Sirimahannop

Sirimahannop MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

Marriott’s first Marquis-branded hotel in Asia Pacific takes to the water to create a new social venue on the Chao Phraya River.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: Courtesy of Marriott International

As the hotel industry continues to seek out new ways to entertain its guests, operators are looking to other sectors for inspiration. Some have turned their lobbies into retail outlets in a bid to keep guests on-site and spending, others have partnered with local experts to develop a cultural events programme. For Marriott International, it’s the cruise market that beckoned. The group was the first of the big players to enter the sector in a meaningful way with the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and now, one of its hotels in Asia has got on board with the idea and created a new social venue on the water.

With 1,388 guestrooms, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is the largest hotel in the city, and became the first Marquis-branded property in Asia Pacific when it opened in 2016. Despite already offering a vast array of facilities including 5,000m2 of function space and a variety of restaurants and bars, the opportunity to create a unique new destination proved too good to miss.

Permanently docked at Asiatique The Riverfront, a waterfront development a short drive from the hotel, Sirimahannop is a multi-purpose venue hosting up to 300 guests for dinners, private events and weddings. The vessel itself is a replica of the Royal Thai Navy’s last three-masted

sailing ship from the reign of King Rama V (1868-1910), which played an important role in transporting goods between Thailand and Europe and protected Bangkok from invasion during the Franco-Siamese War.

Having been immaculately recreated, Sirimahannop transports guests back to a bygone era of Thai trade and heritage. The upper deck is an al fresco space beneath the mast, with a bar, DJ booth and casual seating from which to take in the skyline. There’s also a stage area for live bands or theatre acts. Inside, the lower deck features two private dining rooms alongside the main dining room, with the interior scheme referencing the world of maritime travel. Luggage trunks have been repurposed as seating, while tables appear to be suspended from the ceiling by rope. Portholes peek out to the water, brass lanterns provide atmospheric lighting and black-and-white photography tells the story of the original vessel.

Up on The Bridge, small groups can feast on shared plates that reflect the ship’s historic global trade routes – think citrus-marinated salmon, smoked pepper mackerel and Gulf of Thailand spicy eggplant curry – made with a fusion of ingredients from Thailand, Europe and ports-of-call along the journey. And at the captain’s invitation, guests can open the hatch to a hidden rum bar, an intimate venue serving handcrafted cocktails, such as a spiced rum inspired by trading-era Captain Hans Niels Andersen’s own recipe, paired with preserved fruit or bitter chocolate.

“We are excited to welcome the world aboard Sirimahannop; the ship will take a journey back in time to the reign of King Chulalongkorn, one of the most illustrious periods Thai history,” notes Simon Bell, General Manager of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. “This regal vessel will set the scene for unforgettable evenings and one-of-a-kind events, with original beverages and light gastronomy, while also shining a light on Thailand’s rich maritime heritage; Sirimahannop will take you on a magical and memorable voyage.” ON DECK Route: Chao Phraya River Owner: Asset World Corporation Operator: Marriott International www.marriott.com