Now Open and Ahead of the Curve: Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Now Open and Ahead of the Curve: Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

The Carlton experience has arrived. With its first property in Thailand, Carlton Hotel Group brings to Bangkok the hotelier’s distinctive design concepts, superior facilities, meticulous service standards and outstanding dining choices.

The wait is over. Doors at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit are open – and they reveal a genuinely distinctive hotel experience in Thailand’s capital city.

The difference emerges straight away well before one enters the hotel. Rising 34 storeys above downtown, a dramatic building catches the eye with bold curves set against soaring verticality. Difference emerges too in the hotel’s grand lobby where an extraordinary chandelier of hand-brown glass ornaments twirls down from eight storeys above. Other specially commissioned art works throughout the hotel lend similarly captivating visual effects.

All quite a sight. But there’s more than meets the eye – and every glimpse of just-opened Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit provides new perspective on the upper-upscale, city-centre hotel experience in Bangkok.

Well-placed for upper-upscale

Speaking of perspective, providing a keenly observed one is Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s general manager, Mark Bulmer. 

Bulmer, with eight years’ experience with Carlton Hotel Group including six as general manager of both Carlton hotels in Singapore, says, ‘I’ve been with Carlton for some time and I know why our hotels have such a fine reputation, and I know how we’re always enhancing it. I’ve also lived and worked here in Bangkok, so I can say from experience that Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit combines the absolute best of Carlton and Thai hospitality.  Guests will enjoy five-star luxury at superb value, especially given the hotel’s prime location between BTS SkyTrain Asoke and Phrom Phong stations.’

To location can be added many other advantages. Accommodation at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit comprises 338 rooms and suites ranging in size from 37 to 129 sqm. Features and amenities in all rooms include floor-to-ceiling soundproofed window with electric curtains and blinds, 49-inch smart TV with Chromecast mirroring and Apple TV, king or twin bedding with Sealy Posturepedic mattress, bathroom with rain shower and separate bathtub and washlet, large wardrobe, work desk, in-room wired and wireless internet, electronic safe, and minibar refrigerator.  Additional advanced technologies in all guest rooms include motion sensor-controlled lighting for decreased energy consumption when guests are away. Guests also benefit from in-room IPTV technology providing information, entertainment and hospitality services via a single digital source.

Culinary excellence and more

Carlton hotels are highly regarded not only for their accommodation, facilities and services but also for superlative dining. In fact, for three decades famed Wah Lok restaurant has made Carlton synonymous with fine Cantonese cuisine in Singapore.

That very same culinary excellence can now be enjoyed at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s own Wah Lok restaurant. Expect an upscale Hong Kong-style setting with main dining area capacity for up to 194 guests, along with private dining rooms available for business and social occasions. Providing direction at Wah Lok Bangkok is the same chef who helped open the original Wah Lok at Carlton Hotel Singapore over 30 years ago, Master Chef and Guangdong native Lam Kok Weng.

A distinguished collection of venues further upholds Carlton’s culinary reputation in Bangkok:

Plate – all-day-dining restaurant serving expansive buffets and à la carte selections in a contemporary setting. Featuring international classics, Thai favourites and Carlton’s signature Peranakan Straits-Chinese cuisine.

Tuxedo – lobby-level espresso bar for vanguard coffee culture including Thailand’s first Modbar espresso machines in a five-star hotel setting. Also, pâtisserie, boulangerie and viennoiserie made daily in the adjacent glass-fronted pastry kitchen. Singapore-style Carlton Afternoon Tea served daily. Beer, wine and cocktails also available.

Cooling Tower – chilled-out rooftop bar with draught beers, imaginative cocktails, New and Old-World wines and fine spirits complemented with tasty bar bites.

Plunge – poolside juice bar for refreshing juices and smoothies as well as beer and house wines. Light meals and snacks available.

The hotel’s entire 10th floor, meanwhile, is dedicated to leisure, recreation and fitness. Guests enjoy a 30 metre outdoor pool with waterfall feature, a pool bar, exercise studio with 24-hour access, luxury spa by Let’s Relax, and a Kids’ Zone.

High above Bangkok on the 33rd-floor, the Carlton Club Lounge provides sweeping views from indoor and outdoor seating. Club-level accommodation guests enjoy premium amenities and services including privileged breakfast, all-day snacks and refreshments, and cocktail hours with canapes. There’s also a meeting room with seating for six.

