The new COSI Hotel on Samui island is now officially open and welcoming independent, tech-savvy travellers. It is as different from a traditional hotel as a new smartphone is from the mobile phones of the 90s. Centara completely re-thought what a hotel should be for the new generation of connected, freedom loving, pricey-frill-hating travellers.
The result is an innovative and affordable lifestyle hub set in the middle of the shopping, eating, social and entertainment scene on Chaweng Beach. If it feels a little more like staying at the stylish home of a friend, that’s the whole idea.
“COSI represents a lot of new thinking about what a modern hotel can be, based on what’s important and what’s not so relevant for today’s, youthful-minded, smart travellers,” explained Harry Thaliwal, Centara’s general manager and corporate cirector of operations for COSI. “You can create a very fresh and unique place if you’re willing to throw out the usual conventions.”
For starters, there’s no lobby counter or check-in queues. You can check yourself in and out at the digital self-service stations. COSI is designed to play well with the smartphones in the pockets of today’s travellers. You can book with your smartphone, check in with your smartphone, and play videos or catch-up with your latest boxset on your room’s 43-inch SmartTV screen, which can mirror your phone screen. Fast and free Wi-Fi is everywhere.
The hotel’s Hub is a 24/7 social and media playspace where guests can watch the game, grab a sip or a bite, and connect with friends. You get free daily credits to use for food and drink any time you want at the integrated WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Café.
COSI’s 150 rooms are clean and streamlined. In addition to the hi-tech TV, they feature mega comfy king or twin beds, powerful showers, digital safes and fridges. Each room even has five USB ports so guests can recharge their devices without worrying about converters.
COSI Samui also features an 18-metre rooftop pool and all-hours laundromat. The minimalist mod look and feel of the hotel go well with the technology and service innovations. The “COSI Crew” are trained to help guests new to Samui discover its best places. Central Festival, the island’s main shopping centre, is up the street, and Samui’s airport is only 15 minutes away.
“Today’s young travellers want freedom, connections and shared experiences,” said Thirayuth Chirativat, Centara’s chief executive officer. “They are interested in a simple, smart, fun lifestyle, rather than traditional or superfluous amenities. We designed COSI for them. We expect this will be the first of many.”
