AccorHotels reveals first Orient Express location

The hotel will be within the tallest building in Bangkok, the King Power Mahanakhon Building, with designer Tristan Auer tasked with bringing back to life the Art Deco style and motifs of the original Orient Express train carriages into a modern skyscraper hotel.

Set to be open at the end of 2019, the Orient Express Mahanakhon Bangkok will feature two signature restaurants including Mahanathi by renowned expert in Thai cuisine, David Thompson. Also in the tower will be Mott 32, a Cantonese dining experience and a cocktail bar.

“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 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.”

Sebastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive, AccorHotels added: “We are excited to bring back this spirit of luxurious adventure to today’s modern travellers.”

The 154-room hotel will sit within a complex already launched as Mahanakhon SkyWalk, including Thailand’s highest observation deck on levels 74, 75 and 78, with King Power Duty Free and Retail occupying levels 1 to 4.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, chief executive of King Power Group, said: “The launch of the world’s first Orient Express Hotel at King Power Mahanakhon adds a new milestone to Thailand and the world’s hospitality industry, while further elevating Thailand to a truly world-class destination.”

Orient Express Mahanakhon Bangkok will also feature nine suites and two penthouses, as well as a floor devoted to wellness including an outdoor pool and Orient Express Spa by Guerlain.

AccorHotels and SNCF Group signed a strategic partnership in 2017 to develop Orient Express hotels after AccorHotels acquired a 50% stake in the share capital of the brand.

SNCF retains ownership of the seven original Orient Express carriages, which have been restored and now operate as events options in collaboration with Potel & Chabot.

AccorHotels operates more than 4,600 hotels, resorts and residences across 100 countries.