Thursday, July 3, 2025
In the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant Ratchaprasong district stands Amari Bangkok — a flagship property of ONYX Hospitality Group and a long-standing favorite among discerning business and leisure travelers.
As this iconic hotel celebrates over three decades of hospitality excellence, it enters an exciting new chapter of innovation, cultural expression, and guest-centric transformation.
In an exclusive interview with Travel & Tour World, Mr. Michel Scheffers, General Manager of Amari Bangkok, shares insights into the hotel’s recent refurbishments, culinary innovations, and strategic positioning amidst Bangkok’s dynamic urban landscape.
From a stunning design overhaul to the launch of destination dining concepts like ChomSindh and Nila, Amari Bangkok is redefining modern Thai hospitality. Mr. Scheffers discusses how the hotel is responding to evolving traveler expectations — with a strong focus on wellness, sustainability, and authentic cultural experiences.
He also sheds light on Amari Bangkok’s cutting-edge digital enhancements, eco-conscious initiatives like the EV Tuk Tuk tours, and forward-looking plans that reinforce the brand’s commitment to seamless, responsible, and enriching stays.
This conversation reveals how Amari Bangkok continues to elevate the hospitality experience while honoring its roots — making it a standout symbol of ONYX Hospitality Group’s visionary leadership and dedication to meaningful travel.
Mr. Scheffers, Amari Bangkok has long been a favorite among both business and leisure travellers. Can you share with us the most recent updates or changes at the property that you’re most excited about?
Absolutely. Amari Bangkok recently celebrated its 31st anniversary, which marked not just a milestone, but a moment of transformation for us. We’ve taken this opportunity to refresh the property with an extensive refurbishment that brings a sophisticated new look and feel to our guest experience. From revitalised guest rooms to reimagined dining outlets, every enhancement reflects our commitment to modern Thai hospitality — offering both comfort and convenience in a stylish setting.
Our location remains one of our strongest assets. Situated in the heart of the vibrant Ratchaprasong district, we’re just steps from Bangkok’s most iconic shopping and lifestyle landmarks — including Platinum Fashion Mall, CentralWorld, and Siam Square — and connected to the BTS Skytrain Green Line for seamless city access.
Looking ahead, the upcoming MRT Orange Line, just steps away from the hotel, will further cement the area’s position as a key transit and business hub. This makes Amari Bangkok even more accessible and attractive to a diverse range of travellers — from leisure and corporate to MICE.
Personally, I’m most excited about our evolving culinary direction. We’ve repositioned Amari Bangkok as a true dining destination with concepts that are not only delighting our guests but also drawing in locals. It’s rewarding to see our restaurants gaining recognition in Bangkok’s dynamic food scene.
ChomSindh is a standout – offering a refined take on Thai cuisine blends traditional inspiration with fresh, responsibly sourced local ingredients. Its design echoes the feel of a classic Thai shophouse, and the menu celebrates recipes passed down through generations.
Another exciting addition is Nila, which introduces guests to the bold and nuanced flavours of coastal India. Here, Indian and Portuguese influences come together in a menu that highlights vibrant spices, grilled seafood, and traditional cooking techniques, offering a truly immersive dining experience.
Our latest culinary showcase highlights the vibrant and diverse flavours from across India, featuring popular regional dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. From the South Coast, Ghee Roast Chicken brings bold, traditional flavours to the table. Representing the West Coast, Kasundi Murgh delivers a unique blend of heat and depth. Meanwhile, the East Coast is represented by the fiery and flavourful Peri Peri Iheenga. Together, these signature dishes provide a delicious journey through India’s varied cuisines.
Guests can also enjoy Prego Bangkok, a well-loved Italian restaurant brand that originated at Amari Koh Samui. It’s known for its homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and warm, relaxed atmosphere – perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.
To complete the experience, we’ve also launched Maitree Bar, Thai Essence-inspired lobby lounge on the lobby level, providing a welcoming space for guests to relax, enjoy a signature cocktail or coffee, and settle into the rhythm of the hotel from the moment they arrive.
All of these enhancements mark a new chapter for Amari Bangkok. We’re honouring our history while introducing fresh energy and experiences that reflect how today’s travellers want to stay, dine, and connect.
With the evolving hospitality trends and guests’ increasing preference for wellness and sustainable travel, how has Amari Bangkok adapted its offerings to meet these new demands?
Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking balance – not only in their itineraries but also in how they travel. At Amari Bangkok, we’ve responded by integrating wellness-focused elements across the guest journey. This includes offering healthier menu options, providing wellness amenities such as our Breeze Spa and fitness centre, and creating more serene spaces for relaxation. Sustainability is also a priority — we are continuously working to reduce our environmental footprint through energy-saving initiatives, waste reduction efforts, and responsible sourcing across our operations.
