Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007 - (Page 13)

Thailand has a wide range of accommodations choices to suit a traveler’s needs. Some of the finest business and luxury hotels are found in Thailand with the greatest majority of these in Bangkok. A Range of Hotel Choices Some of these properties have achieved icon status, such as The Oriental. You’ll also find top flight hotels throughout the country, especially in resort y areas such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Ko Samui, and in Thailand’s second biggest city, ’ y Chiang Mai. The beach resort of Hua Hin is an especially up-and-coming area, with many hip and sophisticated hotels coming on market. Popular brand names throughout the country, and especially in Bangkok, include Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Peninsula Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, R Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, R Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, Novotel, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Westin Hotels R W & Resorts. The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok Hotel is scheduled to open in 2008. Perhaps less familiar to tourists, but equally high end, are the Thai-owned-andoperated Amari, Centara, and Dusit chains. Five-star hotels and resorts spare no detail for the business or leisure traveler, providing designer toiletries, plush robes, in-room stereo systems, inhouse DVDs, and WiFi. Some of the best restaurants are operated by hotels, and many of the finer properties host a whole range of dining choices. For example, Bangkok’s five-star all-suites lebua at State Tower, which is housed in the second tallest building in Thailand, has several restaurants garnering a huge amount of attention for their service, cuisine and stunning views of the city. Those traveling outside major tourist resort areas will find a smaller selection of hotels. Many of these properties cater to Thais, and offer great value. The upper end of this range will be air-conditioned; while at the lower range guests have to make-do with an overhead ceiling fan. Many of these moderate-priced properties will have swimming pools, restaurants, satellite TV, inroom safes, and in-room international direct dialing. Both expensive and moderately priced hotels add a 10 percent service charge plus seven percent government tax, v also called a value-added tax (VAT). Visitors don’t have to be well-heeled to tour Thailand. The country’s budget hotels, guest houses and hostels are great options for those willing to choose price over comfort. ov You may have a room of your o own or a dorm, an in-room toilet or one down the hall, o and cold-water showers – but you’ll also have more of your travel budget to spend on sightseeing, activities and dining out. A little research may help you find a real bargain that also provides quaint accommodations and personalized service. FROM LUXURY TO BUDGET-FRIENDLY Boutique Hotels in Thailand The boutique trend is hitting Thailand. Here’s a sampling of the country’s chic boutique hotels and resorts: BANGKOK: Baan Thai Wellness Retreat, Dream Hotel Bangkok, The Eugenia, and Ibrik Resort CHIANG MAI: At-Niman Conceptual Home, Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel, and Rachamankha PHUKET: Karona Resort & Spa PATTAYA: Aisawan Resort & Spa KRABI: The Tubkaak Krabi, Zeavola, and Ko Phi Phi www www.tourismthailand.org/la | 13 http://www.tourismthailand.org/la

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

Contents Make the Most of Amazing Thailand, Land of Heritage and History Planning a Trip to Thailand: Essential Information Transportation: Convenient Options, from Tuk Tuks to Skytrains Thailand's Vibrant Culture: Experience the Art of Thai Living Sampling Thailand’s Top 20 Delights Hotel Choices: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly Map of Thailand Overview of Thailand’s Regions Central Thailand: The Delights of Bangkok and Beyond Northeastern Thailand: A Distinct Culture All Its Own Northern Thailand: Experience the Iconic Heritage Southern Thailand: Balmy and Beautiful Days International Festivities in Thailand: Let Yourself Be Enchanted Water Sports: The Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches Ecotourism: Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature The Beauty of Wellness and Wellbeing in Thailand Shopping: Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends

Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

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