Three New Hotels to Open in Japan in The Year of 2020
By Lifestyle+Travel
Prince Hotels, Inc., one of the largest hotel and resort groups in Japan, announces the three new properties that will be opening through the course of 2020, which are Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel, Prince Smart Inn Ebisu and Prince Smart Inn Atami. The company will also continue effort to be a hotel loved by guests the world over and locally.
Currently, Prince Hotels has a line-up of 43 hotels in Japan, and 31 overseas, attentive to guests every need. It aims to provide the highest level of service and hospitality fitted for any guest situation, whether in a business or resort leisure setting.
In Japan, Prince Hotels opened a series of large-scale hotels particularly in the Tokyo metropolitan area and major resort area such as Hokkaido, Kyoto. Looking to the future, the company intend to consolidate its extensive network of city hotels, resort hotels, golf courses and ski resorts in order to provide facilities and services which meet the needs of our guests in a manner befitting one of Japan’s largest hotel leisure businesses.
Prince Hotels will also keep striving to remain in step with society through environmentally-friendly sound management. For example, Prince Hotels has progressively ceased the use of single-use plastic straws at directly-managed restaurants and banquet venues at its 43 hotels since January 2019. Patrons who request a straw will be offered paper straws. Prince Hotels will also proceed with the discontinuation of plastic straws at directly-managed restaurants at its ski resorts and golf courses throughout Japan.
“Prince Hotel aims to be the hotel group loved by people from all over the world and will improve the value of hotels in Japan and accelerate new opening of hotels in Japan and overseas. We consider Thailand, which has great hospitality called ” The country of smile ” as an attractive market that is expected to have a higher number of tourists. We will grow from “Prince Hotel in Japan” to “Prince Hotel in the world” and fly to the world, said Mr. Masahiko Koyama, President of Prince Hotels, Inc.
Prince Hotels has also nurtured its commitment to expand the brand overseas. Last year, StayWell Holdings and Prince Hotels Inc. have acquired The Arch Hotel London, located in Great Cumberland Place near Marble Arch & Marylebone. The hotel will be rebranded under The Prince Akatoki in 2019 and will be the first hotel globally under this brand. This signifies Prince Hotels’ continuous effort and commitment to expand the brand across the world. The Prince Akatoki brand will certainly help complement the wider portfolio of brands managed by StayWell Holdings that offers a luxury 5-star hotel brand to the Group’s already successful portfolio.
Regarding new facilities over the course of 2019-2020, Prince Hotels has planned to launch three new hotels in Japan in order to enhance its capability in serving consumers’ demand in the prime areas, which are Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel, Prince Smart Inn Ebisu and Prince Smart Inn Atami.
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
Prince Hotels will open Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel in July 2020. The closest station to the new hotel will be Shiomi Station which is located halfway between Tokyo Station and Maihama Station, on the JR Keiyo Line. This location is a perfect base for tourists and has excellent access to major event venues such as the Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo Big Sight, and Makuhari Messe for business usage.
Prince Hotels have contracted to manage a hotel that includes 605 guest rooms and a restaurant that seats approximately 430 guests. The maximum number of guests in the entire hotel is 2,324, including of twin room (500 rooms) which can be converted to a force room that can accommodate up to 4 people, a bunk bed room (10 rooms) with a bunk bed for children can accommodate up to 4 people, and the King Room (94 rooms), which has a capacity of 3 people. We aim to contribute to the development of the local community in the growing Tokyo Bay area.
Prince Smart Inn Ebisu
In Summer 2020, Prince Hotels, Inc. will commence operation of the Prince Smart Inn Ebisu, a hotel for the contemporary traveler to be located in Ebisu, Tokyo. This is our first announcement of a new brand named “Prince Smart Inn.”
The hotel will be situated approximately five minutes’ walk from Ebisu Station, which is one stop away from Shibuya Station, a popular tourist area. It will have 82 guest rooms and provide cutting-edge smart services that utilize technologies such as ICT and AI, realizing the brand concept of “innovative hotels, specialized for accommodation.” We plan for the hotel to serve as a base for tourism in Tokyo that meets the needs of both inbound and domestic tourists.
Prince Smart Inn is a new brand for the contemporary traveler by Prince Hotels. We plan to extend the brand from the Tokyo metropolitan area, to regional major cities, other areas with bullet train stations and airports within Japan. We aim to provide a pleasant stay for our guests using innovative facilities and services and meet the changing needs of the modern age arising from trends such as the increase of inbound tourism and the growth of the “digital native” generation.
Prince Smart Inn Atami
In Summer 2020, Prince Hotels will commence operation of the Prince Smart Inn Atami.
