A fixture of Hong Kong life for almost 90 years is the iconic Peninsula Hotel (or the Pen as it is affectionately known). A fixture of the Pen for over 60 of those years is hotelier Felix Bieger.
As a young man in Switzerland, Felix remembers collecting as many luggage labels from faraway places as he could. He also had French wine labels on the inside of his suitcase. His godmother advised him to see the Seven Wonders of the World – plus the Waldorf=Astoria!
His travels eventually saw him sail into Hong Kong harbour in 1954 and Felix joined the hotel soon thereafter. Holding a variety of positions with the Pen over the next four decades, he eventually progressed to general manager – a position he retained until 1994. Although now in semi-retirement, his association with the hotel continues to this day.
Felix’s philosophy
‘A repeat guest was once a first guest,’ says Felix. This statement reflects his approach to good hotel management: never neglect the customer or forget their likes and dislikes. He can still remember the favourite French champagne of one particularly well-known regular.
In his time, Felix has seen it all – from the rich and famous who desire the limelight, to those who seek ultimate privacy. He has many tales to tell about the legendary guests he has welcomed over that time, but discretion prevents him from passing on any gossip, just a wealth of memorable moments.
The greats of the silver screen
The Pen has been the location for many movies, including Love is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955) with William Holden, Soldier of Fortune (1955) with Clark Gable, and The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) with Roger Moore as James Bond. Felix remembers handling the logistics and the chaos of a shoot while still upholding the standards of the Pen for other guests.
He was on first-name terms with many greats of the silver screen, such as John Wayne, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra and Danny Kaye. In fact, he has been a guest in many Hollywood homes because the stars were so taken by his courteous demeanour and his attention to the smallest detail.
He recalls staying up all night watching movies with Danny Kaye in his private theatre in Beverly Hills. Felix also remembers having his photograph taken with John Wayne, who was so tall that the photographer had to place Felix eight steps up so that their heads were level.
A fitting tribute
Perhaps the greatest compliment paid to Felix for his long-time association with the Pen was the naming of the upmarket restaurant in the new tower. Felix is amused that chairman Sir Michael Kadoorie believed his name would be the lure to encourage a younger crowd to the venue. Nonetheless, the strategy has worked, and Felix was touched by the compliment.
Felix restaurant provides breathtaking views of Hong Kong, and locals and tourists today clamour to get a table at ‘The Felix’. It is a fitting legacy for a dedicated career hotelier.
