'We are taking the best of what everyone does and combining them into one single product,' he said.

Mr Schreiber said Hong Kong had a need for niche hotels.

While large hotels continued to have a strong presence in the market, he said some people were no longer interested in checking into the 'big monsters'.

People were looking for personalised service suitable for their tastes and needs.

The veteran hotel manager is confident Le Meridien Cyberport will set a new benchmark for hotels in Hong Kong and Asia with its innovative services.

Location and services were the key drivers, and the management had spent a lot of time teaching staff how to put their personality to work.

'We are also very conscious that we are in Cyberport and there is an expectation that when you come here, technology has to be everywhere, such as the service checking you in,' Mr Schreiber said.

With technology support, the hotel's wireless check-in and a guaranteed 24-hour stay regardless of the check-in time offer a new experience and convenience for guests.

Mr Schreiber said traditional check-in practices compromised guests' needs.

Most hotel staff began work in the morning and needed to clean the rooms before guests checked in. This meant guests had to check out in the morning and check in at noon or after.

'So we are developing a system doing what the guests want rather than what we want them to do,' he said. Le Meridien Cyberport will be the first hotel in Hong Kong to offer that service to its Club Floor guests.

Michael Sagild, regional managing director for Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts, Asia-Pacific, said the group aimed to make the hotel an oasis for technology-related company executives. The hotel was equipped with comprehensive facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure and was accessible.

He said the hotel market was becoming increasingly sophisticated, with an underlying demand for niche or boutique hotels.

Boutique hotels are usually small, with few facilities.

Le Meridien Cyberport stands out. It has only 173 rooms but boasts comprehensive facilities and strong infrastructure to meet travellers' demands.

Mr Sagild said more hotels were springing up in decentralised areas rather than in city centres.

People did not mind making a short journey to hotels as long as they were in a recognised area, he said.

Le Meridien Cyberport is the third hotel Mr Schreiber has opened in Hong Kong.

His hotel career has spanned nearly 20 years and six countries, including stints with Holiday Inn and Intercontinental.

He has previously opened the Century Harbour View Hotel and the Harbour Plaza North Point in Hong Kong.

Recalling his career highlights, Mr Schreiber singled out his 18-month hotel assignment in Tibet in 1993, which he said had given him great working experience.

'I learnt nearly everything that needs to be learnt in the hotel industry. The environment in Tibet was tough,' he said. For instance, hot water was in short supply from time to time and it was sometimes a challenge getting in food.

'You had to be innovative and pioneering,' he said.

Looking at business prospects, Mr Schreiber said Le Meridien Cyberport would be competing with hotels in various locations in Hong Kong.

Apart from the traditional visitors from the United States, Europe and Australia, he said the hotel was focusing on niche markets, including special interest groups.

For instance, the media industry was growing in Hong Kong and groups were coming to make movies and cut albums.

The growing opportunities arising from the opening up of the China market would provide another boost to demand for hotel rooms.

Many businessmen stopped over in Hong Kong en route to the mainland.

'Hong Kong is a dynamic city and people come to Hong Kong and do business here. The hotel market is still growing and new opportunities are emerging,' he said.