Bastion of Gracefulness, Service & Style
An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Kristian Petersen, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park
典雅长风，至臻万怡
——专访上海苏宁环球万怡酒店总经理潘德胜先生
上海苏宁环球万怡酒店总经理潘德胜先生
编者按：世界著名的酒店管理公司万豪国际集团，不仅是入选财富全球500强名录的企业，还多次被世界著名商界杂志和组织评为酒店业内最杰出的公司。2016年9月底，万豪国际更是完成了对酒店业另一大品牌喜达屋的并购，一跃成为全球最大的酒店集团。自1927年创建至今，万豪国际集团一手缔造了旗下丽思卡尔顿酒店、JW万豪酒店、万豪酒店、万丽酒店、万怡酒店、万豪行政公寓等品牌的传奇故事，并赋予了每个品牌独一无二的风格。本期杂志，我们要同大家分享的是万豪皇冠上最新的明珠，专为商旅人士量身定制的上海苏宁环球万怡酒店。
万众期待之下，上海苏宁环球万怡酒店于日前全新开业。她雍容华贵、仪态万方；位于上海浦西这一充满海派神韵、连接八方的“宜居宜创宜业生态区”普陀区；虽身处繁华商业区，却宁静致远。酒店拥有欧洲古典建筑、精致典雅的室内空间、高尚难忘的就餐体验、贴心周到的优质服务与适合举办各种会议与庆典的灵动空间，将成为沪上豪华酒店新坐标。
上海苏宁环球万怡酒店闹中取静，环伺公园、绿地和上海的母亲河苏州河。怀揣着三分好奇与七分期待，大酒店传媒来到了上海苏宁环球万怡酒店，对酒店的总经理潘德胜先生进行了专访。优雅绅士，这是潘先生给人的第一印象，然而几句话的功夫，笔者便被潘先生的自信与睿智深深折服。
欧式殿堂，下榻首选
当我们来到酒店所在地苏宁·天御国际广场时，我们一下子被法国古典主义风格的建筑深深吸引。她静静伫立，散发高贵气质与迷人魅力。尤其是八幢美轮美奂的纯法式商务宫邸，可比肩法国凡尔赛宫，与上海这座融会东西方文化的国际大都市一脉相承。
坐落于此的上海苏宁环球万怡酒店由苏宁环球集团上海苏宁环球实业有限公司开发建设，是苏宁环球集团第一家与万豪国际酒店及度假村管理集团合作的高档商务酒店。“酒店是强强联手、精诚协作的结晶，是一家散发典雅气质、提供至臻服务、彰现非凡品味的高尚殿堂。我们将盛情以待，邀请八方来宾体验我们的殷勤好客之道，”潘德胜先生表示。
上海苏宁环球万怡酒店地理位置优越，毗邻上海虹桥交通枢纽，可快速直达中环路与上海四通八达的地铁网络，难怪潘先生称其为“专为商务旅行者、度假家庭及休闲旅行者量身而造。”
酒店所在的苏宁·天御国际广场位于长风生态商业园区的核心位置，苏宁艺术馆、上海跨国采购会展中心等地标近在咫尺，沪上各大旅游景点环伺。从酒店驾车15分钟即到达虹桥国际机场，50分钟可到达浦东国际机场。
酒店是商务旅行者、度假家庭及休闲旅行者理想的下榻酒店。酒店所在的苏宁·天御国际广场充满欧式风情，客人可以在此悠闲漫步，徜徉于花园绿地、亭台游廊间，还能饱览苏州河的秀色。
周围的旅游景点包括长风公园、中国首家乐高探索中心、长风海洋世界以及苏州河工业文明展示馆。苏州河是上海的母亲河，也是中国近现代民族工业的发祥地，留下了大量的工业遗产。苏州河工业文明展示馆，向公众免费开放，游客在此可以探寻上海城市历史的发展脉络，领略苏州河工业文化的历史遗韵。
“我们位于长风生态商业园区核心位置，与虹桥开发区只隔了一条苏州河，地理位置优越；毗邻三星、艺康Ecolab,红纺文化China Brands Group、IFF、KONE电梯、Pirelli、红星美凯龙、麦德龙集团、Dazzle等酒店主要的企业客户，”潘德胜先生补充说。
酒店专家，万怡舵手
潘先生来自丹麦，拥有丰富的酒店业从业经验，服务万豪国际酒店集团20多年。潘先生曾留学英国，在西伦敦大学获得管理学研究的文凭以及工商硕士MBA学位。1994年他在英国希斯罗机场万丽酒店担任销售主管职位，从此开始了他的酒店职业生涯。5年之后，他加入英国的伦敦罗夫纳广场万豪酒店，后调任丹麦的哥本哈根万豪酒店及比利时的布鲁塞尔万豪酒店。他在上海工作多年，曾在上海多家酒店担任要职。履新上海苏宁环球万怡酒店之前，他是万豪国际负责中国东区的区域营运总监，负责区域内JW万豪、万豪、万丽、万怡和万豪行政公寓等不同品牌物业的营运。
