Waldorf Astoria opens in Thailand

The Waldorf Astoria has opened its first luxury property in Southeast Asia, choosing for its first location here, the Thai capital of Bangkok.

Located in the heart of the city by the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection and shopping district, the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok opened in the mixed-use 60-storey Magnolias Ratchadamri Development.

The 171-room hotel was designed by architect Andre Fu’s AFSO studio, whose portfolio of projects includes suites at The Berkeley hotel in London, Villa la Coste in Aix-en-Provence in France and The Fullerton Bay hotel in Singapore.

At the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Thai artisanal traditions are woven into a modern, contemporary decor. The hotel’s signature dining room is called Front Room, and serves an interesting fusion of New Nordic and Thai cuisine from chef Fae Rungthiwa Chummongkhon.

The rooftop Champagne Bar is set to be one of the toniest destinations in the city, with a sky-high cellar of fine champagnes and a cocktail menu for deep-pocketed guests.

The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is the latest luxury hotel opening in Thailand, in line with a thriving tourist economy.

In 2017, international tourist arrivals driven mainly by Chinese and european visitors, rose nearly 9% compared to the previous year, for a record 35.4 million.

earlier, the Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui resort also opened its doors on the tropical island. The 58-acre oceanfront property features 175 suites and pool villas.