Andy Mannhart AG distribution game right now . A start-up on the Internet can charge an enormous commission , and that is challenging the very foundation of the hotel industry .
H : What are your thoughts on the mainstreaming of boutique design concepts by the big brands ?
TK : We ’ ve certainly seen that — when we opened the Crosby Street Hotel , guess who was one of our first clients ? Bill Marriott ! He came along with four or five executives . They booked and literally went through the room and wanted to know what the secret was of our hotel . They didn ’ t announce that . They were just recognized by our management . Of course , the big hotels want to know why the little hotels are taking the business that they want . They would love our room rates and occupancy , but they ’ re not going to get them because they ’ re not working in the same segment . Of course , to be fair , they do a different job . H : What would you want guests to say about your hotels ? KK : My goal is that they will want to show their friends their room and that they will actually want to dine or have meetings in their rooms . I want them to feel that it is somewhere that is still a bit of an adventure to stay at . To stay somewhere can be an adventure still , and we forget about that .
TK : I want them to feel content and happy . When you go to a restaurant with some friends , and you ’ ve had a particularly good meal , it satisfies your hunger rather than your appetite . You feel warmth . That is what we want .
We have a world full of grumpiness , and not everyone is so polite . We want people to feel that at our hotels that it is the opposite . I know it sounds a bit banal , but it is true .
A public area in Firmdale ’ s London hotel Number Sixteen showcases Kit Kemp ’ s delight in odd combinations of color .
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www . hotelsmag . com January / February 2014 HOTELS 49