Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [164]
SWISSOTEL NAI LERT PARK
Map Luxury Hotel $$$
0 2253 0123; www.nailertpark.swissotel.com; 2 Th Withayu (Wireless Rd); d from 5600B; Tha Withayu; Ploen Chit exit 5,
This hotel’s greatest asset has always been the jungle-like gardens and shaded pool, which form a true urban oasis in central Bangkok. A makeover aimed at the Wallpaper* crowd and some rebranding (out with Hilton, in with Swissotel) has attempted to draw people to the interiors as well. And while there’s only so much you can do with a classic 1980s atrium (hang some shiny stuff from the ceiling, apparently), most of the rooms offer more inspiration. We say ‘most’ because the standard rooms, with their worn brown floral carpet, feel more like nanna’s parlour; the extra 600B up to the suite is so worth it. The in-room LAN internet is 749B a day.
HOTEL VIE
Map Hotel $$
0 2309 3939; www.viehotelbangkok.com; 39-40 Th Phayathai; r from 3500B; klorng boat to Tha Hua Chang; Ratchathewi exit 2;
Billed as a ‘world class design hotel’, ‘uniquely stylish’ and ‘the new benchmark of the world’s hip hotels’, this new tower on the block has a lot to live up to. So how does it go? Design-wise it is very appealing. The 154 rooms are huge and well laid out. They come with genuine wooden floors, voluminous bathtubs, lots of earthy-coloured silks and a satisfying mix of space, art and furnishings. It’s managed by Accor and the service is professional. It’s not quite the ‘new benchmark’, but it is a good hotel and excellent value for money (except for the in-room wi-fi: 17B per minute).
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LUXURY FOR LESS IN EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS
Bangkok is loaded with serviced apartment buildings aimed at the executive market, ranging from midrange comfort to no-sacrifice-is-too-great luxury. But what few people realise is that most apartments are happy to take short-term guests as well as longer stayers. And by booking ahead you can get a luxury apartment with much more space than a hotel room for the same or less money. It’s really a great way to stay, especially if you are a family who needs more room rather than two rooms. During research for this book we were offered apartments for as little as 2900B per day.
Several luxury buildings are on centrally located Soi Lang Suan, between Chit Lom Skytrain station and Lumphini Park, while others gather on the other side of Lumphini Park in the Silom business district, and along Th Sukhumvit. The Centrepoint (www.centrepoint.com) group is the biggest manager of serviced apartments, with eight buildings across Bangkok. Others we like:
Fraser Place Urbana Langsuan (Map; 0 2250 6666; www.fraserhospitality.com; 55 Th Lang Suan; daily from 4400B; ) Architecturally stunning with decor, facilities, service and location to match. Fraser has three other properties in Bangkok, with great online deals.
Siri Sathorn (Map; 0 2266 2345; www.sirisathorn.com; 27 Soi Sala Daeng 1, Th Silom; daily from 4200B; ) Chic modern apartments starting at 60 sq metres; shuttle bus, spa and satisfying service.
House by the Pond (Map; 0 2259 3543; www.housebythepond.com; 230/3 Soi Sainumthip 2, Soi 22, Th Sukhumvit; daily 1200-2000B, per month 22,000-43,000B; ) Older-style apartments and more affordable.
For more options try these websites:
www.sabaai.com Most professional site for apartments.
www.mrroomfinder.com Wide range, detailed search options.
www.bangkokapartments.info Cheap places.
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LUXX XL
Map Boutique Hotel $$
0 2684 1111; staywithluxx.com; 82/3 Soi Lang Suan, Th Sarasin; d from 2600B; Chit Lom exit 4;
Luxx XL is extra large compared with the original 13-room Luxx hotel, but aside from the 4m-high front door it appeals more for its style than its size. The 50 rooms range from 33-sq-metre studios to suites three times