Centara and OR Partner to Launch Budget Hotel Brand in Thailand

Joint venture to develop highway-linked hotels across key destinations

Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced a joint venture with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) to launch a new budget hotel brand in Thailand.

The partnership will focus on developing hotels adjacent to PTT Station service complexes, offering accommodation options for travellers along major road networks. The collaboration brings together Centara’s hospitality operations with OR’s network of service stations and retail spaces.

Initial rollout across six locations

The first phase of the project includes six hotels planned between 2027 and 2028. Locations include Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Chon Buri and Songkhla, targeting travellers moving across key transport routes.

Each property is expected to feature between 69 and 80 rooms, while the Bangkok location is planned to have around 120 rooms. Room rates are expected to start from approximately THB 800–900 per night, with higher rates for the Bangkok property.

Focus on accessibility and travel convenience

The hotels are designed to provide practical and comfortable stays at accessible price points, catering primarily to domestic travellers, business travellers and those undertaking road journeys.

The project will utilise OR’s network of more than 2,000 PTT Station locations, which offer fuel services, electric vehicle charging, food and beverage outlets and retail facilities.

Investment structure and loyalty integration

The joint venture represents an investment of around THB 700 million, with Centara holding a 51% stake and OR holding 49%.

The collaboration will also integrate loyalty programmes, including CentaraThe1, The 1, and OR’s Blue Plus, enabling members to access benefits across both platforms.

Expansion into the budget segment

According to Thirayuth Chirathivat, the move reflects Centara’s approach to expanding into different accommodation segments and addressing evolving travel patterns.

M.L. Peekthong Thongyai noted that the collaboration aims to enhance travel experiences by integrating accommodation into existing service ecosystems.