I’ve just come back from an incredible five-day trip to Hong Kong, and as always when I travel, I couldn’t help but take notes on the little things that make hospitality in other parts of the world stand out.
Hong Kong is a city that moves fast, but what struck me most is how seamlessly service, efficiency, and attention to detail are woven into everyday life.
There’s a real sense of pride in hospitality, from five-star hotels to high-street shops, and plenty of lessons we can take away.
One of the simplest yet most effective things I noticed in my hotel room, was a small, beautifully designed card that asked guests to please it on the bed when requesting fresh sheets.
Instead of a generic sign about requesting fresh sheets, this one was cleverly worded, well-designed, and genuinely engaging. It wasn’t just a sustainability notice – it was a well-thought-out guest communication tool.
It’s a great reminder that the little touches, when done well, can feel personal and intentional rather than corporate and routine. I loved it so much that I’ve kept it as inspiration for our own hotels.
One thing I’ve always admired about hospitality in China is the way service is delivered with genuine respect and enthusiasm.
Whether I was in a luxury hotel or just browsing in Zara, I was addressed with “sir” in a way that felt polished rather than forced. I almost felt like I had a personal shopper in Zara with there helpful service.
There’s a culture of going above and beyond – staff anticipate needs, pay attention to details, and provide service with confidence.
It makes such a difference when hospitality is seen as a profession to take pride in, rather than just a job to get through. It’s something we should encourage more in the UK – embedding a culture where great service isn’t seen as an obligation but as a craft.
I think this is exactly why other countries and cultures often outshine the UK in hospitality. Serving guests is treated as an art form – where politeness, attentiveness, and respect come naturally.
In contrast, in the UK, it’s almost rare to have a genuine interaction with a staff member beyond the basics, when in reality, those small moments of connection can completely transform a guest’s experience.
And then there is the transport. If only we could take a bit of Hong Kong’s efficiency and bring it back home!
The MTR (their metro system) is fast, clean, and always on time, with trains arriving every few minutes. Compare that to the UK, where a delay of 10 minutes feels inevitable, and you quickly realise how much a well-run transport system can enhance a guest’s overall experience of a city.
It’s a reminder that hospitality isn’t just about what happens inside hotels -it’s about the entire journey, from the airport to the hotel lobby to exploring the destination.
This trip just confirmed what I’ve always thought – great hospitality doesn’t just happen by chance. It’s all about planning, taking pride in what you do, and understanding that every little detail adds up.
Whether it’s a well-thought-out sign in a hotel room, a genuine culture of respect in service, or just making sure things run smoothly, it all makes a difference.
Hong Kong’s approach to hospitality has a lot we can learn from. The real challenge is figuring out how to bring that same mindset into our own hotels, teams, and the way we think about guest experience.
At the end of the day, great hospitality isn’t just about ticking boxes or reacting to what guests need – it’s about staying one step ahead and making every moment feel effortless.
If you’re passionate about hospitality, business, or just enjoy a good behind-the-scenes look at the industry, follow me on socials to keep up with my journey. I share insights, experiences, and plenty of real talk about what it’s like to work in this fast-paced world. Let’s keep the conversation going!