Additional facilities and services are two floors of 10 function rooms including The Grand Carlton Ballroom with capacity for up to 600 guests, totaling 1,200 square metres of highly configurable spaces ideal for business gatherings and social occasions.  Technologies include a high-resolution 220-inch LED screen for pin-sharp entertainment and presentations, while among customised audio-visual services available is specially designed lighting and décor to match corporate branding. Extensive on-site technologies and amenities ensure organisers of a hassle-free experience. 

Meet Healthy Bot

Given Bangkok Hospital’s vision for technological innovation, we are proud to present the Healthy Bot for use by our patients in the hospital. Healthy Bot is equipped with a camera for Face to Face consultations with Bangkok Hospital’s clinicians, video calls with family members, and food and medicine deliveries. Healthy Bot is an example of the extra caution we take to reduce the risk of a virus spreading.

Shrewsbury’s Super Six Land Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League Offers

               

Shrewsbury’s Super Six Land Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League Offers

• Ivy League: Early Decisions at Cornell (2) and Dartmouth head US offers so far
• Oxbridge: 1 Oxford, 2 Cambridge continue Shrewsbury track record. 17 Oxbridge offers since 2018.
• Class of 2020 secure over 200 offers in 7 countries so far. Hundreds of applications still in process.

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, Riverside is celebrating six offers from the world’s most sought after universities. Three students have already accepted their places at the Ivy League’s Cornell University and Dartmouth College. In the UK, offers from both the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (2), make a total of 17 Oxbridge offers for Shrewsbury students since 2018.

The “super six” will pursue courses ranging from Economics to Engineering, and Law to Liberal Arts. However, when it comes to reflecting on their time Shrewsbury and their own successes, they all agree that their education has been about much more than academic endeavour in the classroom;

 “I’d always say to younger students, ‘Get out of your bubble’”, notes music scholar Karuna (Law, Oxford). “Test yourself in new activities. Academics are a huge part of life at Shrewsbury, but don’t miss out on the other opportunities and experiences. They give perspective and will make for your best memories of school”.

Vice Principal, Mr Rob Millar spoke highly of the six students explaining that this is what students can achieve at Shrewsbury if you have a goal and apply yourself.

“I could not possibly be prouder of what these students have achieved for themselves, their families and Shrewsbury. They all have such different areas of expertise and to have been accepted to some of the world’s best universities shows the wealth of opportunity that Shrewsbury offers. These exceptional students have shown that if you put the hard work in then it will pay off; and it has in a big way.”

Limited places available for Shrewsbury’s A level programme starting August 2020. For all admissions enquiries please call Khun Jip or Shirley on 02 675 1888 Ext 1110 or 1404

Read more about the super six’ journeys to success, and Shrewsbury’s award-winning higher education support.

SiteMinder breaks through billion-dollar valuation, raises new capital to fuel global growth

SiteMinder, the global market leader in hotel guest acquisition software, has completed a capital raise from international and Australian investors of the highest quality. The raise was led by equity funds managed by BlackRock. Other investors include AustralianSuper; Ellerston, through the Ellerston JAADE Private Assets Fund; and Pendal Group. The process was finalised in January 2020 and values SiteMinder at approximately AU$1.1 billion.

The raise follows a strong year for SiteMinder, having processed 105 million bookings through its platform for more than 35,000 hotels worldwide. The privately-owned company also surpassed AU$100 million in annual recurring revenue—80 per cent of which is generated from international markets, through both monthly subscriptions and newer transactional revenue streams.

The additional capital will be used to fuel SiteMinder’s growth and innovation, namely through accelerated go-to-market strategies and increased investments in research and development led from Sydney. The company will also further its international expansion and continue the growth of its more than 900 staff, who are located in six offices spanning Sydney, Bangkok, Dallas, Galway, London and Manila.

SiteMinder’s technology is today available in eight languages and supported with customer service in a further three. To SiteMinder’s CEO, Sankar Narayan, there has never been a more opportune time to capitalise on an online accommodation industry that has grown 11 per cent per annum over the last 15 years and still represents less than 50 per cent of all accommodation bookings.

“As the global landscape for hotel technology becomes increasingly fragmented, and remains largely unpenetrated with connected technology, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the quality of new partners we have gained to further cement our position as the global market leader, now and into the future. This investment is a strong endorsement of our growth ambitions to continue building the world’s largest and most open guest acquisition platform for hotels,” says Mr Narayan.