Atami is a seaside city in Shizuoka prefecture and conveniently located just 35 minutes by train from Tokyo, enabling easy side trips from the capital. Also, it has been well-known for a long time as a popular resort area for Japanese people. Attractions include the sea and mountains, numerous hot springs, mountain passes that provide stunning views of Mount Fuji, as well as the chance to sample sushi, expertly made from freshly caught fish. Atami City is well known as a gateway to Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Discovering A Lifestyle Destination
Discover the newest landmark in Bangkok through the launch of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store, a true lifestyle destination for discerning travelers. The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store in One Bangkok's new retail zone, The Storeys, marks a significant milestone for both the iconic brand and this landmark destination in Bangkok. Spanning an impressive 550 sq.m. with a distinctive duplex design, the Lifestyle Store offers a refined blend of elegance and cultural touch. Its stylish, contemporary layout creates an experiential shopping journey, combining retail, dining, and cultural heritage. The spectacular event started with the arrivals of guests, including top executives from One Bangkok, Thai Airways, Central Group, Siam Piwat, EmQuartier, and top luxury hotels. Dignitaries such as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and ambassadors from the United States, France, and Germany also attended, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable Thai celebrities, including Anntonia Porsild, 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe 2023, Kamonwarai ‘Pailiu’ Prajakrattanakul, and actors from Studio Wabi Sabi — Katsamonnat ‘Earth’ Namwirote, Tharathorn 'Oat' Phumpothingam, Methaphat ‘Tonliew’ Chimkul, and Saranvut ‘Pie’ Nittayasuthi. The elegant yet contemporary fashion show, titled Bangkok Dreaming, embodied the essence of the brand in high style. Showcasing a collection of 42 captivating looks, the runway featured renowned Thai models, including Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 Aniporn ‘Nat’ Chalermburanawong, and top models Cindy Sirinya Bishop and Apasiri Nitibhon. The styling reflected a journey through contemporary Thai lifestyles, with casualwear inspired by quintessential Thai settings, from tranquil beaches to the vibrant streets of Yaowarat’s Chinatown. The event also marked the launch of the AQUASILK collection, the brand’s debut in men’s swimwear. At the launch event, guests explored an extensive range of Jim Thompson products, savored delicious Thai bites from Jim’s Terrace – the brand’s first integrated F&B outlet – and enjoyed the Silk Exhibition, which showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of Jim Thompson’s renowned silk products. Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store is located at One Bangkok, G Floor, The Storeys.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Bangkok Patana Hosts First-Ever Insect Food Seminar Led by Student Organization “Amino Insecto”
Bangkok Patana School recently buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the Amino Insecto seminar, an event dedicated to the emerging trend of insect-based cuisine as a sustainable protein source. Founded by Napa-ai Suriyabhivadh, known to her peers as April, Amino Insecto champions insect consumption as a step toward a more sustainable food future. The seminar is also led by Wipharhuck Kongboonma, cofounder of Amino Insecto. April, who developed an interest in insect protein while training with the Thai national basketball team, first tried insect-based snacks reluctantly but soon discovered their nutritional value. Realizing insects’ potential to fight malnutrition and support eco-friendly agriculture, she and her friends launched Amino Insecto to promote these benefits among Thai youth. The seminar drew notable experts in the field, including Finnish food scientist Professor Sara-Maria Kauppi and Chef Topi Kairenius, who both flew in to share their experiences. Professor Kauppi, who teaches at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, highlighted her research on consumer behavior around insect foods, explaining how well-designed packaging could ease consumers into the idea of eating bugs. Chef Kairenius, an advocate for sustainable insect-based dining in Nordic cuisine, treated students to samples of Finnish water bugs, sparking intrigue among attendees. The event’s food booth added a culinary adventure to the learning experience, featuring dishes like mango sticky rice topped with wood ants and Finnish forest mushrooms paired with caramelized locusts. The 180 samples quickly disappeared, with students eagerly returning for more, demonstrating a positive shift in attitudes toward edible insects. The excitement surrounding Amino Insecto’s seminar reflects a global movement that’s growing across Europe, Asia, and beyond. With climate change and resource scarcity pressing issues worldwide, this student-led initiative encourages a fresh perspective on food sustainability.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Strength Within
Moving forward relentlessly is the way. To maintain steady business growth in Thailand, Omnicom Media Group (OMG) has strengthened its leadership team by promoting OMD Thailand’s Managing Director, Jinnarat Sampuntharat, to Chief Operating Officer of OMG Thailand. She will collaborate with the OMG Thailand executive team, including CEO Rochelle Chhaya and CFO Noppadol Vetvoranich, to guide the business in one of the most dynamic markets in APAC. In line with this, Rerngrith Jindaporn has been appointed to drive the agency’s growth, operational efficiency, client relationships, and new business opportunities as General Manager of OMD Thailand. Additionally, to scale its insights and marcomms capabilities, Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr has been given broader responsibilities as Head of Insights and Marcomms for OMG Thailand. These strategic changes, part of OMG Thailand’s commitment to growth and excellence, reflect the network’s dedication to building a dynamic and forward-thinking leadership team. This also establishes a solid foundation for OMG Thailand to continue helping clients navigate the evolving media landscape while delivering impactful business results and growth opportunities. OMG Thailand’s strengthened leadership team now includes: Rochelle Chhaya, CEO, OMG Thailand Jinnarat Sampuntharat, COO, OMG Thailand Rerngrith Jindaporn, General Manager, OMD Thailand Nuvee Pongsathidporn, Managing Director, PHD Thailand Chaivut Eiamvuthikorn, General Manager, PHD Thailand Noppadol Vetvoranich, CFO, OMG Thailand Nannapat Chotrattanakarn, Head of Trading and Investment Dr. Pittayaphan Sriweawnetr, Ph.D., Head of Insights and Marcomms Waridda Burapathana, Head of People “OMG Thailand has witnessed great success over the past few years, with our digital capabilities and client relationships growing from strength to strength. This new leadership team is highly talented, and this structure provides a cornerstone for OMG Thailand to build upon, creating future-facing solutions for our clients,” said Rochelle Chhaya, CEO, Omnicom Media Group Thailand.