Stories tagged with hotels
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Chaweng resort offers online reservations
One of Ko Samui’s most popular beach resorts, BB Chaweng Beach Resort has announced that it will launch a new and improved system where guests can book their rooms online. The new system implemented on bbchawengbeachresort.com offers an easier interface for guests to choose and reserve their rooms at the resort, while claiming better rates are available through this process.
14 days of real-time availability are shown on the site, which gives customers the utmost in information when making a choice. A 10 percent deposit payable with a major credit card secures the booking, and will be deducted from the total room charge at the end of the guest’s stay.
The booking is confirmed instantly by email, and the transactions are said to be entirely secure thanks to the WorldPay technology, whose 128-bit encryption ensures no third parties will have access to the customer’s credit card information.
Posted by: DaveB on 03 Jun 2008, 19:40 -
Pattaya hotel owners protest expansion
With the sizeable number of new hotels being built in Pattaya, many hotel owners are feeling the pinch as residency becomes more spread out over the various new properties. A complaint on behalf of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association has been issued to the government claiming not enough restrictions on new growth have been placed on the hotels in Pattaya, driving prices below those of neighbouring countries Malaysia and Vietnam.
While tourist numbers remain constant if not raised, Pattaya hotel owners feel more like there is a drop in visitor numbers due to the new properties. President of the THA Chatchawan Supachayanont says, “The government should study the number of five-star and other levels of hotels in the country to see if they have rooms corresponding to the number of tourists. They should not only support new investments. They should study the control of rooms in Malaysia and Vietnam. Their governments achieved this, and it resulted in their room rates being different when compared with Thai entrepreneurs.�
Pattaya hotel list
Posted by: Andrew on 22 May 2008, 16:18 -
New package deals for Ko Samui
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Thailand’s tropical paradise island of Ko Samui is a popular tourist destination all year round for people from all over the world, and to make a trip to the island all the more alluring, Explore Holidays has come up with two holiday packages at two of Samui’s premier beachfront hotels targeted at travellers from Australia. The eight nights for the price of four packages are valid at the four star Bandara Resort and Spa and the Paradise Beach Resort.
The deals will include accommodation as well as return airfare with Singapore Airlines from Adelaide, and with Thai Airways from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. Also included are included breakfasts at both of the hotels along with transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Prices for the Paradise Beach Resort start at AU$1215, and AU$1455 for the Bandara Resort and Spa. For departures from Perth and Brisbane, a night’s accommodation in Bangkok will be provided. For more information visit the Explore Holidays website at www.exploreholidays.com.au.
Posted by: DaveB on 24 Apr 2008, 19:43 -
Pattaya cashes in from Songkran
The popular party city of Pattaya, a short journey southeast from Bangkok, has reportedly lined its coffers with more than 500 million baht after its celebrations of the Songkran festival this year. The Tourism Authority of Thailand reports that 500,000 people visited Pattaya during the three day celebration of the Thai New Year.
Pattaya stands as the centre of activity as far as tourism goes in Chonburi Province, and the TAT reports that 2007 recorded an upswing in tourists visiting the province, and that 2008 is shaping up to do even better. TAT says 6.62 million people visited Pattaya and Chonburi last year, an 8 percent increase from 2006.
As TAT figures show an increase in visitors, a marked distinction is coming from hotel owners, to whom it seems numbers are dropping. This is due to the fact that another big trend in Pattaya is hotel construction, spreading patronage out over more properties. Between 700 and 800 hotel rooms are expected to open over the next two years, including chain brands like the Hilton and the Holiday Inn.
Posted by: DaveB on 24 Apr 2008, 19:35 -
Dairy gourmands in for treat at Millennium Hilton
The Millenium Hilton Hotel in Bangkok is high class all the way. The hotel is already well known for the five-star quality of its restaurants, and now it plans to go one step further by creating a special cheese room at the FLOW restaurant located in the hotel.
