Chillax Resort

Targeted firmly at couples, Chillax Resort is a romantic property set in a fairly grand six-story building with the hotel’s name strikingly emblazoned on the roof. The bright, modern lobby has high ceilings, wood-paneled walls, and large windows. Other highlights include suspended candelabra-style light fittings and striking black marble platform centerpieces. Yellow and purple leather sofas and tub chairs keep things punchy, while the impressive angled white marble front desk is flanked by chunky white pillars and backed by a wall of mirrors that cleverly conceals the back office. The busy Pra Nakhon restaurant has in-your-face black-and-yellow patterned floor tiling, large windows looking out onto greenery, and water features. The Kappu Lounge gray button armchairs and a large mirror-fronted bar lend a more airy, relaxed feel. But the showstopper could be the lovely rooftop infinity pool, which has pleasant neighborhood views and a granite bar. 

Located down a quiet street in Bangkok’s old-town Phra Nakhon district, Chillax Resort is walking distance from the traveler enclave of Khaosan Road, and yet it escapes the worst of its hustle and bustle. Surrounded by numerous coffee shops and local and international restaurants, the resort also offers easy access to the area’s tourist attractions -- and the hotel provides a regular free shuttle service. But this isn’t the best place for those looking to go shopping or drinking downtown -- it’s a long drive to the Skytrain and subway, and traffic around here can be heavy.

• Eight-minute walk to Phra Sumen fort and Santi Chai Prakan Park
• Nine-minute walk to Khaosan Road
• 11-minute walk to the Phra Athit river ferry pier
• Seven-minute drive to the Grand Palace
• 12-minute drive to Wat Pho temple
• 13-minute drive to Hualamphong subway and mainline railway station
• 14-minute drive to National Stadium Skytrain station
• 14-minute drive to Wat Arun temple
• 14-minute drive to MBK shopping mall
• 15-minute drive to Chinatown
• 29-minute drive to Don Muang International Airport
• 30-minute drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Decor is generally chic throughout Chillax Resort's range of room categories. Standard Rooms feature comfortable king-size beds on attractive dark wood bases, though their pink cushioned headboards in a floral pattern may feel overly feminine to some. Orange accent walls give a sunny atmosphere, and small dark wood bedside tables are topped with mismatched lamps. Desks and TV stands are made from ornately finished dark wood. These rooms also offer unfurnished balconies with views of the hotel’s courtyard and other rooms. Deluxe Rooms add leather armchairs, and Premier Deluxe Rooms have chic high-backed button sofas and dark wood coffee tables. Standard amenities include flat-screen cable TVs, phones, and free Wi-Fi (though the in-room signal can be spotty), plus safes, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars with a small selection of beers, soft drinks, and snacks. Deluxe and Premier Deluxe Rooms also have pleasant neighborhood views.

Most impressive of all is that every room comes with a large whirlpool bathtub -- individual size in Superior Rooms, and large enough to fit two people in Deluxe and Premier Rooms. Chic bathrooms have cream wall and floor tiling, brown accent tiling, and gray marble vanities with contemporary white countertop sinks. The whirlpool tubs sit beside large windows (with blinds) through to the bedroom in Superior Rooms. Deluxe Rooms also have attractive separate glass walk-in cubicles with power showerheads. Premier Deluxe Rooms come with elegant open walk-in showers with both rainfall and power showerheads. Deluxe and Premier Deluxe bathrooms are truly open (though they do come with privacy curtains). All bathrooms include hairdryers and free miniature toiletries. 

Chillax Resort has a good selection of well-maintained facilities. There’s a lovely sixth-floor rooftop infinity pool with neighborhood views (though it’s on the small side). The attractive white-stone-tiled deck has sheltered and outdoor modern sunbeds and wicker tub seats, plus a contemporary pool bar. The resort's bright and well-sized gym has a good selection of free weights and cardio and weightlifting machines, and the chic, modern spa is great for massages. Pra Nakhon and Kappu Lounge restaurants serve food throughout the day, though guests report that they’re pricey and that portions are on the small side. The buffet breakfast gets somewhat mixed reviews, though, and it’s not always included in room rates. Room service is available, too. There's also pleasant courtyard seating between the buildings, surrounded by water features and towering bamboo trees. Guests can use the computer terminals in the lobby and there’s free Wi-Fi throughout (though the signal can be patchy in rooms). The hotel provides a regular free tuk-tuk shuttle service to nearby tourist attractions, as well as ample free parking at the front of the property.