Face-to-Face: Anne Arrowsmith

This week, Travel Daily Asia talks to Anne Arrowsmith, GM of 137 Pillars House, the luxury hotel in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand…

Q) 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is gaining quite a reputation in the industry. What do your guests tell you they like most about the property?

Overwhelmingly they are charmed by the staff’s kindness and genuine care and attention to even the smallest of details, coupled with the thoughtful design, generosity of space, and the sensitive balance between the historic house and the modernity of accommodations.

Q) What are your main guests source markets (geographically), and do you generate a lot of repeat business?

The two key source markets for 137 Pillars House are North America and China. From October to March (with the exception of Chinese New Year) our main markets are the US supported by European visitors while April to September sees a shift towards China, domestic and regional arrivals.

Q) F&B is an important component of the hotel. Are your restaurants becoming popular with outside diners as well as in-house guests? What new F&B concepts or promotions have you introduced recently?

This is an area of focus for our team. At the start of the year we introduced a newly-renovated Jack Bain’s Bar located in the old house focusing on classic colonial as well as contemporary cocktails using bespoke spirits from small distilleries. Great attention has been paid to the ambiance and comfort of the space to ensure that the environment pays homage to the intimacy and service excellence of “gentlemen’s clubs” of the past.

With respect to our food offerings, it’s all about authenticity and using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients from largely organic or pesticide free growers as well as Thai talent. The hotel had organised annual Asian Organic Gourmet Festivals with this very focus in mind. Presently our guest ratio is 50% hotel residents and 50% outside guests.

Q) What impact will the launch of your new sister hotel, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, have on your property?

Wonderful pride and excitement. The synergy and similarities are centred around our service, size and sensitivity to our surroundings. While the historic colonial teak homestead at 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is the inspiration for the design and aesthetics of the resort, our Bangkok property is propelled by the vibrancy and modernity of a thriving Bangkok and a dynamic skyline. Each additional property will introduce potential new customers to the brand and help create loyal followers.

Q) What further developments can we expect from 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai in the near future?

Phuket will debut next with a remarkable resort on a truly spectacular headland located in the west of the island at Kata Beach. Additionally we are in advanced plans with respect to Hua Hin and active talks for management opportunities around Southeast Asia. Stay tuned.