reader Posted April 29, 2021 Share Posted April 29, 2021 From Travel and Leisure It's safe to say that The Standard, the hip and highly hyped hotel brand with locations in the U.S., U.K., and Maldives, is different than the rest — in the best way possible. And according to Amar Lalvani, CEO of Standard International, the hotel's parent company, that's exactly the point. "I'd like to think many in the hospitality business are sort of backward looking," Lalvani told Travel + Leisure over a recent Zoom call. "And I think we're very forward looking." Partnering with King Power Group, a major player in the world of duty-free shopping, Standard International will open two new locations in Thailand, starting with its Asian flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Scheduled to open in December, the hotel will house 155 rooms in the 78-story King Power Mahanakhon, a futuristic skyscraper towering over the Thai capital city that Lalvani calls "one of the most impressive developments in the region, if not the world." The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will also be home to the country's first Mott 32, the popular Cantonese restaurant with locations in Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Vancouver, as well as "creative interpretations of the iconic Standard Grill," among other bars and restaurants. The Alice in Wonderland-like tea parlor, The Tea Box, and a rooftop restaurant overshadowing neighboring skyscrapers are sure to be Bangkok's next "it" Instagram-worthy stops. Standard's second venture in Thailand eschews the hustle and bustle of the city for Hua Hin, a beach town popular with Bangkok's rich, famous, and royal set. "It is maybe overused, but it's like the Hamptons of Bangkok, if you will," Lalvani explained of the coastal retreat about two and a half hours from the capital. Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, The Standard, Hua Hin offers beachfront access, but is still within walking distance of the town's street food stalls and markets. With 199 rooms, guests can opt for a yellow King Suite with garden views and a rain shower, or turn it up with one of the 19 pool villas featuring a private deck, plunge pool, and soaker tub. The resort, also scheduled to open in December, will have a number of eateries, including The Lido, an all-day Mediterranean dining spot and bar; Praia, a Thai beach bar and restaurant; and The Juice Bar. A spa melding holistic and modern techniques, a gym, and a pool round out the resort's amenities. Continues with video and photos https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/standard-bangkok-hua-hin-thailand-expansion Lonnie and TotallyOz 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lonnie Posted April 29, 2021 Members Share Posted April 29, 2021 3 hours ago, reader said: is different than the rest Looks spectacular...I'm sure of couse it's modestly priced. reader 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fedssocr Posted April 29, 2021 Share Posted April 29, 2021 there was supposed to be a hotel in the building when it first opened a few years ago, but those plans got put on hold. Not the greatest time to be opening a hotel, but I guess by the end of the year somebody might be able to stay in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterRS Posted April 30, 2021 Share Posted April 30, 2021 I'm not sure I like those rooms compared to other similar class hotels. But as for opening another 5 star hotel, It already has very strong competition. In a couple of years or so it will have a lot more as the huge The One development on Rama 4 is scheduled to have five 5-star hotels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...