Chateau de Bangkok

The Chateau de Bangkok lives up to its name as it is a stylish and elegant residence. The ornate entrance comprises curved marble pathways with touches of blue mosaic tiling, all hugging narrow pools with fountains. The decor throughout is modern and a bit edgy, with some bold prints and pale neon furnishings; the Panorama Bar, with its wood paneling, black barstools, and sleek white bar with pale-green shelving is particularly chic. It's not a party zone, though. As this hotel is aimed more at a long-term serviced residence crowd, it is a quiet and serene spot. Many guests here are off working, and if they aren't, they can be found relaxing on the rooftop pool or else enjoying the Bangkok skyline from the terrace bar. The Cafe Gourmand in the lobby is a chic and cozy spot for catching up on Internet matters or just quiet reading with a latte in hand, but mostly, the lobby area is pretty quiet. This hotel is for discerning travelers who want a refined and peaceful spot at a great value price to call home for a while.

The Chateau de Bangkok sits along quiet Soi Ruam Rudee, one of the smaller side streets off of busy Sukhumvit Road. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the BTS Skytrain, offering convenient access into the rest of Bangkok. For those who'd rather stick around, the property is also surrounded by fine dining, drinking, and shopping, as it sits right in the middle a very upscale area. Ruam Rudee itself is full of swank properties, some restaurants, and plenty of convenience stores. The hotel even has a tuk-tuk shuttle up to Sukhumvit for those who don't want to make the short walk. The airport is about one-hour-and-10-minutes by public transport, or a 20- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

Rooms at this hotel offer serious bang for your buck. Decor is simple and modern: wood floors, white walls, dark wood furnishings with cream cushions, and white bedding. While boldly patterned rugs and framed modern prints lend some character, the rooms do feel a touch corporate. As the Chateau de Bangkok is aimed more at the serviced residence market, all of the rooms come equipped with kitchenettes complete with large refrigerators, toasters, stovetop cookers, and microwaves; rooms also have flat-screen TVs, sofas, tables, and plenty of space. Bathrooms have whirlpool tubs. The one- and two-bedroom residences are huge, and each category of room comes in a Superior or Executive version, with differing amounts of space and perks. 

The Chateau de Bangkok has a great range of facilities to choose from. There is a lovely rooftop pool that looks out over all Bangkok. There are plenty of sun loungers up here, as well as a pool bar serving light meals, and even a hot tub. The hotel also has a well-heeled fitness center and a spa on the same floor. For dining and drinking, the hotel offers Paparazzi, an international buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the chic Cafe Gourmand downstairs for pastries and coffee; and the elegant Panorama Bar upstairs, where one can have cocktails and even order catered meals to sit out on the terrace and take in the Bangkok skyline.