Astor Reborn: GM Martin Verpoorten of The Astor Hotel, Tianjin

Originally from the United Kingdom, Martin Verpoorten has spent the better part of two decades working in China. Now as the General Manager of The Astor Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel opening in Tianjin this summer, Mr. Verpoorten has taken the reins at what looks to be one of the crown jewels of China’s hospitality industry.

How does your background influence your work?
I originally come from the United Kingdom; however, I have spent almost 18 years now in China. I believe that my background in growing up in the UK has helped me to understand the needs of the Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in that the building was originally built by the British 147 years ago. The understanding of the Victorian era and working within similarly-styled properties in the UK, such as Royal Clubs, has helped me to understand how to create the palace-style property which we aim to operate in Tianjin.

With 18 years of professional experience in many cities, you’ve seen a lot of China. What are the most significant, wonderful, and/or terrible changes you’ve noticed in China since 1992?
The most fantastic change is that every year China is developing, improving and growing in a positive manner. Almost every city has a great development story to tell, and to return back to one the many cities where I have visited or worked, the changes are instantly noticeable and in many cases remarkable. In line with the development of the economy, the hotel industry has become more mature, with a great selection of products and brands available to consumers. In many ways the hotel industry has become more sophisticated and guests more demanding, which helps the industry to innovate and create and introduce new products and services.

The most significant achievement I have personally witnessed is the great development of the working style and skills of the Chinese hoteliers. The localization and development of Chinese nationals into senior management positions gives me personal pride to have been part of the development of local talents. However, the current challenge and issue for many hoteliers is that the talent pool of local associates and the education for tourism and hotel junior associates does not produce the quantities required for the industry, and those students graduating now have expectations beyond that of those who joined the industry ten years ago.

You’ve had a chance to live and work in an exciting range of cities in China, what are your favorite things about places you’ve been like Shenyang, Shanghai, Sanya, Zhongshan and Ningbo?
All the cities I have worked in are unique, and have elements that are truly desirable. For most foreigners I believe Shanghai is a special place as it reflects elements of culture and lifestyle that can be easily compared to some of the world’s most exciting, modern and cosmopolitan cities. I have been lucky enough to see over the past years the complete transformation of Pudong from fields to skyscrapers, which has been very impressive. I also really did also enjoy Sanya as a great environment for living; however it is really a destination better adapted for vacationing. The beautiful beaches and warm tropical weather were always a pleasure for rest and relaxation, definitely something very unique and new for China – having a successful resort destination.

What are some of your favorite things about Tianjin?
I was very pleasantly surprised when I arrived, as the city has some great architecture that has been maintained from the concessions era of the nineteenth century. The Tianjin Bund and Financial Street offer some very well-maintained, classical buildings that help give the city character and respect for its modern development over the past 150 years. It is this preservation of great architecture that has helped to maintain the Astor Hotel as an iconic gem within the city’s financial and government district. The city also has some great, bustling antique markets in and around the old streets of Tianjin, where bargains and articles of interest are in abundance. The Tianjin Food Street and Culture Street are well-maintained as attractions, and help us, foreigners, to understand the indigenous culture and epicurean traditions of the city.

The Astor Hotel is in a very historic building, what are some of the ways that guests will be able to experience that history?
The renovation work will restore the hotel to its original status and grandeur. There will be some essential restorations of classic furniture, upholstery and fittings in order to allow our guests to experience the ambience of 1863, the year the hotel was established. The Astor is a truly unique property that has iconic status and had a guest list of some of the pioneers of modern China.

What we will create is a “Grand Dame” property, something which cannot be re-created without a very healthy respect and admiration for the history of Tianjin and the Astor itself. Features such as original delicately lacquered wooden floors, antiques and, of course, one of the first elevators in a public building that is still operational are features that cannot be replicated. In terms of our facilities, we will revive the original Astor experience with our fine-dining restaurant and British pub – both will feature menus and cuisine to match the facilities’ magnificence.
The hotel also features a museum showcasing the many treasured antiques and memorabilia. The museum is unique to China in being one of the first to present the evolution of a city through a hotel that has been central to many developments over the past 150 years.

How will this modern day update of the space carry on the historical legacy?
The uniqueness of The Astor Hotel includes the fact that it was the first in China to use many technological innovations – first electrical bulb, central heating system, hotel elevator – just to name a few.

As such, it has been and will continue to be the iconic place to stay in Tianjin. It will continue to be a magnet for discerning travelers visiting one of China’s most important and quickly developing cities. As many important events will continue to take place in this iconic hotel, the legacy is certain to continue to grow.