Ratchaprasong district
Renaissance (324) has hosted several high-profile events recently including a product launch for Bentley and a three-day conference for Belden (see case study on page 63). The hotel is offering a selection of extras for residential meeting groups including a one-hour cocktail reception, a full-day BTS SkyTrain pass for each delegate, meeting room internet and round-trip transfers for two VIPs. Groups booking 50-99 room nights can choose two extras and those booking 100 room nights can choose three. Valid until March 31, 2012.
Four Seasons (354) has been receiving a large portion of the area’s regional and long-haul incentive groups. The hotel completed a full renovation of its lobby in December including new furniture, bar counter and menu. Next year its Parichart court garden will be renewed, with Madison steakhouse and Aqua bar expanding into what is currently retail space. The group’s Meetings Made Yours package has been extended until March 31, 2012, offering planners a choice of four extras for delegates that includes daily breakfast or welcome reception; daily coffee break; in-room welcome amenity; 15 per cent attrition allowance up to seven days prior to arrival; and hotel-wide internet access. Groups can also add a complimentary activity involving a project with the local community.
Grand Hyatt Erawan (380) will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December, followed by a three-year renovation programme in January, starting with its guestrooms. Its Residence meeting facility will remain and is currently offering a full-day meeting package for $64 per person. Package includes choice of Western, Thai and dimsum set lunch in the meeting room, Western and Thai working lunch at The Bulthaup show kitchen, Italian set lunch with appetiser and dessert buffet at Spasso, Thai set lunch at the Erawan tea room or Thai buffet lunch at You and Mee. Upgrade to international buffet lunch at The Dining Room or Western set lunch at Tables for $7 per person. Package alsoincludes two coffee breaks, flipchart, microphone with PA, built-in 65” LCD screen and DVD player. Full-day meetings in its Campus facility are $51 per person. This includes all-day candy, soft-serve ice-cream, popcorn and roasted nuts at the Campus Store and use of the Game, which offers breaks with a difference through foosball tables, Wii and Playstation games.
Sukhumvit offerings
InterContinental Bangkok (381) has launched its InterContinental Meetings programme, a great way for planners to incorporate traditional and contemporary Thai culture into events. The Insider Collection component is based on a brand-wide partnership with the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, which focuses on heritage, culture and tradition – and the importance of protecting it. On offer is dinner at the famous Lumpinee boxing stadium; receptions at Suan Pakkard Palace; having a Muay Chiya or massage expert share insights, anecdotes and demonstrations; taking delegates to volunteer at a children’s charity; exploring the city by long-tail boats and special street food-inspired menus. Web-based planning tools have also been upgraded with the option to plan and finalise custom menus online.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (420) has just opened a poolside show kitchen for easier catering of open-air events of up to 80 people. Chevron has already hosted a barbecue here. The area has a resort feel and groups often have therapists offering mini massages under the poolside Thai pavilions. Spa therapists can also provide stretching and massage during coffee breaks. FedEx, Omega and Chevrolet have all recently held events in the hotel’s function rooms, its carpark lift access to the ballroom makes it especially popular for automotive events.
Rajadamri openings
The all-suite Hansar (94) opened in January and is a great option for corporate retreats of up to 30 guestrooms. Care has been taken with the layout and furnishings of each suite, which feature Jim Thompson silk-panelled walls, the latest technology and freestanding terrazzo bathtubs. It has three naturally lit meeting rooms that overlook the pool. For social and networking events, its rooftop Sky Terrace provides a great view the city. The hotel offers all-inclusive packages comparable to Club level stays, for example in-room check-in and even breakfast is offered at no extra charge. Its 59 sqm Studio Suites includes breakfast, hotel-wide internet access, free in-room mini bar, use of Executive Club Floor meeting room, set-lunch at Eve restaurant, local calls at 20 per cent discount on F&B and 35 per cent discount on spa treatments. Upgrade to the 71 sqm Urban Suites for US$192 per night or $224 twin-share. Additional facilities include an eight-room Luxsa spa, French restaurant Eve, with seating for 80, Café Boca and Vue lobby bar.
St. Regis (227) opened on Rajadamri Road in April as a welcome addition to Bangkok’s high-end hotel offerings. Bank of Singapore and several other financial institutions have already held executive meetings here. The hotel’s butler service extends to meetings and banquets, offering one point person for all requirements. Its meetings space is not large, but it is well-planned, luxuriously appointed and offers a full view over the racecourse through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Astor Ballroom seats 300 for banquets and there is plenty of pre-function space. For smaller meetings there are four function rooms and the ballroom can be divided into three – the plush furnishings give these spaces a residential feel. Adding to this is the grab-and-go style kitchen, which delegates can access all day. For pre-event functions or post-meeting socialising, the pool terrace is a good option.