Blending French and Thai cultures to superb effect, The Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit opened in April and has fast become one of the city’s hippest hangouts. Here, the hotel’s GM, Christophe Caron – who’s also Vice President, Sofitel South East Asia & India – talks more about the hotel and its main attractions
| One of the biggest challenges we faced in opening the property was the fact that we had to do it in just four months. When we came into the hotel at the end of November 2011, it was basically a concrete shell – so we had to do everything from scratch. No mean feat considering most five-star hotels usually have a set-up period of 12 to 18 months. How did we manage it? Well, we brought in talented staff from other Accor properties in Thailand, and were lucky to have around 60 staff members join the hotel from other Sofitels, so they really knew the brand. Many of these also held executive positions, so we really brought in a lot of talent. Sofitel is a luxury brand with French flair, French DNA. And we operate to a philosophy which revolves around three pillars – Design, Gastronomy and wine, and Culture. Looking at design, here in Thailand we take French elegance and blend it with Asian culture. This is what gives each Sofitel its own unique, contemporary look. |  |
Regarding gastronomy and wine, it’s something that French people are passionate about, it’s very much part of the French culture. At Sofitel we don’t to impose our culture, but we very much bring our passion to the table.
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has a team of three French chefs headed by our Executive Chef, Aurélien Poirot, who came from Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. The chefs all have Michelin star experience and they use their talents and French flair to cook the best of Thai products with a French approach.
We do have all French produce as well, as you’ll see in our extensive cheese and wine cellar in our all-day-dining restaurant, Voila! We also have excellent pastry and bread, and what are probably the best croissants in Bangkok.
Voila! offers what we call a ‘cuisine on stage concept.’ This sees all kinds of international cuisines cooked in front of guests at cooking stations. You can enjoy French casseroles and meats, Japanese sushi, Italian pizzas, and much more. We also plan to add an organic corner featuring all kinds of organic meats, vegetables, fruits and cheese.
Our L’Apart restaurant and bar is creating a buzz in Bangkok. It’s designed to resemble a typical French apartment, so guests can feel like they’re drinking or dining at a friend’s home. They can sit in the library, lounge or terrace and enjoy delicious French and Thai cuisine from an open kitchen, plus Champagne at excellent value for money. Breathtaking views and nightly DJ add to the offerings.
As for Culture, the hotel has a real focus on hosting cultural events – art, music, dance etc. Visit Le Bar, for example and you won’t find the usual entertainment as seen at many other hotels. Here we have a real emphasis on top quality local musicians.
Chai Blues and his band take to the stage at Le Bar every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm-midnight (Khun Chai is an amazing guitarist; the real Jimmy Hendrix of Thailand). You can also catch jazz funk by Neung Jakkawal Band on Wednesdays, and Salsa rhythms with Siam Cubano on Thursdays.
189 Sukhumvit Road (near Nana BTS station)
Tel: 02 126 9999
www.sofitel.com
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has a team of three French chefs headed by our Executive Chef, Aurélien Poirot, who came from Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. The chefs all have Michelin star experience and they use their talents and French flair to cook the best of Thai products with a French approach.
We do have all French produce as well, as you’ll see in our extensive cheese and wine cellar in our all-day-dining restaurant, Voila! We also have excellent pastry and bread, and what are probably the best croissants in Bangkok.
Voila! offers what we call a ‘cuisine on stage concept.’ This sees all kinds of international cuisines cooked in front of guests at cooking stations. You can enjoy French casseroles and meats, Japanese sushi, Italian pizzas, and much more. We also plan to add an organic corner featuring all kinds of organic meats, vegetables, fruits and cheese.
Our L’Apart restaurant and bar is creating a buzz in Bangkok. It’s designed to resemble a typical French apartment, so guests can feel like they’re drinking or dining at a friend’s home. They can sit in the library, lounge or terrace and enjoy delicious French and Thai cuisine from an open kitchen, plus Champagne at excellent value for money. Breathtaking views and nightly DJ add to the offerings.
As for Culture, the hotel has a real focus on hosting cultural events – art, music, dance etc. Visit Le Bar, for example and you won’t find the usual entertainment as seen at many other hotels. Here we have a real emphasis on top quality local musicians.
Chai Blues and his band take to the stage at Le Bar every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm-midnight (Khun Chai is an amazing guitarist; the real Jimmy Hendrix of Thailand). You can also catch jazz funk by Neung Jakkawal Band on Wednesdays, and Salsa rhythms with Siam Cubano on Thursdays.
189 Sukhumvit Road (near Nana BTS station)
Tel: 02 126 9999
www.sofitel.com
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