In Residence Magazine (November, 2013)

Headline Headline(TH) MediaTitle Date Section Page No Language Journalist Frequency

Over the Top Hotels (Nov 13) Over the Top Hotels In Residence Magazine

Color Circulation Readership ArticleSize AdValue PR Value

18 Nov 2013 News 96 to 101 English N/A Monthly

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Full Color 75,000 150,000 2633 cm² BHT 248,036 BHT 744,109

Headline Headline(TH) MediaTitle Date Section Page No Language Journalist Frequency

Over the Top Hotels (Nov 13) Over the Top Hotels In Residence Magazine

Color Circulation Readership ArticleSize AdValue PR Value

18 Nov 2013 News 96 to 101 English N/A Monthly

Full Color 75,000 150,000 2633 cm² BHT 248,036 BHT 744,109

^TRAVEL IN STYLE

"OVER THE TOP"

HOTELS There's no one "ight" way to do this, and depending on the person could include anything from leaning up against a coconut tree looking at the ocean, to visiting one of the world's great cities. Again, there is no standard definition for "over the top". Be :t a castle in the midcle of the African jungle, a hotel borne out of its owner's obsession with auto racing, or the former palace of French royalty, an over the top experience is open to interpretation.

The following hotels were chosen because they provide an experience that is equal parts lush, odd, beautiful, colourful, and charming an over the top experience that's for sure. So to kick off ou' six of the best, we had to look not further than our very own Banckok for something off the wall.

spoke excellent English. Well located near BTS

► W Hotel

station and in central Bangkok for cood shopping and nightlife." ­ Felicity. United Kingdom

3angkok, Thailand W Hotel skillfully balances the city's striking mix of noise and flamboyancy. It's easy to relax in la­ge, colourful rooms that offe' high thread­count linens, a pillow menu, and even a pel bed, should a furry friend join your vacation. Visitors waiting in the lobby are bathed in the glow from a wall

► Shangri­La Hotel Paris, France

festooned with 800 varieties of lights from Thailand's

Built in 1896 as the private residence of Prince

iconic tuk­tuk. Guests can dine in several stylish 'estaurants, party at the luminous Woobar, anc swim at WET, a swimming pool encircled by what looks ike a sweeping wave of metallic chocolate mousse.

Roland Bonaparte (Napoleon's grand­nephew), the Shangri­La was restored and converted into an 81­room hotel in 2010 as the flagship property of the world­renowned Shangri­La brand. Decorated

Most OTT feature: Designed by New York­based

in a regal palette ­ blue, gold, and cream ­ and restored to its original glory, it's easy to feel as though Monsieur Bonaparte is still in residence.

The property is graced with several exquisite hand­ crafted Murano chandeliers, and two of the notel s

AvroKO, a spiral staircase encircles a chandelier

made from plastic bags, an item commonly used in ieu of soda bottles for Bangkok's masses.

three restaurants have earned Michelin stars. Guests

can choose from several styles of suites, all of which are decorated with lush fabrics, natural wood, and stylish marquetry.

Guests say: "Modern, stylish hotel. Great air­ con in muggy city. Good bar and food choices.

Beautiful large reception area. Helpful staff who

97, In Residence

Headline Headline(TH) MediaTitle Date Section Page No Language Journalist Frequency

Over the Top Hotels (Nov 13) Over the Top Hotels In Residence Magazine 18 Nov 2013 News 96 to 101 English N/A Monthly

Color Circulation Readership ArticleSize AdValue PR Value

Most OTT feature: Splurge on the La Suite Shangri­La, a 220­square­metre room on the top

floor. The 100­square­metre terrace has a panorama of the city's rooftops and the spire of the Eiffel Tower that's surely one of the world's most romantic views.

Guests say: "Was perfect, will never forget it.

Outstanding view, great se'vice when setting up a romantic evening in the room, staff are friendly and made you feel important anc happy." ­ Brendan, Australia

► V8 Hotel im Meilenwerk

Full Color 75,000 150,000 2633 cm² BHT 248,036 BHT 744,109

► The Palace of the Lost City Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa Seeing the Palace of the Lost City for the first time is a surreal experience, with domed towers

jutting up out of the African jungle. With 388 rooms in a gargantuan building on 60 acres set within an ext'nct volcano, its very existence is an over the top statement. Guests can play a round on the 18­hole golf course (but watch out for the crocodiles in the water hazards), relax in the opuient lobby looking up a; grand paintings of the African savannah, or

dine next to a giant elephant water fountain in the cave'nous Crystal Court restaurant. Every room is suitably OTT as well, with hand­crafted furniture and an inspiring view of the surrounding jungle.

Boblingen, Germany If you're even remotely interested in automobiles or car racing, a visit to the V8 Hotel should make the top of your bucket list. A former airport hotel, the V8 Hotel has been restored with loving dedication to all things automobile, and boasts an attached Meilenwerk, an open­air museum/garage where collectors store and service their most precious

vehicles. Choose a room with a unique theme, like the Gas Station, which evokes a 1950's­era service facil'ty, or Route 66, done up to rcflect the famous,

dusty stretch of sun­baked highway in America's heartland. Every bed is an extra­long 2.1 metres and each one rests in the hulk of an old car, from a beat up old Mustang to a replica of Herbie the Love Bug.

Most OTT feature: It's hard to pick just one ­ arrive via helicopter? Get a grape seed body rub at the Gatsby International Health Spa? Head out on a safari? There are plenty of opportunities to take things to the next level.

Guests say: "Excellent, I will definitely come again. There's entertainment, great food, comfort, and romance." ­ Zhenwu, China

► Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, India

Most OTT feature: Stay in the Tower Suite, a

90­square­metre space on 3 floors of the old airport control tower. It's more like a private apartment than anything else, and the rooftop terrace gives you great views as you eat breakfast.

Guests say: "The hotel is a real attraction for car fans. The theme rooms are spectacular and the standard rooms are simple but modern." ­ Christian, Germany

Built in 1746 on an island in Lake Pichola

(reportedly by a local prince as a place to bring his dates), the opulent Taj Lake Palace seems to float on the water as you approach by private boat. Once there, guests get OTT treatment in true Indian style, showered with rose petals on arrival and surrounded by 250­year old paintings and decorative artwork

throughout the hotel. Each suite has been desigred with unique mosaics, antiques, fabrics, and furniture, and several private terraces ­ including a pontoon that floats on the lake ­ provide stunning vistas for dinner.

98^ In Residence

Headline Headline(TH) MediaTitle Date Section Page No Language Journalist Frequency

Over the Top Hotels (Nov 13) Over the Top Hotels In Residence Magazine 18 Nov 2013 News 96 to 101 English N/A Monthly

Color Circulation Readership ArticleSize AdValue PR Value

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Full Color 75,000 150,000 2633 cm² BHT 248,036 BHT 744,109