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Hollywood dreaming
lebua at State Tower’s Hangover Suite is one of a kind, and a perfect place to throw a Hollywood dinner party.
I arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport mid-morning and am immediately greeted by a driver sent from lebua at State Tower. He takes my luggage and ushers me into a fully air conditioned blacked-out limo – a welcome relief in Bangkok’s steamy 37˚C heat.
lebua at State Tower is set a little way off the road in downtown Bangkok, and as the driver turns into the driveway I can see the somewhat understated entrance, which surprised me because at 63 storey’s high, the hotel is far from understated. I later ask the doorman why the entrance is so modest. “It keeps the hotel’s entrance a secret – more exclusive,” he explains.
As I wander through the doors, the lobby is opulent yet very trendy – the crowd is young and very cool. Within seconds I’m whisked up to the Hangover Suite, named after the eponymous movie. lebua at State Tower was thrust into the spotlight when the much-awaited The Hangover: Part II, graced movie screens back in 2011, since the aerial views used in the movie were all shot from the impressive heights of the rooftop Sky Bar.
Located on the 56th floor and part of the hotel’s all-suite Tower Club, the Hangover Suite is made up of a master bedroom, one double and one smaller double, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, four balconies, walk-in wardrobes, plus exclusive entrance to the Tower Club’s private lounge on the 52nd floor. If ever there was a place to hold a party, this would be it.
Checking in and signing the disclaimer forms that exempt the hotel from responsibility should I fall off one of the balconies took all of five minutes, and then I was left alone to explore.
The décor in the suite is fairly neutral – lebua aims to wow with its use of space and lighting, leaving the rooms as a blank canvas. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with Bvlgari amenities and the two larger doubles have balconies with sweeping views of the Bangkok skyline and Chao Phraya River below. The best views come at night, when the smog clears and the city lights up.
I race around the rest of the suite – the brown lacquered dining table has ample space to sit eight comfortably, which immediately starts me thinking about hosting a dinner party.
The kitchen, complete with breakfast bar and serving hatch, is ideal for the in-house chef to rustle up a treat if you opt for in-room dining. The lounge area, complete with a wide-screen TV and surround sound would be perfect to create a sophisticated atmosphere, and the extra guest washroom takes care of practical issues. All in all, the ample space coupled with the unrivaled views makes it the perfect venue for a dinner party; the only missing factor being the other seven guests.
The public areas of lebua are all equally outstanding. The three Dome restaurants offer unrivalled cuisine and have become popular places to be seen among Bangkok’s trendy set. Breeze on the 52nd floor, which I can look down on from my suite, is a truly unique concept – the food is Asian fusion, the view is of Bangkok’s skyline and the atmosphere is super cool.
The glass sky-bridge, which is suspended mid-air above the outdoor restaurant, is the ultimate catwalk, leading to a viewing station at one end. It’s the light show that sets this venue apart – the bridge changes from cool purples and blues to hot pinks, contrasting with the plain white decor.
Take the lift to the 63rd floor and you emerge in an ultra-cool bar. I wander out of the doors and into a huge outdoor bar and restaurant. In the far corner I can see the illuminated round Sky Bar; in front of me is the super-romantic Sirocco restaurant.
The glowing gold dome of State Tower is behind me and the Oscars-style illuminated staircase guides me to the bar. Guests staying in the Hangover Suite are entitled to a Hangovertini – a mixture of whisky, vermouth and other white liquors designed exclusively for the cast and crew of the film. It’s delicious, if a little too drinkable.
When I get back to the suite, the maid has turned down the room and softened the lights. I step out onto the spacious balcony for one last look at Bangkok at its most beautiful; the light shimmering all around me. I jump into the enormous bed in the master bedroom, snuggle into the luxury goose down pillow (my selection from a choice of nine) and close the blinds and the party sounds of the Sky Bar drift away.
Remark – Enjoy our luxurious new range of bath amenities by Acca Kappa.