Amari Bangkok is renowned for its unique blend of luxury and local culture. Could you tell us about any new features or initiatives that highlight Thai culture and enhance the guest experience?
Our approach has always been to celebrate Thai culture in a way that feels authentic and inviting. We’ve recently enhanced our guest experience by incorporating more local design touches into our interiors and by curating cultural elements within our F&B experiences — such as regional Thai tasting menus and locally inspired cocktail offerings. In-room, guests will also find thoughtful details that reflect Thai heritage, from artwork to curated amenities, all designed to immerse them in the essence of Bangkok.
Of course, as we’re based in the heart of this buzzing metropolis, we actively encourage our guests to explore beyond the hotel. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer personalised recommendations for local attractions, markets, dining, and cultural experiences. We’re also pleased to help arrange guided tours and activities through our trusted local partners, ensuring every stay offers meaningful connections with the city’s rich culture and community.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the travel industry. How has Amari Bangkok navigated the challenges of the past few years, and what specific measures have you taken to ensure guest safety and comfort in this new era of travel?
The pandemic was certainly a defining moment for the industry, and at Amari Bangkok, our priority has always been to safeguard the wellbeing of our guests and team members. We adopted enhanced hygiene protocols under the ONYX Clean initiative, which included increased sanitation, digital check-in options, and contactless services. These practices have now become part of our standard operations. We’ve also focused on rebuilding traveller confidence by ensuring flexibility in bookings and offering a reassuring, seamless guest experience from arrival to departure.
In terms of technology and innovation, what new digital or guest experience tools has Amari Bangkok introduced recently? How are these innovations helping to enhance the overall guest stay?
We’ve embraced digital transformation in a way that enhances not replaces our warm, people-first service. By offering mobile in-room services and implementing smart room technologies, we’re giving guests more control and convenience throughout their stay. We’ve also upgraded our booking engine to ensure a seamless pre-arrival experience. But these innovations aren’t just about efficiency; they empower us to personalise interactions, deliver tailored recommendations, and ensure every guest feels genuinely cared for at every step of their journey.
Sustainability has become a key focus for the hospitality industry. Can you tell us about any sustainability initiatives or eco-friendly practices that Amari Bangkok has implemented in the last year?
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the ethos of Amari Bangkok, reflecting our commitment to responsible and eco-conscious hospitality. Over the past year, we have intensified efforts to reduce single-use plastics, improved energy and water efficiency across the property, and strengthened partnerships with local suppliers and artisans to support the community.
We also prioritise guest engagement in sustainability through in-room messaging, eco-conscious programme options, and encouraging responsible choices throughout their stay.
One of the most exciting initiatives we’ve introduced is the Amari Bangkok EV Tuk Tuk – a modern, electric reimagining of Thailand’s iconic tuk tuk. This innovative and eco-friendly vehicle offers guests a unique and immersive way to explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Pratunam and Ratchaprasong with zero emissions.
Designed to combine sustainability with authentic cultural storytelling, the EV Tuk Tuk experience is led by our expert City Explorer guides, who bring each stop to life and provide fascinating insights into Bangkok’s heritage. The route includes curated stops at iconic landmarks such as the Four Face Buddha, Siam Square, the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, and the Jim Thompson House.
This initiative perfectly aligns with Amari Bangkok’s mission to deliver extraordinary experiences where sustainability and local culture go hand in hand, allowing guests to discover the city in a meaningful and environmentally responsible way.
Through these efforts and innovations, we continue to build a greener future while offering guests authentic and memorable journeys in the heart of Bangkok.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for Amari Bangkok in the coming years? Are there any exciting developments or new services that guests can expect to see in the near future?
Looking forward, we aim to further elevate the Amari Bangkok experience while staying true to our roots. One of the initiatives we are particularly excited about is the expansion of our EV Tuk Tuk offering. Building on the success of this sustainable and immersive way to explore Bangkok, we plan to introduce additional guides and new routes that showcase even more of the city’s rich culture and hidden gems. This ongoing focus on sustainability and authentic storytelling remains at the heart of our guest experience.
We are also exploring innovative lifestyle and F&B concepts, expanding our wellness offerings, and investing in digital enhancements that make every stay more seamless and personalised.
As Bangkok continues to evolve, we’re committed to being a modern gateway to the city – a place where business and leisure guests alike can enjoy a sense of place, purpose, and comfort. With Amari’s strong legacy and forward-looking vision, we’re excited about what the future holds.
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