Industry Research

Marriott is investing its own money in Bangkok

23 Jan, 2012 By: Meagan Drillinger

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Bangkok is, indeed, open for business in 2012. It was tough times for Thailand last year, when the country suffered severe flooding during the second half of the year. But with Marriott International Inc. inking the agreement to open an Edition hotel in Bangkok, the proof is in the pudding that the city is back in action.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Edition brand will open five new properties by 2015, one of which will be in Bangkok. "The deals come as Marriott is investing as much as $800 million of its own money to develop three additional Edition hotels - in New York, London and Miami Beach - in a break with its typical practice of managing properties for third-party owners," the article reports.

The Bangkok Edition will be part of a mixed-use skyscraper, with both residential and retail space. According to WSJ, the plans for the property were previously in motion but had a stop put on them due to Thailand's financial and political situation. It is full steam ahead again, the article reports.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is also pumping out good news from Bangkok. Late last year the company took over the Marriott Bangkok, reopening it as the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa.

Starwood also debuted its first Aloft property in Thailand, the Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit 11.

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Sofitel So Bangkok is set to debut on February 28, as well.

As far as tourism goes, the center of the city, where the luxury hotels and shopping sit, received bad word of mouth. Media coverage skewed the external perception of the city, which has greatly impacted tourism numbers in a negative way. The high season was absolutely compromised. While areas outside of Bangkok are still drying, the city itself has returned to normal, and with the introduction of these well-known brands, the public is sure to follow.

Topic : Bangkok Hotels, Bangkok Tourism, Thailand Flooding
External Source : San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal