Onyx Hospitality Group, which operates diverse yet complementary brands such as Amari, Shama and OZO, is experiencing a rise in the number of guests from the Middle East as it caters to their distinctive requirements.
Two of its ‘residence’ properties are particularly popular with guests from the Middle East: the Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok and Amari Residences Bangkok.
Shama Sukhumvit general manager Mariefe Barce Ugalde, who was in the UAE and Qatar recently, says: "At certain times of the year, guests from the Middle East represent over 90 per cent of Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok’s occupancy, particularly during school holidays and the summer months."
"Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok is popular with families from the Middle East for both leisure and medical tourism," she says.
The hotel offers fully equipped one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Arabic guests are assisted by Arabic-speaking staff and made to feel at home, says Ugalde.
Nestled in a quiet lane just off Sukhumvit Road, Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok offers 90 serviced apartments ranging from 66 sq m to 2,152 sq m in size. Each apartment has a private balcony and is equipped with everything required for extended stays, including washing machines and dish washers. It also has a roof-top swimming pool and kid’s pool, kids club, gardens and barbeque facilities.
Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok is located in a popular area amongst fashionable restaurants, stylish shopping and the central business district with nearby access to the Phloenchit BTS Skytrain station and Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Amari Residences Bangkok has witnessed similar increases in occupancy rates with guests from the Middle East. Featuring 129 modern residences ranging from studios to fully-equipped two and three-bedroom units, the residences offer spacious living and dining areas, work areas and fully equipped kitchens. Located beside the vibrant New Phetchaburi Road, the residences are adjacent to the Bangkok Hospital and close to the city’s underground MRT system and the new Airport Rail Link connecting Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the city centre.
Apichet Ongsri, the general manager, says: "Amari Residences Bangkok is fully equipped to cater to the needs of medical tourists from the Middle East with Arabic-speaking staff, Thai staff trained in customs and traditions of the region. We also enjoy a close relationship with the medical staff at the Bangkok Hospital to assist and support guests as necessary. We have also seen an increase in guests on business to Bangkok, particularly those staying for extended periods and requiring a hotel offering more than a simple room."
Amari Residences Bangkok offers guests the flexibility of a full service hotel with self-catering by offering room service as well as in-suite kitchens.