Michael Dennis, BlackRock’s Asia Pacific Head of Capital Markets, says, “We see the Australian private markets providing a compelling investment opportunity. We are excited about this investment and look forward to SiteMinder delivering on its growth ambitions and extending its market leadership.”

Mike Ford, Chairman and Co-Founder of SiteMinder, says, “With ever-increasing complexities online amid rising consumer choice, SiteMinder fills a necessary void for hoteliers everywhere. We are delighted to have such a wealth of expertise and experience among our shareholders, to walk the exciting path forward with us.”

Early investors of SiteMinder⁠—including Bailador Technology Investments, Les Szekely of Equity Venture Partners, and TCV⁠—remain strong supporters and shareholders of the company.

“The shift in consumer engagement is changing the structure of online travel,” says David Yuan, General Partner at TCV and SiteMinder board member. “We wanted to find a technology provider that could power a better consumer experience and empower hoteliers to benefit from this shift. We searched globally and found the best—SiteMinder in Australia. In working together over the years, we’ve seen SiteMinder emerge as the global powerhouse in the category, and an important franchise in online travel.”

SiteMinder was advised by UBS as financial adviser and Gilbert + Tobin as legal adviser in relation to the transaction.

ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS ENGAGE IN CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) ACTIVITY “FULFILL MY DREAM PROJECT”

Michael Schlueter, General Manager of Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers recently led the Hotel Management and Associates, to host lunch and donate stuffs for multiple disabilities children under “Fulfill my dream” project at Home for Disabled Babies (Bann Fuengfah), Department of Social Development and Welfare, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Ditbordee Direkvathana and Nate Charutanont also participated.

RADISSON SUITES BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT FINE DINING RESTAURANT “PUNJAB GRILL” RECEIVED THE PLATE MICHELIN AWARD 2020

Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit fine dining restaurant “Punjab Grill” has been received the award for

“The Plate Michelin” from Michelin guide. The plate symbol recognizes that the restaurant simply serve good food by using fresh ingredients and carefully prepared. The restaurant also received the fork and spoon symbol

Which represented comfort and quality of the restaurant.

The Michelin Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through two to three-line short summaries and an extensive system of symbols, the most revered of which are its globally renowned Michelin Stars. Restaurants may receive zero to 3 stars for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money and consistency between visits. The Bib Gourmand and The Plate Michelin are a consolation prize that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

ABOUT PUNJAB GRILL & PUNJAB CUISINE

Since its inception, Punjab Grill has become one of the most critically acclaimed gourmet fine dining restaurants in India and is considered by many to be a crown jewel of North Indian Frontier (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Punjab) gourmet cuisine. 

 

The cuisine of this region is generally defined by a simplistic style of preparation, involving large chunks of meat or vegetables, sparsely marinated and slow cooked in a Tandoor at high temperatures.  Spices are used to the right amount so as not to overpower the main ingredients, but just to remain preserved in the flavor of the final dish.  Yellow chilli powder, kasuri methi, kashmiri mirchi, home ground garam masala, cardamom, mace powder, royal cumin and carom are the main spices used in this type of cuisine.

Punjab Grill’s signature dishes include Crab and Lentil Shorba, Avocado Papdi Chaat, Tawa Scallops and Tandoori Jheenga. Punjab Grill’s signature drinks include Paan Mojito, Kikki De Teekhi and Masala Orange.

www.punjabgrillbangkok.com

Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok Announces Executive Team

Siam Sindhorn Co., Limited is delighted to announce the appointment of the executive team for Sindhorn Midtown, a new, Thai-born hospitality brand in the heart of Bangkok’s Langsuan neighborhood. Set to open in March 2020, Sindhorn Midtown will offer 344 hotel rooms and suites along with 49 fully-serviced residences. Led by General Manager Jee Hoong Tan, the experienced team is well positioned to launch the brand and introduce a distinctly new hospitality experience for travelers to Bangkok.

“I am so pleased and honored to lead this exceptional team in presenting our unique new brand experience to Bangkok,” said Jee Hoong Tan. “Comprised of hotel industry veterans with decades of experience in launching new properties, our team is perfectly suited to deliver our brand promise of warm, Thai-inspired service, outstanding amenities and outstanding accommodations.”

General Manager Jee Hoong Tan brings 25 years of hospitality experience to Sindhorn Midtown, with particular expertise in launching and marketing new hotel properties and brands. He has worked with several established brands across Southeast Asia, including Renaissance, Sheraton, Kempinski, Le Meridien, Westin and Mandarin. His career has spanned three decades, and has focused on sales, marketing and business development. He is skilled at launching new brands, and was part of the launch team for Le Meridien Bangkok, the successful flagship of the now iconic brand.

