Hotel Jen spotlights ‘Local Rituals’
The urban and quirky Ho‑ tel Jen, part of the Shangri‑La group, inspires guests to “Leave Boring Behind” and travel like they mean it with its Local Rituals brand acti‑ vation, an insight into each city’s best hidden gems.
Hotel Jen’s Local Rituals concept provides guests with the best‑kept secrets – from boutique stores to cultural hotspots – through the ho‑ tel’s guided tours. It doesn’t end there, however. Travelers shouldn’t just see a city, but should also hear it.
Hotel Jen, therefore, in‑ vites visitors to discover a city through the voices of trusted locals, through an immersive audio experience on their re‑ spective phones or devices. This will be a location‑based neighborhood audio guide highlighting interesting and unexpected places and the in‑ sider stories that make them a must‑visit. Here are some lo‑ cal must‑sees: Hotel Jen, Manila: Philippine Tapestry
Highlighting Philippine traditional weaving, the hotel sought the help of fashion de‑ signer Renee Salud, who ad‑ vocates the use of indigenous (mostly weaved) materials in all of his fashion shows. Hotel Jen Manila will set up four il‑ lustration panels to introduce the concept of traditional weaving and have eight mod‑ els display the clothing before the fashion show on June 11. Hotel Jen, Hong Kong: Man Wa Lane (Chop Alley) & Lobby
Participants explore the traditional craftsmanship, unique history and culture of chop making in Chinese char‑ acters as demonstrated by experienced stamp stall own‑ ers. In addition, Hotel Jen will set‑up mini local games at the Lobby Bar during happy hour every Tuesday and Thursday, whereby department heads will interact with guests to introduce Chinese checkers, aeroplane chess, mikado and other games – all reminiscent of childhood memories as a local. Those who win the game will receive a compli‑ mentary drink or snack. Hotel Jen, Beijing: Hutong bicycle tour
Explore old hidden gems in the hutong through the typical Beijing transportation method – the bicycle. Stop at historic attractions and expe‑ rience the fascinating ancient Beijing culture. Hotel Jen, Shenyang: Heri- tage Food Journey
Sample authentic dishes, such as Guo’s sweet dump‑ lings, signature noodles pre‑ sented by Chef Zuo, Laobian dumplings, Yang’s cooked food, spicy hot pot and Chi‑ nese rice dumplings. Guests can also participate in a cook‑ ing class to learn insider tips. Indicators for each station will further explain the local food culture and demonstrate a lo‑ cal citizen’s real life.
Hotel Jen, Tanglin & Hotel Jen, Orchardgateway, Singapore: Kampong Spirit & Local Games
Patrons take part in typical games locals play before the takeover of the digital age, such as chaptek, five stones, country flag erasers, pick-up sticks and paper ball. This ac‑ tivity highlights the kampong spirit where everyone comes together and tries to beat each other using skills and strate‑ gies they have learned from experience. Hotel Jen, Puteri Harbor, Johor: Kite Exhibition
The hotel has partnered with Pasir Gudang Kite Mu‑ seum, locally known as Muz‑ ium Layang, to exhibit one of Malaysia’s heritage crafts, the wau. Hotel guests will get the chance to make the wau themselves and learn about its history. Patrons will get the chance to fly their kites near the hotel.
Hotel Jen, Penang, Malaysia: Peranakan/Nyonya culture
Traditional Peranakan/ Nyonya hand‑made acces‑ sories and kebaya (Nyonya embroidered attire) will be available at a one‑of‑a‑kind pop‑up booth in the hotel lobby. Penang is known as one of the original birthplac‑ es of the unique Peranakan civilization, which includes Malay, Chinese and European cultures. It is also home to a number of well‑preserved and prominent Nyonya‑her‑ itage mansions, which pro‑ duce Nyonya traditional deli‑ cacies and unique pieces with exquisite craftsmanship.