CASE STUDIES

Manufacturer of luxury watches

Swiss manufacturer of luxury watches
Mission : optimisation of pre-opening process of luxury property

Client Background & Challenges

A Swiss client, situated in the historical cradle of high-quality watchmaking, owns a property with a rich history as a hotel. However, this asset, renowned for hosting historical brands in the precision industry, is no longer aligned with the image the owners aspire to project. The main challenges faced by the client included harmonizing the hotel's ambience with the brand image without directly incorporating its own brand into the hotel's name. Additionally, there was a need to blend reverence for the hotel's origins with an international outlook, preserving the traditions of the region while projecting into the future.

Our mission was to support the client in getting the property ready for opening with checklists, operating procedures, and support with the definition of the brand attributes for the hotel. The client sought quality advice and international experience to ensure that service standards met the owners’ expectations. This included administrative support and strategic guidance to align the hotel's offerings with its desired image, maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.

Solution

Our team worked closely with the client’s management on the following critical pre-opening aspects:

  • Validating of the existing timelines and modifications where needed.

  • Critical Patch Checklist: Identifying specific activities for all operating and non-operating departments.

  • Identifying and defining the role of each stakeholder in the pre-opening phase. Coaching them so they got a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities and tasks in the pre-opening phase.

  • Supporting the client in creating a coherent selling message in phase with the hotel concept and client profiles, i.e local and international client type, for better positioning.

  • Client was re-assured as to opening timeline and necessary milestones.

Achievements & Value for the Client

Our team provided the client with an external analysis of the hotel project's positioning and financial elements, outlining opportunities and risks.

  • We developed detailed financial forecasts, including pricing, staffing, and marketing scenarios, tailored to the client's needs and industry benchmarks.

  • We conducted a study on the property's potential selling prospects post-stabilization. This comprehensive approach equipped the client with actionable insights for navigating the project effectively.

  • The client was re-assured as to the opening timeline and necessary milestones.