经营上海苏宁环球万怡酒店这样一家别具风格的酒店对管理者来说是个不小的挑战，卓越的个人能力和资深的管理经验必不可少。潘德胜先生在上海工作生活已经超过10年。曾参与筹建9家新酒店，其中有7家位于中国，在新开业酒店的经营管理上可谓经验丰富、胜绩累累。他对中国本地市场拥有远见卓识与实战经验，同时深谙万豪的管理之道；这些对于他担任上海苏宁环球万怡酒店总经理一职是弥足珍贵的，将带领团队取得成功。
身为资深的酒店从业者，潘德胜先生非常清楚优质的服务是酒店成功的关键。“我们内部的服务宗旨是‘抓住每一个细节’，”他说道。他接着解释：如果所有的服务理念得到百分之一百不折不扣的正确执行，员工的信心就会大增，就会形成良性循环，从而能够为顾客提供更卓越的服务。
“我们的服务自然要围绕万怡酒店的核心顾客。他们雄心勃勃、自立自强，尊重创意和团队合作。他们乐观看待商旅出差，将之视作促进个人职业发展的快车道。他们明白：要想让自己充满创意，富有感染力，必须从一次次商旅中汲取滋养，从而能够产生新思路，让自己焕然一新。商旅最终让他们踏上正轨，帮助他们取得个人成就、社会承认与事业成功。我的团队在此就是为了帮助客人实现这一理想，在此过程中，我们把客人零散孤立、参差不齐的体验整合起来，使之丰润起来，符合万怡品牌的口号Make Room for a Little Fun（工作生活两相宜），”潘德胜先生表示。
“我所领导的酒店团队一贯采取‘顾客为先’工作态度。总经理必须以身作则，这是赢得团队尊重的唯一途径。只有这样，这种专业的服务态度和工作操守才能从上到下、由下至上渗透到整个酒店员工团队中去。”
奢华享受，舒适体验
潘德胜先生对自家酒店的设施和服务显得无比自豪。上海苏宁环球万怡酒店是商务旅行者和休闲客人把握上海都市节奏的理想下榻酒店。酒店拥有装饰典雅的客房222间，其中行政套房14间，总统套房1间。客人一踏入酒店大堂，就能感受充满灵动、让人放松的高雅氛围。大多数房间的客人都能饱览美轮美奂、充满异国情调的欧式庭院、苏州河的潋滟波光以及上海眩目的天际线。
客房内别具格调的舒适灯光布局和符合人体工学原理的座椅，为下榻于此的客人演绎出独特的温馨感。客房设施还包括私人电子保险箱、迷你吧、42英寸液晶电视、卫星有线电视、电热水壶、香茗与咖啡、高速无线宽带接入、多规格电源插座，还有卫生间及配套的独立淋浴间和吹风机、贴心打造的衣帽间以及熨斗和熨衣板。所有这些设施井然有序，为酒店的商旅客和休闲客带来极致奢华与舒适体验。
酒店拥有总共730平方米的会议与宴会空间，全部位于同一楼层；包括一间368平方米配备内嵌式液晶高清显示屏的无柱宴会厅、设备齐全的商务中心以及6间多功能会议室。上海苏宁环球万怡酒店这些充满灵动的会议和宴会空间，能够激发创意灵感，促进交流互动，适合举办各种活动和庆典。现场配备顶尖视听设施与高速无线网络，加之专业的会议及宴会策划团队、团队膳食外卖服务及现场技术支持，使之成为沪西炙手可热的公司会议与私人聚会举办场所。
如此高端典雅的酒店，总经理又担任过餐饮总监，上海苏宁环球万怡酒店在餐饮上当然也下足了功夫，为客人提供独具创意的美食体验与高尚的社交平台。位于酒店2楼的万荟轩提供琳琅满目的中西美食，是一家提供早餐、午餐、晚餐并随时接受零点的全日制餐厅。客人来到万荟轩，仿佛置身活色生香的美食集市，可以观赏厨师的现场烹饪表演。酒店在3楼辟出9间私人包房，让客人在私密空间里品尝美味增进感情，特别适合高端商务宴请和私人聚会。上海享有不夜城的美誉，夜生活丰富多彩。酒店的大堂酒吧高雅舒适，充满上海风情，提供高档葡萄酒、创意鸡尾酒和各款洋酒。酒店还推出多种下午茶套餐，是周边居民体验高尚生活的理想选择。无论是商务应酬、朋友聚会，还是独斟独饮，客人置身这家迷人酒吧的独特氛围中，可以尽情放松，欢度美好时光。酒店的行政酒廊位于9楼，提供免费早餐和全天候的各式咖啡、香茗、多款葡萄酒和精致点心。
光明前程，全新地标
潘先生对自家酒店充满信心：“我们的目标是成为上海普陀区同级别最受推崇的品牌酒店”。他接着表示，“无论是经营新酒店还是老酒店，成功的关键在于员工的素质及其是否能与客户达成良好的互动。”
他继续解释道，要想与客户取得良好的互动就要求员工从万怡品牌的战略支柱‘殷勤、机敏和潮流’出发。“所谓的殷勤，是要求我们消除客人旅途中的孤寂之感，让他们感觉有所依靠，生活充满选择。在万怡酒店，我们精心营造客人间的协作互动，让他们工作事半功倍，彼此互动交流。万怡酒店推崇的所谓机敏，是给客人创造智能而诱人的选择，鼓励客人‘偷得浮生半日闲’，花点时间滋养心灵，享受惬意。潮流的意思是说，我们的客人都是高端旅行者，他们渴望入住一家符合他们身份地位、声誉卓著的高档酒店。这正是我的团队夜以继日、孜孜以求的奋斗目标，”潘德胜先生细心地解释给我们听。
