Centara has partnered with OR to enter the budget hotel market, launching a new phase in the Thai hotel business by expanding its portfolio across all segments. They will jointly invest in developing and operating budget hotels, aiming to open six hotels in prime locations across Thailand during the first phase between 2027 and 2028.
On 1 April 2026 GMT+7, Centara Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel group in Thailand, joined forces with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) to sign a joint investment agreement. This collaboration aims to develop and operate budget hotels to expand into a new business segment, strengthening their portfolio to better meet the diverse needs of travelers.
Under this joint venture, Centara and OR will develop a network of budget hotels located at strategic PTT Station service locations nationwide. The goal is to offer convenient, accessible accommodations that meet the needs of modern travelers by combining Centara's hotel management expertise with OR's extensive nationwide service station and lifestyle space network.
In the project's first phase, Centara and OR aim to launch six hotels in key locations across Thailand: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Chonburi, and Songkhla. These hotels are expected to open gradually between 2027 and 2028 to serve travelers along major routes and interregional transportation corridors.
Each hotel will offer approximately 69 to 80 rooms, with room rates starting around 800 to 900 baht per night. The Bangkok hotel will feature about 120 rooms, priced between 1,200 and 1,300 baht per night. The concept focuses on clean, safe, and comfortable accommodations at affordable prices, targeting domestic tourists, car travelers, and business travelers seeking convenient lodging during their journeys.
The joint investment totals approximately 700 million baht, with Centara holding a 51% stake and OR 49%. This project integrates Centara's hospitality expertise with OR's strong ecosystem, including over 2,000 PTT Station outlets nationwide that offer energy services, electric vehicle charging stations, dining, retail, and relaxation spaces to create a comprehensive and convenient travel experience for guests.
Additionally, the partnership opens opportunities to connect and leverage the membership systems of both organizations—CentaraThe1, The 1, and OR's blueplus+—which together have a combined membership base exceeding 40 million people. This will enable the joint development and offering of new benefits to customers in the future.
“This joint investment marks an important step for Centara as we enter the budget hotel market, reflecting our goal to grow and diversify our portfolio across all market segments. By combining Centara's service expertise with OR's strategic locations, we can develop a new hotel concept that meets the needs of modern travelers who value convenience, value for money, and reliability, along with a clean, safe, and comfortable stay on every trip,” said Theerayut Jirathiwat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels and Resorts.
Expanding into the budget hotel market reflects Centara's vision for sustained growth and its pursuit of new opportunities in the ever-changing tourism industry. The new brand for this market segment will complement Centara's existing portfolio, which covers everything from luxury resorts and upscale hotels to lifestyle hotels and family resorts.
“This collaboration represents a significant milestone that brings together the strengths and expertise of OR and Centara as partners with deep industry knowledge to jointly develop budget hotel projects that respond to changing travel behaviors today,” said Mom Luang Piktong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of OR. “OR sees that travel today is not just about reaching a destination but about meaningful experiences along the way. The budget hotel business will enhance the use of OR’s spaces and strengthen its physical platform to comprehensively meet the needs of modern travelers.”