Bangkok--6 Oct--InterContinental Bangkok The second phase of major renovations at InterContinental Bangkok continues apace. Following a thorough upgrading of all guest rooms and the refurbishing of some facilities during the first phase of work, efforts now take in the entire main lobby as well as other common areas such as lifts and corridors, major food and beverage venues and numerous other functions including the hotel’s spa, fitness and meeting amenities. Total renovation cost is put at 876 million baht, with work set for completion by the end of 2008. Markus Platzer, General Manager of InterContinental Bangkok, notes that the renovations, which began in 2007, are unusual insofar as existing hotel properties seldom undergo such a transformation in a relatively short amount of time. But, he states, the makeover is essential. “InterContinental Hotels Group is redefining the hotel experience, and InterContinental Bangkok requires the kind of beautification that accords with the Group’s brand identity. That identity,” says Mr Platzer, “combines modern, technologically advanced facilities with elegant local design elements — the whole enhanced by good old fashioned local knowledge, or what we call an ‘In the Know’ culture. Through this we provide insights for guests so that they have an enriching experience while in the country and feel like locals.” Mr Platzer elaborates that InterContinental Bangkok will be in fact a brand-defining flagship property, and he cites the hotel group’s new Concierge Lounge and Spa InterContinental concepts as prime examples bearing it out. Featuring a consultative environment that eliminates the traditional desk-based approach, the Concierge Lounge will employ the latest technology. “But,” observes Mr Platzer, “it is far more than just an information desk. Rather, it’s an integral component of our In the Know culture.” Spa InterContinental, meanwhile, will be only the seventh such facility established by the group worldwide and will bring to Thailand a therapy and relaxation experience quite unlike what most have come to expect of the country’s luxury spas. Further defining InterContinental Bangkok will be a first for the city, a celebrity chef signature restaurant, as well as a sophisticated cigar bar. The new InterContinental Bangkok likewise will provide the largest MICE facility in the downtown area. “All of these updated and new facilities,” says General Manager Markus Platzer, “reinforce the notion not only that InterContinental is a premium brand but also one that evolves to meet the needs of our target groups. With these beautification efforts we aim to reassert InterContinental Bangkok as a hotel that has it all — whether guests arrive on business or for pleasure.” Always improving For press and media inquiries, please contact: Panasporn Pam Nopasri Director of Marketing Communications InterContinental Bangkok T : +66 2 656 0444 F : +66 2 656 0994 [email protected]