“万怡现代大气，化繁为简。在上海苏宁环球万怡酒店，我们为客人创造非凡体验，激发客人灵感，让客人身心舒畅，神清气爽，倾情帮助客人在酒店度过愉快舒适的每一天，为他们取得明天的成功提供源源动力。”
最后，被问及对上海苏宁环球万怡酒店的开业及发展的期望时，潘先生毫不言：“我对酒店的前景充满信心。”他接着透露，2017年12月29日是酒店首个对外销售的日子，迎来了开门红；酒店已经售出了这一天62%的客房量以及位于酒店3楼的全部9间私人就餐包房。
“上海苏宁环球万怡酒店的未来充满光明。酒店拥有得天独厚的地理位置，一应俱全的各项设施、殷勤备至的优质服务，使之成为国内外商旅客人造访繁华大上海的理想下榻酒店。一座长风生态商业园区内全新地标正在崛起，让我们拭目以待，”潘德胜先生自信地表示。
Editor’s Note: Marriott International is one of the world’s most famous hotel management companies, a Fortune 500 company, and has garnered numerous titles as the most prestigious and preferred company by the world’s influential business magazines and organizations. In September 2016, Marriott International completed the acquisition of another famous hotel group, the Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and thus became the largest hotel group in the world. Since 1927, Marriott International has a winning record of launching a number of legendary hotel brands, including the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartment, each with a unique and distinctive personality. In this issue, we share with you our findings of the latest jewel on the crown of Marriott International, Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park, customized to serve business travelers.
Unveiled recently to astute guests from both home and abroad, Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park sits peacefully and graciously as a poised Grand Dame in the western side of Shanghai city center. Located in a thriving business and commercial hub in Putuo District, a uniquely authentic neighborhood situated at the intersection point of Shanghai, the landmark hotel features classic European architecture matched by energizing and elegant residential interiors, superb dining experiences, impeccable service and inspiring spaces for meetings and celebrations.
