RHOMBUS makes mark in
HONG KONG
The Vancouverbased consultancy ’ s management business now roams from Hong Kong to London , with an eye on North America .
By Jeff Weinstein , editor in chief
The China flagship , the Rhombus Fantasia
Chengdu Hotel
Under the category “ company to watch ,” Rhombus International Hotels Group , with roots in Vancouver , Canada , yet hotel management acclaim in Hong Kong , continues to build momentum with aspirations that stretch to Europe and North America .
The 7-year-old company with six lifestyle hotels under current management recently opened its first hotel in London and has two more hotels on the books in Asia for 2012 and 2013 , and founder and CEO Calvin Mak has an ever-present eye focused on North America .
Performance has been strong in 2012 with all properties beating last year ’ s numbers , according to Mak . In 2011 , the portfolio operated at over 92 % occupancy combined with 15 % to 20 % increases in average rate compared to the previous year .
The company is operating as a strict manager because , Mak says , “ We do not want any of our owners to have a false image that our focus and attention with equity hotels is different than nonequity hotels .”
The horizon Rhombus is the wholly owned subsidiary of C . T . E . W . Group , Vancouver , which for 25 years has provided hospitality consulting services under the leadership of Mak , who worked for three major hotel chains – Hilton International , Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Delta Hotels & Resorts . His experience also includes promoting trade between Europe and Canada as well as establishing international franchises within the transportation industry .
As a result of numerous requests from repeat clients and a demand in the marketplace , Mak established the Rhombus hotel brand to develop and operate new and existing properties . It recently opened a flagship hotel in China , Rhombus Fantasia Chengdu Hotel , and took its first steps outside Asia by assuming management of the Hotel Verta by Rhombus in London .
“ The London deal has been quite challenging , exciting and was closed very quickly , within one month ,” Mak says . “ Hotel Verta by Rhombus was purchased by the same owner as Hotel de Edge by Rhombus . Based on our track record and good performance , the owner offered us the opportunity . Since adding it to our portfolio in December 2011 , we have been able to turn the hotel around , from a negative GOP to positive GOP .”
Looking ahead , two additional projects in Causeway Bay , Hong Kong , are scheduled to open at the end of 2012 and in early 2013 . “ Establishing a foothold , along with demonstrated success in the Hong Kong marketplace , always bodes well for further development and expansion into China ,” Mak adds .
Looking further afield , because the company was founded in Canada and continues to have strong connections and business networks in North America , it has hopes for North American expansion . “ This , together with a strong sales force in the Asia region , will support and foster this development ,” Mak says . “ Our expertise , experience and diverse market knowledge allow us to provide advice and recommendations to our owners
16 HOTELS May 2012 www . hotelsmag . com