Novotel's new-generation rooms feature in the Novotel Bangkok Felix Ploenchit, the brand's 10th property to open in Thailand
Cosy, yet clean and functional is the first impression guests get, even in the smallest guestrooms that measure 28sqm. There are 370 in total.
Frederic Josenhans, Accor senior vice-president for marketing, brand development and products design, said: “Space is not just a matter of square meters, but about smart design and transparency.”
Several areas in the guestroom espouse this theme: the transparent shower stall that can turn opaque at the flick of a switch when privacy is needed; the upholstered headboard framed by lighting to aid working in bed; and the chaise lounge set by the window, providing another informal "workstation" with a view.
Designed for the wired and gadget-loaded travellers, all guestrooms are fitted with a connectivity panel on the side of the LCD TV. The panel has multiple USB outlets to enable laptop and other portable devices from digital camera to iPod to be hooked up to the wide-screen unit. Several universal power plugs – which negate the need to carry a travel adapter – are conveniently located around the room.
Internet access is offered in all guestrooms as well as in the hotel's public areas. Furthermore, the lobby features a workstation corner called "Web Corner on a Mac", which has been equipped with several iMacs that visitors can use to connect online free of charge.
Other facilites at the hotel include a fitness centre, swimming pool, F&B outlets, four meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 210 guests.
Currently, only nine Novotel properties worldwide boast the new-generation guestrooms, six of them are in Asia: three in Bangkok (two have opened and the third will open later this year), one in Taipei, Bangka (Indonesia) and Sydney. It is expected that older properties will eventually be retrofitted with the new rooms.
Novotel Bangkok Felix Ploenchit is the brand's second property in the Thai capital after the Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom, which also features the new guestroom design.
Michael Issenberg, chairman and chief operating officer of Accor Asia-Pacific, noted the Novotel brand will grow more quickly than its sister brand, the more upscale Sofitel. He said: “In Asia, so far, the growth has been in the luxury and upscale segment. But when you move forward, the economic segment will begin to dominate.”
To date, Novotel is rapidly expanding in Asia-Pacific with 36 properties in the pipeline, which will bring the total number of Novotel hotels in the region to 100 by 2012.
For more information, visit www.novotel.com
Alisha Haridasani
