Three of Thailand’s best-known hotels will change their names as the bells ring in the New Year 2012.

Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok will become Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Sofitel Centara Grand Resort & Villas Hua Hin will become Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, and Novotel Hat Yai Centara will become Centara Hotel Hat Yai.

The name changes take place as the partnership between Accor, owner of the Sofitel and Novotel brands, and Centara Hotels & Resorts, ends amicably after 25 years.

The staff at all three hotels will remain unchanged.

In anticipation of the rebranding, a complete renovation has been undertaken at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, and a major renovation program has been completed at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and at Centara Hotel Hat Yai.

The Centara-Accor relationship began with what was then the Sofitel Hua Hin in 1986, and will be formally dissolved at midnight on December 31st, 2011.

Centara has established itself as Thailand’s largest operator of hotels and resorts, with 54 properties at key destinations throughout the kingdom, and a fast-growing overseas portfolio that includes properties in the Maldives, Bali, Mauritius, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Its growth has been recognised by industry standard bearer the , which awarded the title of Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel to the Centara Grand at Central World earlier this year.