Q+A: Michael Freedman
Co-founder of Parete Walls
When it comes to picking a place to stay while traveling, the possibilities are endless. There are many factors to consider, such as the location, the decor, the amenities, and the budget. For you fellow sleep lovers out there, finding a destination with the comfiest bed is also an important factor to keep in mind — especially if you plan to be away longer than a night.
Obviously, everyone’s preferences are different: some might prefer a firmer mattress to support their backs, while others may rather sleep on a plush mattress that contours the shape of their bodies. Either way, a lot of research needs to go into what works best for you. But sometimes, reading reviews and figuring out exactly what you want can be a little daunting and stressful. Fortunately for you guys, we tapped avid travelers and sleep addicts to tell us once and for all the best vacation spots for Zzzs.
For many entrepreneurs, traveling for business can be an exciting experience to showcase your work skills and explore new destinations. But sometimes too much corporate travel can cause you to feel exhausted and burnt out. That’s why it’s important to choose a spot that will leave you feeling fresh as a daisy when you wake up instead. Whether you’re a professional traveling for work or for fun, finding a stay with the best sleeping arrangements is crucial for your productivity and overall health. And when it comes to creating a comfy and cozy sleep environment, the Lanson Hotel in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong nails it.
For starters, each of the 471 rooms and suites are fit for traveling entrepreneurs. Among the accommodating amenities include a desk for working, a luxurious bathroom and their signature Blissful Bed, which boasts supreme comfort for a rejuvenating night’s sleep. The five star hotel also offers a pillow menu, allowing guests to choose their plushness preference for a restful shuteye. Entrepreneur Michael Freedman, the cofounder of Parete Walls, told Bedfully it was everything he needed after a 15 hour flight. He also credits his memorable sleeping experience to the full black out tracks that blocked out the morning sunlight.
The Lanson Hotel also values health and wellness. In addition to the rooftop pool and hot tub for decompressing and the 24/7 fully-equipped gym, the hotel has a serene spa called Chuan Body + Soul that offers an array of relaxing treatments based on the Chinese philosophy of the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water. From calming massages to refreshing facials designed to bring you into a deep state of relaxation, the Chuan Body + Soul is the perfect place to restore balance. BRB, we’re booking our stay there now too!
What was your first impression on arrival?
Michael says:
The scent is so distinctive, a bit of Eau de Causway Bay mixed with jasmine. The bellhop dudes at the door give me their typical greeting of ""oh, its you!"" It's really like a second home in my second fave city. The general manager always stays late to greet me, hands me a glass of white wine… nothing has changed.
Sounds wonderful. Tell us about your room.
Michael says:
You know, sometimes it isn't the best meal that makes you love a restaurant so much — it's the ambiance, the familiarity. The design is sophisticated and light, with lots of little buttons to push. My real love is the electric black-out shades, a nice touch after I ""get my clock reset"" (aka stay out till 4 a.m. and sleep till noon). In fact, I should hate the room, they have a knock-off of a wallcovering my company designed.
We're in need of a refreshing rest. Is this the place for us?
Michael says:
Black-out shades and high floors make fabulous neighbors. I work really long hours when I am traveling so what I want in a hotel is sleep. The Lanson is really quiet and Causeway Bay is non-descript — kind of a hideaway.
You're already convincing us. Please tell us the bed won't let us down either.
Michael says:
I usually fall asleep before my head hits the pillow (and they do have a nice selection of pillows to choose from). But the bed is super comfortable and the bedding is lux. It's hard to get out of bed because it's so cozy, but I force myself. How much time do you really get to spend in Hong Kong? I will make the best of it.
What about the hotel services and features? Did your experience directly aid in your sleep quality and relaxation?
Michael says:
I appreciate subtlety. It is nice that the wait staff know when to bring me aspirin with my coffee before asking how my morning is going.
OK sleeping aside — what was your experience outside the hotel?
Michael says:
Hong Kong for me is about hustling my ass off while making it look easy. I am always on the move. The food, the friends, the blade runner-like energy — I try to absorb it as much as possible. And every evening ends with a foot massage — that is living to me.
Bottom line: Was the stay worth the travel and expense? And what was the biggest takeaway from this place?
Michael says:
When I am in Hong Kong, I am there to work and I am out 16-18 hours a day. I have been fortunate to have stayed at a lot of the super fancy hotels — that just ain't my thing. I would just rather be in an interesting part of town with super cool hidden Hong Kong designer boutiques and noodle shops and nice people.
Michael's whole adult life has been devoted to art and design. Michael moved to Manhattan in the early 90's to immerse himself in the New York art scene. He then started the furniture and interior design company, Fauxreal with two friends. That led to a 20-plus-year career at Innovations In Wallcovering where he helped build a respected and successful global design brand.
With over 2.5M miles of flying in the bag, it was time to start anew. Michael co-founded a new venture Parete, a wallcovering company, and Product CoLab, a design collaborative which manufactures interior products for other artists and designers. Michael shares his insatiable wanderlust with his filmmaker wife Mary Wharton and their dog Loretta Lynn.
