Nestled between the heritage of Wan Chai and the sophistication of Causeway Bay, The Hari Hong Kong blends design-led elegance with a uniquely personal hospitality philosophy.
At the helm is Edward E. Snoeks, a seasoned hotelier with more than three decades of experience and a story that began in the most intimate of hotel settings: his mother’s six-room guesthouse in the Netherlands.
From humble beginnings washing bottles and working the dishwasher by age ten, Edward’s early exposure to hospitality shaped a lifelong career that would take him across Europe and Asia. After moving to Hong Kong in 1994 to join The Regent’s F&B department, he never looked back—holding senior roles in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond, before returning to Hong Kong to lead one of the city’s most celebrated boutique hotels.
We caught up with Edward to learn about his management style, his thoughts on modern guest expectations, and what continues to inspire him after 30 years in the industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
I’ve always been a people person, and I’ve always found joy in creating memorable experiences. For me, hospitality is about bringing people together—both guests and colleagues—and helping them feel seen, valued and inspired.
What continues to inspire me is the human side of the business: the opportunity to develop passionate, diverse teams that complement each other’s strengths, and to lead by fostering a collaborative environment. There’s immense satisfaction in seeing a guest walk away smiling, knowing that someone on the team created that moment.
Even after 30 years, I’m still energised by the rhythm and unpredictability of hotel life. Every day presents a new challenge, and every solution requires empathy, creativity, and commitment.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
In a fast-changing industry, staying relevant means staying connected. At The Hari Hong Kong, we balance innovation with authenticity by focusing on personalisation and service detail. We believe it’s not enough to follow trends—you have to filter them through the lens of your identity and your guests’ expectations.
One recent initiative that reflects this approach is our new audio tour of Wan Chai. It allows guests to discover the rich culture and hidden gems of our neighbourhood through a narrative experience that’s both high-tech and deeply local. This is the type of meaningful engagement that today’s travellers appreciate.
Ultimately, we observe our guests carefully, listen to feedback, and adapt with thoughtfulness—never simply for the sake of change. Our aim is always to elevate the experience without losing our soul.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Honestly, no. Even the challenges and missteps have contributed to the journey. Every experience—good or bad—has taught me something. Whether it was learning to lead under pressure, adjusting to a new market, or mentoring a team, these moments all shaped my growth.
Sometimes I reflect on whether I could have taken certain steps earlier or approached something differently, but I wouldn’t change the overall path. It’s been an incredible ride, filled with great people, rewarding challenges, and moments of pure inspiration.
What defines your management style?
I would describe my style as collaborative, inclusive, and people-first. I genuinely believe in open dialogue, and I try to create a space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions.
One of the most important aspects of leadership, in my view, is recognising and nurturing the unique strengths of each team member. When people feel like they belong and that their contributions matter, they bring their best selves to work—and the results speak for themselves.
I also believe that happiness at work is contagious. When the team is engaged, the guest experience naturally becomes more authentic, warm, and consistent.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
My strategic focus for The Hari Hong Kong is centred on three pillars: guest loyalty, team culture, and continued innovation. Our goal is to consistently deliver elevated and personal experiences that guests remember—and want to return to.
This aligns seamlessly with Harilela Hotels’ broader vision of excellence in boutique hospitality, with a deep connection to local culture and a dedication to craftsmanship. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, we aim to offer something distinct: a stay that reflects art, design, sustainability, and neighbourhood character in equal measure.
Recognition like our growing loyal guest base and strong brand affinity proves we’re moving in the right direction. Our vision is to further position The Hari as a one-of-a-kind destination in Asia’s luxury hospitality landscape.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Stay humble. That’s the most important lesson I’ve learned. Embrace every task, no matter how small, as a chance to grow. Hospitality is a business built on people—and how you treat those around you will define your reputation as much as your results.
Be open to learning and say yes to new experiences. Try different roles, work in different places, and listen—really listen—to those with more experience. This industry offers endless paths, but success isn’t instant. It’s earned, step by step.
And finally, never lose your sense of wonder. Hospitality, at its best, is about creating joy. If you can stay connected to that purpose, your journey will be as fulfilling as it is successful.