Points Miles & Martinis – My 5 Favorite International Cities to Visit
I received an email from a reader who was in the initial phases of planning an international trip (on frequent flyer miles of course) but hadn’t yet picked out a destination. The reader asked if I could recommend my personal favorite cities in the world to visit. I definitely love making lists so I was happy to take on the challenge of selecting my top 5.
It is very rare for me to want to go back to an international city that I have already visited. While I love most every international city I visit, it takes a little something extra to interest me in returning at the expense of visiting a new city. These 5 cities have achieved that level. In no particular order, here are my top 5 international cities that I recommend interested travelers visit.
1. Berlin, Germany
My favorite European city is the German capital of Berlin. The city offers a wide range of experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. The history alone is enough to make this a world class city worth visiting. It is amazing to walk the grounds where so many important world events have taken place. Furthermore the architecture, the green city parks, and modern art are qualities to be greatly admired. For better or for worse, Berlin is a city full of unique thinkers and I believe this shows through in their city.
Personal highlights: The Reichstag, Brandenburg gate, Museum Island, the Tiergarten, the beer!
2. Kyoto, Japan
I can confidently say Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. For over 1000 years, Kyoto stood as the capital of Japan. As an American, that concept is extremely tough to grasp. Walking through today’s Kyoto you can’t help but appreciate the incredible commitment to and feat of preservation this city represents. There is a certain peacefulness and tranquility about Kyoto which exists throughout every square inch of the city.
Personal highlights: Endless temples and historical treasures, Philosopher’s Path, Bamboo Forest, Geisha spotting, Gion, Overwhelming natural beauty.
3. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a tough city to describe. I don’t find the terrain to be especially unique. The skyline is not as picturesque as its Asian counterparts. It is not a the cleanest or most efficient city in the world. The real beauty that I find in Bangkok is the atmosphere. The city is buzzing with activity all day everyday. During the day you have an infinitely long list of historical attractions to keep you entertained while at night the party atmosphere takes over. The nightlife is incredible. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what time of day it is, you will certainly find new friends to celebrate with and have fun.
Personal highlights: Drinks on top of the Lebua at State Tower, Cheap and delicious Thai cuisine, Backpacker’s party atmosphere, Nightlife, Street markets
4. Cape Town, South Africa
My favorite city in Africa is most certainly Cape Town. Cape Town offers something for everyone. Ocean seeker? Got it. Mountain seeker? Got it. Wine seeker? Got it. History seeker? Got it. Adventure seeker? Got it. The list goes on and on. In my mind, Cape Town shares the title for the most naturally beautifully city on earth, along with #5 on this list.
Personal highlights: Day trips to the Stellenbosch wine region, Cage diving with Great White Sharks off Gansbaai, Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, Robben Island
5. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
My favorite city in South America is Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. As mentioned in #4, I believe Rio De Janeiro shares the title for most naturally beautiful city on earth. The juxtaposition of the mountains and the ocean is truly stunning. I was fortunate enough to experience a concert on the beach with 200,000+ of my newest Brazilian friends. Rio has a certain buzzing vibe that is hard to describe but will surely leave you happy you came!
Personal highlights: Driving up to see Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Live concert on the beach
Bangkok binge
This is one destination that always leaves you wanting more, says Chitra Anand Papnai.
There I was high in the clouds on the 63rd floor of the Tower Club at lebua hotel in Bangkok but it wasn’t vertigo I was suffering from. It was déjà vu. Here I was sitting in the hotel’s elegant alfresco rooftop restaurant Sirocco and towering over us was the hotel’s amazing Sky Bar that seemed almost to be suspended in mid-air.
From my vantage point I looked out over the city and the Chao Phraya River gleamed like silver mercury as it snaked between the city lights. It all seemed very familiar-but this was my very first time in Bangkok.
