Among the Scandinavian choices in Pattaya/Jomtien beach, visitors, and in particular Swedes, are guaranteed to have a fellow countryman in a hotel management position at a preferred Thai hotel brand for at least some more years to come.
On New Year’s Eve, 31 December, Jonas Sjöstedt takes up his latest position within Centara Hotels & Resorts, as General Manager for the group’s five-star hotel on Jomtien, just south of Pattaya proper – Centara Grand Phratamnak. At the same time he is promoted to the role as Area Manager for the two adjacent destinations.
This not only means that seasoned hotelier Mr Sjöstedt stays on in the area but that he will be involved and visible among no less than five of the group’s hotels, having spent five years already in Pattaya.
“This is a major challenge for me and something I am really looking forward to,” Jonas Sjöstedt comments his new appointment. “The main change is that I will be located in Centara Grand Pratamnak, which is five-star luxury hotel with 164 rooms and suites, located only 50 meters from the beach. It has one of the nicest roof tops in the area, with a bar, pool and restaurant. I will still overview my previous two hotels, Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa, plus two other hotels Centara Azure Hotel and Centra by Centara Avenue Hotel Pattaya. So, in total five hotels and the new position as Area General Manager. By this change there was also an opportunity to promote khun Metta to the role of Hotel Manager, my “side kick” since a couple of years back.”
Centara Grand Phratamnak, which will be the first five-star hotel Jonas will oversee, is based right at the heart of an area that is popular among Scandinavian tourists and long-stay residents.
He describes the hotel and setting as follows: “Centara Grand Phratamnak’s signature feature is its Aquarium concept and by both restaurants and the lobby there are several aquariums with Sharks, fish, jelly fish etc. It also comes with Fendi furniture and many luxury design items, including exquisite marble materials throughout the hotel. The location is great as it is at short walking distance from the beach. Phratamnak is known as an ‘exclusive area’ with many nice places, bars, restaurants and attractions and it’s only a 10-15 minutes bus ride over the hill to the famous Walking Street. “
What Scandinavians and other guests can expect from this five-star experience in Phratamnak Jonas promises to be “great value for money for a five-star hotel with all luxury items and set- up. The lobby is amazing and you can sit in the ground floor restaurant Ocean, next to the main aquarium that has sharks in side. Not a bad place to start your breakfast! One of the most popular Instagram and Facebook photo stops! During the day our guests can either walk a few minutes down to the beach or spend their time on our rooftop that has an amazing view over Phratamnak beach. To sit there with a nice cocktail and see the sunset makes all stress go away! On the same floor our Italian restaurant Ruffino is also located with many authentic dishes and a great wine selection. This hotel’s outlets have been awarded for their performance and standard in many recognized magazines and newspapers.”
Area General Manager Jonas Sjöstedt has a long career with Centara Hotels & Resorts in Thailand, where he began as Resident Manager at Centara Kata Resort Phuket in 2006, followed by Resident Manager at Centara Karon Resort Phuket.
He was then appointed his first General Manager role, opening the new brand and property in downtown Patong in 2010 – Centra Ashlee Patong. After that he had a stint Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort in 2012, when the brand had taken over that property, tasked to streamline it with the brand values.
Since 2014 the Swede has been General Manager in Pattaya.
