Hilton ends management of Hilton Bangkok and announces new resort in Phuket

Hilton International President Middle East & Asia Pacific, Mr Koos Klein, announced today that the hotel group would end its partnership with Hilton Bangkok effective December 31, 2003 and open a 110-room Conrad resort in Phuket in 2004.

The amicable split with Hilton Bangkok owner, Nai Lert Park Company Limited, follows 20 years of successful cooperation with Hilton managing the Wireless Road property.

“After two decades of cooperation, the decision has been jointly made to pursue independent interests,” said Klein. “Within three months we expect to announce two more Hilton hotels in prime Bangkok sites.

“The proposed properties, together with the recently-opened 392-room Conrad International at Wireless Road, will provide a full range of upscale accommodation for all business and leisure purposes in Bangkok.”

Meanwhile, he added that the Conrad Phuket at Panwa Bay, (currently operating as the Panwaburi Resort and Spa) would be a significant addition to Hilton’s growing Worldwide Resorts portfolio.

Thirty-one additional villas, each with private plunge pools, as well as an infinity edge swimming pool and a number of retail outlets, will be added to the existing property to create a 110-room luxury resort.

“Phuket is recognised as an important resort destination internationally. This is yet another step in our resort strategy, which allows us to offer guests a range of holiday options in exotic locations around the world,” Klein said.

Hilton operates the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa in the Royal town of Hua Hin, southeast of Bangkok.

In recent news, Klein also announced that Hilton would continue with plans to open 14 properties, inclusive of the Conrad Phuket at Panwa Bay, in the Asia Pacific region over the next two years. The group currently operates 34 properties in the Asia Pacific region.

See also: Raffles International wins management contract to operate Nai Lert Park Hotel in Bangkok