Stefan Soennichsen: new Area GM for St Martins Lane and Sanderson
Morgans Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Stefan Soennichsen as Area General Manager for St Martins Lane and Sanderson, London.
Stefan joins Morgans Hotel Group from One Aldwych where he held the position of General Manager since 2008. Prior to his role at One Aldwych, he served as Hotel Manager at The Savoy for four years. Stefan joins Morgans Hotel Group with a wealth of experience having worked in Europe and the Middle East with prestigious hotel groups such as Inter-Continental and Fairmont Raffles Hotels.
Stefan will work closely with Anne Golden, Regional Vice President, and Kevin Rockey, General Manager of Sanderson, to ensure the operational and financial success of the two hotels. Stefan will also oversee the refurbishment plans at St Martins Lane and the renovation of Sanderson in 2013.
Stefan commented:
“Sanderson and St Martins Lane lead the way in the “boutique” hotel concept in the UK and still continue to offer a unique guest experience. With global expansion happening around the world, including two new hotels in London, it’s a very exciting time to be joining Morgans Hotel Group. With my background in the traditional luxury hotel market, I am looking forward to bringing my knowledge to these contemporary hotels.”
Stefan in conversation with H & C News
H & C News was delighted to have the opportunity to speak briefly with Stefan about his new role, and the opportunities and challenges it brings with it, starting with the rolling programme of renovations being undertaken through 2013 at Sanderson and St Martins Lane, both of which pioneered the concept of Boutique Hotels in the UK – 14 and 13 years ago. Since then, of course, many boutique hotels have opened, and the need for renovation becomes inevitable.
Sanderson has the added challenges both of negotiating the necessary heritage permissions, and of refreshing its F & B offering – always a strong feature in the past, and important going forward. Builders and decorators rarely deliver seamless, stress-free results, so 2013 looks certain to be busy whilst the programme is completed and the inevitable problems overcome.
Technology challenges
The role of technology in both hotels is also being examined carefully, to ensure the right decisions are made for guests. Although ‘life style’ boutique hotels are not as formal as traditional 5*, interaction with guests at check-in and elsewhere is important – guest engagement and the personal touch will continue.
However, in-room technology is a key concern for guests today – whether entertainment and TV, internet services, or room controls – and serious attention is being given to making the right decisions to satisfy guest expectations over the coming years.
In such a competitive market as London, it is essential to deliver the technology that guests expect both for personal use, and business – which accounts for 65% or so of occupancy during the week.
Sustainability?
One Aldwych is famed for its award-winning achievements in sustainability and related areas, supported by owners committed to achieving ‘state of the art’ standards. Sanderson and St Martins Lane will also aspire to high standards, though Stefan recognises that it will take time to work through and introduce the improvements that are possible. Previous experience will certainly help to inform and to prioritise decisions.
In summary
2013 will be a busy year as the programme of renovations is worked through, and Sanderson and St Martins Lane compete in the busy London market. H & C News looks forward to visiting both hotels later in the year, and seeing for ourselves the progress that is being made, and the visible changes and improvements that guests will enjoy.
About Morgans Hotel Group
Widely credited as the creator of the first “boutique” hotel and a continuing leader of the hotel industry’s boutique sector, Morgans Hotel Group operates Delano in South Beach and Marrakech, Mondrian in Los Angeles , South Beach and New York , Hudson in New York , Morgans and Royalton in New York , Shore Club in South Beach , Clift in San Francisco , Ames in Boston , Sanderson and St Martins Lane in London , and a hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico . Morgans Hotel Group has ownership interests or owns several of these hotels. Morgans Hotel Group has other property transactions in various stages of completion, and also owns a 90% controlling interest in The Light Group, a leading lifestyle food and beverage company.
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