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Published on April 15, 2008

General manager Aurelio Giraudo said the hotel was also offering a special package deal for local guests, called the "TV Weekend Package". Guests paying Bt5,525 for a deluxe room on a Saturday night will receive a complimentary television set. The promotion runs from now until the end of next month.

Giraudo said the promotion was expected to help the hotel boost average occupancy 15 per cent to 60-65 per cent this month. It enjoyed an occupancy rate of 75 per cent during the first quarter, up from 65 per cent in the same period last year.

"We expect to sell 300-400 room nights by the end of this month under this programme," said Giraudo.

He said the hotel planned to extend the campaign and would also offer used amenities like tables, chairs, refrigerators and beds.

The marketing gimmick has been introduced at a time when the hotel is renovating 101 of its rooms. They will be fitted with new equipment that reduces electricity consumption. The move is part of the hotel's 25th-anniversary celebrations.

Normally, hotels sell all of its electrical appliances in bulk to a particular buyer who can in turn resell them. Giraudo said giving away the appliances would help retain Thai guests while offering something that clients like.

The Park Nai Lert Raffles Hotel has been selected by Bhutan's royal family to handle the food catering for the coronation ceremony of King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, scheduled for later this year.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation