ONE intriguing feature of new resort openings is the way language is used in media releases and in signage. For example, there's the ibis Phuket Kata, which lower-cases its first letter.
Yet the resort's restaurant is entitled TASTE, in capital letters. Now, we have always regarded food as being important, but is it that much more significant than putting the right kind of roof over your head?
Oh, those arty designers in the marketing department. They always get their way, logic or no logic.
Typographical quirks aside, we thoroughly enjoyed Friday's opening cocktail party for the ibis Phuket Kata, which follows the ibis Phuket Patong, first to open on the island about 18 months ago.
The staff at the 258-room three-star number just 80, because of the centralised new-tech national billing and accounting system.
But they demonstrated their supreme adaptability last night to perform all kinds of tasks, including singing and dancing through various roles, from fireman to wait staff.
The concept of serving breakfast from 4am is bound to win the brand a following. That means there's plenty of sustinence before the early-morning tour begins . . . or after a late night on the town.
With six ibis resorts in Thailand and more planned, the Accor brand's arrival represents another milestone in Phuket's international branding.
The ibis Kata is, like its Patong sister, tucked away a little inland from the beach, but within easy reach. There's even a FREE tuk-tuk service to take guests there, or out shopping.
Perhaps that should read ''free TUK-TUK?'' We'll leave that up to you.
Yet the resort's restaurant is entitled TASTE, in capital letters. Now, we have always regarded food as being important, but is it that much more significant than putting the right kind of roof over your head?
Oh, those arty designers in the marketing department. They always get their way, logic or no logic.
Typographical quirks aside, we thoroughly enjoyed Friday's opening cocktail party for the ibis Phuket Kata, which follows the ibis Phuket Patong, first to open on the island about 18 months ago.
The staff at the 258-room three-star number just 80, because of the centralised new-tech national billing and accounting system.
But they demonstrated their supreme adaptability last night to perform all kinds of tasks, including singing and dancing through various roles, from fireman to wait staff.
The concept of serving breakfast from 4am is bound to win the brand a following. That means there's plenty of sustinence before the early-morning tour begins . . . or after a late night on the town.
With six ibis resorts in Thailand and more planned, the Accor brand's arrival represents another milestone in Phuket's international branding.
The ibis Kata is, like its Patong sister, tucked away a little inland from the beach, but within easy reach. There's even a FREE tuk-tuk service to take guests there, or out shopping.
Perhaps that should read ''free TUK-TUK?'' We'll leave that up to you.
