András Bíró, General Manager at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, brings a wealth of international experience spanning Hungary, Singapore, China, Maldives, UAE, and Russia since embarking on his hospitality career in 2004. An alumnus of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management with an MBA, András has been instrumental in positioning the 155-room Capitol Kempinski Hotel as the leading luxury heritage hotel in Singapore. Under his leadership, the hotel stands as a testament to personalized and unforgettable stays for guests in Singapore’s Civic & Cultural district.

We spent some time with him, to learn a bit more about the man behind the magic at the wonderful Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore and discover what it takes to manage a luxury hotel in one of the most advanced cities in the world.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: How did your extensive international experience in countries such as China, Maldives, UAE, and Russia contribute to your approach as the General Manager at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore?

András Bíró: Having been exposed to various cultures in an international setting provides me with the insights to conduct business more efficiently fuelled by an understanding of cultural nuances and having a global mindset.

LLA: The Capitol Kempinski Hotel is situated in Singapore’s Civic & Cultural district, surrounded by iconic landmarks. How do you leverage the hotel’s location to provide a unique and personalized stay experience for guests?

AB: We definitely enjoy a host of privileges – from our strategic locations in Singapore’s Civic & Cultural District and our beautifully restored heritage buildings to Kempinski’s bespoke European luxury hospitality – all these combined provide our guests with the exceptional stay experiences.

LLA: Can you share insights into the restoration process of the neoclassical-style Capitol Building (1933) and Venetian Renaissance-style Stamford House (1904)? How has the blend of timeless heritage and modern luxury been achieved in the 155-room hotel?

AB: The Capitol Building and Stamford House are two iconic landmarks in Singapore’s Civic and Cultural district, and it is definitely a restoration masterpiece by acclaimed architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Richard Meier. Much care was taken to restore their inherent Victorian beauty while infusing them with Kempinski’s signature bespoke hospitality. Reimagined by renowned interior designer, the late Jaya Ibrahim and his team (now part of BLINK Design Group), 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.  Every corner tells a story – from the original Chengal wood flooring and the travertine limestone columns to the lamps and cornices inspired by Singapore’s mascot, the Merlion. High gloss piano rosewood lacquered finishes, silver nickel, and polished marble finishes are exquisitely amalgamated to showcase the character and richness of this Victorian and Art Deco masterpiece.

LLA: With seamless connectivity to City Hall MRT and proximity to major attractions, how do you ensure the hotel meets the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers?

AB: What makes us truly unique is our people, who will go above and beyond to listen to our guests and personalize each stay experience. No request is too big a request – because we understand each guest is unique and the cookie-cutter way of doing things simply does not work anymore. We have unique offerings targeting business and leisure travelers. For example, our Glampkation package is specifically designed for families traveling with young children, and the inclusions feature family-friendly activities that both adults and kids can participate in. For business travelers, our proximity to major offices, transfer services, and lounge access helps them to stay on top of their game.

LLA: The integrated lifestyle complex of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel includes Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Eden Residences Capitol, Capitol Theatre, and a retail mall. How do these elements complement the hotel’s offerings, and how do they contribute to the overall guest experience?

AB: This integrated lifestyle complex is one-of-a-kind in Singapore, where one finds history, heritage, and modernity seamlessly weaved into one. Here, guests are spoilt for choice with various dining options made available in the hotel and at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski amidst a casual, semi-alfresco area. The mall features numerous interesting lifestyle boutiques while Capitol Theatre, built as one of the finest theatres in the 1930s, remains an icon until today where concerts and shows take place. The neon sign outside the theatre remains the same as how it was in its glorious day, and it is today one of the most Instagrammable spots!

LLA: Could you give us some insight into the unique features and offerings of the various dining venues in the hotel?

AB: 15 Stamford, the hotel’s signature restaurant continues to bring diners an elevated dining experience. Step into 15 Stamford, where an ornate stained glass ceiling and intricate filigrees combine to create an elegant ambiance exuding a timeless heritage charm. Under the concept of “where the land meets the sea,” the menu features fresh land and sea produce, meticulously prepared by our talented culinary team.

The hotel Lobby Lounge provides an urban oasis for guests to unwind, or to catch up over a casual meeting. This venue also serves a beautifully presented five-course afternoon tea that impresses both the eyes and the palate.

