Articles by Carol Cannon, BBEC, Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Feng Shui Basics Bring More Prosperity to Hotel Properties

By Carol Cannon, BBEC, Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is the ancient Chinese art of placement used to create environmental harmony and prosperity. It is based on funneling the flow of invisible electromagnetic energy, what many ancient civilizations have identified as Prana (India), Ki (Japan) or Chi (China).

For the past ten years Feng Shui has been influencing Western building design because of its perceived usefulness in affecting personal balance and business productivity. Traditionally in China, and increasingly in the U.S., it is applied to both homes and commercial environments.

Both current renovations and new creations here in the West are being planned with Feng Shui principles in mind. Hotels, which combine business practicality with the comforts of a home environment, are a perfect place to use Feng Shui. When an environment has good Feng Shui customers won’t want to leave because just being there makes them feel great. However, a place with Feng Shui that is out of balance makes customers feel so badly they can’t wait to leave! Managers in the hotel business definitely want people to stay as long as possible — and they want customers to come back! Feng Shui provides a relatively easy way to make that happen. Here’s how Feng Shui can be applied to benefit the hotel.

Property boundaries
Begin by looking at the outside of the building. Ask in English terms, what is the health, or, in Chinese terms, what is the chi (chee) of the land? Chi is defined as “a subtle flow of electromagnetic energy,” a flow that connects everything everywhere. Good chi is reflected in healthy, attractive exteriors and landscaping that makes people feel balanced. What is the shape of the hotel’s site? If it is not a square or a rectangle there could be some imbalance already in place. Appropriate landscaping along irregular sides can modify and energize these problem areas.

The basic tool of Feng Shui is a diagram called the ba-gua, an octagonal schematic representing eight different life situations, all of which should be in harmony. If one area is out of balance, that area of hotel business might suffer. For example, one small hotelier in a rural setting found himself being sued by several of his neighbors, as well as the township. He asked a Feng Shui expert for an answer. The consultant discovered that the shape of the hotelier’s land was so irregular that it looked like a saw-toothed wheel. These sharp corners of land set up negative energy flowing directly at his neighbors. The solution was to install a bamboo rod at each corner to release the negative energy. Because of its hollow nature, bamboo symbolizes bringing earth energy up to the heavens. Very soon afterwards the lawsuits against the hotelier came to a close.

Traffic flow
There are many things to consider when assessing Feng Shui principles on the outside of the building, including the hotel’s traffic flow. Is the property sitting on a busy street with easy access or is it on a side street or dead end? Add flags or even a simple wind chime to draw attention to the hotel, particularly when it is not on a main street. If the hotel is located at a “T” intersection, an exterior water fountain could be added to balance the energy. If a street curves away from the hotel’s entrance, add a reflective surface on the exterior or install a large silver statue to help draw energy back to the property instead of symbolically having it move away. Consider adding a water fountain just inside the front door because fountains (or water) indicate wealth. If the hotel owner plans to build, add on, or renovate an existing building, take a look at these things before starting the process. Often the new design can incorporate Feng Shui cures.

Neighboring buildings
Now examine the hotel’s neighbors. If the building next door is set on an angle, it may send negative energy to the hotel. Planting a tree in between or installing a large rock garden will stop negative energy from affecting the site. Other not-so-positive neighbors are government or public buildings. They set up what is known as yang (very active)
chi during the day, and yin (withdrawn) energy at night. It is the night’s yin energy that needs to be balanced so that it doesn’t rob the hotel of valuable prosperity. Again, plants, preferably some with red in them, will help to dissipate this energy drain.

Front entrance
Finally, take a good look at the hotel’s front door. The pathway to it must be well-lighted and meandering if possible. Brightly colored plants along the way also help to invite positive energy toward the hotel. As more positive energy is tempted into the property by an attractive entrance, the hotel will be more successful and harmonious, both for guests and employees. Balance, harmony and positive energy all unite in this way to provide owners with picture-perfect profit!

When hotel managers begin to understand and apply Feng Shui principles, they will create a more harmonious setting for guests. Every time a bit of calmness is added to guests’ lives, it ripples and minimizes stress during their visit. Ultimately, guests will have a satisfying experience, refer others to the hotel, and repeat their visits frequently — perhaps because managers have learned to use some simple sensible tools of an ancient art from a land far away.

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