THE 256-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach is now open for business. It's the first of a surge of Marriott resorts on Phuket that should open up new markets for tourism on the island.
Surin is the hot beach right now, with the Courtyard and the apartment resort next door, The 45-unit Chava, both accepting guests for the first time.
On the other side of the Courtyard, the innovative Twinpalms remains extremely popular and is, as Phuketwan has already reported, moving into a new phase, with a luxury cruiser and hire cars available.
Central attractions at the new Courtyard are the children's activity areas, which reportedly set new standards for the island.
''More than just an area for children to swim and hang out, Kidsworld has a full array of sports and cultural activities from an arts and crafts studio, a science lab and a computer room to a 'pretend' costume/dress up area,'' says the release for the media launch in Bangkok.
''Children can enjoy a kids-sized movie theater and the Ball House, a place for them to jump and play surrounded by hundreds of mini-balls.
''Parents can take advantage of baby-sitting services to let them get away and enjoy the destination on their own.''
While the splurge of activity increases competition, the new resort's neighbors see the openings as good for the future of Surin and the island generally.
At the 97-unit Twinpalms, the attitude is that Surin can grow much larger as a resort destination without losing any of its character. Twinpalms plans to continue its distinctive apparoach to marketing.
Close by at The Chava, owner Larry Cunningham says: ''It's surprisingly busy for this time of year, even though we won't be open officially until October.
''We've had large numbers of people through from the Amanpuri, the Chedi, and the new Courtyard as well.''
While young families are clearly the target market at Surin, the Patong Courtyard will appeal to families with older children, with an array of play stations and Internet connections.
Food will be an important selling-point in the 390-room Patong Courtyard, too. The resort town could certainly use some more good food outlets.
At Kamala the 180-room Courtyard is a little more isolated, although far from remote. Splendid views over the Andaman are likely to give the Courtyard on the coast road its character, and appeal to a different type of holidaymaker.
Depending on the weather and other considerations, the Patong and Kamala Courtyards are set to open about mid-August.
An accompanying burst of activity will see Marriott brands especially prominent at Mai Khao, already home to the first and foremost JW Marriott Resort and Spa.
Adjacent to the Marriott, work is proceeding on schedule on a purpose-built Marriott Vacation Club Resort.
Set to open at Mai Khao before 2009 is the Anantara Resort, a distinct brand but one with close affiliations to the Marriott.
Add up the numbers and the new resorts dramatically expand Phuket's total accommodation at the four-star and five-star level, leading the island's charge upmarket.
From a staffing perspective, the surge also applies pressure at those resorts where loyalty is considered to be a key attribute.
Shortages of skilled staff are expected to keep HR managers busy between now and November, if the HR managers are not considering their own career options.
Another Courtyard is at Cha-am Beach, near Hua Hin.
The general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach is Theera Kanjana. Sonal Malik is the Director of Sales.
The resort is offering a special introductory base rate of 2999 baht ($US 91), including breakfast for two.
Related Articles:
Twinpalms Two May Find a Home at Cape Yamu
Sala Phuket Leads Mai Khao Resort Pack
Surin is the hot beach right now, with the Courtyard and the apartment resort next door, The 45-unit Chava, both accepting guests for the first time.
On the other side of the Courtyard, the innovative Twinpalms remains extremely popular and is, as Phuketwan has already reported, moving into a new phase, with a luxury cruiser and hire cars available.
Central attractions at the new Courtyard are the children's activity areas, which reportedly set new standards for the island.
''More than just an area for children to swim and hang out, Kidsworld has a full array of sports and cultural activities from an arts and crafts studio, a science lab and a computer room to a 'pretend' costume/dress up area,'' says the release for the media launch in Bangkok.
''Children can enjoy a kids-sized movie theater and the Ball House, a place for them to jump and play surrounded by hundreds of mini-balls.
''Parents can take advantage of baby-sitting services to let them get away and enjoy the destination on their own.''
While the splurge of activity increases competition, the new resort's neighbors see the openings as good for the future of Surin and the island generally.
At the 97-unit Twinpalms, the attitude is that Surin can grow much larger as a resort destination without losing any of its character. Twinpalms plans to continue its distinctive apparoach to marketing.
Close by at The Chava, owner Larry Cunningham says: ''It's surprisingly busy for this time of year, even though we won't be open officially until October.
''We've had large numbers of people through from the Amanpuri, the Chedi, and the new Courtyard as well.''
While young families are clearly the target market at Surin, the Patong Courtyard will appeal to families with older children, with an array of play stations and Internet connections.
Food will be an important selling-point in the 390-room Patong Courtyard, too. The resort town could certainly use some more good food outlets.
At Kamala the 180-room Courtyard is a little more isolated, although far from remote. Splendid views over the Andaman are likely to give the Courtyard on the coast road its character, and appeal to a different type of holidaymaker.
Depending on the weather and other considerations, the Patong and Kamala Courtyards are set to open about mid-August.
An accompanying burst of activity will see Marriott brands especially prominent at Mai Khao, already home to the first and foremost JW Marriott Resort and Spa.
Adjacent to the Marriott, work is proceeding on schedule on a purpose-built Marriott Vacation Club Resort.
Set to open at Mai Khao before 2009 is the Anantara Resort, a distinct brand but one with close affiliations to the Marriott.
Add up the numbers and the new resorts dramatically expand Phuket's total accommodation at the four-star and five-star level, leading the island's charge upmarket.
From a staffing perspective, the surge also applies pressure at those resorts where loyalty is considered to be a key attribute.
Shortages of skilled staff are expected to keep HR managers busy between now and November, if the HR managers are not considering their own career options.
Another Courtyard is at Cha-am Beach, near Hua Hin.
The general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach is Theera Kanjana. Sonal Malik is the Director of Sales.
The resort is offering a special introductory base rate of 2999 baht ($US 91), including breakfast for two.
Related Articles:
Twinpalms Two May Find a Home at Cape Yamu
Sala Phuket Leads Mai Khao Resort Pack
