FRIDAY, April 26, 2024
nationthailand

All the magic of the Orient Express but away from the track

All the magic of the Orient Express but away from the track

Famous for its first-class train service, Orient Express is embarking on a new journey with the opening of its first Oriental Express Mahanakhon Bangkok, which is slated for completion in the last quarter of next year.

 AccorHotels and SNCF Group signed a strategic partnership in 2017 to develop Orient Express hotels after AccorHotels acquired a 50-per-cent stake in the share capital of the brand. SNCF retains ownership of the seven original Orient Express carriages, which have been restored and now provide a new and exceptional setting for the organisation of events in collaboration with Potel & Chabot. Both groups are committed to preserving, promoting and sharing the heritage connected with the legendary brand.
“Orient Express has always acted as a passport between worlds and a trip on these legendary trains was historical, touristic and cinematic with an inimitable experience. This linking of Occident and Orient, of history and modernity, and of curiosity and cultures will be a hallmark of the new Orient Express Hotels and we are excited to bring back this spirit of luxurious adventure to today’s modern travellers,” said Sebastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive of AccorHotels.
Situated in Bangkok’s brand-new King Power Mahanakhon Building, the hotel will house 154 rooms including nine suites and two penthouses, as well as an entire floor devoted to wellness including an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi plus signature Orient Express Spa by Guerlain. Guests will have access to the building’s spectacular rooftop observation deck and rooftop bar, all rooms will provide stunning views over the City of Angels.
“The launch of the world’s first Orient Express Hotel at King Power Mahanakhon truly completes our vision of creating an extraordinary landmark that celebrates the city and adds a new milestone to Thailand and the world’s hospitality industry, while further elevating Thailand to a truly world-class destination,” said Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, chief executive officer of King Power Group. 
“King Power Mahanakhon always wants its projects to be different, impressive and distinct, exuding excellence in every dimension. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world, and placing Thailand’s tourism scene on the global stage through a landmark that combines exceptional hospitality, award-winning cuisine, a unique shopping experience and Bangkok’s spectacular views.”
The original Orient Express trains were famous for the highest standards of fine craftsmanship, the newest innovations and the most exquisite dining and so Orient Express Mahanakhon Bangkok will bring together the best names in these fields to reinterpret the art of luxury travel.
Esteemed designer Tristan Auer has been tasked with reimagining the Art Deco styling and plant motifs of the original Orient Express carriages into a modern skyscraper in the heart of a bustling metropolis. The sumptuous bedrooms and exquisite bathrooms will bring new levels of style and luxury to Bangkok.
“We are proud to bring the multicultural heritage, mystery and exoticism of the legendary Orient Express brand to Bangkok” said Michael Issenberg, chairman and chief executive officer, AccorHotels Asia Pacific
“Orient Express redefined rail travel in the 1900s, introducing the first sleeper cars linking West to East and delivering unprecedented levels of comfort and dining. We look forward to bringing this same luxury and refinement to the new incarnation of Orient Express hotels.” 
Two signature restaurants will include Mott 32 on level 2 and Mahanathi by David Thompson on level 5 of the hotel. 
Mott 32 will also bring an exceptional modern Cantonese dining experience to the city with a contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar in Orient Express Mahanakhon Bangkok. Mott 32 is named after 32 Mott Street in New York - the site of NYC’s first Chinese convenience store, which opened in 1851. 
David Thompson is known worldwide for his skills and expertise in Thai cuisine and culinary art. Thompson has established award-winning restaurants across the world, Nahm in London and Bangkok, Long Chim in Asia and Australia and Aaharn in Hong Kong. 
For more than 135 years, Orient Express has inspired authors, artists and film directors, with famous guests including Josephine Baker, Albert Einstein, Coco Chanel, Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway, Marlene Dietrich and Mata Hari. 
Agatha Christie made the trains even more famous with her eponymous novel “Murder on the Orient Express”, while Albert Hitchcock’s “The Lady Vanishes” and James Bond’s “From Russia with Love” further immortalised the Orient Express name in the popular imagination.
Another hallmark of the Orient Express has always been the excellence of its staff and the prestige of the uniform. These signatures will also be present in all Orient Express Hotels, setting the highest standards in impeccable service for the industry.
 

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