The portfolio deal, covering hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, expands the JW Marriott brand and will introduce citizenM, Four Points by Sheraton, and Series by Marriott to Thailand for the first time.

Bangkok

JW Marriott Bangkok Sathorn – expected to feature 288 keys, the luxury hotel is slated to bring together refined hospitality and urban living, with enhanced well-being experiences offered through diverse sports and fitness facilities and a vibrant lifestyle hub, creating a welcoming environment where guests can recharge, reconnect and experience the energy of Bangkok.

CitizenM Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 will mark the brand’s debut in Thailand with 147 keys. Reflecting citizenM’s signature approach to modern hospitality, the hotel is expected to combine intuitive technology, bold contemporary design, genuine service and an exciting food and beverage venue in the heart of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district.

Four Points Flex by Sheraton – three properties set to mark the brand’s entry in Thailand, strategically located across Bangkok. Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bangkok Sukhumvit 8 (162 keys), Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bangkok Sukhumvit 14 (130 keys), and Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bangkok Surawong (201 keys) are all located close to the city’s BTS skytrain network. 

Pattaya and Phuket

Marriott’s newest collection brand, Series by Marriott, is designed to deliver comfortable, approachable stays that celebrate each destination’s character while offering the reliability and consistency travellers value. Set to make its debut in Thailand, the brand is coming to two of the country’s most popular resort destinations with the 192-key Easy Planet North Pattaya, Series by Marriott, and the 142-key Easy Planet Phuket Patong, Series by Marriott.

This multi-property agreement builds on Marriott’s existing relationship with FICO Corporation, which spans four hotels in Bangkok under four distinct brands: Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection; Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok Townhall Sukhumvit; Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit; and Metropole Bangkok, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.  

(Source: Marriott International)

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“The Opera Wing has always captured the graceful neo-classical spirit of the Metropole. This refurbishment carefully preserves that character while introducing a brighter, warmer and more contemporary residential feel for today’s guests,” said Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos.

The refurbishment breathes new life into the Opera Wing’s corridors, lift landings and accommodation across its Premium and Grand Premium Rooms and Prestige Suites.

While carefully preserving the wing’s neo-classical character and authentic timber finishes, the transformation introduces lighter palettes, refined fabrics, renewed furnishings and enhanced in-room comfort. New carpets, tailored curtains and refined details – including pearlescent mosaic bathroom finishes – create a calm, inviting experience defined by understated luxury.

Premium Rooms offer a contemporary feel in blue-green, grey and white. Wood furnishings have been refurbished and floors revarnished and polished, while lounge armchairs have been re-upholstered. 

Grand Premium Rooms present a brighter, warmer take on neo-classical elegance through a silver-and-adobe palette. Exquisite hand-tufted carpets, refined curtains and polished wood floors create a softer, more luminous atmosphere. Bathrooms feature walk-in shower stalls and polished marble surfaces.

Prestige Suites deliver a renewed sense of warmth, luxury and familiarity. The room now offers enhanced comfort with a new sofa. Bathrooms feature pearlescent mosaic and polished marble floors and walls.

Corridors and lift landings provide a contemporary welcome defined by symmetry and detail. Refreshed carpets, colours and furnishings bring a more modern feel to the Opera Wing. Floors 1-4 feature new wallpaper, painted doors and ceilings, and newly designed hand-tufted carpets; Club Floors 5-7 have new hand-tufted carpets and mint-green doors against white corridors. Lift landings are refreshed with new sofas, floor lamps, side tables and lift-car door finishes.

About Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travellers, including playwrights, ambassadors, royalty, and heads of state. The hotel has 358 rooms divided into two wings—the Heritage Wing, dating back to 1901, and the neo-classical Opera Wing. Three legendary suites are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

(Source: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi)

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This year’s awards were presented at a glamorous gala ceremony in Singapore on Thursday, 1 October 2026. In the presence of Asia’s most respected figures in travel, tourism, and hospitality, Best Western was recognised once again as the undisputed leader in the midscale hotel sector, marking the 10th consecutive year it has earned this prestigious accolade.

This shows how Best Western continues to work hand in hand with its trade partners to create exceptional guest experiences at an affordable price point, underscored by heartfelt service and timeless brand standards that have delighted the world’s travellers for more than 80 years. 

In the last 12 months, the Best Western portfolio in Asia has expanded with a new series of hotels and resorts in key markets including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines.

“We are delighted and deeply honoured to have been voted as Asia’s “Best Midscale Hotel Chain” once again by the esteemed readers of Travel Weekly Asia. While BWH Hotels has now moved into every sector of the market, from economy to luxury, we are still extremely proud of our midscale roots, which trace back to the founding of our company in 1946. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year, we are truly grateful to retain the support and trust of our travel industry partners, who are so important to our business, “ said BWH Hotels Vice President — APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com  or worldhotels.com.  

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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Based out of Ho Chi Minh City, Nightingale will focus on building the group’s commercial presence in Southeast Asia while strengthening connections with priority source markets and partners across Asia Pacific. 