The answer came quickly enough. As I reached my dinner table I heard someone mentioning the movie Hangover 2. This is where that rooftop scene was shot!” the person declared with delight, whipping out her camera.
The location scouts of Hangover 2 certainly knew what they were doing when they chose this spot with its view of Bangkok. And like the stars of the movie, we had an action – packed evening. As our candlelight dinner got underway with a string of chef’s special dishes, a jazz band made mellifluous music in another corner. And the steadily growing crowd around the circular neon Sky Bar reminded us, again that this city never sleeps.
The Tower Club at lebua had been written off by the travel industry when it was being constructed and it isn’t tough to imagine why. The hotel is located in the bustling Bang Rak District, which is a maze of narrow roads filled with street-side food carts. Not exactly the stuff of luxury said the naysayers. But once the building and its fine-dining restaurants got into action, all fears were put to rest.
The next day I had a quick lunch at the hotel’s Café Mozu . Being a vegetarian, I was apprehensive, but not for long. To my relief, quite a few dishes were marked with bold Vs. I opted for the yam som a jay, a pomelo salad with tamarind sauce that is a mix of juicy sweet and sour flavors. For the main course I was recommended a vegetarian pad thai with mushrooms, which had a hot and sour flavor.
Bangkok’s most important tourist spot is the Grand Palace but I was advised to avoid the heat and go the next morning. So, I did the next best thing and took Bangkok’s famous Sky- train to visit Siam, the city’s central shopping district.
Siam is a shopaholic’s poison. Afer whetting my appetite at the high-end Siam Pargon mall, I headed, on a more realistic note, instead to MBK mall, which is filled with middle-bracket stores that are just right if you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket.
Back at the hotel I was treated to a quick massage. And after that I trotted down to the nearby flea market, Bangrak Bazaar, which is right next to the Silom Skytrain Station. Traveller tip: there is scope for Bargaining here but don’t expect the prices to go down drastically.
Oh, lebua…
I watch the sun set from my balcony which overlooks the astoundingly beautiful Chao Phraya River. It’s almost evening but the comfortable softness of my bed makes me reluctant to leave my suite at lebua.
The melodic sounds from the Skybar upstairs compel me to head out for a spectacular evening. I’ve heard that some of the best restaurants in Bangkok are located at The Dome, on lebua’s 63rd floor. I decide to head to Sirocco where I am mesmerized by a phenomenal view of the Bangkok skyline. A friendly waiter leads me to my table and tells me that Sirocco is the world’s highest al fresco restaurant. I select the Chef’s Tasting Menu and am amazed by the tenderness of the Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Tartare and the exquisite Chocolate-Griottine Bar which truly tantalizes the taste buds. After dinner, I shift closer to the soulful harmonies of the jazz band at the Skybar outside, and treat myself to a Hangovertini, lebua’s signature martini made in homage to the movie, The Hangover II, which was filmed at the hotel. The modern décor and captivating ambience around me makes me feel like a movie star myself!
Eventually, the night comes to an end, and I retreat to the comfort of my room once again. I close my eyes and look forward to another exciting day in Bangkok…
Suddenly, I am startled out of my sleep by the loud ringing of my alarm clock. I open my eyes and realize I am at home, on my uncomfortable bed, and late for work! Was it all just a dream? A flyer by my bedside catches my eye. It reads – Visit lebua – the finest luxury hotel in Bangkok. I smile to myself, reach for the phone and book the first flight out to Bangkok for the weekend. I know exactly where I’ll be staying.
When a brand really matters
People often ask me, “What is luxury?” Even occasional readers of this space know this is a question to which I devote an inordinate amount of time. Certainly different people can define luxury in different ways, and I’ve written that luxury is about experience and rarity, not necessarily the “excess” that its Latin root word suggests.
A follow-up question is “Why spend so much on luxury brands?” This is a fair inquiry, and I think the answer has to do with peace of mind. When you buy a luxury brand, be it in the hospitality sector, fashion, watches or any other market, you are buying an assurance that nothing should go wrong.
