology. Business travellers are well catered for with The Ritz-Carlton Club, which has private meeting rooms, an exclusive lounge for private 24-hour check in/out, and a dedicated concierge services and catering team.

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN AUSTRALIA

Winner: Grand Hyatt Melbourne

GRAND HYATT
MELBOURNE
123 Collins St,
Melbourne, Victoria
3000, Australia
Ph: 613 9657 1234
Fax: 613 9650 3491
www.hyatt.com

The News

A finalist in last year's awards, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is one of 204 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world, managed by two separate companies. Hyatt International Corporation operates, through subsidiaries, 60 hotels and 22 resorts in 39 countries, with an additional 17 hotels under development. The other company, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and its subsidiaries operate, lease and franchise 122 hotels and resorts in the US, Canada and the Caribbean.

The Hotel

Located in the heart of the city's bustling central business and shopping district, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne boasts 15 function rooms which all offer audio visual equipment, satellite reception for teleconferencing, as well as support services and full kosher kitchen facilities. Luxury accommodation includes 547 rooms and a variety of suites. All the five-star services are available, and there is also the Grand Hyatt Plaza featuring two levels of exclusive boutiques, food court and bars--ideal for leisure or informal meetings. Fitness junkies are well-catered for with a flood-lit tennis court, professional gymnasium and indoor heated pool. Fitness assessments are included in the list of health and fitness facilities.