Name: Michael Ziemer
Title: General manager
Company, city: Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Number of employees: 650
Recent project: Concept changes for two restaurants: from formal French to all-day dining, and from a Cantonese to a Chinese restaurant serving specialties from around China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
First job: Hotel management trainee in Sydney, Australia
Little-known fact about you: I truly enjoy the simpler things in life!

Your Business

What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years?
As technology replaces human tasks, it will be more important and, unfortunately, a luxury for guests to experience face-to-face service. Younger generations face the challenge of exchanging meaningful conversation with guests, as our generation was taught to do. More time will need to be allocated on how best to communicate with future guests.

Best career advice you’ve received:
Every morning when you look in the mirror, believe in what you see and be true.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the field?
Take your time; enjoy the different experiences, good or bad; be prepared to make sacrifices along the way; and most importantly, remember those who helped you and give back to another.

Michael Ziemer as a Traveler

Favorite travel memory or story: Hiring a car in Leeds in the U.K. and driving to York and Whitby and seeing the British moors

One travel tip you cannot live without: Allow room for an extra fold-up bag; you never know what you are going to buy!

Best advice for business travelers: Trust your hotel laundry service; they really do take care.

About Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

What can premium travelers expect from a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei?
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei offers world-class facilities and unparalleled service, raising the standards of luxury and comfort in the hospitality industry in Taiwan. From the moment guests book a stay to the second they depart, the entire team indulges them with the highest level of luxury and comfort. The 256 guestrooms and 47 suites, designed with classic inspiration and contemporary touches, are the most spacious in the city, ranging from 590 square feet. All rooms and suites feature the latest technology, luxurious marble bathrooms and walk-in closets. Suite guests can also enjoy the prestigious Oriental Club, offering daily Champagne breakfast and evening cocktails.

Guided by our heritage and influenced by local cultural practices and wellness rituals, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Taipei is a world-class center for healing, offering holistic treatments and therapies for the rejuvenation of body, mind and soul. Each guest experiences the ultimate in relaxation with a personalized spa journey.

Tell our readers about the hotel’s dining concept.
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei showcases innovative concepts and superlative cuisine in six stylish and sophisticated settings, including The Jade Lounge, the most popular afternoon tea venue in town; the signature Mandarin Cake Shop, offering a variety of delicate savory and sweet items; and M.O. Bar, one of Taipei’s most exciting destinations for cocktails and fine wine. Guests can also enjoy our three restaurants designed by the internationally acclaimed designer, Tony Chi. Ya Ge delivers authentic traditional Chinese gourmet, combining the highest-quality seasonal ingredients into elegantly presented dishes. Friendly and relaxed Café Un Deux Trois serves a wide range of international cuisines, while Bencotto offers traditional trattoria-style Italian cuisine in a lively atmosphere with heartwarming service.

What does the hotel offer for meeting and events?
Our stunning event spaces provide an unrivaled level of sophistication and elegance through luxurious interiors, innovative cuisine, the latest technology and gracious service. Guests and event planners can rely on the trusted Mandarin Oriental name, an experienced team and a luxury environment that motivates and inspires.

The awe-inspiring Grand Ballroom affords the highest level of exclusivity and opulence. At 10,000 square feet, this regal space with a 24-foot-high ceiling hosts up to 1,200 guests but can be subdivided to accommodate more intimate events. An adjacent pre-function area is ideally placed for coffee breaks or drinks and canapés prior to main events. The Mandarin Ballroom, a 5,000-square-foot space for up to 550 guests, and the five Oriental rooms can be configured to accommodate 10 to 110 guests. The spectacular Grand Salon on the eighth floor with its stately 68-foot-high dome creates a dramatic backdrop for wedding ceremonies, fashion events and product launches.