His appointment follows Farah Jaber’s appointment as managing director of the group’s operations in Southeast Asia and the announcement of two properties in the pipeline in Vietnam.

Nightingale brings over two decades of hospitality experience, with a career spanning Asia, the Middle East and England. The British national will relocate from Thailand, where he has been working with Minor Hotels for the last six years. His most recent role was as cluster director of sales and marketing in the Maldives. 

Palladium’s Vietnam presence includes the redevelopment of the L’Alya Ninh Van Bay as BLESS L’Ayla Ninh Van Bay, set to open in 2027, and the acquisition of the Hòa Bình Hotel that will be transformed into the BLESS Hotel Hanoi, opening in 2028. Nightingale will support Palladium Hotel Group’s commercial strategy for its growing portfolio in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.

About Palladium Hotel Group
Palladium Hotel Group is a Spanish hotel chain with over 50 years of experience and is owned by Grupo Empresas Matutes (GEM). The group operates more than 40 hotels and over 13,000 rooms in nine countries: Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Italy, Brazil, the US, UAE, and Vietnam. It manages eight brands: TRS Hotels, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, Palladium Hotels, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, The Unexpected Hotels, Only YOU Hotels, BLESS Collection Hotels, and the Hard Rock Hotels brand under license, with two hotels in Tenerife and Marbella. 

(Source: Palladium)

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The hotel stands next to the Singapore River on Robertson Quay, a short walk from Clarke Quay and Havelock MRT Station, with bus connections to Orchard Road.

The property features 344 rooms and suites ranging from 24 to 50 sqm, with more than 200 rooms overlooking the Singapore River. It offers seven meeting rooms and pre-function areas for corporate gatherings and private events. Each venue can accommodate 20 to 40 guests.

The hotel also offers two dining concepts. Robertson Quay. SAUS is an all-day restaurant, and at the other end of the lobby, Brew:33 brings together the sociability of a neighbourhood café and bar. 

To celebrate its opening, DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay is offering a special promotion for Hilton Honours members: 1,000 bonus Hilton Honours Points for every night stayed, capped at five nights. The offer is available for stays until 31 December 2026. DoubleTree by Hilton Singapore Robertson Quay is located at 401 Havelock Road, Singapore 169631.

(Source: Hilton)

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The resort has been rebranded as Kandooma Maldives. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, a 40-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport at Malé, Kandooma Maldives is designed for travellers seeking an easy-going island escape, whether travelling solo, as a couple, with family across generations or with friends.

From 1 October, the all-inclusive plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, selected beverages, and snacks throughout the day, along with complimentary experiences designed to help guests make the most of island life. 

The management transition will include upgrades to all 146 villas and facilities. These enhancements will introduce new accommodation and social spaces while expanding the resort’s appeal to families and multi-generational travellers.

New additions 

▪ Eight Family Beach Villas, each featuring a private splash pool.

▪ Splash pools for the two-bedroom Beach House (4 units).

▪ A second three-bedroom villa, with both three-bedroom villas featuring private pools.

▪ A new Beach Club, creating an all-day social hub and a relaxed gathering space for guests of all ages, including teens.

▪ 24-hour dining at Kandooma Café.

Throughout the transition, the resorts will maintain business as usual for guests, while the ongoing enhancements are completed.

Kandooma Maldives marks Hotel Properties Limited’s eighth property in the Maldives, further strengthening the group’s presence in the destination. 

(Source: HPL Hotels & Resorts)

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In its editor’s review, the MICHELIN Guide notes: “Not every hotel can get away with using the word ‘legend,’ but there’s nothing else quite like the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. Other luxury hotels retain their 1901-vintage façades, but few so effectively convey the sense of travelling through time.”

The review further highlights the Metropole’s meticulously restored Heritage Wing, subtly modernised while remaining true to its original inspiration; the harmonious contemporary-classic Opera Wing; and the hotel’s classic Indochine-style accommodation and impeccable comfort, from lavish suites to standard guest rooms. It also celebrates a wealth of dining options, including Le Beaulieu, Spice Garden and Angelina.

This latest recognition comes as the hotel celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, after originally opening its doors in 1901.

The Two MICHELIN Keys recognition builds on a year of outstanding accolades. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi earned Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious Triple Crown, an elite distinction reserved for hotels that secure the Hot List, Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards. It was named one of Vietnam’s top city hotels in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.

“We are deeply honoured by this promotion to Two MICHELIN Keys, which affirms the dedication of our team and the timeless excellence our guests have come to expect,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

“As we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality, this distinction, together with our Triple Crown from Condé Nast Traveller and recognition by Travel + Leisure, inspires us to continue delivering exceptional experiences that honour our extraordinary past while looking boldly to the future,” Koumendakos added.

(Source: Sofitel Legend Metropole)

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A Swiss national, Manthe brings more than 25 years of international hospitality experience across Asia, Europe and Australia. He joins Minor Hotels from Amari Pattaya in Thailand, where he served as General Manager.

