Luxury Hoteliers Magazine 4th Quarter 2019 | Page 79

well-tailored for our guests,” according to Philipp Knuepfer, general manager. This property has a physical advantage over Boston’s other five-star properties; it is the only hotel connected to two high-end shopping malls. Guests can walk directly from their rooms and peruse Chanel, Dior, Tiffany, and dozens more international brands, without bundling up and braving New England’s harsh winter weather. Despite the Mandarin predominately hosting leisure travelers, the Boston property has enticed guests to spend considerable time on-site. “We are built and operate for them to spend a lot of time in the hotel,” said Knuepfer. That is proven by its high suite- occupancy rate. “A lot of guests dine, work and relax in their rooms,” he added. The Mandarin achieved this, in part, by offering the largest guestrooms in the city. In addition, the property has the only five-star spa in Boston. Another critical component for the Mandarin is F&B. “For our organization, food plays a very big role,” said Knuepfer. Like every urban property, the competition for diners is fierce. “We put a lot of focus on it,” he added. How hoteliers surpass guest expectations and foster an unforgettable experience is partly dependent on their environment. Whether residing in the heart of a city, or a remote locale, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive strategy that profits from a hotel’s surroundings. Le Saint-Martin ILHA 79