3 Centara Hotels Leave the Accor Network

Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok - Facade

　　Sofitel and Centara Hotels and Resorts of Central Group in Thailand, have mutually agreed not to further extend their two agreements, namely Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok and Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin; effective January 2012. In addition, the contract for Novotel Centara Hatyai will also not be extended.

　　Thailand-based Centara Hotels & Resorts has well established itself as one of the leading hotel management companies in the region and continues to expand rapidly with a clear vision of their own branding and strategies. This sees the end of a strong and supportive 25-year partnership between Accor and Centara which started with the Sofitel Hua Hin in 1986. During this period, many exciting opportunities were nurtured and realised from the successful association.

　　The chairman of the board of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Mr Suthikiati Chirathiwat expressed his appreciation, “Sofitel has been an important milestone of Centara’s development, sharing vision and driving towards the success. It has been a rewarding journey and there might be other opportunities to re-establish this partnership”.

　　Mr. Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President of Sofitel Asia Pacific comments, “Sofitel is most grateful for the close and collaborative relationship with Centara over the past 25 years. This will continue through to the conclusion of the agreements and may be followed with other collaborations in the future, which would be most welcome”. Mr. Blaiklock commented further, “Sofitel remains fully committed to Thailand and looks forward to the much anticipated and imminent opening of 2 new flagship properties in Bangkok, notably the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit and Sofitel So Bangkok.

　　Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit will open in the heart of the vibrant Sukhumvit Road area, located a short walk from the BTS Skytrain and the MRT Subway stations, providing easy access to the rest of the city. The hotel features 345 rooms, Club Millésime - business lounge, innovative meeting facilities including a state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom, wellness areas and conceptualised restaurants and bars.

　　Sofitel So Bangkok is introducing a stylish and luxurious design hotel experience with a cutting-edge city living concept including innovative dining and socialised wellness. Located in the prime business district on Sathorn Road, overlooking a stunning view of Lumpini Park, the hotel features 238 themed rooms and suites, 3 restaurants and 2 bars built around the five elements; Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire. Each guest room is equipped with an Apple Mac mini and signature design features.