Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

A sky-scraping tower, the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn feels sleek and modern upon first sight, an impression that extends into the lobby, with its marble floors, wall of windows, modern wrought-iron sculptures, and stylish seating areas with cushioned red chairs. A fountain and greenery in the driveway make it feel less starkly urban. Despite its sitting areas, the lobby is not a place where guests hang out; the pool's dark-wood sundeck, with its many loungers and cushioned wicker sofas, is a livelier spot, although it's worth noting that, as a general rule, the hotel often feels quite quiet. Even the stunning rooftop Zoom Bar & Restaurant, with its sleek bar and black sofas, is surprisingly sleepy, despite the regular DJ and impressive city views. The other restaurants -- Zin Bar and 100°East -- are less visually impressive and feel a bit more dated in style, with a bright-green patterned carpet in one and a bland cafeteria look in the other. The only time the hotel feels crowded is at breakfast, when there's often a line for a table; many guests complain of slow service.

The Anantara Bangkok Sathorn is located down a private driveway off a major, highly trafficked thoroughfare in Bangkok's Sathorn business district. The surrounding area has little of interest for tourists, and the closest skytrain station is more than a 10-minute walk away; taxis are readily available but not always cheap. The street can be quite busy during the day, but the area quiets down at night, after businesses close for the day, so street noise isn't a problem. The airport is about a 30-minute drive away, and the hotel has free parking. Airport transfers can be arranged. 

Rooms and suites at the Anantara Bangkok Sathorn are large, modern, and filled with high-end furnishings -- and all have private balconies with views overlooking the city's rooftops. The exact style varies from category to category, but all rooms have a clean-lined decor, muted earth tones, stone tile floors in living areas, and light wood accents. The walls are adorned with modern Thai art, and the accent fabrics draw on traditional Thai patterns. Suites have separate living areas and dining tables, and some of the larger ones have full kitchenettes. All rooms get lots of light through the large windows. Bathrooms are similarly sleek and large, with limestone tile throughout, soaking tubs, bathrobes, and walk-in rainfall showers. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs (or multiple, in suites), fully stocked alcoholic minibars, tea and coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Kasara level rooms give access to the Kasara Executive Club lounge and its perks, but the rooms themselves differ only in a welcome fruit basket and extra toiletries.

The Anantara Bangkok Sathorn's facilities make it popular with with business travelers and tour groups. It has four eateries: 100°East, the international fusion restaurant that serves all day in a sprawling dining room next to the pool; Zin Bar, serving cocktails and snacks all evening; Crust, the in-house pizza makers who will deliver to the pool; and Zoom Sky Bar & Restaurant, a rooftop bar and restaurant with a nightly DJ and impressive views over the city, and the hotel's crowning glory. The roof terrace infinity pool deck is lined with lounges and sitting areas, and there's an adjoining kids' pool; it's worth noting, however, that the pool doesn't seem to be heated. In addition to the kids' pool, there's also a kids' club. Adjacent to the pool area is a large, modern fitness center, and the hotel also has a tennis court, complete with instructors with whom guests can book lessons. The hotel also offers Thai cooking classes, which include local market tours. There are a number of meeting and event spaces, as well as an extensive, fully equipped business center.Most rates don't include breakfast, although an extensive buffet is offered in 100°East, but guests who stay in one of the Kasara level rooms have access to the Kasara Executive Club lounge and its perks, which include free breakfast in the lounge, drinks and snacks throughout the day, evening cocktails and canapes, and a personal concierge. The lounge itself is sleek and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.