Bangkok Oasis
William Slape knows more about Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok than most, having returned year after year for more than a hundred nights of Ascott’s warm hospitality
Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok, an oasis in the capital
When a close friend recommended Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok, little did William Slape realise that he would become one of the serviced residence’s most loyal customers and spend over a hundred nights at this oasis in the midst of Thailand’s bustling capital.
Travelling regularly from his home in Australia to Thailand, William (pictured above) always makes Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok his home away from home. To date he has stayed there a total of 112 nights in the last eight years — and has no intentions of going anywhere else.
His work as the manager for the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum takes him regularly to Thailand. For the last decade he has assumed responsibility for maintaining the museum and gardens to allow guests to appreciate the memorial to Allied prisoners of war and local labourers who gave their lives building the infamous
Burma-Thailand railway.
He jokes that what makes him return time after time to Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok is that the general manager provides free Australian beer, but is quite serious when he says, “My partner and I have recommended to our friends and clients to stay here because of the atmosphere created by the management and staff. The courtesy and assistance as well as their attention to detail is exemplary and it makes us feel very welcome each time we visit.”
Over the years he has noticed changes to the property — always for the better. “As a guest you understand that extra quality has been added. I use almost all the facilities here and everything is of a very high standard and cared for by diligent staff,” he says.
Having been through the doors of the Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok at least 224 times, he has probably as close a relationship with many of the staff as they have with their line managers. “The surprise to me, as a guest, is that all the staff here work and operate as one team. They all support each other and in doing so provide their guests with efficient service.”
William has always considered Ascott first, because staff always place the guests first and foremost. As far as the Thai capital is concerned, you will never find him staying anywhere other than Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok.
After a hard day’s work he welcomes the quiet peace and solitude of the reassuring quality of an Ascott apartment. “The apartment rooms are very generous with a spacious interior, and the king-size beds are extremely comfortable and relaxing.”
As any regular traveller knows, ample rest is key to making the most of an effective working day. The high-quality linen and pillows that make up the beds at Somerset Park Suanplu Bangkok always allow William a really good night’s sleep. “With each visit I know that I can relax in the quiet comfort of the apartment,” he says.
“Only the best will do. This is why I haven’t moved. The true credit in creating and maintaining an international residence like this is the senior manager responsible for its operation. There is dedication not only in managing the daily operational duties but in the way the staff respond to the leadership provided.”
Published in Ascott Living Apr-Jun 2012