Nakheel breaks ground on W Bangkok

When it opens at the end of 2010, the W Bangkok will be the first centre-city W Hotel in Southeast Asia, and will offer the innovative design and full range of branded amenities that guests have come to expect of W Hotels worldwide.

The property will form a major part of Golden Land's "Sathorn Square" mixed-use development, which is centred on the historic landmark Russian Embassy complex, located in the prime business district of Sathorn Road. The development will also include a 70,000 square metre Grade A office tower with boutiques and shops.

Last October, Starwood entered into a management agreement with North Sathorn Hotel Company, a joint venture between Nakheel Hotels (previously named Istithmar Hotels FZE) and Golden Land Property Development Plc for this new hotel.

Joe Sita, Chief Executive Officer of Nakheel Hotels, said, "Nakheel Hotels looks for the best partners as we expand operations across the globe and Starwood and Golden Land Property are perfect partners in this venture. Southeast Asia is a strategically important region for Nakheel Hotels and Bangkok is one of our key target markets. The W Bangkok will surely be a star property in our growing global development portfolio."

"Bangkok is a perfect fit for W Hotels, appealing to the W brand's sophisticated travelers with a delectable mix of diverse cultures, world-class shopping and an unsurpassed cuisine experience. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Thailand's thriving cosmopolitan metropolis, W Bangkok will reflect the excitement, energy and sophistication of its surroundings when it opens, and will be known as the influential and innovative lifestyle authority in Bangkok," commented Neil Palmer, Senior Vice President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

"We are confident that Bangkok, with its great location and allure for visitors, will be a great platform to showcase the W brand. Starwood is also proud to continue its contribution towards the growth of Bangkok and Thailand as a key hospitality destination," added Palmer.

William Wilfong, CEO of Golden Land Property Development PLC, commented, "We are delighted to bring W to Bangkok, and to be working together with Nakheel and Starwood on this landmark hotel. The W Bangkok will add unique prestige and cachet to our Sathorn Square project, and this property is sure to become a leading choice for business and leisure visitors to Bangkok, with its prime location in the heart of the city's main business district."

In addition to the W brand's signature sleek design and cosmopolitan ambience, the W Bangkok will offer a wide range of superior facilities including almost 30,000 square feet of meeting space, W Kitchen, W Living Room, a specialty restaurant and destination lounge, a Sweat Fitness Center, an outdoor pool and a signature spa.

Guests will luxuriate in the signature W bed, outfitted with feather-top mattresses, 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose-down comforters. The hotel will also offer the signature W Whatever/Whenever service, the hotel's 24-hour concierge that can provide whatever guests want - from a pair of running shoes to private jet service - whenever they want it.