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park is an oasis of serenity surrounded by parks, green belts and Shanghai’s Mother River -Suzhou Creek. Being curious and eager to explore the charms of the hotel, Grand Hotels Media stepped in the hotel and held an exclusive interview with Mr. Kristian Petersen, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park. A truly stylish gentleman, this was the first impression he gave us. As the interesting conversation unfolded, we were struck by his confidence and wisdom.
Designed to Delight Discerning Travelers
When we arrived at the Regency Plaza where the hotel is placed, we were deeply impressed by the sheer beauty of the French classic style mansion exuding charm and grandeur. Especially noteworthy are eight stunning and authentic French style business residences with a vibe of the Palace of Versailles in France, which have captured the true spirit of Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city.
Developed by Suning Group, one of China’s largest privately-held conglomerates, Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park is a first internationally branded high-end business hotel owned by Shanghai Suning Universal Industry Co., Ltd. that operates on a management contract with Marriott International. “The hotel is the crystallization of cooperation between two giants, a glittering beacon inviting guests to discover warm hospitality, a bastion of gracefulness, service and style,” said Mr. Kristian Petersen.
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park is ideally placed close to Shanghai’s major transportation hub in Hongqiao with easy access to Shanghai’s Mid Ring Road and Shanghai’s citywide metro network. “This hotel is designed to serve business travelers, families and leisure guests,” Mr. Kristian Petersen concluded in a nutshell.
The hotel is strategically located in the Regency Plaza in the heart of Changfeng Ecology Commercial District with Suning Art Museum and Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing just steps away and the city’s many attractions within easy reach. The hotel is just 15 minutes’ drive to Hongqiao International Airport and 50 minutes to Pudong International Airport.
The hotel is a perfect destination for the dedicated business traveler, as well as outings for families and leisure travelers for the weekends. The Regency Plaza where the hotel is placed offers stunning views of a European style elegance that incorporates excellent possibilities for a unique pedestrian stroll with private gardens, pavilions and a stunning view of Suzhou Creek.
There are nearby attractions, such as Changfeng Park, LEGO Discovery Center, Changfeng Ocean World Park and Suzhou Creek Industrial Civilization Exhibition Hall. The latter is free for the public and is an intriguing opportunity to discover this part of Shanghai.
“Being in the center of Changfeng Ecological Business District with Hongqiao Development Zone across the Suzhou Creek, we are placed strategically very well with our key accounts such as Samsung, Ecolab, China Brands Group, IFF, KONE, Pirelli, Red Star Macalline, METRO Group and Dazzle,” Mr. Kristian Petersen added.
Veteran Marriott Hotelier to Lead Landmark Courtyard in Shanghai
Hailing from Denmark, Mr. Kristian Petersen has an illustrious hospitality career and rich experience with Marriott International spanning more than 20 years. Mr. Kristian Petersen went to England to pursue his further studies and obtained his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies and MBA from the University of West London. He began his career at Renaissance Heathrow Airport hotel as sales executive in 1994. Five years later he joined London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. His next move took him to Copenhagen Marriott Hotel and Brussels Marriott Hotel. Besides several leading roles in Shanghai, Mr. Kristian Petersen was prior to his current role, the Area Director of Operation of East China for Marriott International, overseeing Operation for the JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartment brands.
It is no doubt a challenge to manage such a distinctive hotel like Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park. A resident in Shanghai for more than 10 years, Mr. Kristian Petersen has a winning record of opening a total of nine new hotels, including seven in China. He brings a deep understanding of the local market and authentic Marriott hospitality to his current role as General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park.
A veteran hotelier, Mr. Kristian Petersen knows good service is key to the success of a hotel. “Our internal service motto is ‘Attention to every detail’,” he said. He further explained, once the basics of any service concept are 100% correctly implemented it will build confidence amongst the associates which in return will deliver even higher service excellence to the customers.
“Naturally the service focus needs to integrate the Courtyard by Marriot target customers who are ambitious, self-reliant and value creativity and collaboration. They are optimistic about business travel as part of a fast track to personal and professional growth. They understand that to be their most creative and persuasive selves, they will benefit from shifting gears in order to generate new ideas, and apply themselves refreshed. Ultimately, this helps them move forward on their journey toward personal fulfillment, recognition, and success – my teams are here to make that happen while incorporating discrete and ever changing service experiences that impairs the Courtyard Brands motto as well: ‘Make Room for a Little Fun’, ” Mr. Kristian Petersen said.
