Check out the renovations at the Imperial 30+ rooms closed, rolling works ongoing. Hotel to become the new Sheraton? I an led to believe the newly renovated hotel will target big spenders, one of 7 hotels sold on Koh Samui so I am told? Any one with more info and or pictures?

don't think so, but not sure. On the same beach 2 hotels further is the Vana Belle. It's a Starwoods resort, one of the world's biggest hotel companies, which owns also Sheraton. So maybe that could be somehow the hint for that talk (?)

What other hotels were sold?

Got wind of changes when we were there in May, another couple-via Trip Advisor told me about the name change to Sheraton the other day but the rumor mill also was abuzz about 7 hotels being purchased and the name change to Sheraton.

I believe the plan is to create one room out of two above the Imperial Spa, these were undergoing alteration/renovation mid May. Staff were being retrained as we communicate!

Which ever way we go staying there is going to cost more, had friends from Germany who elected to stay next door late May due to works! Will watch with interest.

I think Starwood are targeting mid range with this hotel. They already have W, Vana Belle and Le Meridien on Samui.

VB is top of the range, as it W, and Le Meridien is a class below (if using Starwood Points), doesnt make much sense to put anything else but a hotel that is in the same clasx as Le Meridien for the group. That would compliment their offering.

Apparently the Amari is also closing for a year for renovation. But there is, or will be another new Amari as well.

TCC Group has so far contracted Starwood group to manage it's six hotels, with the latest in Koh Samui, rebranded from the Imperial Samui Beach Resort to Samui Sheraton.

Imperial Queens Park Bangkok 2 year renovation ask nearly 800 staff to leave.

Extract from the The Nation

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/747253-imperial-queens-park-hotel-staff-told-to-leave-during-2-year-renovation/?utm_source=newsletter-20140730-0750&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news