The Westin Grande Sukhumvit is a well-established property with a strong commitment to sustainability. Despite the challenges of working with an older building, we have cultivated a culture of “thinking green” across our team. TDM interviews Robert Wittebrood, General Manager of The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok who puts the spotlight on sustainability and the Green Hotel Plus Certification.
Travel Daily Media (TDM): What inspired The Westin Grande Sukhumvit to pursue the GREEN HOTEL PLUS certification, and what specific practices have been implemented to achieve this standard?
Robert Wittebrood (RW): Upon assuming the role of General Manager of The Westin Grande Sukhumvit at the end of 2022, my primary objective was to distinguish the hotel within Bangkok's highly competitive Sukhumvit market. Although the Westin brand is globally renowned for its dedication to wellness, I recognised that relying solely on brand recognition would be inadequate in the context of the evolving hospitality landscape. Marriott had already acknowledged a rising demand for eco-friendly travel, and I identified sustainability as a critical opportunity to align with guest expectations and enhance our competitive advantage.
Integrating sustainability into our operations not only bolsters our brand image but also enhances guest satisfaction, as contemporary travellers increasingly favour hotels that demonstrate environmental responsibility. I assert that the implementation of sustainable practices can lead to significant reductions in operational costs by conserving water and energy, along with minimising waste—all while contributing positively to environmental conservation.
Pursuing the GREEN HOTEL PLUS certification represented a strategic initiative to establish a more responsible and sustainable business model that serves both ecological interests and our financial objectives. These initiatives coincide with the growing demand for eco-conscious travel, particularly from multinational corporate accounts and MICE travellers. Ultimately, this approach allows us to offer our guests an experience that resonates with their values while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our community.
TDM: What does it mean for The Westin Grande Sukhumvit to be the first GREEN HOTEL PLUS certified hotel in Bangkok, and how does this set it apart from other luxury hotels? What were some of the biggest challenges in meeting GREEN HOTEL PLUS certification standards, and how were they overcome?
RW: The Westin Grande Sukhumvit is a well-established property with a strong commitment to sustainability. Despite the challenges of working with an older building, we have cultivated a culture of “thinking green” across our team, always seeking innovative ways to support the environment and build a more sustainable future. A great example of this is our approach to sourcing fresh coconuts for our breakfast buffet. Initially, we sourced them from Hua Hin, but we later switched to a location halfway between Bangkok and Pattaya, cutting our carbon emissions in half. Furthermore, our coconut goes to compost rather than landfill projects. We partnered with a fish farm that collected our empty coconut, with many only consumed for their juice and still being rich in coconut meat. Other compostable food is picked up in cooperation with the local district office supporting the Bangkok zero waste campaign.
TDM: Could you share some sustainable design elements in the hotel’s architecture and interiors? How does The Westin Grande Sukhumvit work with local suppliers and producers to source sustainable food and materials?
RW: The Westin Grande has implemented a "Green Walk" between the 23rd and 24th floors, enabling club room guests to access the lounge directly without the need to wait for the elevator. This initiative not only enhances guest convenience but also promotes physical activity and contributes to reduced energy consumption. Many guests have positively received this environmentally friendly initiative, which is among the first of its kind in Thailand and may serve as a global benchmark. In addition, we are dedicated to sustainability through the procurement of 100% cage-free eggs for all of our restaurants. We are actively working towards ensuring that 50% of our seafood purchases are sourced sustainably and certified. Furthermore, we are extending our efforts to include crate-free pork in our future purchasing decisions. Moreover, we have eliminated all single-use plastic bottles from our operations and have trained our staff to provide paper straws upon request.
TDM: What guidelines does the hotel follow to ensure that hosted events are eco-friendly, and how do you encourage clients to adopt these practices?
RW: In 2024, The Westin Grande adopted a carbon footprint calculation tool developed by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to help event organisers measure and manage the environmental impact of their events. This tool estimates carbon emissions from various event activities and operations. Marriott has expanded on this initiative by creating a tool that allows event organisers to "give back" through partnerships with internationally accredited businesses specialising in sustainable carbon offset practices. Our sustainable meeting practices include linen-less and clutter-free meeting set-up, excess food donated to (SOS), we have energy-efficient digital signage, use of recycled paper products and condiments served in bulk.
TDM: How does the hotel ensure responsible event management aligns with guests’ needs and expectations for luxury and quality?
RW: At the Westin Grande Hotel, we seamlessly blend luxury with responsibility by embedding sustainable practices into every aspect of event management. We prioritise using eco-friendly materials, source ingredients locally to highlight regional flavours and focus on energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction strategies. Our team works closely with clients to understand their vision and tailor each event to meet high quality and sustainability standards. This approach reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and ensures that our guests experience the exceptional service and sophistication they expect.
Important is guest communication and for the hotel to communicate their sustainability efforts to guests, ensuring that they are aware of the responsible practices being implemented and important touch points like breakfast. This transparency helps guests feel good about their choice of venue and aligns with their values. Furthermore, we highlight our certifications and partnerships. Partnering with organisations like Green Hotel Plus Award 2024 (Certified by The Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE)) and TSEMS Engage 2024 by Thailand Sustainable Event Management Standard (Certified by Thailand Convention And Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) help validate our sustainability efforts. These certifications reassure guests that the hotel meets high standards of environmental responsibility.
Marriott International HotelTDM: Wellness tourism is a significant trend; how does The Westin Grande Sukhumvit cater to guests seeking a holistic wellness experience?
RW: Wellness is multi-dimensional as we prioritise quality sleep with our upgraded Heavenly Bed 2.0, a fresh take on the classic 90’s Heavenly Bed. We also offer MSG-free meals, daily fresh juice by the juicer, and balanced options from our Well-Being Menu. Guests find relaxation with our lavender sleeping balm and yoga instructions in the room, while our enhanced gym and Run Concierge program invite guests to explore Bangkok on foot with a guide. We are even piloting ‘conversation starters’ in public spaces to encourage meaningful connections, adding a mindful touch to every stay.
TDM: How does the hotel integrate wellness into the guest experience beyond physical health—such as mental well-being or digital detox options?
RW: I believe strongly in reducing screen time, and we support this with paper copies of daily newspapers, creating a nostalgic and tactile morning ritual for guests. We are exploring device-free zones for a digital detox experience, though we acknowledge this may be more popular in resort settings. For our associates, we’ve introduced mindful colouring activities and yoga classes at work with great feedback. It’s these small steps that help foster a positive, balanced environment for both guests and staff.
TDM: What are the future sustainability goals for The Westin Grande Sukhumvit following the certification, and how do you plan to reach them?
RW: Our goals evolve with the urgency of global warming, which is felt directly here as Bangkok sees increasingly warmer months. Guided by Bill Marriott’s belief that 'what gets measured, gets done,' we’re refining our 5- and 10-year plans to adopt more energy-efficient technologies. Simple measures, like planning guest arrivals to avoid cooling empty rooms or only changing linens on request, make a difference. We’re also shifting focus to cooking-to-order, reducing food waste and conserving resources. These steps align our operations with long-term environmental goals.
TDM: Today, guests focus more on the experiential factor how does The Westin Grande Sukhumvit cater to this growing trend?
RW: Exceeding guest expectations remains our goal, especially for experienced travellers who have seen it all. Our approach is personal and consistent—taking care of our associates, who in turn care for our guests. Our most meaningful feedback is from regular guests who feel they’ve ‘come home.’ Knowing their breakfast preferences or a personal greeting by name makes all the difference. At The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, we’re proud to offer this genuine, warm Thai hospitality that feels like a return to family.
