Celebrating its recent recognition as one of the TOP 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World, SILQ Hotel and Residence continues to redefine what modern luxury feels like in the heart of Bangkok. In this exclusive conversation led by Alexander Chetchikov, president of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, General Manager Romain Huet shares insight into the philosophy and direction of the property. Recognized by Luxury Lifestyle Awards for its thoughtful approach to hospitality, SILQ Hotel and Residence stands as a sanctuary where design, comfort, and personal connection are woven seamlessly into every stay. 

Alexander Chetchikov: SILQ has just been named one of the TOP 100 Hotels and Resorts of the World. How does this recognition reflect the philosophy that guides the hotel and the experience you aim to create for your guests? 

Romain Huet: This recognition reflects SILQ’s core philosophy of creating a sanctuary within the city, where intentional design and wellness are deeply interconnected. Since 2023, we have remained highly consistent in our service standards, guest experience, and brand values, and being recognized for the second consecutive year is a strong validation of that commitment. Every element  from architecture to service flow is designed to support calm, balance, and wellbeing. As a brand, SILQ stands for refined simplicity and emotional connection, and this acknowledgment reinforces our responsibility to continue delivering experiences that feel authentic, restorative, and timeless. 

AC: Luxury at SILQ is described as personal, intentional, and grounded in calm. How do you translate this idea of emotional luxury into daily guest experiences? 

RH: We translate emotional luxury into daily experiences by focusing on intention rather than excess. Our teams are not only trained to understand guest rhythm and respond with discretion, but also to be genuinely warm, friendly, and approachable, creating comfort without intrusion. Design and service flow are intentionally crafted to reduce friction and instill calm, while personalization remains subtle and consistent. The outcome is an experience where guests feel understood, at ease, and emotionally restored rather than managed. 

AC: Your team is known for genuine connection rather than formality. What does authentic luxury hospitality mean to you, and how do you nurture that culture within the property? 

RH: Authentic luxury hospitality, to me, is human connection without pretense where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than formally served. At SILQ, we hire for attitude and emotional intelligence and reinforce this through communication training focused on listening, empathy, and natural interaction. 

We empower and reward our teams for building real guest relationships, not just executing tasks. A simple example is our concierge, who acts less as a desk and more as a trusted local guide, proactively offering thoughtful advice on what to experience in Bangkok based on each guest’s interests, not a standard list. 

The result is luxury that feels personal, approachable, and emotionally memorable. 

AC: SILQ blends hotel sophistication with the warmth of home. How do you ensure that elegance and comfort coexist without compromising either? 

RH: At SILQ, we see elegance and comfort as interdependent rather than opposing. This balance was reinforced in 2024 when we received the Asia-Pacific award for Best Interior Design, which recognizes the depth of detail across our public spaces and guestrooms. 

Our design sophistication is expressed through thoughtful decoration, refined materials, and carefully selected guest amenities from premium bedding to toiletries considered among the best in Thailand, all chosen to enhance comfort, not just aesthetics. At the same time, our residential-style rooms, complete with living areas and kitchenettes, allow guests to experience the ease of home within a luxury hotel setting. 

The result is an environment where elevated design and everyday comfort coexist naturally, creating a sense of understated, livable luxury. 

AC: SILQ sits at the intersection of design, wellness, and lifestyle. What trends in the hospitality industry are shaping the future of boutique luxury hotels? 

RH: The future of boutique luxury is moving toward hotels that function as curated ecosystems of wellness, lifestyle, and design. Design is no longer just an aesthetic statement; it becomes the context that shapes how experiences are felt, remembered, and valued. 

At SILQ, we intentionally design spaces that enable meaningful, premium experiences from wellness rituals like aqua-bike sessions followed by private Japanese onsen immersion, to intimate lifestyle moments such as live music paired with signature cocktails in a refined setting. 

This approach positions the hotel not simply as a place to stay, but as a platform for discovery, wellbeing, and connection, redefining boutique luxury as experiential, personal, and deeply rooted in lifestyle. 

AC: Technology and digital integration continue to move quickly. How does SILQ keep pace while preserving the intimate atmosphere it’s known for? 

RH: At SILQ, we view technology as a silent enabler rather than a visible feature. Our approach is to adopt digital solutions that enhance efficiency and personalization while remaining discreet and intuitive. 

Technology is used primarily to remove friction, allowing our teams to spend more time engaging meaningfully with guests rather than managing processes. Whether through seamless pre-arrival communication, behind-the-scenes systems, or in-room features that feel intuitive rather than intrusive, the goal is always to support calm and intimacy. 

By keeping technology human-centered and intentionally understated, SILQ is able to stay current without compromising the warm, personal atmosphere that defines the brand. 

AC: Bangkok is a competitive hospitality market. What are the biggest opportunities you see for independent luxury hotels in the city today? 

RH: Bangkok’s competitive hospitality market creates strong opportunities for independent luxury hotels. As travelers become more discerning, they are looking for properties with a clear identity and a story that feels authentic rather than standardized. 

Independence gives us the freedom to define our own positioning, design language, and guest journey without being constrained by global brand templates. At SILQ, this allows us to tell a unique story rooted in our name and inspired by silk, historically the most luxurious fabric, valued for its refinement, softness, and timeless appeal. 

We apply that same philosophy to hospitality: creating experiences that feel elegant yet comfortable, exclusive yet welcoming. This freedom to express a distinct identity enables us to connect emotionally with guests and position SILQ not just as a hotel, but as a luxury lifestyle experience deeply connected to Bangkok. 

AC: SILQ anchors its identity in the heritage of silk. How does this narrative influence the hotel’s design language and long-term brand vision? 

RH: Silk is the foundation of SILQ’s identity, not as a motif, but as a legacy that spans civilizations. From its origins in the ancient kingdoms of China, where silk was mastered through patience and precision, to its evolution in Italy and France as the fabric of royalty and aristocracy, silk has always represented the highest expression of craftsmanship, refinement, and cultural exchange. 

The complexity of transforming a simple cocoon into an exceptional fabric mirrors our approach to hospitality. At SILQ, this philosophy is expressed through layered and intentional design, meticulous attention to detail, and service that feels smooth, fluid, and effortless. Where complexity exists behind the scenes, but the guest experience remains calm and seamless. 

This narrative shapes our long-term brand vision. Every element of the hotel, from architecture and decoration to our food and beverage concepts and signature cocktails, is connected by this silk philosophy, creating a timeless identity built on craftsmanship, elegance, and emotional continuity across generations. 

A heartfelt thank you to Romain for sharing his insights and for offering a deeper look into the thoughtful luxury that defines SILQ. His perspective reinforces why the property stands among the world’s top hospitality experiences. 

To learn more about SILQ Hotel and Residence, visit https://www.silqhotel.com/.