The room will be climate controlled to suit the cheese’s natural native environments, and controlled and monitored by cheese aficionados to assure premium conditions. Going too far, you ask?
“While the cheese room is common in Europe, the concept is just taking off in Asia. We thought it’s timely that we give this endearing ‘side-dish’ a dedicated spot in the heart of Bangkok,� says director of food and beverage at the hotel, Erwin Vanderveen. He went on to say, “We noticed that many food-lovers who frequent our award-winning restaurants and lounges request cheese, whether as a snack or as a dessert, but mainly more as a ‘social’ dish that creates a congenial mood for them to kickback and relax from a hectic day.�
And of course everyone knows what goes best with cheese, and a full range of complimentary wines will be available on recommendations form the experts.
Posted by: DaveB on 20 Apr 2008, 18:57 -
Rose Garden more than just a pretty face
The Rose Garden Riverside Hotel in Akhon Pathom is out to make its mark for the environment, with sound environmental standards in place behind its stunning natural beauty. This year the hotel celebrates its 45th anniversary, and chairperson of the complex Suchada Yuvaboon says, "The management has been committed to the conservation of both the ecology and the culture of Thailand since operations began in 1962."
The Rose Garden is committed to adhering to worldwide standards of sustainability, and a new incentive called ‘Take Good Care of Clients and the Environment’ will include programs for local school children to learn about environmental sustainability and the role that they can play in keeping their communities as green as possible.
Further showing the hotel’s commitment, advisors such as the former president of the Thailand Environment Institute and Environmental Engineering Association have been brought in to assure high levels of quality. Both the commitment to sustainability and the beauty of the garden bring thousands of international visitors to the area each year.
Posted by: DaveB on 19 Apr 2008, 18:55 -
Two Phuket resorts make Conde list
To be included on the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List is a big deal for a business in the hospitality industry, and two resort spa complexes in Phuket, Thailand will no doubt be celebrating the fact that they have achieved a place on the coveted honour roll.
The Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi and the Sala Phuket in Phang Nga province made the cut to be included on one of the most respected lists of the best international luxury travel has to offer. Both establishments are classified in the $400 and up category, and their spas were the only two day-spas to make the 2008 list.
The review describes Sala Phuket flatteringly by saying, “The Sino-Portuguese-inspired decor, including black lacquered sliding doors as well as ornate chandeliers above the bath, harks back to the area’s earlier inhabitants.� The Six Senses was resort was also given high marks for its décor and ambiance, as well as its food, which includes homemade jams.
Phuket’s Chef’s Table restaurant also made the Conde Nast Hot List Tables 2008.
Posted by: DaveB on 18 Apr 2008, 18:24 -
A million in fire damages at Marriott
A fire that engulfed the Marriott Patong Hotel on the island of Phuket in southern Thailand a few days ago is said to have caused upwards of 1 million baht in damages. Police Colonel Sopol Barirak, an inspector at Kathu Police Station told reporters that as soon as the fire fighters heard the news they raced to number 47 Ruamjaipatana Road in Patong to find the hotel in flames. The cause is suspected to have been a notice board catching fire with sparks from a welder working nearby.
It took about twenty minutes for fire fighters to bring the flames under control at the hotel, which was still undergoing construction. The contract manager of the building explains that “while our staff was fitting the iron, something went wrong with the electric current, and so a flame suddenly shot up and burned the hotel board. The prevalent windy and hot conditions helped the fire to spread quickly.�
Police have requested that the construction manager and staff members appear at the Kathu Police Station for further questioning.
Posted by: DaveB on 07 Apr 2008, 17:20 -
Bangkok Oriental faces lawsuit
The luxury hotel business is a cut-throat one, but the general manager of Bangkok’s renowned Oriental Hotel, Kurt Wachtveitl may have taken a step over the line, far enough to land him in a Bangkok criminal court facing a defamation suit.
