Arcadia-Hilton split denied

KARON: A representative of the owners of the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa has denied widespread rumors that the Hilton brand will be dumped next year.

Hilton International took over management of the Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort on October 1 last year, and the property was rebranded.

The rumors posited that the Arcadia owners were unsatisfied with Hilton’s performance, and planned to take over management themselves.

However, Maitree Narukatpichai, Owners’ Representative, told the Gazette this morning that the rumor was not true. He said he was perplexed as to how the story had arisen.

“We have had no thought of canceling Hilton’s management contract. Last night many people asked me about the rumors, and I denied them. If it were true, then you would hear it from my mouth,” K. Maitree added.

General Manager Peter Hourigan agreed that there was no fact behind the tale. “There’s nothing that I’m aware of,” he said.

A hotel employee, speaking under condition of anonymity, was more expansive. “I think there are concerns, because everyone has had a bad year. But don’t forget that there is a contract [between Hilton and Arcadia].

“Some staff are intensely loyal to the GM, and when he leaves next January, then obviously they’re going to be upset.

“But as for the rumors going around, they are nothing more than that – rumors.”

Asked about the owners’ plans to build another Arcadia on 180 rai of beachfront land in Khao Lak, K. Maitree said that construction work is currently suspended.

“We started to build the resort before the tsunami and, luckily, the damage from the tsunami was light. We decided to stop construction so that we could wait and see how the situation develops.

“I have heard that about 80% of businesses there will be open again next year in time for the [2006-2007] high season. I would like to wait and see,” he added.