Moreover, if something does go wrong, you know that the luxury brand will make it right through personalised after-sales service.
Although I am in the hospitality business of luxury hotels and fine restaurants, I take many great lessons from luxury clothing brands. A while back, I purchased quite an expensive jacket—it fit well, looked nice and felt like a quality product. There was only one problem: after three months the sleeve started to separate from the shoulder. My wife took it to one of the brand’s shops, not the one where I purchased it, but a different one. She explained the problem, showed the jacket and asked if they could repair it. “Why repair it?”, the attendant asked, “this is not right, take a new one.” With no fuss and no questions asked, I had a new jacket. We expected that they would repair the jacket, hopefully for no additional charge. They went beyond the expected and provided a brand new product and did not trouble us with the details. Something went wrong, and they made it right.
So you tell me, is it worth it to spend on luxury brands that understand their business?
However, be wary that you are dealing with a brand that understands their value proposition. During my visit to Japan, I had quite the opposite experience. I went to a very expensive restaurant, one of the so-called elites of the world. Our reservation was for 9:30pm and we arrived at 9:25pm. The staff asked us to wait for five minutes, as we were early. We waited, outside, for a full thirty minutes. My guest was a senior representative from Google and I was quite embarrassed. Once we finally got our table, they added insult to injury as we were informed that they could not honour the dietary requests of which we had previously informed the restaurant. The waiter was quick to inform us that if we decided to leave, we would be charged for the meal anyway.
Is that luxury? If not, why are such establishments of this elite club? I predict that particular one would not last. The problem was not the delay, it was the recovery: instead of a simple apology or perhaps a glass of wine, we were met with rude demands.
Fortunately, during a visit to Europe for various meetings, I visited Ledbury in London, and not for the first time. This is a restaurant worthy of its many plaudits. We had preferences, including my wife’s rather strict dietary requirements. Despite giving the restaurant no notice, all requests were honoured with aplomb. It goes without saying that the meal and service at Ledbury were fantastic and truly worthy of a special journey.
So, when it comes to luxury brands’ value to the consumer, and their ultimate success, I think the key is staying humble. We all have a lot to learn and we should stay close to the customer so we can learn properly. Things will inevitably go wrong. True luxury brands will do what it takes to make it right.
Deepak Ohri is CEO of lebua Hotels & Resorts.
PILLOW TALK
Almost everyone has to agree that it is a revitalizing pleasure to have just the right pillow to ease off weariness and body ache. Furthermore, the right pillow can provide the necessary support for the neck and spine while alleviating or preventing many common forms of backache and neck pain.
The two main functions of the right pillow are to provide support and comfort. Pillows prop up the head, neck and shoulders and keep them in alignment. As such, these areas of your body are supported, so less pressure is placed upon them when you sleep. Furthermore, using pillows creates a feeling of comfort, which helps you get a good night’s sleep and allow you to feel better rested.
Charlotte Bronte, the English poet once said, “A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.” lebua’s fantastic selection of pillows eases off ruffled minds by providing a pleasant sleep for all. I especially enjoyed their great variety of pillows which caters to different individuals and fits whatever sleeping position they may have. This way, I was able to get a good night’s sleep and felt completely well rested during my stay with lebua. Here is a list of the 9 different types of pillows which you can choose from.
Firm Ball Fiber Pillow
The firmness of the ball fiber pillow provides adequate support for the neck. It is suitable for side sleepers.
Natural Classic Runner Pillow
The natural “sponge” construction of latex ensures a constant circulation of fresh air. The latex pillow adjusts to the contours of your head and provides support all night long.
Memory Foam Pillow Anti Snore
This pillow was originally designed for NASA’s astronauts. The Memory Foam Pillow absorbs pressure and heat, adjusting to fit the contours of your neck to provide better support whilst ensuring that you get to sleep more comfortably.
