Boutique Hotel Group, Design Firm to Work Together on Akyra Manor Chiang Mai
- Monday, 25 November 2013 17:43
Some things simply go together. Peanut butter and jelly. Warm weather and flip-flops. And now, boutique hotel group AKARYN Hospitality Management Services (AHMS) and Singapore’s Manor Design Studio.
The two are teaming up to expand the trendy akyra brand into exciting and booming Chiang Mai.
Already we’re getting information on what cool design features to expect at akyra Manor Chiang Mai, which is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2014. 29 suites and residences with stylish, modern and warm décor will be spread out over seven floors. The resort will be focused on healthy living and a healthy environment starting with the country’s first organic rooftop nursery. Similar to those in cities like New York, it will provide ingredients for the resort’s SLOW food concept which aims to utilize home-grown food whenever possible. It also acts as a natural cooling system. Guests will relax at akyra Manor Chiang Mai’s pool and grab drinks at the nearby bar. An executive meeting room for business or private events is also in the works.
Rosewood Bangkok Looks Ahead to 2017
- Monday, 28 October 2013 11:27
Another huge ultra luxury property set for 2017
Get out your calendars and flip ahead to the year 2017. That’s when the ultra-luxury Rosewood Bangkok is scheduled to open in the city’s central business district. Hospitality investment company RENDE recently appointed Rosewood Hotels and Resorts to manage the property. This marks Rosewood’s fourth management agreement announced this year in the Asia-Pacific region.
Rosewood and RENDE have a comparable philosophy when it comes to providing the best service available in the market, as well as the same vision in design, which has made this partnership naturally easy. We also share the ultimate goal of wanting to create one of the best hotels in Bangkok
says Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong, chief executive officer of RENDE. Pintongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong is also the daughter of former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra.
New York-based architectural firm Kohn Pederson Fox Associates has designed a modern building that’s influenced by Thai culture. Plans show two connecting high-rises mimicking the graceful hand movement of the wai, a Thai greeting of welcome. A lush and modern vertical garden connects the two towers. Rosewood Bangkok is KPF’s first project in the country although they have designed landmarks around the globe including the International Commerce Centre in Hong Kong and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Inside, 146-rooms spread throughout 33 floors are planned. The 64-square meter Pool Sky Villas with private terraces and plunge pools are sure to grab guests’ attention. So will the top-floor Sky Villa event venue with sweeping views of the city. Two restaurants and bars will welcome diners. Rosewood’s signature Sense spa will help guests relaxed while a swimming pool and fitness center keep them active.
2014 Master List Revealed
- Monday, 21 October 2013 11:00
Over 30 properties currently under development already on the list of new hotels and resorts opening in Thailand in 2014.
Go to the 2014 Master List
I’m pleased to announce that the 2014 Master List of new hotel and resort openings in Thailand is now online. The 2013 Master List proved to be the most popular page on this site by far, so in response to the high demand for a collation of information on new property openings and developments, I have compiled a new list for 2014. It will of course grow over time as I get more information.
Also, for those of you who are fans of hotel soft openings, I am in the process of creating a list of all hotel and resort soft openings, listing dates and discounted opening prices. Look forward to that in the coming weeks.
OZO Chaweng Samui Soft Opening January 2014
- Thursday, 17 October 2013 19:19
Opening date change and exclusive preview photos.
This is just a quick update on the progress of OZO Chaweng Samui.
I previously reported that ONYX Hospitality Groups’s OZO Chaweng Samui was to open December 2013. As is often the case with hotel openings there have been delays in construction and the opening has been put back until January 2014. General Manager Ingo Domaschke informs me that although an exact opening date has yet to be set, a soft opening is planned for early January 2014.
Expect more photos and information as completion draws nearer.
Hotel Soft Openings Explained
- Tuesday, 15 October 2013 12:24
What are hotel soft openings?
In the hotel business, a soft opening, or soft launch is an unofficial opening, usually held with little publicity, weeks or months before the official grand opening.
During such soft openings, the hotel may run at reduced capacity, perhaps only opening up certain floors or wings of the property, and in some cases, certain facilities, such as the pool or spa may not be available or only partially functioning. Room service might also be a little slow.
Soft openings serve two purposes. The first is a training period to get staff until staff become accustomed to the regular day to day requirements of running a hotel so that they are prepared for the rush when the fully publicised grand opening is held. Many problems will be ironed out during soft openings and the hotel may discover bottlenecks they may not have been anticipating.
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