The Bar at 15 Stamford is a true gem. Discover the rich history of the venue, including the life of Joseph Balestier, the first US consul to Singapore, and his wife, Maria Revere – the daughter of Boston Tea Party revolutionary and civil war midnight rider Paul Revere here in The Bar at 15 Stamford.

Amidst an intimate setting exuding a classic, heritage charm, explore storied curations from the menu, including its signature Plantation 1840 rum cocktail inspired by Joseph Balestier, as well as a carefully curated range of rum labels – one of Singapore’s largest collections.

We will be launching more exciting F&B concepts this year so stay tuned!

LLA: The hotel promises exquisite venues for weddings and corporate events. What makes the event spaces at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore stand out, and how do you cater to the specific needs of different events?

AB: Our unique function space, The Atelier, sits next to a generous foyer on the fourth floor of the Stamford House. The unique pitched ceiling gives an illusion of space whilst the pillarless area offers unblocked views for guests, and the hall can also be separated into two smaller spaces to cater to groups of different sizes. The interior of the exclusive ballroom is further enhanced by the impressive works of de Gournay, where guests can admire the 18-metre wall panel with hand-painted motifs.

For a more intimate setting, we have The Private Room and the semi-private area at 15 Stamford, which can be fully customized according to various event needs. The built-in AV set-up is great for all presentation needs.

The Capitol Theatre, in its full grandeur, showcases a world-class AV setup and rotational floor system that allows for flexible seating configuration. This space can be used for large social events, concerts, and wedding reception. With all these unique event spaces, we can cater to the various needs of modern-day events. 

LLA: As the General Manager, what initiatives have you implemented to ensure the impeccable quality of service and hospitality at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore?

AB: Putting people first. The hospitality industry is a people-oriented business and it is through great people that we can deliver impeccable service and hospitality. It is important to ensure we have the right people, provide them with the right training, and ensure that we are staying ahead of the game by constantly improving and evolving.

LLA: Your background includes an MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. How has your academic background contributed to your leadership role in the hospitality industry?

AB: Enrolling in an EMBA program while maintaining work responsibilities is a huge commitment, which teaches one to be more resourceful and better time management. Having the flexibility and opportunity to study on different campuses and take different modules allow the flexibility, but has also greatly expanded my horizons, where I forge great connections with inspiring fellows from other industries.

LLA: Since joining Kempinski in 2015, how have you witnessed the evolution of the luxury hospitality industry, and what strategies have The Capitol Kempinski Hotel implemented to stay ahead in this competitive market?

AB: We are constantly looking for ways to further improve our offerings. We have introduced a number of guest initiatives aimed at enriching guest stays, such as personalized heritage tours, vintage Vespa sidecar tours, and bicycle rental services. The luxury hospitality industry in Singapore is highly competitive with so many hotels of various positions opening. It is important for us to maintain our competitive edge by staying true to Kempinski’s signature luxury European hospitality, look after our guests, and embrace technology to increase productivity. We have implemented numerous digitization initiatives to help us make our processes more streamlined and efficient.

LLA: The hotel offers recreational facilities such as a luxury spa, saltwater relaxation pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. How do these amenities contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of guests?

AB: It is important to let guests feel their best when they are away from home. Our recreational facilities are thoughtfully built to provide guests with a high level of comfort to maintain their workout and wellness regime while they are traveling. The 24-hour fitness center features advanced Technogym cardio equipment, weight machines, and TRX suspension trainers, as well as dumbbells of various weights and gym balls for any strength and balance training.

The saltwater relaxation pool, enclosed within a wall of greenery provides the perfect quiet escape to unwind and relax while The Spa offers a series of curated massages designed for total relaxation, along with facial treatment by luxurious Swiss skincare brand, Valmont.

LLA: Could you share your vision for the future of The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore? How do you plan to further enhance the hotel’s reputation as a luxury five-star heritage destination in Singapore’s Civic & Cultural district?

AB: We are, of course, working on continuous improvement to maintain a high level of guest satisfaction and at the same time, handpicking one-of-a-kind luxury experiences for guests, and bringing exciting dining concepts to the shores of Singapore. We have just launched our new Terrace Rooms and we will progressively roll out enhanced suite products. ESG is also a big focus for us to ensure we run business in sustainable ways for both the environment and the community we are in.

Thank you for sharing with Luxury Lifestyle Awards today, Mr Bìrò!