“The working attitude of my teams have always been Customer First. Leading by example is the only way a General Manager truly gain respect from his team and by doing so this attitude and work ethic will reflect and drizzle from top to bottom and bottom to top amongst the entire hotel team. ”
An Oasis of Luxury Lifestyle and Modern Conveniences
Mr. Kristian Petersen is proud of his hotel facilities and amenities. Ideal for business and leisure travelers looking to connect with the energy of China’s most cosmopolitan city, Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park offers 222 spacious guestrooms, including 14 Executive Suites and one Presidential Suite. Arriving at the hotel lobby, visitors are embraced by a vibrant yet relaxed ambiance. In most rooms, guests can glimpse views of a spectacular European courtyard, the simmering Suzhou Creek and Shanghai’s dazzling skylines.
Guests can make the most of the comfortable lighting and chairs that meet the human engineering. The in-room amenities include personal safe, mini bar, 42 inch LED TV, Satellite TV, electric kettle, tea and coffee, high speed Wi-Fi access and a variety of electrical outlets, separate shower room in the bathroom and hair dryer, cupboard, iron and ironing board. All these amenities are orderly placed in the guest room to guarantee full luxury and convenience for business travelers and leisure guests.
The hotel has 730 square meters of meeting and event spaces, all located on one floor, including a 368 square meters pillar free Ballroom with a built-in high resolution LED screen, a fully equipped business center and six multifunctional meeting rooms. Expert planners for all occasions, Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park’s vibrant meeting and event spaces inspire action and interaction. State-of-the-art audio and video facilities, high speed Wi-Fi access, a dedicated team of event and meeting planners, offsite catering service and onsite technological support combine to make the hotel the dream venue for any corporate meetings and private gatherings.
Creative culinary and social encounters are offered at Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park, showcasing Courtyard’s renowned food and beverage excellence and the general manager’s expertise in this field can clearly be noted. The Pavilion serves up a feast of dishes from East and West. Located on the 2nd floor, the gourmet marketplace presents a mouth-watering live-cooking showcase during breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus an international all-day a la carte menu, while on the 3rd floor, the hotel offers nine deluxe dining rooms ideal for exclusive business entertainment and private gatherings. Capturing the essence of Shanghai’s world-famous nightlife, the Lounge is the place to sip fine wines, handcrafted cocktails and signature spirits. The hotel’s Afternoon Tea Sets are a must-try if you are in the neighborhood. Whether visitors are with business associates or friends or by themselves, they can experience total relaxation and enjoy the glamour of this ideal Shanghai Lobby Bar. The Executive Lounge is located on the 9th floor and offers complimentary breakfast and free flow of coffees, teas, house wines and canapés throughout the day.
Great Expectations
“Our goal is to become the Number 1 corporate hotel for our brand segment in the Putuo District in Shanghai,” said Mr. Kristian Petersen. “Whether you operate a new or an old property, the key to success lies in the quality of the associates and their engagement with the customers.”
He further explained that to do so correctly the associates also need to understand the key strategic pillars of the Courtyard brand: Inviting, Clever and Current. “By inviting I mean our guests should never feel isolated; they should always feel there is a choice to connect. At Courtyard, we foster collaboration between guests for productivity and social interaction. By the annotation of the word clever, the Courtyard Brand creates an environment that offers intelligent and enticing choices, openly encouraging guests to take a moment to nourish the mind. By being current our guests desire a hotel with a reputation that mirrors their own success and that is something my teams will work night and day to accomplish,” added Mr. Kristian Petersen.
“Courtyard is modern and uncomplicated and at Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park we will create an experience to inspire, re-energize and support our guests today while providing that extra edge for a successful tomorrow.”
Mr. Kristian Petersen has full confidence in the newly opened Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park. “My expectations for the opening are very high,” he said. He then disclosed that the hotel had already sold out 62 percent of its room inventory as well as all nine private dining rooms on the 3rd floor for December 29th, the first day the hotel was open for sales.
“The future for Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Changfeng Park is bright. This property with its blend of prime location, comprehensive facilities with inviting services, makes it an ideal accommodation for global trailblazers in this international metropolis – a future central establishment in the core of Changfeng Ecology Commercial District,” said Mr. Kristian Petersen.
