In the midst of the city’s hubbub, the Pullman Singapore Hill Street is a welcomed oasis of quiet luxury in a sea of people and traffic. At its helm stands Mazen Abilmona, the general manager who found his calling in hospitality behind a university bar.
The intoxicating cocktail of socialising and unexpected connections with guests ignited his passion for the industry. “I never thought of it as work,” he reminisces. “The job showed me the magic of connection that comes with hospitality, even if only for a moment. The guests who initally had major complaints became my best friends.” This formative experience spurred Abilmona’s desire to create meaningful guest experiences.
The Lebanon-born-and-raised Abilmona is not one to stay in his comfort zone. Since intentionally pursuing an internship in South Carolina, he has traversed the globe over the course of his storied career. He has been a member of pre-opening task forces at multiple properties in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. In addition, he has organised memorable performances at iconic party venues, led successful F&B initiatives even during the travel downturn caused by Covid-19, and pulled off a mega brunch for 600 guests in Sentosa.
After a decade in F&B, Abilmona wanted a change and joined Pullman Singapore Hill Street as general manager. Here, he has the autonomy and the platform to think differently. The hotel is unlike conventional upscale hotels with its elegantly lush interiors inspired by Pullman’s luxury railroad travel origins. From the train cart luggage room to the Porter Lounge designed like a train cabin, each detail immerses guests in the journey through time.
“What resonated with me the most when joining Pullman was the idea of building a playground. We want the hotel to be bold in its approach, fun and playful, competitive yet collaborative.”
Mazen Abilmona sheds light on his vision
For Abilmona, the most important aspects of the guest experience revolve around two pillars: fostering a creative work environment and building a knowledgeable team. As opposed to rigid operating procedures, he advocates for a fun and meaningful workplace. He encourages his team to contribute creative ideas and form genuine connections with guests. “There may be prettier hotels or a new bar in town, but connection is what will keep customers coming back,” he says.
As with any success story, setting up Pullman Singapore Hill Street had its challenges. The coordination of plans, launches, and openings with licences and dates proved to be a delicate dance. Nevertheless, under the leadership of Abilmona, the Pullman team has flourished and grown. At press time, it is ranked among the top five hotels in Singapore on TripAdvisor.
It is Abilmona’s philosophy to always evolve. His goal is to stand out from the crowd of luxury hotels in Singapore by offering lifestyle and holistic experiences, collaborating with creative brands, and connecting with a generation seeking fun and varied experiences.
“The core of what sets one venue apart from others lies with creating an experience that guests will remember and want to revisit. We may be a luxury hotel, but luxury doesn’t have to be stifling, it can be playful.”
Producer: Adora Wong
Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Yvonne Isabelle Ling
Video editor: Alicia Chong
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Hizuan Zailani
Makeup: Keith Bryant Lee using Clarins
Hair: Aung Apichai
