Hotels in Asia Revise Renovation Designs to Suit Post-Covid World
Photo Credit: Artist impression of Marco Polo Prince Hotel’s Club Lounge: Note the more spacious layout, plus private sections. Wharf Hotels
Skift Take
It's clear there's going to be a new normal when guests start traveling again. Hotels in Asia that are renovating in times of Covid-19 are altering designs, although some things don't change.
It's back to the drawing board for The Prince Hotel Hong Kong, which is re-sketching its renovation plans in anticipation of changing guest behaviors brought about by the coronavirus crisis.
The 394-room property was closed for upgrading in February as owner-operator Wharf Hotels decided it was pointless to continue operating and renovating in phases when occupancy was plunging.
A span of just two months was also enough to make management realize that renderings drawn before the pandemic might be off the mark when the hotel reopens in a year or two.
“We need to adopt Covid-19 protocols as we anticipate this will be what guests expect in the future,” said Dalip Singh, general manager of Marco Polo Hotels Hong Kong, one of two Wharf Hotels brands.
The hotel, which will be rebranded Marco Polo Prince Hotel after its upgrade, is currently assessing additional investments as a result of Covid-19, including a “negative pressure” floor. This isolation technique, used in ho