The suit was filed by a local competitor, the Iebua Hotel after Mr. Wachtveitl was said to have defamed the competitor in an internal memo to Oriental employees. The alleged defamation in the memo was in reference to Iebua being on the lookout for qualified hotel staff, and if any of their management team were seen on Oriental premises, they should be escorted out immediately.
The concern came after Wachtveitl believed the Peninsula Hotel had been ‘poached’ of 26 employees by Iebua, and he was concerned the oriental would be targeted next. The lawsuit is the first of its kind for Thailand, but if it is successful, it could set a nasty precedent that anyone who looks at you funny could be sued, in a manner of speaking.
Posted by: DaveB on 26 Mar 2008, 18:01 -
New Radisson to open in Bangkok
Bangkok’s thirst for new hotels seems inexhaustible. The latest venture that will add a new hotel property to the long list in the Thai capital is a new Radisson, which will be managed by Carlson Hotels, in cooperation with the VCAL Business Group of Thailand.
The Radisson Hotel Bangkok Sathorn will cater to both long and short-stay guests, with a variety of accommodations from single and double rooms as well as suites that provide a kitchenette set, making them ideal for a longer stay.
Carlson Hotels Worldwide president and managing director for Asia Pacific, Martin Rinck says, "Thailand is a top priority for expansion, along with India and China, as we focus on increasing our presence in key gateway cities and resort destinations across the region.
Bangkok is the country's most important business and tourism destination and this hotel is being developed in one of the best locations in the city, adjacent to the city's prime financial and commercial offices."
The hotel will serve both the business set and leisure travellers as well, with its excellent location near business areas as well as Silom, one of Bangkok’s most well known boulevards.
Posted by: DaveB on 26 Mar 2008, 17:59 -
21 top hotels for Bangkok
Property consultant firm, Colliers International Thailand (CIT), have recently announced that 21 four- and five-star hotels are scheduled for Bangkok over the next three years, many of which have foreign backing.
Seven of the 21 will be located along Sukhumvit Road, six in the CBD of Silom and Rama IV, four on Sathorn Road, and another four in other prominent areas.
Director of CIT R Keith Humphreys said ‘Many overseas investors – particularly those from Asia and the Middle East - want to invest in hotels in Thailand, as they can see the potential of the future tourism industry.’
Bangkok's four- and five-star hotels have around 11,600 rooms, with 4,900 in the five-star category and 6,700 rooms in the four-star, according to CIT.
It is believed that the increase in the number of luxury hotels in Thailand is to support the shift to quality tourists with deeper pockets.
The number of tourist arrivals has declined over the last year, however; to around 9.5 million from 10.5 million in 2006.
Over 50 per cent of those came from Asia, mostly from Japan, China and Singapore.
Room rates continue to rise, though, with the average price of a top-end Bangkok room coming in at a little over 5,000 baht; up from around 4,500 baht in 2006.
More on Bangkok Hotels
Posted by: Andrew on 06 Feb 2008, 21:42 -
Chiang Mai still for cheap charlies
Chiang Mai has a reputation as a cheap backpacker destination, but the opening of several luxury hotels recently has hoped to change that. However, recent statistic reveal that there is still a relatively low expenditure per head. In fact average spending per day is 1000 baht less than the national tourism average.
On average, visitors to Chiang Mai spend just 2,700 baht per day, compared to 3,700 as an average among other popular tourist destinations. Figures for this year were slightly up on the previous year but it indicates the city has quite gone upmarket as many locals had hoped for.
Chiang Mai is known as one of the best value destinations for tourists in Thailand, with prices in general up to 50 per cent cheaper for services than Bangkok or Phuket. It’s one of the main selling points of the city.
Last year five million people visited this historic Northern city, of which two million were foreigners. This partly explains the low average, since the city is a very popular winter destination among Thais especially from Bangkok. They come to enjoy the novelty of cool weather but do not have big holiday budgets like those earning abroad.
