The St. Regis Bangkok is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Miller as Executive Chef. An award-winning chef, he brings more than 20 years of food and beverage excellence from the finest restaurants and five-star hotels and resorts throughout Australia, Central America, Singapore, Indonesia, The Maldives and Thailand.
Dusit International, one of Thailands leading hotel and property development companies, has partnered with Silpakorn University to launch a unique project to preserve the rich architectural and artistic heritage of the company's iconic flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, which will be redeveloped next year as part of a landmark mixed-use development.
The emergence of Koh Samui as an alternative playground for well-heeled beach vacationers has led to the recent blossoming of five star and luxury resorts. New wealth has shifted east towards China and so does a surge of outbound getaway travellers. An upmarket position of Bangkok Airways and its control over the charming resort-like Samui International Airport present a good contrast to mass market orientation of Asian beach destinations like Phuket and Bali, and match well with a boutique concept and design of sprawling high-end resorts on the tropical paradise island. This latest report by Horwath HTL Thailand provides great insight into trends and outlook of Koh Samuis top-tier hotel market.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand's leading hotel group has signed a Hotel Management Agreement for a 180-room property on Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, under its upscale brand Centara. 'Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi' will be Centara's fourth property in Krabi and is expected to open in September 2019.
Jonathan Wigley, CEO of Absolute Hotel Services Group, announced today the group's latest addition to its portfolio, U Samui. The hotel is the first U Hotels & Resorts branded property on the Samui island and is expected to be opened in late 2020.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced a renovation of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok's River Wing, designed to confirm this historic hotel's position as one of the best in the world. Scheduled to commence in March 2019 and taking seven months to complete, the renovation will encompass all the rooms and suites in the hotel's River Wing, together with the lobby, swimming pools and Lord Jim's, The Verandah and Riverside Terrace restaurants. The historic Authors' and Garden Wings of the hotel will remain open throughout the renovation.
As part of its recent expansion into the global hospitality, technology and lifestyle industries through an investment worth US$80 million in six global brands, Sansiri has announced the arrival in the Thai market of The Standard Hotels and Residences as part of its wider global expansion and Asia's first launch of the One Night spontaneous hotel booking app in Bangkok. The brands' move to Asia followed a rapid growth fueled by significant investments from Sansiri last year. Standard International has doubled its secured footprint globally from 5 to 10 hotels within 1 year and plans to double again to 20 within 5 years, while One Night will now expand its reach to the thriving Asian market, starting with Bangkok. Apichart Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer, Sansiri Public Company Limited, said: "In November 2017, we announced our investments in several global brands that are leaders in the hospitality, technology and lifestyle businesses as part of Sansiri's move to expand our collaborative, multi-disciplinary portfolio beyond real estate development. I'm delighted to share that only one year on, the investment has helped to fuel impressive growth that will see two of the brands - The Standard and One Night - expand into the lucrative Asian markets, with Thailand as their first port of call."The Standard, considered the most powerful brand in the boutique hotel business, doubled its secured global footprint following Sansiri's acquisition of a 35% stake in the parent company for US$58 million. Known for its people and its progressive approach to cultural programming, partnerships and events, The Standard will expand its distinctive voice to new markets, connecting its community focused and social voice globally. Ten properties are slated to open across the world including two in Thailand over the next few years, as part of its five-year plan to develop 20 hotels globally in thriving urban and intriguing resort locations. The plan includes and targets new hotels in London (opening Q1 2019), Paris, Milan, Berlin, Lisbon, Prague, Madrid, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Dubai, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangkok, Phuket, Hua Hin, Jakarta and Bali. The Standard has secured or are now in advanced discussions in all of the markets mentioned.Amar Lalvani, Chief Executive Officer, Standard International, said: "The arrival of The Standard brand in new locations across the world, including Thailand, will bring our unique approach to hospitality to many more people to enjoy. We create spaces that are culturally relevant to each market brought to life through our thoughtfully designed spaces and experiences for guests and locals alike. The Standard hotels anchor neighborhoods and become hubs for creative energy and collaboration. For example, The Standard, High Line, our flagship hotel in New York, was a pioneer in redefining the city's Meatpacking District, turning it into one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the city, and attracting new entrants to the district including the Whitney Museum, Tesla and Samsung. Property values since our entry in the immediate vicinity of The Standard have increased at close to double the rate compared to areas just a few blocks away from our hotel. We believe the same will be true when The Standard opens its first location outside the US, in London's King's Cross and upcoming new locations worldwide." "Our first hotel in Thailand will be in Phuket where we will also introduce the first Standard Residences product in partnership with Sansiri. Thailand is a particularly attractive market for us with the country's many attractions and growth in visitors as well as the fit with The Standard brand giving its thriving culinary, fashion and arts scene. We have chosen to open our regional office in Bangkok to oversee all of our operations in Asia and the Middle East."With its existing portfolio of six properties and a combined 1,200 rooms (including the soon to open London property), The Standard generates annual property level revenue of approximately US$200 million, with an average occupancy rate of 85%, and 121% revenue per available room (RevPar) relative to its comparable set of hotels. Standard also has a very high percentage of direct bookings and repeat guests which are further indicators of the brand's strength relative to its competitors.Jimmy Suh, President and Co-founder of One Night, said, "We are excited to announce the launch of Bangkok, marking One Night's expansion into Asia. As a 24x7 city that works hard and plays hard, Bangkok represents the ideal market for One Night - a last-minute hotel booking app offering a highly curated collection of the most sought-after independent hotels at the lowest rates.""One Night celebrates spontaneous living and experiential travel catering to today's on-demand service economy. Moreover, hotels are becoming increasingly popular by locals who wish to escape their daily routine with a "staycation" in their own cities"One Night will launch in Bangkok with 16 of the best independent hotels: Akyra TAS Sukhumvit, Akyra Thonglor, Ba Hao, The Cabochon Hotel, The Okura Prestige, Riva Arun, Riva Surya, Shanghai Mansion, The Siam Hotel, Siam@Siam Design Hotel, The Sukhothai, The Sukosol, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences, Amdaeng Hotel, Josh Hotel, and Oneday Hostel. To celebrate the launch of One Night in Bangkok, members of Sansiri Family and Siri Priority enjoy 1,000 THB and 1,500 THB discount off hotel booking at One Night in Bangkok respectively, valid today until 30 November 2018. In addition to Bangkok, One Night is operating in 15 major cities in the United States and London with over 170 independent hotels. One Night is projected to be in 30 cities by year-end 2019, including more cities in Asia and Europe."The strategic partnerships with such strong and exciting brands will strengthen Sansiri's core real estate business. Consumers will also benefit from having access to services provided by truly world-class leaders. The arrival of both The Standard and One Night in the Thai market marks another important step to be followed by several more in the future," concluded Chutrakul.
