A home away from home

A NEW PLAYER in the country’s northeast region, Cape & Kantary Hotels chain recently expanded its portfolio with the opening of Kantary Hotel, Korat, a new five-star option that will satisfy both tourists and business people.
Situated in Nakhon Ratchasima’s central shopping venue, this is the first Kantary property in lower Isaan and is targeting business travellers, families and tourists from Laos and Cambodia with a range of luxury accommodation designed for short and long stays, along with leisure facilities and tasty dining choices. 

Modern with a glittering, metallic facade, the 20-floor hotel has 248 guestrooms, three restaurants and a huge function room with 1,000-person capacity, making it ideal for seminars, conferences, exhibitions and weddings. 
The design is simple yet elegant with a subtle decor based on white and grey enhanced by natural wood. The lobby is a great communal space, where guests can sit and read while executives take advantage of the well-equipped business centre. At night, a veteran pianist plays soft music under the glow of the crystal chandeliers.
“Nakhon Ratchasima is a gateway to the northeast region and will become even more important with the completion of infrastructure projects that include a motorway from Bang Pa-in, and the High-Speed Rail and Double-track Railway to Khon Kaen. Korat is today a large business centre second only to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, so we wanted to offer an option that can meet the demands of all visitors,” says general manager Magrin Phromyothi. 

“Our design concept focuses on simplicity and luxury and has been adapted to match the local culture. We use soft neutral colours to reinforce the beautiful woodwork. This is the biggest Kantary property in Thailand with comfortable guestrooms and larger function rooms for educational seminars, business conferences and wedding ceremonies. All of our properties use a key-card system to guarantee safety and privacy.”
The hotel offers 33 Deluxe rooms, 176 Studio Suite, 31 One-bedroom Suites and eight Two-bed room suites, ranging in floor area from 33 to 108 square metres. Ideal for families, the two-bedroom suite provides an airy living space complete with a comfy sofa, smart TV and DVD player. 
Family members can gather to prepare their meal in a kitchen area fitted with modern appliances and kitchenware including an electric hob, oven, microwave, toaster, refrigerator and cutlery set. There’s also a six-seat dining table, a full collection of tableware and a washing machine. Each bedroom has a queen-size bed, a LCD television with international cable channels, a DVD player, vanity area and a wardrobe as well as en-suite bathroom with separate shower and bathtub. 

I spend one night in a 43-square-metre Studio Suite with a private balcony. The room is cosy yet elegant and furnished with twin beds, a vanity area, a LCD television with international cable channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, a two-seat dining table, a wardrobe and a living area adorned with a comfy sofa bed and vibrant pillows. 
The entrance shares space with a small but functional pantry equipped with electric stove, microwave and coffee making facilities, while cabinets are packed with a full range of glassware, kitchenware and tableware. The en-suite bathroom is compact but big enough to house a washbasin counter, bathtub and separate shower. 
During the day, all guests can head up to the 19th floor and take advantage of the Executive Lounge that serves coffee, tea and pastries for a light meal. Books and magazines are available in English, Japanese and Thai. 
The floor is designed as a recreational space and is also home to a well-equipped Fitness Centre, a swimming pool, a sauna and stream room and outdoor whirlpool. 

The chain is known for its restaurants and the new hotel is certainly no exception. All-day eatery Orchard Restaurant serves international breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s a lunch buffet every Wednesday offering a combination of Italian, Thai, Japan and Chinese cuisine. 
Tapestry on the second floor has a wide range of traditional Cantonese delicacies and sweets. Perfect for any special occasion, the recommended dishes include crispy Whole Peking Duck, Sauteed Prawns with Spicy Sauce, Abalone Dumpling, Golden Lava Bun and Emperor Galorgee. 

“We’re opening The Grill Room restaurant in September. It will be the highest rooftop steakhouse in Korat. A second wing is still under construction. It will feature another 500-seat meeting room that will be completed in the next few months,” manager Magrin adds. 
 

AT A GLANCE
High point: Rooms are comfortable and airy. The main shopping area is easily accessible too. 
Low point: None
Pay for it: Room rates range from Bt2,100 to Bt5,200. 
Find it: 899/1, Mitraphap Road, Soi 12, Tambol Nai Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima. 
Call it: (044) 353 011.      
Browse it: www.KantaryCollection.com.