Why all the best hotel brands want to be in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited cities, so it is hardly surprising that international hotel brands are attracted to the Thai capital. There has been an influx of luxury hotels in recent years, including Hilton’s luxury brand Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, the Hyatt Regency and Somerset Maison Asoke Bangkok luxury serviced apartment hotel, which all opened last year.

So far in 2019, Rosewood Bangkok and Nikko Hotel Bangkok have opened with Capella Bangkok and Four Seasons Bangkok coming soon, as well as the first Orient Express hotel opening in the fourth quarter of this year in the King Power Mahanakhon Building, Bangkok. This replaces what was originally supposed to be The Bangkok Edition hotel.

Bangkok is repositioning itself as a world-class luxury destination.

John Blanco, general manager at Capella Bangkok, a luxury boutique retreat on the east bank of the Chao Phraya that is set to open later this year, says, “There has been a growth in arrivals year-on-year [with the city seeing] a transformation from a value/cheap gateway to a sophisticated destination that has great depth and all the characteristics of other major cities in the region, and is deserving of higher premiums and longer stays.”

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, CEO of King Power Group, which owns the King Power Mahanakhon Building, said: “The launch of the world’s first Orient Express Hotel at King Power Mahanakhon truly completes our vision of creating an extraordinary landmark that celebrates the city and adds a new milestone to Thailand and the world’s hospitality industry, while further elevating Thailand to a truly world-class destination.”

Thomas Harlander, managing director of Rosewood Bangkok, says demand has increased for more luxurious rooms.