The breakdown of daily expenditure was revealed thus; 676 baht for accommodation, 461 baht for food, 500 baht for transportation, 672 baht for souvenir shopping and 400 baht for entertainment. In Phuket a traveller would struggle to find accommodation for just 600 baht, but Chiang Mai has plenty of cheap guesthouses catering to backpackers who stay longer and spend less.
"Entrepreneurs, including hoteliers and service providers, should offer different products with higher quality to tap into a niche market and more income" suggested Songvit Itthipttanakul, president of the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association.
He forecast a 5 to 10 per cent increase in visitors numbers for 2008, increasing total revenue to 49 million baht. Local tour operators and agents have complained of an unusually quiet season so far, whereas the city was overwhelmed this time last year by crowds visiting the Royal Flora Expo.
Posted by: Andrew on 26 Dec 2007, 21:16 -
New convention centre plans still delayed
A new national convention centre planned for Chiang Mai is still on the drawing board much to the dismay of the tourist and hospitality industry. Initially planned under the disposed Thaksin administration, the project was put on hold following the Sept 2006 coup.
Plans to develop a large centre and target the MICE sector created a bullish sentiment in the city when announced several years ago, resulting in a flood of new hotel rooms. However, with the project failing to materialise the industry is struggling, and the losses incurred might eventually add up to 2 billion baht according to Vorapong Muchaotai, secretary of the Chiang Mai Tourism Business Association.
“The MICE market is highly productive and has great potential as the market can generate tourism income three times greater than other sections,� explained Vorapong.
 Many seminars and conferences that were penciled in for Chiang Mai on the strength of the convention centre plan have since been moved elsewhere, including the association’s conference and exhibitions and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2008 in January next year.

Although the centre’s construction will go ahead, sited on land provided by the military compound in Mae Rim, north of the city, no decision has been made to restart the project by the military installed government. It is hoped the newly elected government will deal with it as a priority in 2008.
Particularly affected is the luxury hotel chains who had decided to finally go ahead with building five star hotels in the city. The Shangri La, GHM (Chedi), Mandarin Oriental, Dusit and Le Meridien Groups have all recently constructed or opened luxury hotels in the city in an unprecedented show of up-market hospitality. Some have more than 200 rooms and without the centre, are struggling to maintain occupancy levels.
Posted by: Andrew on 18 Dec 2007, 09:45 -
Thailand Property Awards recognizes 13 winners
Saturday night, the Royal Orchid Sheraton hosted the 2007 Thailand Property Awards with a lavish Gala Dinner to announce the winners in 13 different categories. The event was attended by 350 elite members of Thailand’s real estate industry.
In order to select the winners, judges chose from a list of nominated groups.
“The 2007 awards saw a very high level of competition and the winners truly deserve this recognition. There was a good spread of winners from around Thailand, with strong showings from both Phuket and Samui, as well as Bangkok,� said Duncan Worthington, Managing Director of organizers Ensign Media Co. Ltd.
“Thailand’s real estate industry has faced a number of challenges this year with growth being slower than previously expected. However, the success of the 2007 Thailand Property Awards and acknowledgment of the winners by their peers here tonight is a good indicator of the underlying quality and dynamic of the industry throughout the country,� added Worthington.
The winner in the category of Best Developer was won by Raimon Land PLC, based in Bangkok. Dhevatara Properties Co Ltd won the award for the Best Boutique Developer. The Best International Agent, an award sponsored by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, was won by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Best Thailand Agent, on the other hand, was awarded to Samui Villas & Homes Co. Ltd.
The Best Resort Condo Development was awarded by Royal Phuket Marina. Phuket-based West Sands picked up the Green Development Award. Siam Real Estate picked up the award for the Best Agent Website.
This year was the second year that the awards were given out and this year had more entries than the first year’s event. The categories of Gaggenau Best Architect, Best Agent Website and Best Resort Condo Development received the most number of entries.
