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Patrick Druet: A Hotel Manager in Shangri-La

China Today, February 7, 2017 Adjust font size:

“The beautiful view of the snow-covered mountains and yaks instantly made me want to stay,” said Patrick. “It was a great challenge for me to be one of the managers of a brand new hotel.” But he felt he was up to the challenge. Years ago he worked in a ski resort back in France and ever since longed to return to the mountains. “And now here I am, working in a place surrounded by mountains. The only difference is that this time it’s in China instead of France.”

 The restaurant Patrick Druet established inside the hotel was deemed authentically French by hotel guests.


He first came to China in 2001 and took a job in Xiamen, a coastal city in Southeast China. With Xiamen as a base, he worked and travelled around several cities in China. Of all the places he has visited, he most loves Shangri-La, not just because of its stunning natural environment, beautiful mountains, and mild climate, but also for the warm, smiling reception local people always give to visitors.

Patrick has worked in different hotels around the world. Compared with most established hotels, Songtsam Linka Retreat may not be quite as old but according to Patrick, “It has its uniqueness. The local culture is manifest through its cultural activities, its architectural style and its staff.” This is the very thing that attracts him.

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