In terms of luxury hotel brands in Bangkok, Pullman might not be one that springs to mind. But while this Accor-run brand is a new kid on the block in Thailand, it’s operated in Europe for more than 10 years.
The King Power Pullman Bangkok separates itself from other luxury hotels in the capital through a relaxed, stylish, and efficient approach. This makes the hotel not only a comforting place to overnight, but also a trendy, casual nightspot for locals.
Located behind the King Power building on Soi Rangnam, the recently-opened hotel features 386 rooms and suites in contemporary Asian style, plus five up-market yet affordable F&B outlets.
I
recently spoke with the hotel’s GM, Chistophe Vielle, about Accor’s newest five-star hotel in Thailand.
 JV: Since it’s new to Asia, can you tell us more about the Pullman brand?
CV: Sure. The brand came about in Europe around 1992-93 when Accor wanted to establish a ‘lower end’ five-star hotel, as opposed to Sofitel (Accor’s ‘higher end’ five-star brand). There are currently 12 Pullman’s in Europe, while more are currently being opened across Asia and Oceania.
Here (in Thailand), the hotel won’t be competing with the Holiday Inn or JW Marriott – it’s more ‘luxurious’ than the Holiday Inn, but more ‘casual’ than the JW. So the Pullman is for execs and leisure travelers who don’t want a ‘heavy’ five-star, but do want a good product and good service.
The Bangkok Pullman, what we have here, is a standard Pullman – slightly eccentric, stylish and trendy.
As for the Pullman name, it’s derived from Robert Pullman, creator of the ultra-luxurious Pullman cars. In that sense, the name represents luxurious yet stylish travel.
JV: Where do most of your guests come from?
CV: I’d say about 70% are from Asia, the rest from Europe. We have quite a large number of corporate European guests.
We have very few ‘package’ travel groups, as opposed to those who are in and out of the adjacent King Power shopping complex.
JV: How much does a standard room cost?
CV: Our standard rooms are around US$130++ per night. However, all our F&B outlets are at nett price – so no ‘++’ on those! Our restaurants are at regular restaurant prices, not hotel restaurant prices.
JV: I’ve looked at some of the restaurant menu prices. I’m quite impressed with the value. Can you tell us more about the F&B outlets?
CV: Well, we try not to run our restaurants as part of the hotel. Each one operates individually and has its own manager. Of course, I play a big role in the restaurants, but I let the managers handle all the day-to-day operations.
Mainly, we set out to create stylish restaurants for Bangkok residents to enjoy. Thus, we tried to create high-quality food items, combined with a trendy ambiance, at a more affordable price. Our number one priority for our restaurants is value for money! Our customers have to feel the value for money, just as you pointed out in your question.
So, we don’t want to be viewed as a ‘private boutique’ establishment. We really want to be a popular place for locals.
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Items off the Déjà Vu restaurant menu:
-Marble Foix Gras with Macademia Nut and Mango Chutney (350 baht nett)
-Mushroom Risotto with Fresh Roasted Duck Liver (250 baht nett)
-Grilled Phuket Lobster served with Lebanese Taboule (800 baht nett)
-Dover Sole Meuiere Style, Served With Mashed Cauliflower and Blue Cheese (500 baht nett)
-Red or white wine by the glass (170 baht) |
JV: How else do you make your guest feel welcome?
CV: I’d say you can feel it right when you walk in through the front doors. Our delivery of service is relaxed.
I think the best words to describe our hotel’s atmosphere would be ‘relaxed and friendly yet trendy and efficient’. And this can be seen throughout the hotel, from the rooms to the restaurants to the service. We’re a place for those who want to enjoy themselves in style, but don’t want to be overrun by ‘rules’.
All Pullman Bangkok King Power rooms include:
-Free WiFi internet
-Fully-equipped IT station
-Flat screen interactive TV
-Separate bath and rain shower
-Mobile work station |
Transport Connections:
Train: The hotel is best served by BTS skytrain (Victory Monument). At the station, the hotel has its own tuk-tuk service operating between the hotel and train station. Alternatively, guests can take the five-minute walk to the hotel (down Soi Rangnam), or hire their own tuk tuk.
For reservations or further information, contact Pullman Bangkok King Power at +66 (0)2 680 9999.
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