Posted by: Jen on 03 Dec 2007, 13:45 -
Live luxuriously and save sea turtles
The Aleenta Resort and Spa Phuket has set up a foundation in order to help protect the endangered marine turtles in Thailand. Travelers who stay at the hotel can help contribute to the company’s environmental efforts and stay just 15 minutes north of the area where the turtles hatch on the beach.
Annually, Aleenta donates 100,000 baht to the Turtle Sanctuary in the nearby Haad Thauymuang National Park. In addition, each guest donates 40 baht per night of their stay to the sanctuary, a gift matched by an equal donation from the hotel. Finally, the hotel employs one full time staff member to work at the sanctuary. This staff member helps patrol the beach, care for baby turtles and assist with the treatment of sick turtles.
The resort was founded and is currently owned by Anchalika Kijkanakorn. When she first started the development in 2005, she heard about the sea turtle sanctuary. “We immediately decided to set up a fund to project them, and to make sure we are part of the solution rather than contributing to their declining numbers,� Ms Kijkanakorn said. “We’ve hired a full-time employee to work at the Haad Thauymuang National Park where the Turtle Sanctuary is located, and have launched an educational program for local schools including field trips to the sanctuary and coloring books for children.�
The hotel is currently offering a five night ‘Adopt a Turtle’ package. The package includes five nights stay in a villa or luxury suite with full breakfast each day. The package includes a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary complete with a gourmet picnic lunch. Because visiting Thailand should always be a relaxing experience, the package also includes a treatment for two at the Aleenta Spa and one candle-lit dinner for two. Daily tropical fruit baskets are provided and transfers to and from the Phuket International Airport are included.
Package prices start at 72,672 baht ($2590) for double occupancy in a Beachfront Suite.
In addition to the projects with sea turtle conservation, the Aleenta hotel also contributes to responsible tourism by offering English language lessons to local people and providing employment opportunities to local staff. Aleenta purchases most of its seafood from local fisherman and uses local market gardens to get fresh vegetables.
Posted by: Jen on 27 Nov 2007, 11:16 -
Park Hyatt to open in Samui
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Group will become the latest international hotel brand to appear in Samui when it opens the Park Hyatt Koh Samui in late 2009. It will comprise of 90 luxury villas, 24 villa residences and a 50 acre site of pools, private gardens and living area. Developed by Proud Resorts Koh Samui Co. Ltd., a joint venture between real estate and hospitality investment specialists, First Oriental, and the Liptapanlop Family, the hotel will boast a modern and minimalist design, accented by traditional Thai architectural elements.
It’s location is to be the remote southern coast, at Thong Krut Bay, 15 minutes drive from the island’s administrative centre of Nathon. The hotel will enjoy a hilltop setting with spectacular views over the Surat Thani coastline and nearby fishing villages, coconut farms and palm beaches. A nearby island co-owned by the owners of the resort will provide berthing for yachts and a private beach.
“Koh Samui’s is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. With its ideal climate and accessibility, which makes it attractive for tourism-related investment. This project presents an exceptional opportunity for Hyatt to strengthen its brand portfolio in Asia Pacific,� said Willi Martin, Hyatt Area Vice President, Southeast Asia.
Posted by: Andrew on 24 Nov 2007, 11:52 -
More Phi Phi hotels approved
Phi Phi Don is set to get more hotel rooms, after plans were finally approved for some hotels to rebuild following the tsunami of 2004. Despite three years lapsing since the disaster, authorities have dragged their feet in approving new building plans, preferring a more structured and cautious approach.
The December 26th tsunami, which completely wiped out the island’s infrastructure, caused more grief for local business people than expected, as recovery on the island has been slow. At present only a handful of hotels and guesthouses have rebuilt and opened for business. It has left the island in a far more pleasant an natural state but businesses that previously existed on the popular island have been disenfranchised.