Before joining Amari, Manthe held GM positions at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan and Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay in the Philippines. 

In his new role, Manthe will oversee hotel operations, commercial performance and team development at Avani+ Luang Prabang. Working closely with the hotel team, he will focus on delivering Avani’s signature service and developing guest experiences that reflect the town’s culture and traditions.

Set in Luang Prabang’s old town opposite the night market, Avani+ Luang Prabang is one of two Avani properties in Laos, following the opening of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane in July 2026.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

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Leading the latest honours is Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit’s reimagined flagship hotel opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of the Thai capital, which has been elevated from One to Two Michelin Keys – denoting an exceptional stay – in the Michelin Guide’s 2026 global hotel selection.

Rebuilt on the site of the original hotel, which opened in 1970 and closed for redevelopment in 2019, the 257-room property reopened in September 2024 as a key component of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development bringing together the hotel, luxury residences, offices, retail, and an expansive rooftop park. 

Conceived to set a new benchmark for the Dusit Thani brand, Dusit Thani Bangkok presents a contemporary interpretation of its predecessor’s distinctive identity, with all guest rooms offering sweeping views of Lumpini Park. The hotel reflects a broader evolution of Dusit’s luxury offering, centred on combining the group’s Thai hospitality heritage with contemporary design and highly personalised service, while shaping each property’s experiences around its destination.

This approach is reflected in award-winning efforts elsewhere in Dusit’s global portfolio. Dusit Thani Kyoto in Japan and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort in the Philippines have each retained One Michelin Key – denoting a very special stay – maintaining Dusit’s Michelin Key presence across three countries while demonstrating how the brand’s Thai-inspired gracious hospitality can take distinct forms in different locations.

Beyond its Michelin Key properties, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, and ASAI Kyoto Shijo – all part of Dusit’s locally focused lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels – are also included in the Guide’s curated hotel selection, comprising properties chosen by Michelin’s inspectors for their quality, individual character, and connection to their destinations.

Michelin recognition also extends to Dusit’s dining experiences. At Dusit Thani Bangkok, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana holds One Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 – making it the only Italian restaurant in Thailand to hold the distinction. The contemporary Italian restaurant received its first Star when the 2026 edition was announced in November 2025.

Elsewhere in Bangkok, Thien Duong, the Vietnamese restaurant at Baan Dusit Thani, retains its Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognising good-quality, good-value cooking.

In the Philippines, Benjarong, serving refined Thai cuisine, and Umu, specialising in Japanese dining, at Dusit Thani Manila are both included as Michelin Selected restaurants in the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026.

In the UAE, Namak, serving contemporary Indian cuisine at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, continues its run as a Michelin Selected restaurant.

Collectively, the Michelin recognition spans multiple Dusit brands, destinations, and hospitality experiences, from luxury and lifestyle hotels to a diverse range of dining concepts. 

“Receiving Two Michelin Keys for Dusit Thani Bangkok is a tremendous honour, and one made even more meaningful by the wider Michelin recognition our hotels and restaurants continue to receive across several destinations,” said Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. “These achievements belong first and foremost to our teams, whose skill, creativity, and care shape the experiences our guests enjoy every day. They also affirm our belief that staying true to our Thai hospitality heritage while continually evolving for the needs of today’s travellers can create experiences that resonate far beyond our home market. We are immensely proud of what our teams have achieved, and we will continue building on this foundation across our portfolio.”

For more information about Dusit Hotels and Resorts, visit dusit.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

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It reaffirms its place in the prestigious Travel Hall of Fame, while Best Western Chatuchak was voted the “Best Mid-Range Hotel — Bangkok” for the second year in a row.

TTG Asia’s Travel Hall of Fame is reserved for the region’s leading travel providers, which have won their category for at least 10 consecutive years. BWH Hotels was first inducted in 2019, and its latest honour reflects how the company continues to lead the midscale hotel sector with diverse brand concepts, contemporary hospitality, and a commitment to warm, heartfelt service.

Best Western Chatuchak, which opened in 2023, is a prime example of how BWH Hotels is elevating the midscale hotel sector in Asia. Perfectly positioned just steps from Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, this modern property has quickly become a favourite among both business and leisure travellers. The hotel enhances the guest experience through partnerships with local specialists, offering on-site wellness and lifestyle experiences, including a popular café, spa therapies, yoga, Pilates, sound healing, and acupuncture.

The TTG Travel Awards are determined by the readers of TTG Asia and its six sister publications, comprising highly respected members of the region’s travel trade. The accolades were presented during a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner held in central Bangkok on the evening of 24 September 2026.

“It is a true honour to achieve these two prestigious awards, and I would like to thank every reader of TTG Asia for voting for us. Our company has made a long-term commitment to working with the travel industry to provide the best possible stays for our customers. These latest accolades show that our partners share our vision, and we look forward to working closely together in future, as we continue to elevate the hospitality industry and create exceptional experiences for every guest,” said BWH Hotels Vice President — APAC Olivier Berrivin.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com or worldhotels.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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