Kapok Pillow
The 100% natural kapok pillow is suitable for those who want to experience a pillow with a thoroughly natural feel.
Companion Pillow for Side Sleepers
This long-shaped pillow is filled with micro fibers. The Micro Fiber Companion Pillow is designed for those who like to sleep on their side.
Contour Pillow
The Contour Pillow has two different sides with two different heights. It will provide the body with what it needs for a rejuvenating sleep.
Luxury Goose Down Pillow
This hypoallergenic, natural pillow provides luxurious comfort and support. The Down feathers shift to align specifically to the contours of your head, neck and shoulders, providing support where it is most needed.
Synthetic
This is a polyester/non-allergy pillow for the sensitive sleeper.
Buckwheat
100% natural, no chemicals added. This Buckwheat pillow will keep your head and neck cool. It conforms to the exact contours of your head, neck and shoulders. This pillow provides the perfect support and allows muscles to relax, thus relieving pain and stress.
Insider Guide: Best of Bangkok
Golden temples, addictive street food, amazing hotels and Asia’s craziest nightlife. Thailand’s megacity has far more to offer than you imagine
Ah, Bangkok. Beauty, modernity, chaos and decay. We wouldn’t want it any other way.
So, you’re in Thailand on a mission to cram the best of Bangkok into a weekend? It’s a big ask — there’s no city in the world like this one — but it can be done.
With incredible street food, world-class hotels, killer nightlife, packed markets and temples so sparkly they make your eyes water, there’s almost too much to choose from.
But you’re in luck. This quick guide to the best of Bangkok ensures you can at least hit the highlights on your quest for the best of Bangkok.
And, yes, gender-defying lady boys, included.
Keep in mind that hotel prices vary dramatically depending on the time of year. High season runs from October to April, while the best bargains can be had May to September.
If you’ve seen “The Hangover Part II,” this all-suite Bangkok hotel needs no introduction.
A prominent setting in the Thailand-based sequel to the R-rated bachelor romp, lebua is actually more famous for the views from its incredible rooftop bars and restaurants than the hotel itself.
All 357 luxury suites are spacious, comfortable and offer great views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river.
Extra special are the “Tower Club” suites, which feature 330-thread-count sheets, a range of Bulgari accessories and exclusive access to the Tower Club Lounge on the 52nd floor.
There’s also the Hangover Suite, perfect for a bachelor weekend in Bangkok.
Ah lebua
HELLO! paid a visit to the iconic lebua Hotel in Bangkok, which was also a site for the famous Hollywood flick The Hangover II. But that’s not the only thing that makes it famous…
When the wife of one of the crew members of The Hangover stayed at a lebua property in New Zealand, ( Lake Okareka Lodge), so impressed was she with the place, that when the team began scouting for locations in Bangkok to shoot the sequel to the hit Hollywood flick, she instantaneously suggested that they go with the lebua there. The movie was shot in record time, and although it’s run its course at the box – office, the hotel is still reaping. The spectacular sky-bar at lebua, Dome , is particularly sought after for the breathtaking bird’s eye view from its 63rd floor, the part of the hotel which nestles its various restaurants and is iconic for its recognition value from the film that has been watched by audiences the world over. From the vantage point, you can see the entire Thai capital glimmer as you sip the latest offering from the bar – the Hangovertini, which is a special martini concoction that was prepared for the crew and has become a ritual for all those who visit Sirocco, the open air-restaurant which houses the sky-bar. The Hangovertini packs in quite a punch, a definite recommendation for bad boys on the loose and girls that like to indulge in a bit of adventure.
That apart, the hotel by itself speaks for ultra-comfort enhanced by luxury of the finest variety – from Bvlgari furniture and toiletries, the spacious suites give an at-home feel once you’ve returned after a hectic meeting or after soaking in the various sights and sounds of Thailand’s capital city. Each of the suites is built in a similar fashion with an extra bedroom, a living room, a kitchenette and a spa room. The spa room is definitely a welcome addition to the cornucopia of luxurious offerings at the hotel. With a prior appointment, you can call your therapist to your suite!