Hotel Manager Nawin Pakwattanakarn has 18 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, and has served on the opening team for Sindhorn Midtown since 2017. Nawin came to Sindhorn from The Dhara Dhevi, a 123-room boutique destination resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand where he served as Director of Rooms and Manager. Prior to this, he served as Rooms Manager at the 250-room Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi. Nawin has valuable pre-opening expertise as well as extensive experience in delivering a brand experience for guests.

Director of Sales & Marketing Nicha Ruenthip brings 15 years of hospitality experience, most recently with SO/ Bangkok. As Director of Sales & Marketing, Nicha has broad experience developing corporate, leisure and MICE business and is very familiar with the Bangkok market. She served on the opening team for Le Meridien Bangkok and is experienced with defining and delivering a brand experience.

The team is rounded out by Director of Finance, Sukanya Poksupat, a 15-year Marriott veteran with experience opening Marriott properties in Thailand; Director of Human Resources Sulapha Koranantakun, who has more than a decade of experience in guest services and human resources, and has worked on pre-opening teams for other properties hiring the new talent; and Chief Engineer Christopher Suntonvipart, a 13-year industry veteran who most recently worked as Director of Engineering on the pre-opening team for the Renaissance Pattaya Resort and Spa.

Source: http://www.eglobaltravelmedia.com.au/sindhorn-midtown-bangkok-announces-executive-team/

Conrad Bangkok Welcomes 2019 Festive Season with

Glittering Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Conrad Bangkok, led by Herman Ehrlich, General Manager, officially started the 2019 festive season with the hotel’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The hotel welcomed revered guests and patrons along with their families and friends to a joyous evening of Christmas celebration at its newly-renovated lobby.

As a part of Conrad Bangkok’s quest to give back to the community, the hotel collaborated with a famous illustrator Painterbell to design a special edition of T-shirt. Funds generated from the T-shirt sale will be donated to Operation Smile Foundation, which works tirelessly to help underprivileged children, born with cleft lips or palates. This charitable organization was represented at the event by Dr. Paul Robere PhD, a member of the Board of Directors.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony began with a special live performance of a Christmas song by popular international vocalist Tabitha King, or “Lady T”. Herman Ehrlich graciously opened the ceremony with a memorable speech which was followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree, bathing the hotel in a beautifully soft blue and silver glow.

The ceremony was then graced with Christmas carols and an operatic chorus from The Elixir band from Mahidol University’s College of Music. Guests were able to savor a selection of festive desserts and refreshments.

Nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s commercial district, Conrad Bangkok marries luxury with innovation, elegance and intuitive service to ensure that all guests “Stay Inspired”. A major refurbishment has further enhanced the experience with stylish new interiors.

BWH Hotel Group℠ Celebrates Being Named One of Asia’s Top Hotel Chains at NOW Travel Asia Awards

Kanapot Sithiwong, Editor-in-Chief of NOW Travel Asia (left), presents the award to Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia (right), at Best Western’s regional head office in Bangkok

 BWH Hotel Group is celebrating another major award, after its subsidiary Best Western^® Hotels & Resorts was named as one of “Asia’s Top Hotel Chains” at the NOW Travel Asia Awards 2019-2020!

This prestigious title was presented to the company in a grand ceremony and gala dinner held in the ballroom of the Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, Taiwan, on November 15, 2019. This marks the third prestigious award won by Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia in recent months, after it was named as Asia’s “Best Midscale Hotel Chain” in the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards for a fifth consecutive year and inducted into TTG Asia’s “Travel Hall of Fame” – Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand.

“We are thrilled to have been named as one of Asia’s Top Hotel Chains at the NOW Travel Asia Awards. NOW Travel Asia is one of the region’s most respected leisure travel magazines, so to be rated so highly by their esteemed readers is a great honor indeed. This award is even more satisfying as BWH Hotel Group spans every sector, from economy to luxury. With our diverse portfolio of 17 brands, BWH Hotel Group is now a truly comprehensive hospitality company that can cater to every location and market segment. We look forward to creating even more excellent guest experiences all across Asia in the future,”said Olivier Berrivin.

Founded in 2012, the NOW Travel Asia Awards recognize excellence in all sectors of the region’s tourism industry, with 22 categories including hotels, airlines, restaurants, spas and more. The awards are voted by the readers of NOW Travel Asia, which is distributed in Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, China and South Korea.

