Centara Hotels & Resorts will introduce a new budget hotel brand through a joint venture with PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR).
This project accounts for nearly one-third of the hospitality group’s 1,429-room development pipeline announced for 2026.
“There are clear opportunities with gas station locations along car transport routes for people travelling to Bangkok or other major cities who may not want to stay in the city enroute,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
“Stations are staffed around the clock, offering a highly accessible and secure location for salespeople and business travellers who might rest for five to seven hours before continuing their inter-provincial journeys,” he added.
The partnership will introduce six properties between 2027 and 2028, leveraging OR’s national network of over 2,000 service stations and integrated retail outlets.
Many of these sites sit in prime areas near airports and key tourist destinations. Additionally, provincial service stations span five to ten rai, providing ample space for hotel development.
These regional locations will offer an average of 69 to 80 keys priced 800-900 baht (US$25-29) per night.
The joint venture also plans at least one Bangkok property featuring approximately 120 keys with nightly rates of 1,200-1,300 baht.
The facilities will integrate dual loyalty programmes between OR and Centara, and offer electric vehicle charging access.
“At PTT stations, travellers can refuel and recharge with ease, relax in standardised comfort by Centara and enjoy even greater rewards – while restocking essential travel items, all within the ecosystem,” Thirayuth elaborated.
The move into the budget segment is driven by the potential for high profitability.
“(Hospitality) margins are highest either all the way at the high end or in the budget sector due to lower operating costs. We expect 70 to 80 per cent occupancy in the long run,” stated Gun Srisompong, chief financial officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Although the joint venture has already been announced to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the new brand will be unveiled in March 2026 along with the signing of the agreement between the two partners.
