Talk about good old-fashioned service with a handwritten note.
In a sleek show of his passion for hospitality and service, Mandarin
Oriental, Singapore GM Philipp C. Knuepfer wrote a bold and
unconventional note to refer the hotel guests to neighbouring five-star
rival properties in the vicinity.
This unusual move comes after Mandarin Oriental, Singapore announced
its temporary six-month closure for a US$100m refurbishment between
March to September 2023.
In
a recently launched short film (see below) on Instagram, Mandarin Oriental
Singapore’s GM Philipp C. Knuepfer said a temporary goodbye on behalf of
the team by writing letters to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore; The
Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore; Raffles Hotel Singapore; Four Seasons
Singapore; and Shangri-La Singapore.
Here's what he wrote in the letter:
Dear Fullerton, Ritz-Carlton, Raffles, Four Seasons and Shangri-La,
I’m sure you’ll all agree that every guest who arrives on our shores should be greeted with exceptional Singaporean hospitality.
For the past 36 years, they’ve found it here with us at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. But, as it’s certainly come to your attention, we closed our doors last week to embark on a journey of transformation.
While we’re away, and in true neighbourly spirit, we’d appreciate it if you could look after our guests. Your world-class service will be a warm reminder of their time at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.
Your ever appreciative neighbour,
Philip
In the video, Knuepfer voices over the message as he passes the handwritten letters to bellman Mario Reyes, who then sets out on foot to deliver them to the respective hotels.
The social media campaign also features a series of handwritten personal letters to each of the aforementioned hotels' GMs, referencing the similarities and attributes that the properties both share.
The campaign was initiated by Mandarin Oriental Singapore's appointed creative agency Forsman and Bodenfors, which set off with the aim of creating a "charming little gesture" from the hotel during its hiatus.