BWH Hotel Group has achieved many milestones in the last 12 months, including the launch of Asia’s inaugural Vīb^® and BW Signature Collection^® hotels in Thailand, and the opening of Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, which marked the company’s return to Vietnam. The innovative SureStay Hotel Group^® has been launched in Japan, the Philippines and Laos, a third Best Western hotel will soon be introduced to Yangon, and BW Signature Collection will make its Japanese debut in the cultural city of Kyoto.

The year’s biggest development, however, was the acquisition of WorldHotels Collection in February 2019, which completes BWH Hotel Group’s portfolio with a collection of upper-upscale and luxury hotel concepts.

To learn more about BWH Hotel Group and Best Western Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com or www.bestwesternasiadevelopers.com        

MINT ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF DILLIP RAJAKARIER AS GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Minor International Public Company Limited (“MINT” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dillip Rajakarier as the Company’s Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO), replacing William E. Heinecke, who will take on the new position as Chairman of Executive Management Committee, while retaining his role as Chairman of the Board. The appointment is effective as of 1st January 2020.

Stepping up from his current role as Group Chief Operating Officer (Group COO) of MINT, Mr. Rajakarier takes on his promotion to Group CEO of MINT whilst maintaining his leadership role as CEO of Minor Hotels, ensuring the continued development and success of the hotel division. 

As Group CEO of MINT, Mr. Rajakarier will be responsible for the Company’s overarching strategy across all business units, including the corporate shared services of legal, IT and finance, as well as talent development and business culture. With a strong focus on driving expansion, sales and profitability worldwide, Mr. Rajakarier will work closely with the Board of Directors to achieve the long-term objective of becoming a globally-recognized leader in all three of MINT’s core businesses: hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle. Taking the helm of MINT in January 2020, Mr. Rajakarier brings with him formidable industry expertise and a proven track record of success with MINT.

“It is a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Minor International – a truly global company that is renowned for its incredible growth and talented team members. I am tremendously optimistic about the future of our Company. Indeed, we are moving swiftly to structure the organization for even faster growth, to ensure we can respond to the fast-changing needs of customers around the world in each of our business avenues,” Dillip Rajakarier said, before paying tribute to MINT’s Founder and Chairman. “William Heinecke’s industry and leadership achievements are recognized globally and the outstanding success of the Company speaks for itself. Mr. Heinecke’s industry insight and personal dedication have fostered global success from the ground up, and I fully intend to build upon the values and assets of his incredible accomplishments.”

William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of MINT, commented on the appointment, “Dillip has been instrumental to the success of Minor International and Minor Hotels throughout the past decade. As a high-ranking executive, his business and leadership talents, coupled with a tenacious passion for excellence, have played a significant role in expanding our organization and strengthening its reputation.” Looking to the future, Heinecke added, “Dillip’s commitment and achievements to date are commendable. The Board and I have every confidence that Dillip is the ideal leader to drive the next chapter of global growth for the Company. In understanding the need to put shareholders, customers and employees at the centre of Company strategy and growth, Dillip is highly capable to strengthen our current position and ensure that MINT is well-equipped to reap continued success going forward.”

Since joining Minor in March 2007 as VP Finance for the Hotel Group, Mr. Rajakarier has played a significant role in the expansion of the hotel division, making it a much-admired leader in the industry. Notable achievements under his leadership include the recent acquisition of NH Hotel Group, which was not only the largest deal to date for Minor Hotels but also a highly strategic transaction, the addition of Tivoli brand in Europe and Latin America, the Elewana brand in Africa and the Oaks brand in Australia, among others. Under his tenure, the Anantara brand has expanded from Asia to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. The Avani brand was also created and expanded into a sizable portfolio. Altogether, MINT now boasts a solid collection that exceeds 520 hotels. Mr. Rajakarier has also overseen the achievement of robust financial results in the hotel division, which have greatly contributed to the overall success of Minor International. 
    
Dillip Rajakarier further commented, “MINT will solidify its leadership in the hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle market through a diverse portfolio that will respond rapidly to changing consumer demands. We will also remain opportunistic, by continuously evaluating both existing and new business opportunities. Moreover, we will focus on transforming the business through innovative solutions and the use of new technology and digital tools, as well as building on our organizational culture and the talents of our people to maximize potential.”

Source: https://www.minorfood.com/en/news/mint-announces-the-appointment-of-dillip-rajakarier-as-group-chief-executive-officer