Transformed Dusit Thani Bangkok to reopen with fresh new look
Dusit International has announced that its reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok will open its doors in September 2024.
Rebuilt as part of the Dusit Central Park mixed-use development, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok pays homage to the property’s 50-year legacy.
Rising on the same site as its predecessor, the hotel comprises 257 guestrooms – a reduction from the previous 517 – with views of Lumpini Park from cantilevered window seats. Envisaged by Architects 49 and Oma Asia Hong Kong, architecture pays homage to the unique style of what came before it, with the original hotel’s golden spire now contained within a new spire that is three times larger.
Elegant interiors by André Fu Studio seamlessly blend the original hotel’s rich heritage with contemporary Thai aesthetics, incorporating warm colours and subtle traditional motifs for a modern interpretation of classic Thai artistry. The previous restaurant’s pillars have been preserved and reinstalled into the new hotel’s main lobby, while its intricate carved teak ceiling has also been reassembled and given new life.
Further honouring the hotel’s storied past, a signature ‘Heritage Floor’ designed by Thai interior design firm P49 Deesign & Associates captures the spirit of the original property, complete with artworks by local artists, each inspired by the hotel’s legacy.
The property also features an urban wellness concept delivering a range of wellbeing experiences, as well as ten restaurants and bars created in collaboration with renowned chefs and mixologists.
“For over five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok was a beloved landmark, a true ambassador of Thai hospitality for global travellers,” says Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO of Dusit International. “As we embarked on its reimagination, we were committed to honouring that legacy while exceeding the expectations of today’s sophisticated guests. This meant meticulously preserving elements of the original hotel and seamlessly blending them with a fresh, modern design. Throughout this process, we stayed true to the vision of Dusit’s founder, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, and owner, Mr Chanin Donavanik, to showcase Thai culture, art and gracious service in a way that resonates with contemporary travellers and adapts to evolving preferences.”
Natapa Sriyuksiri, Managing Director of Dusit Estate and Group Creative Strategy at Dusit International, adds: “The original Dusit Thani Bangkok had a soul all of its own, and our goal was to translate that spirit into a contemporary space equipped for the future. We started by reinterpreting the original hotel’s unique design elements through a modern lens. This involved studying the hotel’s distinctive interiors and architecture to identify patterns we could modernise or reference in new creations.”
She continues: “With an unrivalled Thai-inspired design that becomes progressively more modern towards the building’s golden spire, we’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the aesthetics of each area serve as the stage for lasting memories to be made. There’s a genuine sense of theatre, too. Large, open windows in the ballroom and lobby seamlessly connect the hotel’s vibrant energy with the surrounding Lumpini Park, showcasing both the stunning cityscape and the exciting events happening within. This innovative design ensures the new Dusit Thani Bangkok stands out as a unique landmark, a true icon for a new era of Thai hospitality.”
Beyond aesthetics, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok also incorporates feng shui principles for a holistic guest experience. “Our goal was to seamlessly integrate world-class design with the legacy of the original hotel, and this included marrying ancient feng shui wisdom about wind and water with modern architecture,” explains Somkiat Lo-Chindapong, Deputy Managing Director of Architects 49. “This approach is evident in the building’s positioning within Dusit Central Park, ensuring each guestroom offers unobstructed views of Lumpini Park through large bay windows with a luxurious gold finish. These breathtaking vistas act as golden frames of memories, drawing positive energy into the hotel while creating lasting impressions for guests.”
