Centara Grand at CentralWorld

In one of Bangkok’s most
visually distinctive skyscrapers, this hotel makes a big first impression. The
white marble lobby has soaring floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space
with natural light. A hardwood-and-glass staircase swoops around the interior, encircling delicate strands of crystals that descend from the light fixtures above, while
water spills down two slate waterfalls. Sleek neutral-tone sofas and banquettes line the
space, though it’s not the most intimate place to linger, and there are plenty
of other places in the hotel to relax and enjoy a coffee or drink, including
the Lobby Lounge, filled with striped chairs around a grand piano. There are
several dining and drinking options on-site, the standouts being rooftop Red Sky, a
sleek and sexy hardwood space with jaw-dropping views of Bangkok, an outdoor
terrace, and a huge, decorative wine vault. Ginger and Fifty Five both draw
crowds from around Bangkok, as well, for business lunches and dinners in their
equally stylish settings with dark leather, sleek wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Hotel guests include business travelers and tourists,
including families and couples.

The hotel is located within the
Central World complex, which includes one of the world’s largest malls. There are hundreds of designer shops within
CentralWorld, but for more shopping options, high-end Siam Paragon is only
four minutes away on foot, while the massive MBK Center is a 15-minute walk from
the hotel. The area is filled with upscale hotels and the restaurants and bars
in the area reflect that, with dozens of international options in every
direction. The Siam Skytrain station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel and
trips to Lower Sukhumvit’s wild nightlife and trendy bars take about 15 minutes. The
temples and sights around the Grand Palace are up to 30 minutes away by taxi,
while Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports can both be reached in
30 to 50 minutes by cab depending on traffic.

With rooms starting on the 28th
floor, one of the main features here are the views of Bangkok, which are exceptional regardless of room category. Guest rooms are large, starting with Superior World
Rooms, and while the color schemes vary a bit from room to room, most rooms have similar decor. From the patterned-carpeted
floors to the simple but contemporary chairs, dark wood furniture, and light
wood veneer accents, the rooms are modern and inviting, if not exactly cutting
edge. All rooms have air-conditioning, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, desks with
retro-futuristic chairs, minibars, electric kettles with
coffee and tea, and comfortable double or king beds with duvets and bed runners.
Decorative folded-screen headboards with mirrors add artsy flair and the illusion
of depth to the rooms, while padded leather wall panels soften the atmosphere. Bathrooms are large, with mosaic-tiled walk-in showers and separate
bathtubs, large marble vanities with contemporary sinks and fixtures, and a
complete set of toiletries. Premium level rooms have love seats near the
windows and the hotel offers a wide variety of room sizes, including suites
that can accommodate several guests. Guests should also keep in mind that World Club level bookings enjoy
a host of additional amenities and services (detailed below).

The hotel’s dining and
drinking options are extensive, though guests should be warned that the views
at venues like rooftop Red Sky come with a steep price tag. Red Sky has an
array of western-style dishes that pull a crowd from far and wide, though the
best options here are the cocktails and happy hour deals. Ginger offers a casual
blend of Japanese and Chinese buffets or a la carte dishes with chefs preparing dishes at live-cooking stations. Fifty Five offers an international menu and
astounding 360-degree views in a slightly more formal atmosphere than Ginger, while The
World is open 24 hours and, as its name implies, serves a wide selection
of meals, while Zing serves light pastries and coffees. A breakfast buffet with
extensive hot and cold options is served daily, though the selection can vary
depending on the venue, and it is only included with some bookings. World Club
bookings have exclusive access to the 51st-floor Executive Club with
free breakfast, tea service, all-day snacks, and free cocktails and hors
d’oeuvres in the evening as well as in-room benefits, like limited laundry
service and butlers. The hotel has a luxurious, marble-lined SPA Cenvaree, a
juice bar, and a 24-hour fitness center with several cardio machines and
weights as well as yoga and pilates classes. The hotel’s outdoor pool could be
in a resort and is lined by a palm-fringed brick terrace and plenty of lounge
chairs, a bar with poolside drink and food service, and a modern indoor hot
tub. There are also two on-site tennis courts for guests looking to mix up
their fitness routines. The hotel includes the Bangkok Convention Center, with
space for up to 7,000 attendees, a 1,000-person ballroom, and up to 17 individual
event suites with catering, audiovisual, and event planning services. Airport
transfers and car services can be arranged by the concierge, who is also available
for any off-site bookings. Babysitting and laundry services can be arranged,
Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there is a small business center on
site.