Grand Swiss Sukhumvit 11 by Compass Hospitality

In a modern building
wedged between towering high rises, the hotel’s striped facade stands out on
the busy block. The small lobby shares that eye-catching ethos, with polished
gray and white marble floors, a back-lit marbleized front desk, and walls lined
with Buddhist-inspired art: miniature prayer gongs, wall-mounted metal lotus
leaves, and gold-trimmed bodhi leaf sculptures. There isn’t much seating here,
but Davos, the hotel’s coffee shop and bar, is a better place to relax in
chunky, modern chairs after a day in Bangkok’s heat. 11th Avenue,
the hotel’s restaurant, attracts mostly hotel guests, and is an attractive
space with contemporary light wood and heather-gray furniture and a wall of Thai trinkets and knick-knacks
similar to those in the lobby. Meanwhile, 180˚ Lounge, available to Executive level
bookings, has outstanding Bangkok views in a chic setting, all polished surfaces and deep brown tones, with plenty of windows and opulent touches of bronze. This hotel sees
mostly couples and solo travelers, though families and business travelers are
welcome here, too.

On a busy street off of hectic
Sukhumvit Road, this neighborhood is home to dozens of hotels, so there’s
plenty to keep tourists and business travelers busy. The Lower Sukhumvit area
is a vibrant mix of low-brow entertainment -- Soi Nana’s relatively seedy
nightlife is just six minutes away on foot -- and high-end lifestyle experiences: Terminal 21 is a seven-minute walk, while Central World and Siam Paragon shopping malls are a 15- to 20-minute taxi ride. The Nana Skytrain station is at the end of the block, a
three-minute walk from the hotel’s front door, with connections to Chatuchak
Weekend Market in 30 minutes, and the trendy Thong Lo area is around 10 minutes.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is an hour away by skytrain to connect to the
Airport Rail Link, while a taxi can make the trip in 30 to 50 minutes, traffic-depending. Don Mueang
Airport is also 30 to 50 minutes away by cab, depending on traffic.

The hotel’s rooms are contemporary and clean, even if the decor is a bit cheap -- the
decorative gongs and swirly lotus wall art can be found in any market stall
around the city. All rooms have light wood laminate floors with shades of taupe
and brown in throw pillows, silk bed runners, and futuristic velvet chairs.
Rooms also include 40-inch, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, individually
controlled air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, work
desks, and comfortable king or twin beds with duvets. Premier and Executive Rooms
aren’t the largest in Bangkok, but they are bright and have a reasonable amount
of space, while Grand Premier Rooms and Grand Executive Rooms are bigger and
some include decent Bangkok city views. Executive Rooms also receive in-room
local newspapers. Bathrooms are modern, with light brown tiles and large
granite vanities, generic toiletries, contemporary sinks, and walk-in showers
with rainfall showerheads. There are smoking rooms available throughout the
hotel, and the smell can drift through the air vents into nonsmoking rooms. Noise from other rooms and neighboring bars can be an issue, as well -- rooms at the back of the building can be quieter. Guests should also
keep in mind that only certain bottles of water stocked in guest rooms are free
(read the labels carefully). 

The
hotel has a small outdoor pool surrounded by tropical plants and a narrow stone
deck packed with chairs and
loungers. Poolside drink and food service is available though 11th
Avenue, the hotel’s on-site restaurants serving decent Thai and international
dishes. The restaurant also serves a good buffet breakfast with made-to-order
eggs, though it’s only free for Executive level bookings. Executive level
bookings enjoy several additional perks including welcome drinks, late-check
outs, and exclusive access to the 180˚ Lounge, which has stunning views of
Bangkok and free afternoon and evening tea, snacks, and cocktails. Davos, the
on-site cafe and bar, serves coffee, tea, fresh juices, cocktails, and pastries
just off the lobby. The hotel has a narrow fitness center with a few cardio
machines, a universal machine, and small set of free weights, plus free filtered
water. Children under 12 stay free, and may receive breakfast discounts depending on their age. Babysitting services are also available with
advance notice. The hotel has two meeting rooms with windows, audiovisual
services, and optional catering. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, while
concierge services are also available at the 24-hour front desk.