The Staff is courteous and available whenever you want them. In fact, they seem to mysteriously appear out of nowhere, every time you think you’d want to beckon them for a service request. That perhaps is the most charming quality about any hospitality hub, to be served with effortless alacrity at any time of the day or night.
The food at the lebua is for those who enjoy a gourmet’s platter with meals that go into several courses. However, despite its very elite set-up, not everyone can buy luxury at their behest. Its friendly Indian CEO Deepak Ohri informs, “We have even had to refuse to dine without a prior booking.” It’s all fair in their scheme of things, which is why a confirmed lebua guest is treated as the most important person in the hotel – a king that deserves the finest treatment.
The majestic experience starts with a seven-series BMW pick-up and drop from the airport and continues throughout the stay, with minute details taken care of leaving no room to ask for more. From a location point of view, it helps that the lebua is situated in the heart of the city making it convenient to visit nearby markets and malls.
The lebua group is a fairly new set-up with hotels in New Zealand, Delhi and Bangkok. But each of their properties is marked by luxury and a commitment to give their clients their money’s worth. When in Bangkok, even if you miss staying at the lebua as a guest, make sure you visit the hotel for its unique fine dining experience at its various restaurants, Mezzaluna, Breeze and Sirocco offer a fine spread of Mediterranean, modern, Asian, Lebanese and even Indian cooking.
In any case, the hotel has fast gained a reputation for being quite the “it” destination in Bangkok- you see guests not only come dressed for an occasion when they visit the lebua, but also armed with cameras to capture moments spent at the hotel, posing many times where the Hollywood crew had! So whether it is a business meeting or a fine date night; luxury and romance can be taken to inconceivable heights here – like in the case of a “valuable” Russian guest that came in with his girlfriend and ran up an incredible bill of a few hundred thousand dollars, as he lavished her with the most fascinating gourmet gift. You can take your pick – about keeping it simple or escalating it to the heights beyond its serene sky-bar experience that makes you feel, quite literally, on the top of the world!
Mr. Deepak Ohri Chief Executive Officer lebua Hotels & Resorts
Mr. Deepak Ohri
Chief Executive Officer
lebua Hotels & Resorts
Mr. Deepak Ohri is the Chief Executive Officer of lebua Hotels and Resorts, an international luxury hospitality company. With a collection of 5-Star hotels and fine restaurants in Thailand, New Zealand and India, Mr. Ohri is now focusing on expanding the lebua brand globally.
Joining the organization as its first employee, Mr. Ohri created Bangkok’s best culinary destination – The Dome at lebua in 2004. The Dome houses a collection of stunningly beautiful restaurants & Bars such as Sirocco, Mezzaluna, Breeze, Distil and Sky Bar which are of international culinary acclaim and have won countless awards.
After the success of The Dome, Mr. Ohri rechristened the Meritus hotel as lebua, an all-suite luxury hotel in 2006. Then, he launched lebua Hotels and Resorts as a luxury hotel chain that includes exclusive properties in Thailand, an ultra-luxury lodge in New Zealand and India. He launched a new level of luxury hotel, Tower Club at lebua in 2008. The suites are located on the top floors (51st to 59th) featuring exclusive privileges; such as complimentary soft drinks and high speed Internet, Acca Kappa amenities as well as access to Tower Club Lounge.
With Mr Ohri’s leadership, lebua & The Dome have won over 60 world awards including Wolrd’s Leading All-Suite Hotel Award by World Travel Award, Signautre Luxury Hotel’s Award by The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA), Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Thailand by TripAdvisor, Overall Best Hotel in Asia by CNBC and Business Asia and Restaurant of the Year by The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2011-2013.
