The Barracks Hotel manager supports guest having hard time, delights Labubu fan with his surprises
A Singaporean guest was met with a surprise when she arrived at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa for a much-needed one-day staycation.
Waiting on her bed was a meticulously arranged care basket: a thoughtful gesture by 32-year-old Adikin Wong Shyh Chyi, the hotel's guest experience manager of four years.
The guest had confided in Mr Adikin about her troubles during a pre-arrival call earlier this year. She was going through a difficult time and needed space to breathe and recover.
Empathising with her vulnerability, Mr Adikin was motivated to make her stay a little brighter and prepared something small yet meaningful.
"I included lavender lotion, a face mask, eye mask, bath bomb, bath salts and my handwritten card," he told Stomp. "I just wanted her to feel zen. To have a moment for herself, even if just for a little while."
The care basket caught the guest off guard, but brought her immense comfort.
On Dec 5, Mr Adikin received a Stomp Goody Bag in recognition of his efforts.
While gift baskets are not a common offering at The Barracks Hotel, staff are encouraged to personalise guest experiences whenever possible.
This wasn't the only time Mr Adikin went the extra mile.
During a Lithuanian family's 11-night stay, he noticed that their daughter, Alexa, collected Labubu dolls. She left the hotel each day with a different doll.
At checkout, he presented her with a custom Labubu card – a keepsake that made her stay unforgettable.
Remembering guests' favourite drinks, snacks and small details in their rooms comes as second nature for Mr Adikin, who turns ordinary stays into memorable experiences.
In this year's 31st run of the Service Gold Awards by the Singapore Kindness Movement, Mr Adikin was presented with the Outstanding Award.
"I think kindness, even though it's a small gesture, can really brighten someone else's day," he said.
Mr Adikin told Stomp that whether it's simply being there for someone or listening to them, he sees the difference even in small acts.
"Sometimes, a simple handwritten card is enough to show someone you care," he added.
