András Bíró, General Manager of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, has once again been named among the Top 100 Hotel General Managers by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for 2024. With global experience across Hungary, Singapore, China, the Maldives, the UAE, and Russia, he brings a strategic vision that elevates luxury hospitality. An MBA graduate from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, András is dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Located in Singapore’s Civic & Cultural District, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel blends heritage and modern luxury within the restored Capitol Building (1933) and Stamford House (1904). Under András’ leadership, the 155-room hotel has become a symbol of refined hospitality, offering world-class dining, exclusive event spaces, and impeccable service. In this interview, he shares insights on the hotel’s success, industry trends, and his vision for the future.

Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, takes the lead in this exclusive interview. With over 17 years of experience curating the world’s finest luxury brands through Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for merit, offering captivating insights into the ever-evolving world of luxury. 

Questions:

Alexander Chetchikov: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore beautifully merges heritage with modern luxury. What were the biggest challenges in maintaining the historical integrity of the property while ensuring it meets contemporary hospitality standards?

András Bíró: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, made up of the Stamford House and Capitol Building, is a remarkably unique product, situated in the integrated complex of Capitol Singapore, which also consists of the iconic Capitol Theatre, a mall and upscale residences. It takes enormous effort to ensure that the buildings’ colonial architecture is restored.  The hotel is a result of meticulous restoration and renovation by acclaimed architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Richard Meier. Reimagined by renowned interior designer, the late Jaya Ibrahim and his team, the design stays true to the colonial art deco aesthetic prevalent in the early 1900s when the two conservation buildings were constructed, while subtly updated with a sophisticated and modern touch. The rare and distinct ‘Singaporean Colonial’ style of architecture is carried through to the design language within. The design team imbued the space with comforting familiarity by creating an interior that is elegant, contemporary and functional with hues and traces of art deco design elements to pay tribute to the historic heritage of the building. Within each guestroom, cornices resemble fish scales to represent Singapore’s icon, the Merlion – a shape also seen on the lamps in the bathroom. 

AC: Your leadership has positioned The Capitol Kempinski as a top luxury heritage hotel. What key strategies have you implemented to enhance guest experience and differentiate the hotel from competitors?

AB: Offer enhanced experiences: Singapore has a competitive landscape and it is important to stay updated to always ensure that we have a good understanding on what guests are after. Be innovative in offering unique experiences tailored to different target segments. We are immensely proud to be a heritage hotel and we upkeep that unique selling point by offering experiences such as heritage tour and partnering with museums and gallery for exclusive, behind-the-scene tours. We have also recently launched Capito Bistro. Bar. Patisserie at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski to offer a casual yet refined dining experience to both hotel and city guests.

Stay innovative: The travel pattern and the guest profile have changed, and will continue to evolve. To stay ahead of the game, it is important that we consistently deliver the Kempinski standards while being innovative to surprise and delight our guests. The Bar at 15 Stamford, being one of the culinary gems in the hotel has recently launched “The Lost Highway” menu, seamlessly blending the longest thoroughfare, the Pan-American highway with the rich history of the bar. The result: an innovative cocktail menu featuring masterly crafted concoctions.

Embrace technology as a team: In the past 12 months we have launched a few projects to enhance productivity by trimming processes and going paperless. We will continue to work better by embracing the right tools and technology to help us better understand our guests to enhance guest experiences.

AC: The integrated lifestyle complex at The Capitol Kempinski offers a diverse range of amenities. How do you ensure these different elements work to provide a holistic luxury experience?

AB: This integrated lifestyle complex is one-of-a-kind in Singapore. There isn’t many a place like this in the city where one finds where one finds history, heritage and modernity seamlessly combined into one. Guests staying in the hotel will be presented with a plethora of dining options in the hotel, the mall and Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski. One of the crown jewels of the complex is definitely the Capitol Theatre. Built as one of the finest theatres in the 1930s, it remains an icon until today and it is now a unique event space managed by the hotel.

AC: Looking ahead, what new initiatives or developments can guests expect at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore in the coming years?

AB: We are constantly innovating. We will be introducing more theme experiences in our Family Room to make family travel more fun and seamless for everyone. In terms of special events, we are working with great partners to bring our unique event spaces, including The Atelier and the Capitol Theatre to the next level, combining state-of-the-art facilities with our bespoke services.

We are also introducing more sustainable practices in our hotel, including eliminating single-use plastic and reducing our carbon footprint.

In terms of food and beverage, we are delivering fresh, fun and consistent experiences in all of our dining venues. 

AC: Having worked in multiple countries across different cultural landscapes, what are the most significant changes you’ve observed in luxury hospitality over the years?

AB: The pandemic changes the way we live drastically. Fast forward to years later post pandemic, we see technology and tech-related inventions being accelerated at an increasingly fast pace. One of the most significant changes I’ve observed in luxury hospitality over the years is the transformation of technology, including generative AI; how it has transformed the hospitality industry in increasing workflow efficiency and seamless experience for guests.

The consumer landscape is changing more rapidly but understanding the changing consumer landscape is achievable through the use of technology. Many tools are now readily available for hotel operators to get to know their guests much better even before they check in thus providing a more personalised experience. Having said this, it is also getting more imperative to navigate the ever-delicate issues of data protection and copyright. 

AC: With the growing emphasis on sustainability in the hospitality sector, how do you see luxury hotels adapting to meet eco-conscious traveler expectations?

AB: Make sustainability one of the core focuses of the business. Minimise carbon footprints through achievable actions, including elimination of single use plastic, go local and support the community.

Be forthcoming in the company’s green policy is also a big step in meeting the expectations of eco-conscious travellers.

It is imperative that hotel operators work closely with relevant partners to meet the ESG goals. 

AC: The role of technology in hospitality is expanding rapidly. How do you strike a balance between maintaining a personalized guest experience while integrating digital innovations?

AB: Believe firmly in the people in delivering personalised experiences. Technology provides us with the accessibility but never lose sight on the human factor in maintaining genuineness, sincerity and connection with the guests. 

AC: What advice would you give to aspiring hotel general managers looking to make an impact in the luxury hospitality industry?

AB: Be passionate, driven and people-oriented. The hospitality business is all about forging meaningful connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It is an industry where traditions are honoured while technology is embraced so be passionate about the nature of the business and be driven in adapting transformations along the way.

Take care of both employees and guests. Genuine hospitality comes from the heart – a well-taken care of employee will ensure that guests are being well taken of, too.

Thank you, Mr. Bíró, for taking us behind the scenes of luxury hospitality—your passion, vision, and loyalty continue to shape unforgettable experiences for guests worldwide.

Visit https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-capitol-singapore to book your next stay today.