Baiyoke Sky Hotel

The Baiyoke Sky is a pretty happening place, as it is the tallest building in the country and attracts visitors and guests from around the world. The lobby, located up on the 18th floor with marble flooring and light wood accents, is bustling with groups constantly checking in, but the main action is all happening on the roof. Thousands of guests and non-guests make their way up to the 84th floor revolving observatory deck, which has to be one of Bangkok's most lively spots come sunset. Chill & View, Thailand's highest bar, is another popular spot, with lots of couples and families enjoying the dazzling views from tables right next to the immense glass windows. While the hotel is not an upscale affair, you can't wear slippers or flip flops to any of the rooftop establishments, so diners do need to dress up a bit. 

The Baiyoke Sky is located right in the heart of the Pratunam shopping district in central Bangkok. In terms of having access to restaurants and shops, it is a perfect location, and the open market is a colorful, vibrant place. Still, the area is extremely congested with narrow alleys and endless traffic that includes both people and cars. Additionally, the hotel is far from the Skytrain and metro, meaning one will be relying on taxis in a neighborhood notorious for gridlock. Yet for those who like tasty food, local shopping, and having the best views in the entire city, the negatives can potentially be endured. Bangkok International Airport is about 45 minutes east of the property by public transport, or 25 minutes by taxi.

The rooms here come in a variety of choices and are distinguished not by class but by zone, as Sky Zone units are better than Standard Zone, while Space Zone rooms (found on the 64th to 74th floors) are even better, mainly due to the views. All rooms are spacious and decently furnished with flat-screen TVs (tiny in some), safes, desks, electric hot water kettles, MP3 docking stations, bathrobes and slippers, and hairdryers. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi access as well. The Baiyoke Sky is also one of the only hotels in the city to have fire extinguishers in each room, a comforting fact when you consider how high up you are. 

One could probably spend days just roaming around and exploring the Baiyoke Sky's many features. There’s a small outdoor swimming pool, although considering how many rooms the hotel has, it really isn't much and can get packed pretty quickly. Also on hand are a gym and golf putting center, along with a spa for massage treatments. The main highlights at the hotel, though, are to be found on top. On the 84th floor, a revolving observation deck has knockout views, although you do have to pay to use it or else eat at the restaurant below, which then allows free access. On the 83rd floor, the rooftop bar serves tapas and cocktails. Just below it, the Crystal Grill serves up seafood buffets while the Bangkok Balcony on the 81st floor has an international buffet to go along with the views. The Bangkok Balcony is also the country's highest open-air restaurant, and diners can even reserve intimate Sky Box balconies to enjoy the breathtaking panoramas. The 79th floor hosts a Chinese restaurant along with another buffet venue, and there’s a recreated traditional floating market featuring a wide selection of food vendors on the 75th floor.