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For long time hotelier John Spooner, travel is more about the destination, than the journey. That’s because for the past several decades, John has spent his time caring for guests in some of the finest hotels in Australia and Asia.
Today, the Aussie native can be seen ushering guests through the lovely public rooms of Beijing’s opulent Fairmont Hotel, a place that is both generous in amenities and space, as well as being perfectly situated within the urban landscape of the Chinese capital.
In his role as hotel Ambassador, John’s daily routine revolves around the guest experience and it’s a role that he both relishes and respects.
One minute John can be seen guiding a guest to the hotel’s exclusive Gold Lounge, while the next, he’s assisting first time visitors with everything from tour routes and where to find the best shopping, to how to navigate the subway, or where to find the best dumplings.
In short, he’s there for the guests and his passion for the job was evident on our recent Fairmont stay.
As it turns out, John’s long hotel career, started quite by accident. Embarking on the typical Gold Coast surfing holiday back in 1972, the Sydneysider’s holiday took a serendipitous turn for the better when a work position presented itself.
Opting for a seachange after years spent as a successful stockbroker, John jumped at the chance when a manager’s position came up at Gold Coast’s Chevron Paradise Hotel. Throwing caution to the wind with no hotel experience at the time, he left his job and the corporate world behind and has never looked back.
“I was young, I had money in my back pocket, so I just thought, why not?” said John.
While his snap decision may have rattled family, friends and co-workers back in Sydney, for him it was a natural progression.
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As he puts it, it was the start of a worldwide adventure, and it ended up leading to a life-long career in hospitality.
John would travel the world, working in some of the finest 5-star establishments, getting to know his guests from everywhere including the rich and famous.
His wit, charm and professional demeanour were on display as we arrived at the Fairmont Beijing on our first visit to China. John was waiting in the lobby to greet us. Introducing himself, he guided us to Level 21 – the Gold Floor – for check-in. We were warmly greeted by the staff of the Gold Lounge and shown the room’s many amenities.
“To be a good Ambassador,” he says, “I need to be accessible when the guest needs me, and I need to anticipate their needs, sometimes before they even know what they want or need something.”
I was impressed. John could be described as the hotel’s ‘secret weapon.’ While most hotels have only a concierge, the Fairmont Beijing goes a step further, providing guests with the services of a hotel Ambassador – the ultimate personal concierge of concierges.
We sat down with John for a one-on-one interview to see how this Australian ex-pat enjoyed living in China and to ask him what tips he had for us first-time travellers to Beijing.
What does a day-in-the-life of a Fairmont Ambassador look like?
Up early! Checking on arrivals, departures, drop offs, pick ups! The morning manager’s meeting we outline the day’s events as best we can. A quick double espresso, then back to mentoring my young Chinese colleagues. Typically, it’s a 7-day week for me. And living in the hotel, I’m essentially on call 24/7.
Who have been some of your favourite guests over the years?
Having been in the hospitality industry for over 40 years, I can name drop until the cows come home. Beijing, being the capital, there are an endless supply of diplomats. Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. President and his wife Rosalyn were lovely, as was Meryl Streep, Adrian Brady, Yo yo Ma, and Lang Lang,
Some of the the Australians I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and assisting, include Julia Gillard, Gina Rinehart, James Packer, David Koch, David Hurley (NSW Governor), Geraldine Cox and Clive Palmer – to name just a few.
Any stories you can share with us?
“There are so many stories but they will probably end up in a book that I plan to write! One day, when I retire to my beloved Lake Cathie near Port Macquarie, I’ll put ‘pen-to-paper,’ so to speak.
“One of the funnier moments I had, was when I was speaking with a ‘Mr Lebron.’ At the time, I had no idea that he was famous US NBA champion, Lebron James. Of course, it should’ve been Mr James.” John chuckled.
“One of my favourite memories was doing a duet with the late, great, Donna Summer. We sang together ‘She works hard for the Money.’ Admittedly I had a few glasses of wine before hand. We went out celebrating at Capital M for Donna’s song, ‘To Paris with Love,’ which was No 1 in the USA. It was definitely one of the more memorable nights out.”
Any local restaurant recommendations?
“Some of my favourite restaurants are Hai Di Lao for hotpot, Da Dong is always great for Peking Duck, and for dumplings, I enjoy Din Tai Fung. Ok, I admit, that one is Taiwanese, but they definitely have their act together and serve consistently great food!”
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What Beijing tourist highlight do you recommend for first-time visitors?
“Of course the usual sights – The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. For something different go see the National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Egg). It’s truly one of the great buildings of the world, and tours of the inside are offered.
