Hans-Peter Betz:Pursuing Serenity Out Of The City

General Manager of Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake Mr. Hans-Peter Betz

　　After several weeks of damp and depressing weather, serenity finally arrived with a gentle breeze and bright sunshine. On this sunny spring afternoon, the journalist, on behalf of the Grand Hotels magazine, is honored to visit the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake which is the first international luxury hotel in the bustling Qingpu district and is expected to take a lead in promoting international diet and traveling culture.

　　Adjacent to the Zhangjiang high-tech Qingpu industrial park, the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake is wedged in the Qingpu central region. In the hotel, there are 315 spacious rooms, deluxe suites and executive suites, each of which is exquisitely decorated and fastidiously embellished. The advanced and multifunctional facilities, including Chinese and Western restaurants, lounge bar, Lakeside café, executive lounge and fitness center, will satiate various needs of their guests; The 534 square-meter Crowne Banquet Hall is where the fashion integrates with the elegance; Looking through the porch and the veranda of the hall, people could appreciate the glittering Xiangyang Lake; In Chinese restaurant, the extravagance of the eleven boxes and the picturesque scenery outside live in harmony. In every guest room, free internet access and commodious office area are available, which facilitates a business ambience for all the business travelers; Leaning upon the balcony of the suite, people would mistake themselves lost in the idyllic landscape and the sparkling lake, overwhelmed by its peace and serenity.

　　Mr. Hans-Peter Betz is a veteran in managing hotels and has abundant working experience in various countries. Prior to his appointment in Crowne Plaza, Mr. Betz once held the post of general manager at Kempinski, Maritim, Orient Express as well as other private hotels. When asked to make a comparison between IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group) with other hotels, Mr. Betz commented as follows. “In my opinion, all of these groups have their own merits and demerits. What the IHG appeals to me most is it determination to become one of the most remarkable magnate hotels. To accomplish this, IHG has and will always highlight the significance of investing in their staff to advance their all-round development. Besides, I am convinced that a pleasant working environment can spur our employees to better their services and satisfy our guests and our shareholders, in this way, we can gain more profits. We always adhere to the idea of becoming the Guests’ Favorite Outstanding Hotel and making people form a reliance on our brand. As what Apple has done, we should motivate those potential proprietors to make an investment in our hotel.”

　　Mr. Betz admitted that every coin has two sides, and the extraordinary status of the hotel is also a double-bladed sword. “Under the instructions of the local government, everything complies with the laws and regulations. Meanwhile, the officials also organize many activities in our hotel, such as the recent commendation meeting——Top 50 Tax Units in Qingpu District. However, due to the geographical position and the sluggish development of the peripheral areas, it is quite challenging to reach the 100 percent of occupancy rate in a short time. In the long run, to maintain the current dynamic vitality is our first priority. Furthermore, the Metro Line 2, which is under construction, is about to set a station near our hotel, hence, our Crowne Plaza will definitely consolidate its paramount status in the local hospitality industry soon.” He said.

　　When operating a new hotel, one faces a great many challenges. Yet with these challenges, also comes pleasure. Brand new facilities, décor, and bed linens give people a sense of being at home, while the lakeside location of the Crowne Plaza is truly a captivating perk. Anyone who stays at the hotel will get experience a new level of leisure when they jog around the tranquil lake in the morning or just stroll in the garden to pass the time. The superb environment is an extraordinary setting for large open-air events, such as lawn weddings and staff parties. “Most of the meeting rooms are featured with French windows, providing bright light and all kinds of equipments and amenities. Besides, overlooking the Xiangyang Lake from the veranda, people could enjoy the fascinating beauty even during the tedious conferences.”

　　Mr. Betz shows great enthusiasm for culinary art, and he was once a prominent chef. Hence, he always attaches great significance to catering. On this topic, Mr. Betz recently said “The latest statistics proves that, in Shanghai, all the hotels of Intercontinental Hotel Group gain nearly 45 percent of the profit from the catering. Meanwhile, in the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake, the figure is approaching 70 percent. Therefore, this part is of paramount importance for our hotel.” According to him, nowadays, the sophisticated Chinese food culture is playing a predominant role in the international food industry due to its infinite variety, and will definitely become one of the impressive symbols of China in the future. Take Qingpu for instance, if local strawberries are prepared according to an international flavor, the effects on the traditional diet in this region will be profound.

　　In Crowne Plaza café, with fastidiously selected ingredients and meticulously designed menu, every discerning guest will be satiated by the nectarous champagne and scrumptious delicacies there; Canton 303, a prestigious Chinese restaurant in our hotel, administrated by the Hong Kong champion chef, gains its eminence by offering exquisite pastries, bounteous Cantonese cuisines and authentic local flavor. Meanwhile, the eleven unique boxes are optimal choices for conference banquet and domestic gathering; The Lakeside café, suffused with leisure and cozy ambience, is a balmy sanctuary where people can sit beside the beautiful fountain, have a spot of traditional Chinese tea or savor the freshly brewed espresso and palatable pastries; Also highly recommended is the Crowne gourmet house, in which all assortment of delicacies are available, including wholesome salad, baked food, scrumptious chocolate, espresso and soft drinks, as well as various pastries. At here, a pot of freshly brewed espresso matched with a loaf of homemade Croissants or sandwich can guarantee every guest the real relaxation and fantastic taste experience.

　　Owing to the unparalleled geographical position, it is only 5 minutes drive away from the G50 Shanghai-Chongqin Expressway, 15 minutes from the prestigious scenic spot of Zhujiajiao ancient town and 25 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. How would you capitalize on these superiorities to attract more travelers? Hearing this, Mr. Betz gave us an exhaustive analysis of their current situation. “We have a deep understanding of both our advantages and challenges that we are encountered with now. The Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is still under construction and there won’t be many international flights to land here. Hence, we are still looking for other potential customers. Fortunately, the convenient expressway could bring travelers from the uproarious city center to this tranquil suburb, getting away from the hustle and bustle there. Besides, the idyllic landscape of the Dian Shan Lake could make visitors to embrace the most genuine nature.

　　Also highly recommended is the 1,200 square-meter banquet space which includes a commodious pillar-less hall and ten bright meeting rooms. Such an incomparable feature makes great contributions to the promotion of the wedding banquet and conference program. “At present, the preparation of our wedding ceremony show has entered its countdown stage. Since we opened years ago, our services and facilities in this aspect have gained wide acclamation, which will definitely bring us more profits. Therefore, we are taking positive strategies to introduce our services to the traveling conference organizers in Shanghai, inviting them to appreciate our services, facilities and environment personally. Many companies intend to hold their activities in suburbs and we would do our utmost to seize the opportunities to become one of their top options. Not long ago, we successfully finished a takeaway activity, which laid a solid foundation and paved the road for the following promotion of the takeaway and banquet services. Up till now, our Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake has organized a series of conferences and has accepted many reservations. Sooner or later, our hotel will become a professional meeting hotel.” Be it festival gathering, business activities, cocktail party or extravagant banquet, the professional service team will make preparations meticulously in advance and help the guests to hold an unforgettable activity according to their actual needs.

　　Suffused with the fragrance of the grass, leading people far away from the busyness of urban life and guiding them back to nature, the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake is without a doubt the best choice for people who want to enjoy authentic leisure and relaxation. Be it business travel or excursion, the serenity here will guarantee every guest a fabulous experience in the bustling Qingpu district.