Scheduled to open in 2021, Meliá Phuket Karon is the ideal representation of Meliá's new branding. Located in Karon, Muang, Phuket, the hotel is surrounded by 64,000 square-metres of untouched forest, more than half of which has been set aside for an Adventure Eco Park created to simultaneously promote and preserve the natural beauty and ecology of Karon.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has appointed David Calvet as the General Manager of Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, its impressive new up-country retreat in Thailand's Prachinburi province.
Flight Centre Travel Group's hotel and accommodation business BHMA has announced the signing of a hotel management agreement with Thai developer Ban Pulakorn (2550) Co., Ltd. to operate Away Pranburi Beach Resort.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has appointed Vatmongkol Rasisawas to helm Cosi Samui Chaweng Beach hotel, which opened its doors as the brand's first last December.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has topped out its second COSI branded hotel, in North Pattaya. The affordable lifestyle brand provides the freedom-loving smartphone generation with relaxed, connected travel experiences at accessible prices. Friendly and lively COSI hotels will redefine hospitality with a perfect bundle of great location, innovation, seamless connectivity and total 24-hr freedom and flexibility.
Thailand's leading hospitality group, Centara Hotels & Resorts, not only showcases the best of the "Land of Smiles" with in well established destinations, but also in Thailand's most exciting emerging locations, such as Rayong.
Banyan Tree Phuket is proud to announce the arrival of Mr. Shannon Creado as the new Area Director of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Creado's successful career spans across 24 years, including 20 years in sales and marketing. He brings strong leadership and public relations skills, combined with extensive experience across Asia and a deep cultural awareness that will benefit the resort's marketing efforts.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts has signed a landmark agreement to introduce its prestigious BW Premier Collection® by Best Western soft brand to Phuket.
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Paitoon Surawongpaiboon as the resort's executive chef. Chef Paitoon Surawongpaiboon, who was most recently Executive Chef at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa will helm the resort's culinary team. Prior to this engagement, the seasoned F&B professional has held several Executive Chef positions across Thailand and the Maldives. Having also worked in Vietnam, Dubai, Malaysia and Portugal, Chef Paitoon brings an array of international experience to Hua Hin. A Thai-national by birth, Chef Paitoon has amassed over 25 years of experience as a chef in top hotels worldwide. Chef Paitoon will oversee the hotel's six restaurants and bars, including the award-winning White Lotus Restaurant & Sky Bar and The Market, as well as event spaces for up to 1,500 guests. The culinary offerings at Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa provides hotel guests and locals both with a wide variety of venues and cuisine options and is known for innovation in its offering and impressing with special events. Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa offers remarkable dining and entertainment options from savor deliciously authentic Szechuan and Cantonese dishes at White Lotus Restaurant, and enjoy stunning views across the Gulf of Thailand from rooftop terrace and iconic White Lotus Sky Bar. An entirely different experience at Hua Hin Brewing Company from juicy burgers, tasty pork knuckles and premium steaks. The Beer House offers extensive beer selection from local and international brands. Enjoy fine global cuisines At The Market Restaurant that range from locally sourced Thai delicacies to Italian wood-fired pizzas and traditional antipasto. Chay Had Restaurant & Lounge, features trendy cocktails, extensive beer selection and bar snacks, while lunch and dinner offering East meet West menu creatively mix of Thai, Asian and Western flavors with fresh seafood, imported meat, local produce and spices.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand's largest hotel operator, announced the appointment of Vatmongkol Rasisawas to manage its innovative new COSI hotel on Thailand's Samui island. Ms. Vatmongkol will take over responsibility for the first hotel of Centara's new COSI brand, launched by Centara last December to serve a new generation of independent travellers. The hotel is located on Samui's popular Chaweng beach.
Douglas Maxwell Glen has taken on the role of General Manager at the Steigenberger Hotel Riverside in Bangkok with effect from 1 October. 54-year old Mr. Glen, who is originally from the UK and is able to look back on 30 years of experience in the upscale hotel sector, will take charge during the pre-opening phase. He has held various management positions with prestigious hotel groups both at home and abroad, his most recent position being General Manager of "The Landmark Bangkok".
Langham Hospitality Group adds Splash Beach Resort, Mai Khao Phuket to its growing portfolio of hotels and resorts.
Andrew Langdon, comes across to AccorHotels following one of its most recent acquisitions - Movenpick Hotels & Resorts - where he held the role of Global Chief Development Officer. With AccorHotels, Langdon will hold the title of Senior Vice President Development Asia, responsible for South East Asia, Japan & Korea. At the same time, Langdon will continue the development of the Movenpick brand in addition to his new duties.