Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok to Become Asia's First ME by Meliá as AWC Plans 3,000-Room Expansion in Thailand

Bangkok's competitive hotel market is about to see a significant shake-up. Two established Hilton properties in the popular Phrom Phong neighbourhood, Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, are leaving the Hilton portfolio in November 2026 to join Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International.

The change is part of a much larger partnership between Thai property giant Asset World Corporation (AWC) and Meliá, which aims to expand their combined portfolio to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across Thailand by 2036.

For Bangkok, the exciting development is the planned introduction of ME by Meliá, the group's design-driven luxury lifestyle brand. The current Hilton Sukhumvit will become the first ME hotel in Asia outside the Middle East, putting Bangkok alongside international destinations such as London, Barcelona and Dubai.

For frequent travellers, however, the transition also means losing two familiar options for earning and redeeming Hilton Honors points in one of Bangkok's most convenient neighbourhoods.

Two Hilton Hotels, Two New Meliá Brands

The two hotels are located just minutes apart on Sukhumvit Soi 24 and Soi 26, close to the Phrom Phong BTS station, Emporium and EmQuartier shopping malls. There is a direct connection between them.

Both properties are owned by AWC, which is expanding its existing relationship with Meliá.

The hotels are expected to begin operating under transitional Meliá identities during the fourth quarter of 2026, with full conversion to their respective brands planned for the fourth quarter of 2027.

That distinction matters: while the properties will leave Hilton in November 2026, guests should not necessarily expect the complete ME by Meliá experience immediately. A brand conversion of this scale may involve changes to interiors, restaurants, guest facilities and service concepts.

AWC has also indicated that guests at the two neighbouring hotels will be able to access selected facilities and experiences across both properties, creating a more integrated hospitality offering in Phrom Phong.

ME by Meliá: A Significant First for Asia

The conversion of Hilton Sukhumvit into ME by Meliá is arguably the most interesting aspect of the announcement.

ME by Meliá is not simply another upscale business hotel brand. It occupies the luxury lifestyle segment, emphasising contemporary architecture, design, art, music, gastronomy and the cultural identity of each destination. You can read more about the ME brand here.

While Meliá has operated hotels across Asia for decades, the ME brand has had a much more limited geographical footprint. The Bangkok opening will mark its first entry into Asia outside the Middle East.

This is particularly noteworthy because Bangkok already has one of Asia's most competitive luxury hotel markets, with established international chains and a growing number of design-focused lifestyle properties.

AWC and Meliá Target More Than 3,000 Rooms in Thailand

The two Bangkok conversions are only one part of a broader expansion strategy. In September 2026, AWC and Meliá announced an extension of their strategic partnership through 2036, with plans to grow their combined Thai hotel portfolio to more than 3,000 rooms. The companies already have approximately 1,900 rooms across their existing and planned properties, making AWC Meliá's largest hotel owner partner in Thailand.

Their existing collaboration includes:

• Meliá Chiang Mai

• Meliá Koh Samui

• Meliá Pattaya Hotel

• INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit

Sources: Deeparrival, AWC

Opinion

For loyalty travellers, the news is more complicated. Hilton Sukhumvit and DoubleTree Sukhumvit have long provided two convenient Hilton Honors options in central Bangkok, appealing to both business travellers and tourists. I have stayed at the DoubleTree on Sukhumvit 26 multiple times, at one point for almost three weeks. While the property is not perfect, I really liked the location and overall level of service.

I have very little experience with Meliá, although I have plans to check out the Meliá Koh Samui later this year. And of course, I will give the new ME by Meliá a try once the property is fully operational.