Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel vertical of Thailand-based Dusit International, has announced the opening of two new properties: Dusit Princess Chiang Mai in Thailand and dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla, marking the company’s entry into the Indian market.
Located on Chang Klan Road in the center of Chiang Mai, Dusit Princess Chiang Mai sits close to landmarks, such as Wat Chedi Luang and the Night Bazaar. The property has reopened after a three-year renovation aimed at modernizing its facilities and enhancing guest experiences. Updates include redesigned guestrooms inspired by northern Thailand’s traditions, upgraded meeting spaces, a pool area, gym and a lobby reflecting Lanna culture.
The hotel’s dining options now feature Jasmine Restaurant, offering Chinese and Cantonese cuisine, and Casa Verde, serving a mix of international and Asian dishes.
Dusit Princess Chiang Mai is also participating in the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s “Nuea… Phrom Tiew” campaign, designed to revitalize regional tourism following recent flooding. The campaign offers discounts for domestic travelers who register through its website.
Dusit’s entry into India
In India, Dusit Hotels and Resorts opened dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla, located 20 kilometers from Shimla in the Himalayan region, on December 15. The property features 80 guestrooms, with views of valleys and mountains, along with amenities such as a temperature-controlled swimming pool and a spa, which provides Thai massage therapies.
The upscale hotel also offers event spaces, including a large banquet hall, terrace lawn and an outdoor amphitheater. Dining options include Dusit Gourmet, offering international dishes, and SOI, which specializes in Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine.
Nearby attractions include Mahasu Peak, known for its views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges, and the Shimla-Kalka Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enhancing its presence in Asia
“We are thrilled to expand Dusit’s footprint into India with the opening of dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla, our very first hotel in this vibrant and diverse country,” said Gilles Cretallaz, COO of Dusit International. “India represents an important market for Dusit and we have high expectations for its development potential, with four additional properties already in the pipeline and more expected to follow soon. At the same time, we remain committed to enhancing our presence in beloved destinations such as Chiang Mai, where we are proud to unveil the new-look Dusit Princess Chiang Mai.”
Besides India, Dusit also opened its first hotel in Malaysia earlier this month. Located in Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage City, the former Ramada Plaza Melaka underwent refurbishment and rebranding to open as Dusit Princess Melaka.
In September, Dusit reopened its flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, following a landmark transformation of the property as part of the upcoming, THB46 million Dusit Central Park project in Bangkok. The luxury hotel first opened its doors in 1970 and now offers uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park and houses bigger meeting and events space, consisting of one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok with a 55-meter panoramic window. Looking to expand in Nepal and South Asia, Dusit inked a partnership deal with Nepalese investment firm, Paljor Global Corp Pvt. Ltd. The partnership will leverage Paljor Global’s presence in the South Asian market to identify and secure hotel projects for management by Dusit Hotels and Resorts, establish distribution channels for Dusit Foods and partner on hospitality education initiatives through Dusit Hospitality Education. Beyond Nepal, Paljor Global will explore hotel projects in other countries, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan and northeast India.
In August, Dusit joined hands with Generator and Freehand Hotels and entered into a strategic partnership to boost global expansion and venture into new markets. As part of the partnership, Generator and Freehand Hotels will leverage its network and strengths in creating lifestyle hybrid accommodation models in the budget lifestyle segment in the U.S. and Europe and launch Dusit Hotels in key destinations in Europe and the U.S.
Dusit International currently operates 301 properties across 19 countries, including 57 under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens.