“One of my favourite things to do, is to go to the Summer Palace by boat. You can get on at the Zoo, were you can see the Pandas, and enjoy the winding canal excursion which arrives at the South Gate of the Palace – where there usually aren’t a lot of tourists.
“Catch the subway back to the city, it is one of the great subways in the world, cheap, clean and efficient. Trains depart every 2 or 3 minutes, and signs are in English! Just download the Beijing Subway Map before you arrive.
“The Olympic site is well worth a visit. It’s a short subway ride to South Gate at Forrest Park. Walk down the pedestrian boulevard to see the 5 Tacks (Olympic Tower) which opened 6 years after the Olympics! Of course, The Birds Nest and the Water Cube, soon to be renamed the Ice Cube for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.”
Do you have a favourite shopping mall?
“My favourite Mall is Parkview Green. It is totally over the top, but tastefully done. The artwork alone is worth the visit. You can even buy a Tesla there! There are some great restaurants there, but people don’t really go there to shop. It’s just a very cool place to hang out and grab a bite to eat. Restaurants of note are Opera Bombana (very stylish upmarket Italian), Element Fresh (healthy salads and smoothies) and Din Tai Fung for many Asian favourites (one of 4 in Beijing).”
How about a favourite market place?
“Panjiayuan, the ‘antique market’ is only open on the weekends. They call it the Dirt market as they put their goods into the dirt for a few weeks – then presto – it’s an ‘antique! The Silk Market is still there but I have renamed it the Silk Mall. To get the feeling of a bargain most tourists are heading for the Pearl Market, opposite the Temple of Heaven. Check out the Japanese MiniSo, they are like the dollar shop – soon to open in Australia!”
Any tips for haggling at the markets?
“Definitely do not give them a price and don’t touch the calculator. Be tough and do the walk away. It’s all a game and lots of fun! 10% of their price is the rule.”
What’s your favourite thing about the Fairmont Beijing?
“After 3 days of Chinese food you will be yearning for a good steak – and our Cut Restaurant serves plenty of Australian beef.
“Our Willow Stream Spa is pure bliss! You will need a firm Chinese massage to sooth those aching muscles after climbing The Great Wall.
“Our Fairmont Gold is an oasis within the hotel. It’s a quiet space for our Gold guests to relax, and to have a great breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails and canapés in the evening. See Leeann the Lounge Manager (a true star) and her team will take great care of you.”
Being the world traveller you are, what is one thing that you always pack in your carry-on bag?
“I always pack lightly and buy clothes along the way. But the one thing I always travel with is Fruit of the Loom, 100% pure Aloe Vera gel. It dries instantly and a great facelift. Get it at Priceline!”
What are your hot tips for China?
“Beijing is a great hub, and with a 72 hour visa free stopover when traveling on to another international destination, it’s the perfect side trip when time doesn’t permit for a longer stay. All museums are free, but passports are required – even for the Forbidden City. Don’t forget, museums and many public sites close on Mondays, including the Forbidden City.
“Ask our bubbly Chief Concierge, Apple Fu, to check if sites are open during summer vacation – sometimes they are. When going to the Forbidden City, I’d recommend getting tickets the day before as they limit the site to 80,000 visitors each day! Don’t leave it too late, or you may be disappointed.
“If you have an Android smartphone, download a free VPN outside China to override the Great Firewall (which blocks many Western internet sites like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. If you have an Apple iPad or iPhone, you’ll be able to download the VPN in China.
“Also, check out the Beijing Subway App (a red, white and blue one), as well as the Beijing air quality app. Both apps will come in handy.”
Where is your next holiday going to be?
“Dreaming of returning to Lake Constance in Germany, the walk along the lake to Stein am Rhein in Switzerland for coffee is pure bliss. It’s a complete contrast to Beijing, my home for the past 9 years!”
About the Fairmont Beijing
Located in Beijing’s central business district, the Fairmont is just steps from the famed Silk Market. The nearest subway stop is less than a 3-minute walk away and is served by the city’s convenient Line 1.
The Fairmont Beijing features room types for every occasion. There are 140 Deluxe Rooms with one king bed or two doubles, 18 Gold Single Deluxe, 40 Gold Junior Suites, 10 Signature Suites, 11 Gold Signature Suites, 2 Gold Grand Suites, and the ultimate, the Presidential Suite.
All guest rooms feature an in-room safe, 42 inch plasma TV, an oversized bathtub with LCD TV, a Nespresso Coffee Maker, 400 thread-count linens, and WiFi options.
There’s plenty to keep you entertained as well. A Champagne Bar and the stylish lobby bar offer inviting spaces in which to relax. And when you’re hungry, The Cut Steakhouse, and Lunar 8 Restaurant satisfy every taste.
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