Drawing on a career that includes operational and executive roles with companies such as Kempinski and Taj Hotels, Mr. Ohri has many years of experience in the international hospitality industry and brings an entrepreneur’s innovative spirit to his role as CEO.
His professionalism has repeatedly earned him recognition as one of the leaders in the hospitality industry. Mr. Ohri’s ongoing admiration has led him to be honored with many industry awards from prestigious organizations worldwide.
Awards:
| 2012 : | “THE ACHIEVERS AND LEADERS AWARD” from the Indira Group of Institutes, India endorsed by CMO Asia & Asian Confederation of Business. |
| 2011–2013: | “THE BEST IN ASIA: ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD” from the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards, Singapore. |
| 2008-2010 : | “MOST ENTERPRISING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD” from the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards, Malaysia. |
| 2007: | “ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD” from Art of Travel: The Ultimate Luxury Travel Book, Netherlands |
Speaker, Lecturer and Writer:
A celebrated speaker on luxury and strategy, Mr. Ohri was invited to participate in the prestigious Forbes Global CEO conference both in 2008 and 2009. He has been a guest speaker in many events including the 2008 Cityscape Asia Conference in Singapore, the Worldwide TRI*M Conference organized by TNS in New York (2009), and The Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit in Los Angleles (2010). In 2011, Mr Ohri was a speaker at The Ecomony Hotels World Asia conference in Singapore, (REFEM) Conference in New York, the WTTC 9th Global Travel and Tourism Summit in Brazil and Financial Times Business of Luxury Summit in Switzerland. Thus far in 2012, Mr. Ohri was a speaker at the World Travel and Tourism Council in Japan and Macau Tourism Forum in China.
A recognized expert in hospitality, Mr. Ohri has lectured at leading management schools including the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) & ISB Hyderabad, INSEAD and Harvard Business School. He is a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council and serves on an advisory board of Singapore’s Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management.
Finally, Mr. Ohri is a columnist on Luxury and Travel for the Financial Express Newspaper in India. His weekly column is entitled, DEELUXE. All articles are posted on his blog.
About lebua Hotels & Resorts:
A luxury hotel chain with properties in Bangkok, New Zealand and India, lebua Hotels & Resorts is internationally acclaimed for its innovative business strategies and use of cutting edge research and technology. Rated within the top 1% of companies in the world in terms of Customer Satisfaction by TNS research1 (TRI*M Index), lebua’s business management strategies have been the active point of discussion in several top business schools including Harvard, Kellogg, INSEAD, NYU, Columbia and IIMs. Currently, it is being considered as a case study for the Harvard Business School.
Right from its beginning, lebua has shaped the luxury accommodation and dining scene in Bangkok. With its restaurants rated among the world’s best, lebua has broadened its horizons with plans to expand into Europe and the Caribbean with a luxury period property just outside of Paris and an all-suite luxury boutique property in Saint Martin as well as hotels in India.
Service
What exactly is good service? A dictionary definition of service is the action of helping or doing work for someone. The word service was first used in the 13th century, and yes – the word originated from the Latin word servitium.
In lebua, service with a smile is our prime objective; everyone endeavors to do their utmost best. Take a look at the video below to feel the warmth extended Limousine at lebua at State Tower
Alex Holzer, our mixologist – through his creations in Distil and the Skybar is a service that is infused in innovation.
Through concerted efforts spanning two countries now (lebua Bangkok and lebua New Delhi), Chef Frank aspires to heighten the culinary experience for guests at lebua. This is his service – one that we can enjoy from our table when dining in The Dome. Read a snippet of his efforts here.
For the front desk crew, their role is a pivotal one as guests meet them first. They are like the brand ambassadors of lebua. I spoke to one of them and to him – service is about listening to the needs of the guest – no matter how unusual it may sound, one must show empathy and go beyond the call of duty to meet or exceed the request.
With such enthusiasm and commitment across the board, it is no wonder that lebua is an award winning hotel in Bangkok.
Skyscraper Sight 