Finally, hotels and guesthouses that existed before December 2004 have been given licences to rebuild, adding to the island’s chronic shortage of hotel rooms. This follows a directive from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, but restrictions remain unclear. Buildings may now be as high as nine meters, up from six, but it remains unclear whether they should be at least 20 or 30 meters from the water. Furthermore, their ground floor must be at least 80cm above sea level.
At least four large hotels have been waiting for the go ahead, said Charnarong Techaratkij, owner of the Phi Phi Princess Hotel. He estimates that at least 1000 new jobs will be created once these are complete. However, the final approval doesn’t seem to address the unplanned over-development that chronically afflicted the island, and it is feared that this famous Andaman destination will, in years to come, once again become spoilt.
More on Phi Phi island
Posted by: Andrew on 14 Nov 2007, 16:55 -
More luxury hotel offerings in Bangkok
The Sathorn area of Bangkok is a booming commercial centre, with a high concentration of luxury hotels springing up like weeds, but luxurious weeds mind you. The newest addition to the fold is the new hotel planned by W Hotels to open in 2011 in the Russian Embassy Complex, where there is already a mixed-use development.
The W Bangkok will be the second property in Thailand for W Hotels and the location will have a first for a hotel, an MTR Skytrain stop connected directly to it. The hotel is also a short walk from embassies and shopping centres, and the complex itself already has shops, restaurants and a business tower. Cultural sights such as the Grand Palace and the National Museum are also a stones throw away.
President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Miguel Ko says, 'Following the announcement of W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui, W Bangkok is a logical extension of W's dynamic growth in Thailand. Bangkok is a perfect fit for W hotels, appealing to the brand's sophisticated travelers with a delectable mix of diverse cultures, world-class shopping and an unsurpassed epicurean experience.'
Posted by: DaveB on 17 Oct 2007, 13:53 -
The next step in Bangkok Luxury
Bangkok is certainly not short on fancy hotels where you can go and spoil yourself; and the area along and surrounding Sukhumvit Road is not short on new development projects either. The latest announcement comes form Carlson Hotels, that their newest venture will rise amongst the metal and glass of Sukhumvit Soi 18; The Park Plaza Bangkok Asoke.
One big draw with the Carlson/Park Royal Co. venture is it’s easy 30-minute commute to Survarnabhumi Airport. Even just outside the doors, the location is ideal for accessing the BTS Skytrain system as well as the MRTA Metro lines.
The hotel will feature 120 rooms styled to the usual Park Plaza levels of quality, the building itself being designed by Inter Architects, who are also behind the Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit and The Regent Bangkok.
President of Carlson Hotels Worldwide and Asia Pacific Paul Kirwin says, "The Park Plaza Bangkok Asoke will be an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of hotels.
Bangkok is Thailand's most important business and tourist destination. We hope to continue to grow our presence in the country, and to be the hotel of choice by providing a comfortable and vibrant travel experience synonymous with the Park Plaza brand."
Posted by: DaveB on 04 Oct 2007, 12:57 -
Le Meridien Plans Nine New Hotels in Thailand
Eva Ziegler, the senior vice-president of Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts recently announced plans to open nine new properties under the brand name in Thailand within the next two years.
With new additions to the already existing hotels, Le Meridien will operate a total of 20 hotels by 2009 including brand new properties in Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Samui.
Ms. Ziegler is confident that the country’s lush landscape and beautiful beaches will draw enough tourists to fill the hotels.
"As Thailand is a favored destination of many travelers from Europe and the US, we feel these tourists are likely to choose Le Meridien hotels when they visit Thailand," Ms Ziegler said.
In order to promote the new hotels, the company, which is part of the multinational Starwood group, will be launch an advertising campaign centered around art, fashion and the hotel’s legendary good taste.
According to Ms Ziegler, art is one of the aspects that distinguishes Le Meridien from other hotels. "Works of art will exist virtually everywhere in our hotels to create first impressions on guests from their first step at the gate, all the way to their rooms," she said.
Posted by: Jen on 25 Sep 2007, 18:07