Aloft expands its hotel chain to Bangkok

Aloft hotel chain is a new player on the Asian Hotel scene and is keen to get firmly established in the Asia Pacific market, the strongest growth market in the world. Following announcements of hotels opening in Beijing and Sydney, aloft says it will open a complex in Bangkok in 2010.

“Bangkok is one of Asia’s most important economic and lifestyle centers, with its many modern cafes, markets and entertainment options. Our mission with aloft is to offer a stylish lodging alternative to travelers around the world. With the addition of aloft Bangkok, now there’s a fun new way to play and stay in the ‘Venice of the East,’” said Ross Klein, President, Starwood Luxury Brands Group and aloft hotels. Evidently the marketing department is attempting to tout the open sewers of Bangkok as a romantic attraction. Par for the course.

The hotel will occupy a lot on Sukhumvit Road, one of the most modern areas in Bangkok. The 308-room hotel will be part of a bigger construction project, where the same building will house a spa, fitness centre and a restaurant.

The same mixed-use complex concept will apply to the Beijing property that will include office spaces as well as the standard spa, fitness centre and restaurant. The hotel itself will be a bit smaller than its Bangkok counterpart with 200 rooms. It will be close to the technological district of Haidian.

In Australia, aloft has staked out a spot closer to Sydney’s International Airport. It will be their smallest hotel roomwise, with 161 rooms and will aim to attract business travellers and offer them 24-hour services.