Thai hotels change names

January 17th – Repeat visitors to Thailand could be excused for being confused this year as they look to book in at their favorite hotel: While the rest of us were changing our calendars, three of the country’s best-known hotels changed their names.

As on January 1 2012, Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok became Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin became Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, and Novotel Hat Yai Centara became Centara Hotel Hat Yai.

The name changes are the result of an end to the 25-year partnership between Accor, owner of the Sofitel and Novotel brands, and Centara Hotels & Resorts. What began with the former Sofitel Hua Hin in 1986 was formally dissolved as the clocks struck midnight on December 31 2011.

The partnership’s dissolution is reported to be an amicable one and the staff at all three hotels will remain unchanged.

To coincide with the rebranding of the Centara Hotels group, a complete renovation is underway at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok. Similar renovation programmes have already been completed at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and at Centara Hotel Hat Yai.