André Fu Reimagines an Icon at Dusit Thani Bangkok
André Fu combines iconic details from the beloved landmark with his signature flair, creating a reimagined Dusit Thani that resonates with well-heeled Bangkokians and stylish travellers alike
A cornerstone of the mixed-use Dusit Central Park development opposite Lumphini Park in Silom, the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok has reopened after a ground-up rebuild by Architects 49 and OMA Asia.
Hong Kong’s André Fu Studio was tasked with designing the hotel, a beloved Bangkok landmark that was, when it opened in 1970, the tallest building on the city’s skyline. Fu imagined the property as a temporal and visual journey that becomes progressively more modern — and more Fu — as guests ascend towards the hotel’s iconic spire.
‘The hotel was seven years in the making, and I still recall vividly the initial conversation with the owners in the former hotel lobby before the demolition of the entire building began,’ says Fu. ‘There was and is a conscious vision to celebrate Thai hospitality on the global stage, and I felt the excitement and challenge of bringing this homegrown brand into a new chapter.’
The hotel’s storied heritage and recognisable design are protagonists in the new property. Fu and his team sought to reimagine distinct elements of the original, creating a dialogue between past and present to stunning effect. ‘The process began with many in-depth visits to the original property and observing the energy of the lobby, which has always been considered a social hub, and imagining how radical the project was back in 1970 when it first opened,’ Fu explains.
The iconic golden spire has been preserved within a new spire thrice the height of the original, orienting guests in relation to their accommodations while out wandering the neighbourhood — though between the hotel’s spa, infinity pool and bar 1970, which comes complete with refined retro scheme and martini cart (to name but a few highlights), one would be forgiven for not venturing too far.
Arriving in the soaring lobby, guests are greeted by an impressive mural by Thai artist Sakon Malee that references the hotel’s history; two original hand-painted stone pillars from the original hotel’s Benjarong restaurant; intricate bronze screens by Projectt Studio and Dong Sculpture; and a hexagonal ceiling that bring the space back down to scale and create a warm sense of welcome.
The 257-key property makes the most of its location, with every gorgeously appointed room given its own cantilevered window and daybed for taking in views of the park below — the verdant views from above a luxury in themselves. The original 517 rooms have been pared back to below half that number so as to prioritise spaciousness and attention to detail — sage, pistachio and celadon green echo the park below, with warm oak and champagne hues adding a touch of residential comfort.
But what also comes to the fore is the Thai-run property’s unique brand of hospitality, which stands out among other internationally owned hotels in the Thai capital. Quiet care and charming geniality characterise the guest experience at Dusit Thani, with sharply dressed staff always on hand but never obtrusive. In all, Fu’s new Dusit Thani befits its celebrated predecessor and is a serene sanctuary characterised by a confident, refined elegance.
Text by Simone Schultz
Images courtesy of Dusit Thani Bangkok
