24 LIFESTYLE lite APRIL 2011

Distractions:buzz

FROM LAW TO HOTELSAfter graduation he returned to Singapore as a corporate litigator but during the economic downturn in the early 2000s and bored by dealing with bankruptcies, he quit the law. “When one door closes, another opens” is an oft quoted saying of Alexander Graham Bell’s, the inventor of the modern telephone. Such is true for Loh.

In 2001 he bought Hotel 1929 in Keong Saik Road. The hotel opened in 2003. Since then, he has added the Majestic Hotel in Bukit Pasoh Road in 2008, the Town Hall in London, the Waterhouse in Shanghai last year and fi nally the recently opened Wanderlust Hotel on Dickson Road. The properties boast a constant aspect – they are boutique hotels but with different themes - interior design being a big drawing point.

INTERIORS ARE KEY“Interior design is obviously a major key factor in my hotels,” says Loh. “It’s what sets them apart and I place great importance on it. I try to incorporate many infl uences and make sure I experience as many hotels as possible to learn as much as I can from other people.”

And although many different qualities draw him to a building, when Loh refl ects on what he does look for, two factors spring to mind.

Loh Lik Peng is a tall, striking fi gure with an interesting past. A large part of his youth was spent in Ireland and London, and “I really enjoyed it,” says Loh. “It was a special time and an episode I feel shaped me for the rest of my life.” He had a six year “adventure” in an Irish boarding school and says that it was the best decision for his upbringing.

He went on to read law and business in London but despite his education, Loh insists life in the UK did not mould him for a career as an hotelier : “I don’t think I ever even thought of being an hotelier.”

Boutique hotel entrepreneur Loh Lik Peng, 38, who has hotels here in Asia and Europe offers WONG MUN WAI a lesson in successful business positioning.

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“Looking back I’ve done projects as diverse as an old warehouse, old school and an old town hall. None of them really have that much in common except being old and full of character,” he points out.

BUSINESS PLANSo while scouring for the next property and drawing up his business plan, Loh has to consider certain factors. Each property has different market positioning and rates. Not to mention the investment costs and their location or their countries. “The business plan for each hotel essentially needs to take into account the investment we make and the rates and occupancy we project for each hotel.”

In Singapore, one has to envisage and project the market at the low and high ends of the hotel industry. The important factor is to do what you are doing well, Loh says. For quality boutique hotels, the room inventory is probably less than 200, hence there is plenty of room to grow.

NEXT BIG THING?Does Loh plan for further global expansion? “I have not made any concrete plans for this year let alone the next fi ve years!” sighs the newly wed who married Singapore violinist, Min Lee in London last year.

To be the next top hotelier, Loh offers his best nugget. “I only really have one tip and that is to be as original as possible,” said the hotelier. “Dare to be different and set yourself apart but make sure you know who you are trying to appeal to.” lite

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