Aspen Suites Hotel Sukhumvit 2 Bangkok by Compass Hospitality

Aspen Suites Bangkok is situated in a six-story low rise with a brown-and-beige facade. Inside, decor is pleasant and contemporary, if somewhat impersonal, with a mix of modern pieces, like pendant lights and textured wall accents, and traditional furnishings, like faux leather wingback armchairs and Chesterfield-style sofas. The lobby isn’t huge, fading directly into the cafe area where guests often grab the buffet. This points to the fact that common spaces are on the small side. But rooms are big, attracting tourists, long-term travelers, and business guests who want self-service amenities like in-room kitchens. 

The hotel is situated at the end of a quiet side street (or soi) off of Sukhumvit Road, a bustling main thoroughfare packed with restaurants, street vendors, shops, and other hotels. Lower Sukhumvit in particular is known for both its nightclubs and shopping malls, in addition to its red light districts. While the immediate road itself is mostly residences and hotels, the walk to Sukhumvit is just six minutes, or guests can use the hotel’s free tuk-tuk service to get there faster. The property is between the Pholen Chit and Nana BTS stations, each about a 10-minute walk. Sights like Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Reclining Buddha are a bit of a hike, about an hour’s trip on the bus, but faster by taxi. Don Muang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport) are each about a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for an extra fee.

The sheer spaciousness of Aspen's rooms and suites is a major draw for many guests. Rooms start at 355 square feet, and all include kitchens or kitchenettes with minibars, electric stove tops, microwaves, sinks, dishes, electric kettles for coffee/tea, and even small dining areas. Decor is neutral and somewhat forgettable but contemporary with wood floors, white walls, and brown and beige accents. Walls throughout are bare apart from the occasional nature print. Bathrooms are equally generic with beige tiling and white fixtures, but tend to be roomy with combo showers and tubs and modern square or basin sinks. In addition to the kitchenettes, rooms and suites have air-conditioning, 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels, and electronic safes. Bathrooms come stocked with hairdryers and free individual toiletries. Other than Deluxe Rooms, which have twin beds, all rooms have king sized beds. Suites can be huge, over 1,000 square feet, adding living rooms and extra amenities like bathroom scales and sometimes even combination washers and dryers.

While the Aspen's main selling point is its spacious suites, a decent lineup of features -- including a cafe, gym, and pool -- adds to its value. The narrow outdoor pool is decent but on the small side, and it feels a little wedged in between the hotel itself and the neighboring building. The fitness center next to the pool is small but modern with wood floors and a mirrored wall. There are a few cardio machines as well as weight-lifting equipment, including a full rack of free weights. Both the pool and gym are open into the late evening, but they're not 24 hours. The hotel’s Aspen Cafe, situated on the ground floor and spilling out into a little outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, is open from early morning until evening. This is where the property's breakfast buffet is served, though guests sometimes find the selection limited. Breakfast may be included in the room rate, but often only for two guests. Guests can also order a la cart Thai and international dishes into the evening, and room service is offered during cafe hours.Freebies include Wi-Fi and tuk-tuk service to Sukhumvit Road. Reception is open 24 hours and concierge services are provided. Babysitting, laundry service, and airport transfers can also be arranged.