THAILAND’S MOST HISTORIC RESORT RECEIVES 21ST CENTURY UPGRADE

Sofitel Central Hua-Hin unveils major renovation of Railway Wing


Sofitel Central Hua-Hin, one of Asia’s most elegant resorts – and Thailand’s most historic – has unveiled a new look for its Railway Wing, the hotel’s original accommodation, opened in 1923.

Phase one of the renovation has seen 15 standard rooms transformed into 15 superior rooms with the room size increased from 30 sqm to 40sqm, and a new balcony added. 13 deluxe rooms have been renovated as well and in addition, 2 standard rooms have been converted into 1 luxurious one-bedroom suite of 51 sqm with a 21 sqm balcony.

In phase two of the renovation, to be completed by August 2001, 7 more standard rooms will be converted into superior rooms, 10 standard rooms will be converted into 5 more one-bedroom suites, and 4 deluxe rooms and 2 deluxe suites will be renovated.

All superior and deluxe rooms in the Railway Wing have newly enlarged bathrooms with spacious showers. Most of the existing colonial furniture has been retained to continue the authentic ambience, while new furniture has been made from teak wood and blends harmoniously with the teak parquetry flooring, high ceilings and antique fans. New fabrics (curtains, soft furnishings etc) have been made from the finest Thai cotton, and bedspreads have been replaced with fresh white and airy duvets.

General Manager of the Sofitel Central Hua-Hin, Guy Poujoulat, said that the renovation had been undertaken with the aim of preserving the Sofitel’s historic character while providing the most comfortable facilities for the hotel’s guests.

“The reason why we are the first choice resort for so many international visitors to Thailand is that we offer the classic colonial ambience along with a perfect beach setting, exotic gardens and up to date facilities,” said Poujoulat.

“The newer wings of the hotel were designed to blend in with the Railway Wing, which has always been the most popular accommodation in the hotel because of its historic character. Now it has both history and 21st century 5-star comforts.”

Mr. Poujoulat also announced the Sofitel is publishing a new book on the hotel’s famous topiary gardens. The book, to be released next January, outlines the range of plants and flowers featured in the 15 hectares of gardens. The book includes extensive photos of the spectacularly flowering plants, as well as full botanical descriptions, information on their origin and their contemporary use.

Sofitel Central Hua-Hin was opened as the Railway Hotel on 1 January 1923, attracting wealthy Bangkok residents and international travellers to the luxury beach resort. Accor and the Central Hotels Group took over the hotel in 1986, re-launching the hotel as a Sofitel after two years extensive refurbishment which emphasised the Edwardian regency and colonial traditions. The Architects Association of Thailand gave the hotel an award for “outstanding conservation” in a category dedicated to preserving historic Thai buildings.