IHG Hotels & Resorts (LSE:IHG) has signed its first Asia Pacific Ruby hotel, in Bangkok, with Asset World Corp (SET:AWC), the group said on October 29.
Ruby, which IHG acquired, has more than 40 hotels open and in the pipeline across Europe and the US. It aims to pass 120 hotels over the next decade, and IHG said it sees further opportunities for the brand in cities across the region after Bangkok.
The 184-room Ruby Bangkok, in the Sathorn business district, is due to open in 2027. It is being developed with AWC, a long-standing IHG partner. Its design draws on 1920s Siam, with a 24-hour bar, live music and self-service technology.
Ruby is the sixth IHG brand to debut in Bangkok, following Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton and Vignette Collection. Ruby built its following in Europe with design-led urban hotels and a model with flexible space requirements suited to conversions.
“We are delighted to introduce Ruby’s first hotel in Asia Pacific following IHG’s acquisition of the brand, in partnership with AWC, bringing an exciting new premium lifestyle brand to one of the region’s most compelling travel markets,” said Rajit Sukumaran, IHG’s senior vice president and managing director for East Asia and Pacific.
“The debut of Ruby in Bangkok marks the next chapter in our long-standing partnership with IHG,” said Wallapa Traisorat, chief executive and president of AWC.
Air access to Thailand from the Gulf is also growing, with Kuwait Airways opening a Phuket route.
IHG has 42 open hotels in Thailand and 41 more in its pipeline, across 11 destinations and 11 brands.
