Paris has been recovering post-pandemic. What is your view? Which are the remaining challenges? What are the most important improvements?
I am delighted to see Paris “alive again”, people love our city. The pandemic is not over yet and we still need to be cautious but people is eager to travel, to discover places, to live again beautiful moments with friends and family.
Winter is always a bit more challenging but I am confident that the new year will be bright for the global tourism industry and in particular for Paris. The only challenge remaining is to keep the situation under control so we do not take anymore steps back. We had such harsh restrictions throughout the past almost 2 years, we are ready to continue to move forward and keep the city full of life !
How is J.K. Place Paris positioned in Paris’ highly competitive luxury hotel sector?
J.K. Place Paris is our first “house” outside of Italy and we are extremely proud to have opened our first J.K. “abroad” in this magnificent city, the city that represents luxury.
We chose to be in the iconic Rive Gauche, just a stone’s throw away from the Musée D’Orsay and just 5/10 mins walking to the heart of Saint Germain Dès Près where you can find authentic « bistro » and restaurants, cafés but also antique shops and plenty of art galleries.
Paris is renowned for its beautiful “palaces” and its top notch service, J.K. aims to come up beside to these providing a fantastic and memorable experience to our valuable guests.
J.K. Place Paris is uniquely Italian from all facets – tell us more !
J.K. Place is an Italian brand that boasts 3 beautiful properties in it’s portfolio; Capri, Roma, Paris and soon Milano.
J.K. definitely has an Italian soul or DNA, in fact each property has been designed by Michele Bonan, our Florence based and world renowned architect and luxury Italian interior designer. He spent quite a lot of time at the « flea market » here in Paris (Paul Bert/Paul Serpette) where he found unique pieces of furniture/art that give Parisian bohemian vibes to our « house ».
In addition to that, Casa Tua, our Italian restaurant offers classic Italian dishes to delight our guests and local guests alike. J.K. is definitely representing the Italian lifestyle but with a Parisian sense of place.
What is your comp set? To what extend you related to both sides of the Seine?
It has not been easy to come up with a “comp set” for the reason that we only have a very small inventory and for the fact that we are located in the left bank of the city, therefore it is quite complicated for us.Moreover J.K. is such a unique product that there is, in my opinion, truly nothing like i tint he city.
What is your guest profile? How has the profile of your guest changed, if in any way?
The J.K. guests are curious travellers, in love with design, art and of course food. They generally know already Paris and they love our location, in the Rive Gauche.
We have a important part of our guests coming from the US, East and West coast, but in the last few months we welcomed guests from the Middle East and from the European countries.
Do customers perceive luxury differently? What about their expectations?
It is my belief that our guests, along with much of the world in this moment, are having a greater appreciation for the little things. More human connection after being isolated for some time, and looking for rich cultural experience, something new and unexpected. The attention to service and hospitality, as well as a more intimate setting is something J.K. provides through and through. We create a home for our guests and this idea of comfort is priceless.
To what extent you also attract / cater to locals / domestic market?
Having an Italian restaurant with Casa Tua, the upscale Nothern Italian restaurant with outposts in Miami and Aspen, has been a great asset. Since the opening we’ve had lots of locals that love Italian food, it has been a delightful “surprise”. Besides, our small but cosy SPA is always a good reason to enjoy and experience a facial of Doctor Barbara Sturm, Parisians love to cuddles.
In the majority of top destinations such as Paris, Human Resources and staffing, in general, has been a greater challenge than expected. What has been your approach to discovering nurturing and motivating talent?
Recruiting has become a real challenge everywhere, especially in the cities. We have been through such unpredictable situations but our team has come out closer on the other side of things. Our goal is maintaining the human connection, it’s in our DNA, and we are just so glad to be back to our passion, sharing with each of our guests this beautiful city and our incredible home.
What novelties shall we be expecting from J.K. Place Paris in 2022?
2021 is almost over and we are looking for the new year, 2022, with confidence and optimism.
We have new ideas and new partnership that will allow us to enhance and refine our guest experience. Moreover we want to focus on the restaurant “Casa Tua” with new offers and with our new cocktail menu in order to create for both local and international guests vibrant vibes.
Riccardo Ortogni, General Manager, J.K. Place Paris
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