Marriott's takeover of Starwood means big changes for Thailand’s hotel scene. Here's what you need to know.
Thailand's about to get A LOT more resorts and hotels.
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7 years ago
The recent acquisition of Starwood hotels by Marriott International Inc. has made Marriott the largest hotel brand in the world. It now controls over a dozen core brands, spanning top luxury names with a presence in Thailand like Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to chic five-star brands W and Le Meridien to fun, accessible lifestyle hotels like Aloft.Recently, Marriott International’s president and managing director for the Asia Pacific region was in Bangkok for a conference on what the merger means for Thailand. Here’s what we can tell you about the group’s upcoming projects, as well as what’s happening at existing Marriott/Starwood hotels.
Craig S. Smith, President & Managing Director – Asia Pacific Marriott International
The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui
1. There are 19 new Marriott International hotels and resorts in the pipeline for Thailand
Combined with Marriott and Starwood’s existing portfolio, that means the group will have an incredible 40 hotels across the country. The headline announcement is 13 new properties on prime beach destinations. The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui and W Retreat – Phang Nga Bay are perhaps the most hotly anticipated, but they’re not alone. A new Renaissance Resort & Spa is also underway in Pattaya, a Sheraton on Khao Lak and the Marriott Emerald Cove Resort & Spa for Koh Chang, to name a few.
Marriott Marquis
Siam Tea House - Marriott Marquis
2. The old Queen’s Park hotel is now a Marriott Marquis
“Marquis” is Marriott’s label for hotels in prime downtown locations with over 1,000 rooms. Located in Phrom Phong, The Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park hotel is the first time the Marquis name has been used in the Asia-Pacific region (it’s more usually associated with big US metropolises like New York and Washington). The focus here is heavily on events, with over 5,000 sq meters of conference and banqueting space.
Pool House - Marriott Marquis
Suite Bedroom - Marriott Marquis
3. Every property will be brought up to speed with the latest tech
Even older hotels in the group’s portfolio are being brought bang up to date with technology which ensures the Millennial generation will feel at home. That means you’ll never have to miss an Instagram post or Facebook update thanks to high-speed Wi-Fi everywhere from the pool to the gym and bedside USB plugs. Plus, you’ll be able to access your own Netflix account from the hotel’s in-room TVs.
Mahanakhon Tower
4. Bangkok’s EDITION hotel is going to be amazing
EDITION is Marriott’s boutique brand conceived by legendary hotelier Ian Schrager—the first guy to ever coin the phrase “boutique hotel.” Bangkok’s EDITION has been long-anticipated, opening next year as part of the ultra-luxe Mahanakhon Tower development at Chong Nonsi. It’s still too early to tell you much about what it has in store, but what we know from other EDITION properties (of which there are only three currently open) is that design, dining and entertainment will be paramount.
Credit: www.marriott.com
5. The group’s next property to open will be Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Opening as early as this December, the hotel sits on Tri-Trang beach in the central west coast of Phuket. Taking over from the old Merlin Beach Resort, Marriott has given the property a total refresh, with a new, contemporary look for both indoor and outdoor areas. Opening rates start at B4,000.
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