Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre

As Accor continues its monumental landgrab of hotel real estate around the globe, and the upwards movement of Thailand as a highly desirable destination for the global MICE industry, today’s announcement that the insatiable French firm has purchased the 571-room Star Convention Centre, near Bangkok, is a sensible move, that could prove very lucrative.

Indeed, with its combination of eight ballrooms and meeting areas, the long term thinking of Accor, and its plans a top-to-toe reworking of the property — which will see renovations to its public areas, restaurants and 235 guestrooms, in the first phase followed by another 336 guest-rooms in the second phase, over the next two years — the rebranded Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre, will get the oversight it needs to become a key MICE destination option, just outside the Thai capital.

“Excellent development opportunities”

As it stands, the property is capable of hosting small meetings for as few as ten people or exhibition and conferences packed with up to 2,000 attendees.

Another boon to the property is its location 2.5-hour drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and 1-hour drive from U-Tapao International Airport, which will dramatically slash travel times when it comes into being in 2023.

Discussing the purchase Patrick Basset, chief operating officer of Accor for Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives, said: “We’re very excited to have the Star Convention Hotel join the Accor network and to grow our portfolio in a city like Rayong. We believe that the Eastern Seaboard, including provinces like Rayong, Chonburi, Trat, with the upcoming high-speed train route will offer excellent development opportunities in the future. Guests can look forward to the natural and intuitive design of the Novotel brand and relax in the comforting and energizing spaces.”

Phisamai Supanuntaroek, director of Star Convention Hotel, said: “We are pleased to join Accor and we believe that the group’s expertise and experience in hospitality will add to the success of our hotel. The signing of our partnership with Accor also reflects our confidence in Rayong’s tourism industry and the East Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy. We look forward to working with the Accor team to unfold a new chapter of Star Convention Hotel’s legacy,”