Cape Dara, the newest star on the hotel scene, played host to the GM Gang late last month when general managers and executives of the hospitality businesses in and around Pattaya met for an evening of camaraderie and networking.
Hosted by Philippe Delaloye, the general manager who saw the hotel grow from sand and rocks on the beach into a 26 story structure of immense beauty and grandeur.
Chatchawal Supachayanont entertains his gang during cocktails before dinner.
“Cape Dara is the brainchild of Khun Surat Mekavarakul,” said Philippe. “Surat is a man of vision and when he found this wonderful piece of land right on the beach, he grabbed it. He had a dream to turn this area into a beautiful paradise.
“He planned to build a hotel that was not too big yet also not too small. He envisioned a hotel that would offer a private haven for its guests, be they tourists looking for a few days of serenity or on a business trip to Pattaya.
“The architecture and interior design is stunning,” continued Philippe, “We even have a helipad on top of the building.
“We had a soft opening in August and as we gradually finished the rooms, so did the occupancy rate go up. Today the hotel is full. We have a mixed market, ensuring diversity of our clients.
Chatchawal, flanked by two charming hoteliers, Alisa Phanthusak (left), Asst. MD of the Woodlands Resort and Pattamon Mekavarakul, Asst. GM of Cape Dara, makes his welcome address.
“Now that my work is done, I am leaving the property. I am very proud of being part of this sensational project. This is the first hotel that I have been involved with from start to finish. I thank everyone for giving me this opportunity and for supporting me throughout.”
Pattamon Mekavarakul, Assistant GM of Cape Dara added, “Our family has been in the hotel business for a very long time. My father started out by building the Mike Shopping Centre with a hotel on the top floors. He then opened Mike Shopping Mall a few years later. Having decided that the hotel business was more to his liking, he built a few more. We now own and operate 7 hotels in Pattaya.
Pattamon Mekavarakul speaks of her family’s brand new 5 star property.
“This is a dream location and there was no choice but to construct our first 5 star hotel. We wanted to build a retreat where one could relive old memories of when you could bring their families and just hideaway for a few days. So we named our little paradise ‘Cape Dara’ … Cape of Stars.
“The exquisite decorations and interior designs are inspired by the stars and the architecture is stupendous. The view from every room is stunning. You have an unobstructed view of Pattaya including the islands.
“We plan to open 7 food and beverage outlets and our chef is none other than the famous ‘Iron Chef’. Our guests are ensured of a variety of the best culinary delights.”
Tony Malhotra is congratulated on his appointment as President of Skål International Pattaya & East Thailand.
Chatchawal Supachayanont, the leader of the gang who has held this small group of hoteliers together for many generations said, “Everyone should be happy living in Pattaya. Even with its faults and difficulties, we have managed to grow from strength to strength. I predict 2013 will be the best year ever.
“Looking at the new generation of general managers and executives of our hotels, I can honestly say that they can compete with the best in the world. They are young, full of knowledge and passion, speeding forward to make a success of their lives. This is a good sign, because it shows that they will work extremely hard to make a success of their properties too.
Peter Malhotra congratulates his old friend Philippe Delaloye for playing a major part in the construction and opening phase of the Cape Dara.
“The veterans of this business should pass on their knowledge and experience to them and guide and advise them on matters pertaining to the culture and history of Pattaya, so that they can understand their working and living environment better. I am always available to help for the benefit of the hospitality business and for our community as a whole.”
Pattamon Mekavarakul tells the story of her family’s commitment to promoting the hotel business in Pattaya.
A group photo of GMs and guests: Nopporn Kanchanamanee (District Sales Manager of Thai Airways, Pattaya), Richard Margo (RM Amari Orchid Pattaya), Jitmanee Siravithayavanich (Way Hotel), Andre Brulhart (GM Centara Grand Mirage Beach), Stephane Bringer (GM Woodlands Resort), Peter Malhotra (MD Pattaya Mail), Brendan Daly (GM Amari Orchid Pattaya), Rene Pisters (GM Thai Garden Resort), Chatchawal Supachayanont (GM Dusit Thani Pattaya), Austin Robinson (GM Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya), Danilo Becker (Manager Thai Garden Resort), Philippe Delaloye (GM Cape Dara), Pattamon Mekavarakul (Asst. GM Cape Dara), Tony Malhotra (Asst. MD Pattaya Mail), Alisa Phanthusak (Asst. MD Woodlands Resort), Somkhit Tonsaiphet (The Zign), Holger Kroninger (Sukosol Hotels) and Neoh Kean Boon (RM Dusit Thani Pattaya).
