An experienced hotelier with over 25 years of experience in opening and managing operations across Central Asia, Asia, and South East Asia Stephane Meunier has successfully launched the Campanile Hotel and the Golden Tulip, both part of the Louvres Hotel Group in Da Nang, Vietnam. Additionally, he opened the Marco Polo Hyatt in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and spent many years working with the Hilton Group, including opening the Hilton Hotel in Limerick, Ireland, and managing the Globe at the Hilton Perth, Australia, which was nominated as one of the top 10 restaurants in Western Australia. Recently, he served as the General Manager of the Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and as a consultant at the Royal Tulip Sea Pearl in Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. He consistently emphasizes training and product knowledge, prioritizing guest expectations. He believes that catching people doing the right thing is the secret of a motivated workforce.
What inspired the concept of Varnabas Museum Hotel?
The Varnabas Museum Hotel is featuring eight floors designed to reflect Nepal’s diverse geo-cultural heritage. Each floor represents a distinct ethnic community:
Lower floors – represent the fertile Terai region with Tharu traditions and Madhesh art.
Mid floors – showcasing the Hilly region, inhabited by Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs and Thakalis, reflecting Nepal’s co-existing ethnic diversity.
Top floors – dedicated to Sherpa & Tibetan communities, symbolizing the Himalayas and their adventurous spirit.
How does the hotel blend hospitality with art and history?
The hotel seamlessly blends modern luxury with historical charm, offering elegantly designed deluxe rooms and suites with state-of-the-art amenities.
Each floor has a display of traditional costumes and cultural heritage items.
What are the key factors that contribute to a hotel’s success in today’s competitive market?
Proper Marketing is key alongside with a pro-active management of the social networks, rates on line with the market and above all quality of bedding, cleanliness and high quality of food and service are the key ingredients for a successful business.
What role does sustainability play in the hotel’s operations?
It is a growing concern worldwide and we at Varnabas Museum Hotel have created a Green Commitee with members of staff suggesting ideas to have a more sustainable way to run our operation. I developed that idea for the first time at the Six seasons Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh and I was amazed to witness the enthusiasm in the young generations. Together we can make a difference.
What were the biggest cultural or operational differences you noticed in the hospitality industry here in Nepal?
Amazed to see the tolerance of all ethnic groups to live together and make things happen as long as they have a leader that is himself motivated.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the hospitality industry in Nepal right now?
The Chinese market is definitely an opportunity not to be missed and thinking out of the box internally to surprise our guests. Working with local produce and creating new dishes based on ancient recipes with a touch of surprise and wow effect.
How has the response been from international and local travellers?
Excellent response from Chinese and Australian market, Nepal is still a dream destination for European and North Americans. Need to advertise more in Australasia. Great potential for Nepal but we must stand out with high quality products.
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