Bangkok Welcomes The Sukosol

Sukosol Hotels will launch their city-centre Bangkok property this November under its new name, The Sukosol, following a multi-million baht transformation. Formerly known as the Siam City Hotel, The Sukosol is a unique Bangkok landmark and the 'grande dame' of the Sukosol Hotels collection. Treasured by admirers of art and culture and experience-seeking travellers who appreciate a human touch, the hotel embodies the modern and welcoming personality of Thailand. Contemporary design has been combined with artistic and soulful touches to give The Sukosol interiors a warm, inviting look and feel. Kamala Sukosol has utilised her passion and keen eye for exquisite art and antiques to decorate the hotel with a priceless collection of antiquities from around Asia, affording guests a glimpse into the region's diverse history and culture. The refreshed feel of The Sukosol begins with the alluring new lobby, which is light-filled with gracious proportions, to give a sense of space. The importance of art to the design concept is immediately evident from the prominent marble sculpture, dramatically positioned above the reception desk. Depicting the noble achievements of Thailand's 'Great Kings', the piece is by the late Kaimook Xuto, personal sculptress to the Thai royal family, and is just one of the many priceless artefacts on display throughout the culturally vibrant hotel. The jewel of the redesign is the sumptuous Sapphire Bar, a sophisticated destination with a palette of sapphire blue, muted purple, subtle green and pops of red. The sleek lounge offers an elegant and refined ambiance and has been modelled after a decadent Shanghai Art Deco bar from the 1920s with crystal chandeliers providing soft sparkling light. Sapphire Bar features some of the best drink creations, tasty tapas, live jazz and urban chic ambiance to be found in the City of Angels. The final stage of the ambitious renovation will be completed in early November, with the unveiling of a stunning facade at the front of the property. This will incorporate a prominent marble feature wall running the length of the property along Si Ayuthaya Road and lush tropical landscaping fanning the hotel entrance and street-facing Sapphire Bar. The renovation has been overseen by the Sukosol family, who own and run every aspect of the business. Their unique combination of personalities is the secret to The Sukosol's memorable and understated style. The group is helmed by Thai businesswoman Kamala Sukosol, who is well known in Thailand and beyond for her entrepreneurial achievements, philanthropic work and singing endeavours. Kamala is supported in the front lines of the business by her four children: Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Executive Vice President; Daranee Sukosol Clapp, Vice President of Finance; Kamol 'Sukie' Sukosol Clapp, Director of Projects and Krissada 'Noi' Sukosol Clapp, Creative Director. Fondly dubbed the 'musical hoteliers' of Thailand, the Sukosols are all multi-lingual, multi-skilled, multi-tasking service industry professionals with flair, each bringing a different talent to the table. The unveiling of the property as The Sukosol also marks the group's official launch of Sukosol Hotels, the new group name to encompass existing and pipeline properties. The collection currently comprises five properties: The Sukosol (Bangkok), The Siam (Bangkok), Siam Bayshore (Pattaya), The Bayview (Pattaya) and Wave (Pattaya, opening January 2013). The Sukosol features 470 guest rooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with an intimate and comfortable base in central Bangkok. Guests can choose from a full range of dining options, including Lin-Fa, an award-winning modern Cantonese fine dining restaurant. The Sukosol also features ten meeting rooms, full-service Lotus Spa, rooftop swimming pool, state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, shops and garden retreat.