Do whatever you fancy at Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport

Adjacent to the Beijing Capital Airport’s iconic Terminal 3, Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport is poised to accommodate both in-transit and longer term guests who value 5-star lifestyle ambience as well as convenience. A British national, Director of Sales & Marketing Simon McHendry has more than 14 years experience in hotel rooms operations and sales. He spilled the beans to Agenda on some of what to expect from Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport.

Where are you from originally and how does your background influence what you do?
I was born in the UK, in a town called Boston in Lincolnshire. My Dad was in the Royal Air Force so we traveled lots. I think that was one of the reasons why at 18, I entered into the hotel business knowing it could take me to exotic new places. That was 14 years ago and here I am now in exotic Beijing!

What are the three most fabulous things about Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport?
Where else can you receive an airport pick up and be escorted to the hotel by a sweet pink angel, check-in to the groovy tunes of a resident DJ and get an eyeful of stunning contemporary local art, all before you even step foot into your super spacious and stylish room? We are bringing a stimulating and fun lifestyle experience to airport hotels and are confident that everyone’s going to love it.

What, to you, are the elements of a fantastic airport hotel?
A great airport hotel understands today’s travelers’ 24-hour needs and tailors their services to meet those needs. Many airport hotel guests come and go outside of traditional check in and check out times. If, at the crack of dawn, guests fancy some action outside of their rooms like a drink and some bites at the hotel bar, a work-out at the hotel gym, or a game of pool at the hotel Club lounge, then they should be able to do just that, whenever they want. Guess what … at Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport, they can!

How does Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport compare to The Langham in London’s West End?
Having opened its doors in 1865 as Europe’s first Grand Hotel and more recently having undergone a GBP 80 million restoration, The Langham, London, truly is the mother of all Langham hotels around the world. It is also the hotel where I was lucky enough to start my career as a happy-go-lucky telephone operator … ah … those were the days! Back to the question, I would say The Langham brand is all about enchanting hospitality, whilst Langham Place has a more playful approach. Both brands pride themselves as being innovators and stimulators with sophisticated style and genuine serving hearts.

What were your favorite things about living and working in Hong Kong?
I love Hong Kong. You get the energetic city life that really never sleeps, the quieter island life and the melting pot of people. As for working in Hong Kong, being part of the team that opened the first ever Langham Place hotel in 2004 was hard work but also so rewarding being party to the development of the creative and cool Langham Place brand.

What are you enjoying about your assignment in Beijing?
The competition is fierce here with 5-star hotels popping up all over the place all the time so this poses a challenge for all of us Sales & Marketing people. I’m totally up for the challenge, though, and having only just opened our doors, I am enjoying opening the world’s eyes to Langham Place and our unique airport hotel concept. On a personal level, living in Beijing has been great. I was here in 2008 and got the opportunity to experience the Olympic Games which was amazing. I also like how down-to-earth Beijingers are. I feel happy and at home here.

Any special things (promotions, mysteries, surprises) that we should look forward to soon from Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport?
Wow, so much, but if I let you into too much now it won’t be a surprise, watch this space….

We’ve heard that you have the skills of Ronaldo and the looks of Beckham. Please tell us more. What has been the highlight of your football life so far?
Well, as you can see, I definitely have the looks of Beckham [laughs]. In terms of the skills of Ronaldo, well, that’s up for interpretation. I must say, though, that my skills are not as good as they used to be. I do still enjoy playing football, but now seem to be more of a spectator from the comfort of my couch with a cold beer.