Just a sampling of Thailand’s many smart, sophisticated, well-mannered, and technologically astute executive club lounges and why we love them.
By Percy Roxas
For many hotels these days, the highlight is the executive floors. And the highlight of the executive floors is the “executive business lounge.” This is where the hotels devote much energy and efforts, as we can easily guess if we look around and see how they are built and marketed, how much amenities and mod-cons they provide, what kind of service they promise to give — and the list goes on. And that’s simplistically speaking. The bottom line is, if you want to stay in a business hotel and want to enjoy the best it has to offer these days, then just book a room at the executive floors and you get automatic access to the club lounges and all their perks.
Basically, the Club Lounge should provide ambiance, convenience, comfort, and the amenities guests need to conduct business even while traveling. The design is also important and must be integrated with the daily activities of the guests; it should be luxurious but at the same time practical. Thailand visitors are spoiled for choice in this regard because the country’s hotels boast executive lounges that really compare with, and are in fact recognized, as some of the best in the world.
How are the Thai hotels doing it? Harald Feurstein, general manager of Conrad Bangkok, says: “The Executive Lounge enhances Thailand’s attraction among business travelers by providing them a full prompt service. They are able to work and relax at the same time. The Executive Lounge is equipped with all the facilities they may need: for example, a meeting room, computer corner, and Internet access. Furthermore, the travelers are treated by efficient and well-trained staffs and that help their stay and their work smooth and easier. ”
The emphasis is on “Travel for Success,” says Myla A. Caceres, director of sales and marketing of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. “It is our mission to give guests all the comfort and convenience to ensure their business needs are met while on travel. Our Executive Club Lounge has a complete workstation with numerous ports for plug-and-play, wireless Internet connection, and business center services.” They are not alone in providing these conveniences and comforts, of course.
This month, we’ll take you to some Executive Lounges that we have sampled through the years – and they are getting better and better each day. An Executive Lounge is like a mini-luxury hotel within a hotel. As experts describe them they are mostly “smart, sophisticated, well mannered, and technologically astute,” — like the high-flyers that use them.
Without attempting to rank them, let us present some of Bangkok’s best executive club lounges:
Located at the 31st level of the hotel on Rama IV (near Silom area), this one is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city allowing guests to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The Executive Club Lounge has a spacious total floor area of 272.5sqm providing guests enough space for casual meetings and dining. The ambience is bright and relaxing, and the stunning glass rooftop ceiling not only allows natural light to come in but also provides uncluttered and unconfined atmosphere.
The designers have ensured that the lounge possesses comprehensive perspective, and elegant from the ground up. The warm earth color scheme enhances the modern Asian style and combines well with contemporary and cozy amenities. Every area is meticulously selected for optimal functionality. One unique décor element is the Italian Walnut Veneer armchair, which offers a sense of style and awakens a penchant for luxury.
As in most executive club lounges, a list of privileges awaits guests, including breakfast at the Club Lounge, express check-in and checkout services, and tempting refreshment offers such as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, afternoon tea (noon-2 p.m.) and unlimited cocktails (5-8 p.m.)
“This is where one of the biggest investments went when the hotel underwent a major renovation recently,” says Caceres. “We wanted to create a place with a New Sense of Privilege. We want to give our guests the feel of exclusivity and privacy while still having access to the conveniences they need to get their work done.”
“And with service by our well-trained-staff, our Executive Club Lounge experience is a truly memorable one,” Caceres concludes.
Located on the 31st floor, the chic Club Millésime offers state-of-the-art business facilities, spectacular views, spacious lounge areas, and exquisite French food and wine. Members can make use of an array of meeting facilities, including a boardroom, wireless Internet access, and local calls to name a few, while an all-day lounge features breakfast, snacks, refreshments, evening cocktails, and a wide selection of French, vintage and new world wines.
As can be expected, Club Millésime access is extended exclusively to guests staying in the hotel’s Luxury Club Millésime Rooms and Suites.
Covering the entire 51st floor of the hotel, the World Executive Club Lounge offers sweeping views of the city skyline and combines the attributes of a private retreat for members with all the facilities and support expected of a business lounge. Here, seating is artfully arranged to create discreet areas where members can meet to discuss the events of the day with colleagues without concern. The range of complimentary services offered include Executive Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and an all-day snacks, tea, coffee and refreshments service as well as late night snacks and refreshments. Complimentary evening cocktails and canapés are served daily 5:30 -7 p.m. The World Club Lounge has a dedicated butler and concierge service. Whether you’re staying at Centara Grand at CentralWorld for business or for leisure, you will feel on top of the world at this executive lounge!
The Club Lounge of this hotel offers an atmosphere of exclusivity and is large enough for privacy. There are small rooms for functions, and boardrooms for corporate meetings, all equipped with presentation and audio-visual equipment.
The Club located on the private 24th floor offering both indoor and outdoor sections with perfect panoramic views over Bangkok’s skyline complete with exclusive club lounge benefits from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily.
There are many other Executive Lounges to try, ranging from the classic five-stars to the funky and boutique arty in theme, and from full comprehensive service offer to the exclusively limited in perks and privileges. With the range of hotels in Thailand today, there is surely an Executive Lounge to fit any taste and budget from ultra-posh to the comfortably basic. You are free to choose!
Located on the top floor of the brand 5-star Ocean Tower, Horizon Club of Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya offers a new level of personalized services, combined with the latest audio-visual technological innovations, in exclusive accommodation, with a picturesque view of Pattaya Bay. Horizon Club services include private check-in and check-out at the Horizon Club Lounge on 19th floor, complimentary late check-out until 6 p.m, i-Pod on request, pillow menu and a turn-down service that ensures everything is ready, before guests retire for the evening. Horizon Club evening cocktail from 5.30 to 7 p.m. ensure a pleasant atmosphere for all guests. Indeed, Horizon Club is a place of exclusivity and refined comfort as we have experienced so many times.
Throughout September and October, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya offers a special “Club Mirage Package” with exclusive facilities and services for the discerning travelers inducing a private club lounge access with indoor and outdoor seating. Centara serves five complimentary daily meal presentations (Continental breakfast, mid morning snacks, lunch time snack, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapés); complimentary laundry for two pieces/room/day; complimentary use of broadband Internet access for 30 minutes/room/day in the Club lounge; and concierge services. Prices are only at Bt8,945 net/room/night on weekday and Bt9,534 net/room/night on weekend.For more information and reservations, contact 02-769-1234, ext. 6675-6676 email to reservations@chr.co.th
