Interviewing Xavier Masson

Xavier Masson is the Captain behind the ZAZZ Urban Bangkok crew. As the Cluster General Manager, he is the one supervising all the operations and making sur the Hotel is working smoothly. After many years of experience in the Hospitality Industry, he was the best person to take care of ZAZZ Urban Bangkok. Soon, his responsibilities will also extend to another exciting project, ZAZZ Urban Ho Chi Minh. In the meantime, here is a small interview we gave him the last time we met: 

1. What is the biggest challenge you've faced inBangkok as a Hotel GM for ZAZZ Urban Bangkok?     

Obviously, it was to open the Hotel on time. Since the hotel was renovated from an existing building, we had to manage the construction timeline and make sure that we stayed committed to the hotel's opening date. In a nutshell, challenging yet exciting! 

2. What are the things you are the most proud of at ZAZZ Urban Bangkok? 

Well ZAZZ is a new brand, and ZAZZ Urban Bangkok is the first of the collection. We work hard while paying attention to the little details. From crafting the brand from scratch, ZAZZ offers a different angle compared to various hotels in Bangkok. Trendy with personalised touches, we offer a new vision of hospitality. 

3. If you had to describe ZAZZ in one word? 

"Zazzy”.

4. Can you give us an inside scoop of other ZAZZ properties?

No worries, we have a few exciting projects coming along: ZAZZ Urban Ho Chi Minh opening Q1 2019 - 40 bedrooms with similar elements to ZAZZ Urban Bangkok. 
 

We also have ZAZZ Island Maldives opening Q3 2019 - currently in the demolishing "stage". A wonderful destination that will leave guests with a unique experience. 

5. What are the words you use the most at work?

Well, it's going to sound a bit classic, but "service, quality and consistency". I actually use these words with my staff during daily briefings.

6. What makes a good hotel room? 

To me, a good hotel room is more than just comfortable bedding, the layout has to be well thought out, organic and practical. It should cover the guest's needs and preference whether its business or leisure. This is what we try to achieve at ZAZZ

7. How much do your travels influence your designs? 

Through my career, I had the chance to discover different places, different cultures and of course different ways of doing. However, I don't really like to duplicate. Of course you can get the feel and inspiration from what you see, but I try to find ways to make things different. It has to stand out in order to awake people's interests. 

8. What do you like most about Thailand? 

Many things of course, especially the people, the food, the culture and the lifestyle. 

9. What trends do you see shaping the modern hotel experience? 

The hospitality industry is obviously shifting at a rapid pace. What I can see is an approach towards distinctive boutique hotels with a personalise approach towards services, leading to a singular overall experience and making guests want to return. Moreover, connectivity and personalise assistants to guests will highly develop in a near future. 

10. If you could stay at any hotel in the world for a week, which one would you choose? 

I'm sure you know the answer to that question.