AFTER MORE than two decades managing hotels across Southeast Asia, Patrick Manthe is taking on a new challenge in Laos as General Manager of Avani+ Luang Prabang, marking the latest chapter in a career spanning Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
The Swiss hotelier has been appointed to lead the 53-room property in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang,
He joins the Minor Hotels-owned brand after serving as GM of Amari Pattaya in Thailand.
Manthe’s move comes as Minor Hotels strengthens its presence in Laos. In July, the group opened the 197-room Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, its second Avani property in the country, following the launch of Avani+ Luang Prabang.
Before joining Amari Pattaya, he held GM positions at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan and Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay in the Philippines.
Earlier assignments included leading Chatrium Hotel & Residence Riverside Bangkok, spearheading the pre-opening of U Sathorn Bangkok, managing Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok, and serving as General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi. He also held senior F&B roles with Conrad and Hilton.
In Laos, Manthe will be responsible for hotel operations, commercial performance and team development at Avani+ Luang Prabang, working with staff to enhance guest experiences rooted in the destination’s heritage and local culture.
Avani Hotels & Resorts is inviting groups to experience Laos from capital to former royal capital with The Bohème Journey, a new hotel and river itinerary beginning at the Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel, continuing with five nights aboard Bohème by Mekong Kingdoms and concluding at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel.
Linking two Avani hotels through a six-day passage along the Mekong, the journey brings together contemporary city life, riverside communities, craft traditions, wildlife conservation and Unesco-listed Luang Prabang. Groups can fly into Vientiane, spend time exploring the Lao capital, sail north at river pace and depart from Luang Prabang, avoiding the need to retrace their route.
“Luang Prabang is a destination where the character of the place is central to the guest experience. I look forward to working with the team to build on the hotel’s connection to the town and its community,” said Manthe.
His appointment coincides with growing investment by Minor Hotels in the Lao market. The newly opened Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel overlooks the Mekong River and Chao Anouvong Park in the capital, adding nearly 200 rooms, meeting and event facilities, dining venues and wellness amenities to the group’s portfolio in the country. The opening gives Avani a presence in both Laos’ political capital and its tourism centre of Luang Prabang.
Located opposite Luang Prabang’s night market in the historic old town, Avani+ Luang Prabang sits among temples, boutiques and cafés that have helped make the former royal capital one of Southeast Asia’s best-known heritage destinations.
