Shaping Tomorrow’s Luxury: A Fireside Chat with Mandarin oriental’s Michael Koth
Stepping inside Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a sensory experience—grandeur in every golden arch, thoughtful hospitality in every detail. But behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic hotels is a quietly magnetic leader shaping what luxury means today. We sat down with General Manager Michael Koth to hear about his journey through the world of hospitality, what it means to lead such an extraordinary property, and why Abu Dhabi is a city every event professional should have on their radar.
Emily, inVOYAGE: Michael, thank you so much for joining us—it’s a real pleasure to have you with us. Now before we talk about your property, let’s start at the beginning—what first drew you into the world of hospitality? Was there a defining moment or influence early in your journey?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: From those early days to now leading one of the most iconic hotels in the world—how would you describe your path to Emirates Palace? Any standout lessons along the way?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: How would you describe the spirit of Emirates Palace today? Has that shifted with its transition into the Mandarin Oriental family?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: When guests leave, what’s the one feeling or memory you hope they take with them?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: Are there any experiences—perhaps a lesser-known detail or hidden moment—that you feel truly captures the soul of the property?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: Mandarin Oriental is a brand synonymous with excellence. What does “excellence” look like to you in 2025?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: You’ll be welcoming the inVOYAGE community to Abu Dhabi this September. What excites you most about hosting some of the world’s top event professionals?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: What makes Emirates Palace such a powerful setting for events and incentives at the highest level?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to event planners considering Abu Dhabi for their next big idea, what would it be?
Michael Koth:
Emily, inVOYAGE: Michael, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us. Your perspective on leadership, luxury, and the evolution of guest experiences offers so much inspiration—not just for fellow hoteliers, but for the global event community as well. We can’t wait to experience Emirates Palace through your eyes this September at inVOYAGE x Abu Dhabi.