Hotelier Edward Snoeks Speaks to Renae on the podcast Where2fromhere.
Edward Snoeks, the widely respected General Manager of The Hari Hong Kong, brings to the luxury travel podcast “Where2FromHere” a career shaped by more than thirty years managing premium hotels and resorts across Asia and Europe.
Edward’s story is a vibrant testament to what authentic hospitality truly means—rooted in childhood experience and matured through decades of innovation, resilience, and people-first leadership.
Renae has stayed at The Hari in Hong Kong with her daughter Stella, and rates it as one of her favourite boutique hotels in Hong Kong.
Edward’s journey in the world of hospitality began early, working in his mother’s small guesthouse in Holland. By age ten, he was already helping out behind the scenes—learning the importance of hard work, teamwork, and meticulous attention to detail.
This nurturing environment fostered his lifelong commitment to exceptional service and guest experience, an ethos that has defined every step of his global career.
Edward’s move to Hong Kong in 1994 became a game-changer. He joined The Regent’s food-and-beverage team, quickly ascending through a variety of senior roles.
These included management positions in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and notable stints with luxury brands such as Marco Polo Hotels Group, Okura Prestige Bangkok, Hong Kong Parkview, Kempinski Hotels, InterContinental Hotels, and Meliá Chiang Mai. Edward’s ability to lead diverse, multicultural teams—often through organisational upheaval or industry disruption—earned him a reputation for inclusive leadership and collaboration.
He sets a standard in luxury hospitality: empowered, engaged staff are the secret to memorable guest experiences.
At The Hari Hong Kong, Edward’s leadership focuses on three core priorities: amplifying guest loyalty through personalised services, building a strong team culture with open dialogue, and fostering innovation that keeps the property competitive in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
These objectives are seamlessly aligned with The Hari’s DNA: boutique excellence, local connection, and a commitment to sustainability. Under Edward’s stewardship, The Hari is not just a place for elevated luxury and design but a living reflection of the city’s vibrant neighbourhood character.
Edward’s in-depth interview on “Where2FromHere” reveals how his journey influenced his approach to service and management. He shares stories of steering teams through the Covid-19 pandemic, including the landmark opening of Meliá Chiang Mai—a launch that happened amid global travel uncertainty.
Edward describes these moments as testaments to resilience and innovative problem-solving. For him, adaptability, empathy, and creativity are more vital than ever in a rapidly shifting industry.
Guest experience at The Hari Hong Kong is curated to bring together art, design, and a genuine sense of belonging. From curated dining options to local partnerships with artists and artisans, the hotel crafts moments that speak to contemporary travellers.
Edward’s team relies on guest feedback and the warmth of Hong Kong’s community to elevate every aspect of the stay. As he notes, “Luxury requires an individual approach with different needs for different guests”—a philosophy that echoes throughout the property’s service ethos.
A key theme throughout Edward’s career is his dedication to the human side of hospitality. He’s driven by developing passionate teams, nurturing new talent, and empowering staff to create authentic, memorable connections.
Happiness within the team is contagious, Edward believes, and it shows in the heartfelt service that guests receive—whether they’re staying for business, wellness, or leisure. “For me, hospitality is about bringing people together and helping them feel seen, valued, and inspired,” he reflects.
The podcast episode covers a range of important topics:
- The Hari brand’s roots and philosophy
- Guest experiences and stories of authentic care
- Edward’s decades-long relationship with Hong Kong
- Navigating Covid-19 and strategic resilience
- South East Asia’s fast rise and unique travel appeal
- Wellness trends and The Hari’s holistic approach to guest wellbeing
Edward also highlights the unique strengths of Southeast Asian hospitality—stand-out service levels, friendliness of staff, affordability, and the emerging boom in wellness travel across Thailand and Vietnam. His time in Asia has given him a deep appreciation for both tradition and innovation, visible in The Hari’s blend of design-led luxury and local, neighbourhood connections.
Today, as luxury travel evolves post-pandemic, Edward continues to shape the future of hospitality by elevating both the guest experience and the careers of young hoteliers.
His inclusive, people-first philosophy and strategic adaptability keep The Hari Hong Kong at the forefront of one of the world’s most influential destinations, where luxury is defined by authentic relationships, creativity, and a finely tuned sense of place.
Listen to Edward’s full journey, philosophy, and insights on “Where2FromHere” to discover how he continues to inspire teams, delight guests, and raise the bar for luxury travel in Hong Kong and beyond
