Marriott Executive Apartments has taken the title of Thailand’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand at the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

Here Breaking Travel News chats with Sabreena Jacob, general manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park; Adrian Ee, general manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista; and Supap Sirins, general manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Mayfair, about the prestigious titles.

Breaking Travel News: Marriott Executive Apartments has taken the title of Thailand’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand at the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The awards count votes from both members of the public and from within the hospitality trade and are thus considered the most prestigious titles available. How does it feel to have taken the title?

Adrian Ee: It fills us all with an immense sense of pride and satisfaction!

This important award truly validates the day to day efforts of our incredibly committed associates, who consistently go above and beyond their line of duty to create memorable experiences, and long-lasting relationships with our loyal residents and guests.

We would like to dedicate this award to them, and at the same time use this opportunity to extend our most sincere appreciation to our guests and residents from all around the world for their continuous preference.

BTN: What do you think it is that separates the properties from their competitors in the Thai hospitality market?

Sabreena Jacob: It’s the confidence in the Marriott name, which is well recognised for consistently delivering the highest standards in service and product quality to guests.

It’s also our ability to be connected with our entire sister Marriott hotels while providing upscale accommodation in strategic locations in Bangkok.

In addition, our luxury serviced apartments tend to feel a lot more like home with their distinctive residential design which enables comfortable living.

Not just a bedroom, but an apartment with technology and work space for productivity, gourmet kitchens and easy access to food and beverage to support the daily routine of our guests.

In fact this is more attractive for long stay travellers with families as well as short stay guests that seek to balance and find a home-style living environment.

Our serviced apartments give you the opportunity to settle in, even if you travel for a day or week by offering more space, privacy and flexibility with premier hotel services.

Adrian Ee, general manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista

BTN: How would you describe Thai tourism going into the second half of 2017? Is this a positive time to be involved in the hospitality sector in the country?

Supap Sirins: Tourist arrivals have increased over the years into Thailand and will continue to do so in the second half of 2017.

In particular guests from Mainland China continue to choose Thailand as a main tourist destination due to the abundance of attractions, wonderful food, great shopping and not to mention a unique and wonderful cultural experience.

Hotels and serviced apartments have seen an increase in occupancy over the last few months.

With more halal dining available in Thailand as well as an emphasis of halal and medical tourism to attract Muslim travellers by the government, there is now also an increase in the arrivals of Muslim tourists particularly from the Middle East countries. 

BTN: It has been a year since we last spoke. How would you say the tourism sector has changed in the Thai capital over the period? Has the serviced apartment sector matured?

Adrian Ee: The tourism sector has boomed over the past year with more arrivals particularly from Mainland China travelling into Bangkok as the main entry hub and moving onwards from there to other destinations in Thailand like Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Samui.

Serviced Apartments will still continue to thrive from long term residency and the Expat community but we are also experiencing more short stays from the Chinese leisure market.

With more families travelling together and the convenience and comfort of a “home” living environment, it is a well- liked avenue for the current group of travellers. 

Sabreena Jacob, general manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park

BTN: Can you talk us through the unique selling points of each of the four properties in the Marriott Executive Apartments, Thailand, and portfolio? What is it they bring to the sector?

Sabreena Jacob: All properties are located in centralised premier locations be it for leisure or for the corporate traveller. Each property also has its own unique identity.

Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista is ideally located in the Diplomatic enclave close to the major financial centre of Bangkok, as well as the cosmopolitan area of Silom.

Apart from having 186 luxurious suites, facilities include a 24 hour fitness centre, sauna, an outdoor saltwater swimming pool and the vibrant Momo café.

Marriott Executive Apartments Mayfair is located in Bangkok’s best residential area, the Mayfair offers convenient access to the main business and commercial districts, as well as the leading shopping malls, embassies, international hospitals, two BTS sky train stations and the ever lush greenery of Lumpini Park.

Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park enjoys an ideal location being close to one of the most exclusive shopping districts in Bangkok, yet being in a residential environment, minutes away from the Sky Train Station.

With 300 well equipped apartments it has exclusive recreation facilities despite being in the heart of the city.

A salt water outdoor pool, Squash, Tennis, Badminton courts and the only David Leadbetter indoor golf training academy at the property makes it an ideal choice for families and corporate travellers.

In addition, the trendy newly renovated Bistro M and M2Go outlets cater to all culinary requirements.

In turn, Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Thonglor offers an ideal combination of apartment-style living and premier hotel services; a perfect solution for long term as well as short term guests.

Situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Thonglor, our stylish apartments offer the extended benefits of a full service hotel being located within the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit.

Our warm and personalised service makes every guest feel at home and builds long term loyalty.

Supap Sirins, general manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, Mayfair

BTN: What does Marriott International have planned looking forward in Thailand? Are there any new properties in the pipeline or enhancements scheduled for the existing portfolio?

Supap Sirins: With the merger of Marriott and Starwood, there is a lot to look forward to over the coming years.

Currently we have 40 operating hotels and resorts with 11,626 rooms in Thailand and another 15 hotels and resorts in the pipeline.